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Safety & Compliance
> Safety Meeting Topics
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Fire
Fighting and Prevention
We hopefully have taken the proper precautions in our
workplace to avoid fires. However, if a fire should
occur, the following information will help you.
In order to have fire, you must have three components:
Heat; Oxygen; and Fuel. Remove any one of the three
and the fire will be extinguished.
We have a sufficient supply of fire extinguishers in
the workplace to deal with Class A, B or C fires.
Class A = Wood, paper and ordinary combustibles (use
water or dry chemicals).
Class B = Gasoline, oil and grease (use carbon dioxide
or dry chemicals).
Class C = Electrical equipment fires (use carbon dioxide
or dry chemicals; DO NOT USE WATER).
Fire extinguishers must be checked regularly for the
following items:
- The
proper weight and class. This is particularly important
when checking the fire extinguisher in your truck.
If you are not hauling hazardous materials, you
must have at least a "5: BC" rated extinguisher
in your truck. If you are hauling hazardous materials,
the rating must be "10:BC".
- Make
sure the gauge is in the "operable" range.
- Make
sure it is properly mounted in the bracket.
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Make sure it is not damaged or rusted.
To use a fire extinguisher (demonstrate this, if possible,
with a small fire in a safe area):
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Read and understand instructions before a fire occurs.
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Hold the extinguisher firmly.
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Aim for the base of the flame.
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Use a slow, side to side method of application.
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Keep the wind at your back.
Common causes of truck fires:
- Accidents;
fuel spills
- Overheated
tires or brakes
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Electrical system shorts
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Exhaust system
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Improper use of fusees or flares
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Spontaneous combustion of cargo
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Improper use or securement of cargo heaters
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Safety & Compliance