Hardwood Floors August/September 2017

AT THE SITE

Fire Extinguishers: A Vital Safety Tool

Contractors take great pride in their tools, and a fire extinguisher is an essential safety tool for every wood flooring job. Having a good understanding of the various types of fire extinguishers, and how to properly operate them, will minimize risk to you, your crew, your customer, your vehicles, and your job site.

Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you might make matters worse. It is important to understand the different fire (or fuel) classifications. Following are the types of fires most common to wood flooring job sites: • Class A - Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. • Class B - Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas. • Class C - Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances.

Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fires. The three most common types of fire extinguishers are: 1. WATER These extinguishers are also called Air PressurizedWater or APW extinguishers. They are designed for Class A fires only. 2. CARBON DIOXIDE OR CO 2 These extinguishers are designed for Class B, and Class C fires only. 3. DRY CHEMICAL

These extinguishers are also called ABC, BC, and DC extinguishers. They are designed for Class A, B, or C fires.

Dry Chemical extinguishers are the type of extinguisher required for the hardwood flooring industry. These extinguishers, which are often referred to as ABC extinguishers, are clearly labeled. They are designed to put out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, thus separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. The powder works to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire. While installing or sanding and finishing hardwood floors, it is important you keep ABC-rated fire extinguishers nearby to handle potential fires that could happen on the job site. Using a Fire Extinguisher The following steps should be followed when responding to an incipient/beginning stage fire: • Sound the fire alarm and call 911. • Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path. • Select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.

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