Classroom Introduction toClassroom Introduction to

“Portable Fire “Portable Fire Extinguishers”Extinguishers”

withwith special attention tospecial attention to Motor Carrier Considerations for the Waste IndustryMotor Carrier Considerations for the Waste Industry

Fairfax County Solid Waste Management ProgramFairfax County Solid Waste Management Program

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES::After this training you should be able to:

• IDENTIFYIDENTIFY causes of trash truck fires

• APPLY APPLY immediate action steps

• EVALUATEEVALUATE when it is safe to fight an “early-stage” vehicle fire,

and;

• APPLYAPPLY the “P.A.S.S. method to

operate your portable extinguisher.

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Trash Truck fires usually start in one of three places:• CAB CAB

– Electrical shorts under dash, often caused by improperly installed (unauthorized ) accessories

– Discarded cigarettes igniting trash or upholstery

• ENGINE COMPARTMENTENGINE COMPARTMENT– Fuel or oil system leaks onto hot engine

• Pre-trip inspection, and proper maintenancePre-trip inspection, and proper maintenance

• CARGO AREA - COMPACTORCARGO AREA - COMPACTOR – Hot ashes discarded in household refuse– Hazardous Material reactions in collected refuse

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IMMEDIATE ACTION:IMMEDIATE ACTION:If vehicle catches fire during operation:

• IN A SAFE LOCATION !IN A SAFE LOCATION !– PULL ENTIRELY OFF THE ROAD

– Into a paved parking lot, or open field

– NEVER at a gas station!

• CONTACT YOUR DISPATCHERCONTACT YOUR DISPATCHER

• CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!

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FIRE IN CAB:FIRE IN CAB:• TURN OFF THE IGNITIONTURN OFF THE IGNITION!!

Stops flow of current to equipment

• EXIT THE CAB!EXIT THE CAB!Identify the source of smoke or fire

• EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ONLY IF:EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ONLY IF:

1) You know what is burning, and fire is small / contained.2) Extinguisher is available and you have been trained 3) Fire Department has been called, and you can fight the fire

from outside of the caboutside of the cab or with your back to a clear exitwith your back to a clear exit.

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FIRE IN ENGINE FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMNENT:COMPARTMNENT:

• TURN OFF THE IGNITIONTURN OFF THE IGNITION!!

Stops flow of current to equipment

• EXIT THE CAB!EXIT THE CAB!Identify the source of smoke or fire

• DO NOT OPEN THE HOODDO NOT OPEN THE HOOD!!

(air intensifies fire!)(air intensifies fire!)• KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY!KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY! • until the Fire Department arrives

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FIRE IN CARGO FIRE IN CARGO COMPARTMNENTCOMPARTMNENT

• TURN OFF THE IGNITIONTURN OFF THE IGNITION!!

Stops flow of current to equipment

• EXIT THE CAB!EXIT THE CAB!Identify the source of smoke or fire

• DO NOTDO NOT open cargo doors open cargo doors

(air intensifies fire!)(air intensifies fire!)• KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY!KEEP CREW and BYSTANDERS AWAY! • until the Fire Department arrives

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DO NOT FIGHT A FIRE IF:DO NOT FIGHT A FIRE IF:

You don’t know You don’t know

wwhathat is burning! is burning!

• Wrong extinguisher can make things worse• Risk of toxic fumes, explosion hazards• Note NFPA labels or placards in discarded

refuse. If in doubt, tag and leave any questionable materials at the curb!

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COMMON FIRE COMMON FIRE CLASSIFICATIONSCLASSIFICATIONS

“Ordinary” combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles.

“Flammable liquids” Oil, gasoline, solvents

“Energized circuits”

Electrical equipment and computers

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Extinguishers Approved for Extinguishers Approved for Motor Carrier Use Under NFPA-10Motor Carrier Use Under NFPA-10

• MULTI-PURPOSE RATEDMULTI-PURPOSE RATED

either oreither or

• COCO22 or or

• Dry ChemicalDry Chemical

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C0C022 - Rated• Best on burning liquids / electrical

• SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft.SHORT range - 3 to 8 ft.• 10- pound unit empties in 5 to 10 seconds!

– Use short spurts!

• DISPERSES QUICKLY!DISPERSES QUICKLY! – Continue applying after the fire is out!

• Nozzle / valve get VERY cold - Nozzle / valve get VERY cold - hold properlyhold properly

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DRY CHEMICALDRY CHEMICAL

• Best for general use:Best for general use:• Reduced risk of re-ignition• A 10 lb. unit empties in 8-10 secs.

– Effective range is 6 ft. to 15 ft.

Either Or

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ExtinguisherExtinguisher Common features Common features

• Locking pin• Carrying handle / operating lever • Pressure gauge• Label :

– Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)– Classification (A, B, C)– NFPA capacity Rating– Instructions

• Discharge nozzle or horn

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Extinguisher InspectionExtinguisher InspectionIs Part of your Pre-Trip!Is Part of your Pre-Trip!

• Unobstructed access• Protective cover, safety pin• Gage - in the GREENGREEN zone • Inspect discharge hose

and nozzle for cracks, damage• No corrosion on valve or tank• Bracket, securely mounted• Check inspection tag date

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15DPWES - FireSafety04/10/23

Remember the P(t)ASS word:Don’t fight an engine or cargo area fire with a portable extinguisher!

Exit the cab, stand well clear and WAIT for the fire department to arrive.If a cab fire is small and contained, stand at least 6 to 8 feet from the fire,

with your back to a clear exit., then:

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PPULLULL the pin

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TESTTEST• ONLY upon your ONLY upon your

approach to the fireapproach to the fire• Otherwise the powdered

extinguishing agent may clog the nozzle if a unit is squeezed and released.

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AAIMIMLOW at the base of the fire

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SSQUEEZEQUEEZE

the lever

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SSWEEPWEEPfrom side to side

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OK, It’s out…OK, It’s out…Now What?Now What?

• WATCHWATCH the fire areathe fire area– If the fire flares up again repeat! If the fire flares up again repeat! – If you can’t control the fire, If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE LEAVE immediatelyimmediately!

• Call the fire department to inspect the area! • Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:This safety training module was developed in cooperation with:

the National Fire Protection Association and the

Public Information and Life Safety Education Section of the

Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22020

www.co.fairfax.va.us/ps/fr/general/Piolse.htm(703) 246-3801 or (703-385-4419 TTY

Portions © 1995-2000 by Dr. Robert Toreki, used by permission

http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html

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