The safety of our staff and students is our primary goal. Regulated by Fire Safety Regulation No. 408.02-1. To assist in this endeavor, the Office of Risk Management & Security Services will provide fire extinguisher training for employees. To schedule a training class contact this office. A review of some of the materials that will be reviewed in the training are below.
Fire extinguishers are classified according to a particular fire type and are given the same letter and symbol classification as that of the fire. The first decision is FIGHT OR FLIGHT and only attempt to use an extinguisher if all of the following apply:
- The building is being evacuated;
- 911 has been called;
- Fire is small and contained;
- Exit is clear and you can fight with your back to the exit;
- Proper extinguisher is available;
- You have been trained and are confident in using an extinguisher; and
- You can stay low and avoid breathing smoke
Fire extinguishers are not designed or intended to extinguish large fires, but if used properly, can control or extinguish a small fire. A small fire is defined as one that could occur in a standard office trash can. When a fire or suspected fire, i.e., smoke, is discovered, the first reaction should be to activate the fire alarm, call 911, and evacuate the building according to the evacuation plan. Fire extinguishers are provided in all school buildings and can be used provided the person is properly trained to use the extinguisher.
HOW TO USE AN EXTINGUISHER: Remember the |
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word. 
ull the pin - Place your hand on the top of the cylinder and pull the pin. This will unlock the handle and allow you to activate the unit. 
im - Point the nozzle of the hose at the base of the fire. 
queeze - the handle (lever) releasing the fire fighting agent.
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Go to Classes of Fires 
The pictograms on the left may be found on the newer extinguishers and the pictograms on the right may be found on some of the older extinguishers. In either case it identifies the class of fire the fire extinguisher may be used to extinguish a fire.
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CLASS A FIRES - involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, many plastics, cloth, and rubber |
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At proper distance (maximum range of discharge stream), pull safety pin and squeeze lever. Aiming at base of fire at front edge and sweeping side to side, move closer as fire gets smaller. |
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CLASS B FIRES - involve flammable liquids, oils, greases, and gases Dry chemical extinguishers: either multipurpose A:B:C or combination B:C |
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Dry chemical extinguishers require operation similar to water extinguishers, but technique is more critical because of shorter (12-20 foot) range. |
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CLASS C FIRES - involve energized electrical equipment |
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Nonconductive extinguishing agent required because of electrical shock hazard. |
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A:B:C or B:C Halon extinguisher |
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CLASS D FIRES - involve combustible metals (magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium, potassium) |
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The Prince William County School Division does not discriminate in employment or in its educational programs and activities against qualified individuals with disabilities, nor on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, or national origin.
Updated 5/18/06 Go to Top Go to Risk Management Home 