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1 <br />LJ <br />L-1 <br />U <br />El <br />Safety Manual <br />Emergency a 1 ! Plan <br />2. Small Fires <br />Personnel who have completed annual fire extinguisher training may attempt to extinguish small <br />fires. A small fire is defined as a fire that can be controlled or extinguished by the use of portable <br />fire extinguishers without the need for personal protective equipment. Individuals must use their <br />judgment based on their training and experience to determine whether or not it is safe to fight a <br />fire with portable fire extinguishers. <br />The following is provided as general guidance in helping personnel in making this decision. <br />3. When it may be safe to extinguish a fire using a fire extinguisher <br />a, Size of the Fire — if the fire is limited to the original material ignited, it is contained (such as <br />in a waste basket) and has not spread to other materials. The flames are no higher than the <br />firefighter's head. <br />b. Condition of the Air in the Area — if the fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room and is <br />producing only small quantities of toxic gases and no respiratory protection equipment is <br />required. <br />c. Amount of Smoke and Heat — if heat is being generated, but the room temperature is only <br />slightly increased. Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling, but visibility is good and no <br />special personal protective equipment is required <br />d. Evacuation Path - there is a clear evacuation path that is behind you as you fight the fire. <br />4. When it is not safe to use a fire extinguisher to fight a fire: <br />a. Type, size, and location of the fire - If the fire involves flammable solvents, has spread over <br />more than 60 square feet, or is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling, or can not be reached <br />from a standing position. <br />b. Condition of the air - if the smoke and products of combustion from the fire require <br />respiratory protection in the area <br />c. Amount of Heat -- If the radiated heat is easily felt on exposed skin making it difficult to <br />approach within 10-15 feet of the fire (or the effective range of the extinguisher) <br />d. Visibility - If the person must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke. Smoke is quickly <br />filling the room, decreasing visibility. <br />e. Evacuation Path - If the fire is not contained, and fire, heat, or smoke may block the <br />evacuation path <br />© 2009 Republic Services <br />Page 5 of 27 <br />8/29/2012 <br />EmergencyActlon Plan <br />