1 question about the 2 questions about your workshop...

I get CPR training bi-annually at work. I learned how to use fire extinguishers in the Navy. But, if you haven’t had the training you really should get it.

-- Maplewood, MN

...something about pointing the thing at the base of the fire not the flames…

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Good comment! That part about pulling the pin and throwing the fire-extinguishers is sad but funny. We all should make it a high priority to know how to use our safety equipment as well as how to use of shop equipment.

-- Ron in Osseo, Minnesota

ya thats a good point. i try to take as much safety precautions as possible so those things don’t happen in the first place. but if they do I’m prepared!

It turns out that I am about half a semester away (June) from finishing a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Administration and Prevention from CSULA. And this subject is my specialty.

HallTree’s blog inspired me to start a comprehensive blog series on shop safety because I think this information is really important and there are a lot of myths out there. I’m also an EMT, so I plan to cover first aid kits, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.

So give me some time, and I will be gathering information from some of the papers I have written and compile it for a blog.

In the meantime, here are some quick tips on fire extinguishers:

• Make sure you have the right kind (it will say what type of materials it is made for and will also have brightly colored symbols)
• Wood is considered “ordinary combustibles” which requires an “A” rating. So make sure your extinquisher is rated as a Type A or ABC (the three most common types of fires)
• Make sure your extinguisher is within its usable date
• Don’t rely on old or second-hand extinguishers
• Make sure it is by your EXIT
• STAND BACK!!! Most small extinguishers are made to use from about 10 feet away. Move closer if necessary.
• Use this mnemonic to help you remember what to do next: P.A.S.S.
• Pull the pin
• Aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowely
• Sweep from side to side
• Expel the entire contents of the extinguisher. Don’t stop until it is empty.
• If someone hasn’t called 911, do this immediately even if the fire is completely out.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com

Hi Captn A

Welcome to lumberjocks.

This is an eye opener. I’m thinking about the work I’ve been doing with the Federal Government lately. They have inspectors come around for a safety meeting. As part of the meeting all employees are required to sign a form verifying we all know where the fire extinguisher is. We have to show the inspector the location for that, (which is physically attached to our job box), as well as where our first aid kit is.

THEY NEVER ASK IF WE KNOW HOW TO USE THEM!

Crazy huh?

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com