Fire Safety

Preface

The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines to minimize or eliminate fire hazards in the workplace.

Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers approved for extinguishing Class A, B and C fires are located in every vehicle. Extinguishers must be posted within a travel distance not to exceed 50 feet.

If a vendor is performing monthly inspections of fire extinguishers, the vendor must provide documentation identifying each extinguisher and the functional status of each extinguisher.

If a vendor is not used, the Safety Manager must inspect fire extinguishers monthly. Monthly inspections will include:

• Ensuring full charge.
• Cylinder and hose integrity are intact.
• Hanging at least 48 inches off of the ground.
• Signs indicating location are visible.
• Obstructions are not blocking access.
• The annual certification is current.

Fire extinguisher must be taken out of service or replaced if found to be defective or damaged in any way. Only vendors approved to service fire extinguishers will perform maintenance or repairs.

An approved vender must certify extinguishers annually. Fire extinguishers found to be past due for annual certification must be taken out of service immediately and reported to the Safety Manager.

Fire Extinguisher Use

Fire extinguisher training is provided during orientation and annually thereafter. The “P.A.S.S.” method should be used when operating a fire extinguisher.

• PULL the pin on the fire extinguisher.
• AIM the hose at the base of the fire.
• SQUEEZE the trigger on the extinguisher.
• SWEEP the base of the fire with the extinguishing media.

If the fire is not extinguished, leave the area, close the door to the area, notify the switchboard operator and dial 911.

Housekeeping

To reduce the risk of a fire or prevent a fire from spreading, good housekeeping is vital in minimizing this risk. Good housekeeping is everyone's responsibility.

To control the accumulation of combustible material, such as paper, cardboard or wood, refuse must be emptied at least three times per week.

Aisle ways must be kept clear of obstructions and combustible material.

Flammable chemicals must be kept in flammable storage cabinets when not in use. Smoking is not permitted in the presence of flammable material. Never place flammable material near sources of heat or ignition.

Electrical Fire Hazards

Frayed or damaged electrical cords may produce a current or spark that may ignite combustible or flammable material. Equipment with frayed or damaged electrical cords or exposed wires must be taken out of service and repaired or replaced.

Electrical fires often occur during fueling operations caused by static discharge. Portable gas cans must never be filled in the back of a truck bed. They must always be placed on the ground to prevent a spark from igniting the fuel during filling.

Prior fueling vehicles, it is good practice to touch the metal on the vehicle for grounding and static discharge prior to fueling the vehicle. Never leave the fuel nozzle unattended while fueling. If your hand leaves the fuel nozzle for any reason, always touch the metal of the vehicle, away from the fuel tank opening, before handling the fuel nozzle. This practice will greatly reduce the chance of a static spark near fuel vapor.