Fire Extinguiser Selection

Portable fireextinguishers can saves lives and property by putting out or containing fireswithin the capability of the extinguisher. However, they must be of the correcttype for the particular fire, and they must used correctly.

Selection of Fire Extinguishers
There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available inAustralia. Each type of extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes offire. In some cases, particular extinguishers are not only consideredineffective against certain classes of fire, they can be dangerous if used inthose circumstances.

The classes of fire are:

Class A : Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Paper,Plastics)
Class B : Flammable and combustible liquids
Class C : Flammable gases
Class D : Combustible metals
Class E : Electrically energised equipment
Class F : Cooking oils and fats

Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and theircolouring. In 1997 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguisherswere changed. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the sametype of extinguisher with different colourings.

Hand Truck Operation

• When loading hand trucks, keep your feet clear of the wheels

• Do not exceed the manufacturer's load rated capacity; read the capacity plate on the hand truck if you are unsure

• Place the load so that it will not slip, shift or fall; use the straps, if they are provided, to secure the load

• For extremely bulky or pressurized items such as gas cylinders, strap or chain the items to the hand truck

• Tip the load slightly forward so that the tongue of the hand truck goes under the load

• Push the tongue of the hand truck all the way under the load that is to be moved

• Keep the center of gravity of the load as low as possible by placing heavier objects below the lighter objects

• Push the load so that the weight will be carried by the axle and not the handles

• If your view is obstructed, ask a spotter to assist in guiding the load

• Do not walk backward with the hand truck, unless going up stairs or ramps

• When going down an incline, keep the hand truck in front of you so that it can be controlled at all times

• Move hand trucks at a walking pace

• Store hand trucks with the tongue under a pallet, shelf, or table

Fire Extinguiser Selection

Portable fireextinguishers can saves lives and property by putting out or containing fireswithin the capability of the extinguisher. However, they must be of the correcttype for the particular fire, and they must used correctly.

Selection of Fire Extinguishers
There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available inAustralia. Each type of extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes offire. In some cases, particular extinguishers are not only consideredineffective against certain classes of fire, they can be dangerous if used inthose circumstances.

The classes of fire are:

Class A : Ordinary combustibles (Wood, Paper,Plastics)
Class B : Flammable and combustible liquids
Class C : Flammable gases
Class D : Combustible metals
Class E : Electrically energised equipment
Class F : Cooking oils and fats

Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and theircolouring. In 1997 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguisherswere changed. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the sametype of extinguisher with different colourings.

Basic Safety

Basic Safety

 

If a cylinder is damaged,in poor condition, leaking, or the contents are unknown, contact your cylindervendor. Have the vendor return the damaged cylinder to the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate foot protection when engaged in moving or transporting cylinders.
• Sturdy shoes are a minimum.
• Steel toed shoes if required by your supervisor, instructor, or department.
• Proper personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn.
• Always have an appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available and be familiar with the health, flammability and reactivity hazards for the particular gas.

Basic Safety

Basic Safety

 

If a cylinder is damaged,in poor condition, leaking, or the contents are unknown, contact your cylindervendor. Have the vendor return the damaged cylinder to the manufacturer.

• Wear appropriate foot protection when engaged in moving or transporting cylinders.
• Sturdy shoes are a minimum.
• Steel toed shoes if required by your supervisor, instructor, or department.
• Proper personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn.
• Always have an appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available and be familiar with the health, flammability and reactivity hazards for the particular gas.

Fire Protection Improve

Australia, -- Standards Australia has released an interim standard to assist fireauthorities in the selection and development of protective clothing forfirefighters. Fire agencies, the fabric technology industry, manufacturers andunion representatives contributed to the development of interim standard AS4967 -- 2001 -- Protective clothing for firefighters -- Requirements and testmethods for protective clothing used for structural firefighting. The recentlyselected New South Wales Fire Brigade uniforms have a garment shell andprotective liner for ease of cleaning and long-term maintenance. They conformto the standard. Two other fire clothing standards have also been released --AS 4824 (Int) -- 2001 -- Protective clothing for firefighters -- Requirementsand test methods for protective clothing used for wildland firefighting, andAS/NZS 4821 (Int) -- 2000 -- Firefighters' protective footwear. 

A draft revision of the StandardsAustralia portable fire extinguisher standard is expected later this year.Changes to AS/NZS: 1841 -- Portable fire extinguishers, may include the removalof the "E" fire classification when the extinguishing agent is aconductor of electricity, such as water or a conductive aqueous solution. Thereis concern about the potential exposure of an operator to electrocution. 

Work continueson a revision of the Standards Australia fire maintenance standard. It isanticipated the revised AS 1851 -- 1995 -- Maintenance of fire protectionsystems, will be published in the second half of 2002. The existing 16 parts ofthe standard will be consolidated. It is also anticipated the standard will bereferenced in the Building Code of Australia, making it mandatory.

Suffocation, Strugling & Choking

Each year hundreds of people die afterchoking on food or other small items. Most deaths involve infants, toddlers,and the elderly.

Tips to prevent choking and suffocation

• Learn how to use the Heimlich maneuver to remove something stuck in a person’s throat.

• Keep small objects away from toddlers. Anything that is small enough to pass through a toilet paper tube is a choking hazard.

• Place infants on their backs to sleep. Use a firm crib mattress and avoid soft bedding.Remove drawstrings from children’s clothing.

• Don’t serve foods that are hard to chew. Toddlers and some older people have trouble chewing and swallowing foods. Cut fruits and vegetables, hot dogs, and other hard foods into bite-sized pieces.

• Remove doors before throwing out old appliances.

• Keep plastic bags away from children. A thin plastic bag can suffocate a child.

• Keep empty balloons and balloon pieces away from small children.

Water Safety

• Drowning is the sixth leading cause of accidental death.  From 1999 to 2003, 338 Wisconsin residents died as a result of drowning.  Many of these deaths could have been prevented. 

Tips on water safety

• Learn CPR.  This easy-to-learn technique can save the life of someone who has stopped breathing.

• Never place electrical radios, hairdryers, or fans near a sink, bathtub or pool.

Tips to protect young children from waterhazards

• Never leave a child alone near water. Children love to play in water and can drown in a matter of seconds. Keep the toilet lids down and bathroom doors closed. Empty bathtubs and buckets right after use. If outdoors, store pails upside down so they won’t collect rain or snowmelt.

• Teach children to swim and talk to them about water safety.

• Surround pools and hot tubs with a 5-foot fence and install childproof, self-latching gate.

Firearm Safety

• Every two hours a child is killed by a gun. Guns attract children, but they can kill instantly. Children and teens do not fully understand how dangerous guns can be.   Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Wisconsin’s teens. Many suicides are committed with handguns.

Gun owners have a responsibility to besure their guns and ammunition are stored safely.Tips for gun owners:

• Always keep guns unloaded and locked up.

• Store guns and ammunition in separate locked cabinets.

• Keep the keys for gun cabinets hidden or with you at all times.

• Take a gun safety course.

• Talk to your children about gun safety.

• Remove ammunition from guns before storing them.

• Make sure each gun is fitted with a trigger lock.

Tips On Somoke & Monoxide

Health Problems

The quality of the air in your home canaffect your family’s comfort and health. The temperature and humidity should becontrolled. Air should be clean and free of harmful chemicals and smoke. Poorair quality can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, burning eyes, headache, andsleepiness. People who have asthma, allergies or lung disease are affected morethan others.

Carbon monoxide from faulty home heatingsystems cause about 200 deaths a year in the United States.  Carbonmonoxide can also come from using portable generators inappropriately.  Ifyou can not vent the exhaust from your portable generator safely, do not use it! 

Tipson smoke and carbon monoxide:

• Ban tobacco smoke from your home.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector near bedrooms.

• Inspect your gas appliances and chimney every year. Replace furnace filters every month or two during periods of use. Make sure your gas dryer, furnace and water heater are vented to the outdoors.

• Keep fireplaces and wood stoves well vented to the outdoors. 

• Burn only clean, untreated wood.

• Never let a car or any gas engine idle in a garage or carport.

• Never use a charcoal grill indoors or in a closed area like a garage.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Falls are the major cause of householdinjuries. Most falls happen when someone slips on icy, wet, or slick surfaces;trips over a loose rug, toy, or other object; or stumbles on stairs.

Tips to reduce the risk of falls

• Use rubber-backed rugs on hard floors.

• Avoid very thick carpets and rugs with busy patterns, especially on stairs.

• Replace loose, torn, or frayed rugs.

• Replace wooden stairs and floors that are broken, warped, or rotted.

• Install non-skid strips or mats and grab bars in the bathtub or shower.

• Keep stairs and walkways clear of cords and clutter.

• Be sure outdoors and indoors stairs and hallways are well lighted.

• Install handrails on both sides of all staircases.

• Before climbing a ladder, be sure it is in good shape and is stable. Never stand on the top two rungs of a ladder. Have a friend nearby in case you fall.

• Repair broken or uneven concrete in walks and steps.

• Keep sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice in winter.

• Spread sand or salt on icy spots.

Tips to protect young children from falls

• Don’t let children jump on beds or other furniture.

• Install rails on their beds to keep them from falling.

• Don’t use infant walkers. These cause many serious injuries each year, especially on stairs.

• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of all stairs if you have a toddler.

• Install guards on upper floor windows.

• Adjust electric garage doors so they reverse easily when they hit something.

• Make sure everyone in your family wears a helmet when riding a bike.

Fire Filling Portable Gas

• In incidents reported to NIOSH in the US, fires spontaneously ignited when workers or others attempted to fill portable gasoline containers (gas cans) in the backs of pickup trucks equipped with plastic bed liners or in cars with carpeted surfaces. Serious skin burns and other injuries resulted.

• These fires result from the buildup of static electricity. The insulating effect of the bed liner or carpet prevents the static charged generated by gasoline flowing into the container or other sources from grounding. The discharge of this buildup to the grounded gasoline dispenser nozzle may cause a spark and ignite the gasoline.

• Both ungrounded metal (most hazardous) and plastic gas containers have been involved in these incidents, a NIOSH Hazard ID said.

Recommendations for prevention
Construction workers and others in small businesses who often work withgasoline powered equipment commonly use portable gas containers. Homeowners usegas cans for their landmowers and other equipment.

• Avoid the hazardous practice of leaving the portable gas containers in trucks or cars when refueling

• Before filling, remove the containers from the vehicle and place them on the ground at a safe distance from the vehicle (provides path to dissipate static charge to ground)

• Touch the container with the gas dispenser nozzle before removing the container lid (provides another path to dissipate static charge to ground)

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the container inlet when filling (to dissipate static charge buildup from flow of gasoline)

Additionalprevention measures include:

• Manufacturers or retailers - place a hazard label on all plastic liners being sold warning workers not to fill portable gas containers in the bed liner of the truck but always to place the containers on the ground before filling

• Gas stations - display a warning notice near gas pumps to place all portable gas containers on the ground before filling

• Manufacturers - build bed liners that can be grounded to the metal truck, thereby dissipating potential electrostatic charge

Mold & Mildew

Mold and Mildew

Molds and mildew grow in damp, darkplaces. Molds and mildew can cause lung problems – especially in people whohave allergies or asthma. You can prevent the growth of molds and mildew inyour home by controlling humidity.

Tipson mold and mildew:

• Control moisture. Use a dehumidifier during the summer. Use an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom. Vent the clothes dryer to the outdoors and make sure the vent pipe is not clogged.

• Fix plumbing leaks before mold grows.

• Don’t store firewood inside. Bark contains millions of mold spores.

• More on molds and mildew.

Electrical & Fire safety

Fire and Burn Prevention

• Fires and burns are the second leading cause of household injuries.  Each year nearly 4,000 people in the U.S. die in home fires.  Thousands of others are injured as a result of fires or accidental burns.  Most of these deaths involve children and elderly adults.  Kitchen accidents, space heaters, chimney fires, faulty electrical wiring, and cigarettes are common causes.  Check your home for fire hazards.  Install smoke detectors on every floor.

Tips on Fire Safety

• Dispose of cigarettes, cigars, and matches carefully.

• Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them often.

• Plan two escape routes from each floor of your home and practice using them.  Be sure you can open doors and windows from the inside without a key.

• Never leave a burning candle or fireplace unattended.

• Don’t place anything that will burn near a furnace, water heater, space heater, or the stove top.

• Don’t use flammable chemicals near appliances with pilot lights.

• Have your furnace and chimney inspected each year.  Some utility companies provide free or low cost inspections.

• Know how to put out kitchen fires.  If a fire occurs, don’t panic.  For oven fires, close the door and turn off the oven.  Use a pot lid to smother a stovetop fire.  Keep a filled ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen.

• Pay attention when you are cooking.  If you must leave the kitchen turn off all burners.

• Prevent scalds by setting your water heater to 120 degrees or lower.  Anti-scald devices are available for bathtubs or showers.

• Know emergency phone numbers for your area.  In most places it is 911.  Post the number near each telephone.  Teach children the emergency number.

Tips to Protect Children from Fires andBurns

• Teach children not to play with matches or lighters.  Store them out of sight and reach.

• Teach your children what to do if they smell smoke or hear the smoke alarm.

• Have children practice escaping from a fire.

• Never leave young children alone.

• Place pots and pans on the rear burner of the stove and always turn handles inward so they are not accessible to toddlers.

• Keep the cords for crockpots, coffee makers, and deep fryers out of the reach of small children.

ElectricalSafety

• While enjoying electric TVs, radios and other appliances, we may forget they can cause shocks and fires.  In 1990, bad plugs, cords, switches, and outlets caused about 13,000 home fires and nearly 200 deaths.  Most electrical fires and injuries can be prevented.  People should take the time to have their electrical systems inspected and learn about electrical safety.

Tips on Electrical Safety

• People who live in homes that are more than 10 years old should consider having the wiring inspected.  If your home is more than 40 years old, an inspection is overdue.  Be sure to consult with your local building inspector before making repairs.

• Never place electric cords under rugs or bedding.  Heat or sparks from these cords could cause a fire.

• Follow the safety tips on new appliances.

• Check electrical cords for signs of wear.  Replace frayed or cracked cords to prevent shocks and fires.

• Check labels on lamps and use the right size bulb.  Check the label on your fuse box and be sure you use the right size fuses.

• Fix electrical problems right away.  If fuses blow often, circuit breakers trip often, switches get hot or people are shocked, something is wrong.

• Cover unused outlets with plastic plugs.

• If a cord has 3-prongs, use it properly.  Don’t remove the extra prong.  The third prong is there because the appliance must be grounded to prevent electrical shocks.

• Take cover during a thunder storm.  If you are indoors, stay away from open windows and doors and use the telephone only in an emergency.  If you are outdoors stay in your car and away from water, trees, and metal objects.  Avoid low areas that might flood in a heavy rain.

• Do not overhaul outlets.  Extension cords shouldn't be used as permanent fixtures in home rebuilding.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

• A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI is a special type of outlet that prevents shocks.  These outlets are recommended for areas where water is used.  Install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of the sink), laundry areas, garages, basements, outdoor outlets, and around pools, saunas, and hot tubs.  Test these outlets monthly.

For more information

• Fire Prevention: call your local fire department.

• Electrical Safety: call your local utility or an electrical contractor.

Tips Of Asthma

Asthma

For a comprehensive report on asthma inWisconsin, see the recently released:

• Asthma is an illness that causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. More than 3,000 young people are hospitalized every year in Wisconsin with asthma. Pets, molds, pollen, and cockroaches can trigger asthma. Smoke, chemicals, ozone, and exhaust fumes can also trigger asthma.  More information on asthma in Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Asthma Program at the Department of Health Services can be found at the “new” asthma website. 

Tipsfor People with Asthma:

• If a person with asthma is allergic to cats or dogs, the family pet may need to be removed from the home. At least keep pets out of the person’s bedroom.

• Consider adding a high efficiency air filter to your heating system.

• Control humidity. Keep the humidity below 50% and fix moisture problems. This will reduce dust mites, molds and mildew.

• Reduce air pollutants like smoke, solvents, and pollen in your home.

• Get rid of cockroaches by carefully cleaning (especially in the kitchen) and removing trash every day. Use pesticides as a last resort.

• Damp mop, damp dust, and vacuum often. Use mattress and pillow covers. Remove carpets, drapes, books, stuffed animals, and feather or down pillows and covers from the bedroom. Wash bedding once a week using hot water to kill dust mites.

Tips Of Asbestos

Asbestos

Asbestos is used in heating insulation, pipe wrap,floor tiles, slate siding, slate shingles, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos isharmful when it is damaged and fibers enter the air. Breathing air thatcontains asbestos fibers over several years can increase your risk of lungcancer.

Tips onAsbestos:

• If you think you may have asbestos in your home, contact a certified asbestos inspector to find out what actions are needed.

• Don’t try to remove asbestos by yourself. Only trained professionals should do this work.

• If asbestos is present and in good condition, it may be best to manage it without removal.

Tips On Chemical

Chemicals can enter the air in your home when youpaint, use cleaning solvents, install pressed wood, install new carpets and usenew fabrics. These chemicals can irritate your eyes, throat, and nose. High levelscan give you a headache or make you feel dizzy.

Tips onchemicals:

• Make sure your home has lots of fresh air.

• Use safe paints, cleaners and other products. Look for those with the fewest warnings.

• Read labels. Some chemicals should only be used in well-vented spaces. The label may tell you if the chemicals can cause cancer or other health problems.

Factsheets of common toxic chemicals

Cylinder Marking

• Cylinders must be properly labeled, including the gas identity and appropriate hazards (e.g., health, flammability, reactivity).

• Cylinders have several stamped markings. The top mark is either a DOT or an ICC marking indicating pertinent regulations for that cylinder. The second mark is the serial number. Under the serial number is the symbol of the manufacturer, user, or purchaser. Of the remaining marks the numbers represent the date of manufacture, and retest date (month and year). A (+) sign indicates the cylinder may be 10% overcharged, and a star indicates a ten year test interval.

Cylinder Using

• Be sure all connections are tight. Use soapy water to locate leaks.

• Keep cylinders valves, regulators, couplings, hose and apparatus clean and free of oil and grease.

• Keep cylinders away from open flames and sources of heat.

• Safety devices and valves shall not be tampered with, nor repairs attempted.

• Use flashback arrestors and reverse-flow check valves to prevent flashback when using oxy-fuel systems.

• Regulators shall be removed when moving cylinders, when work is completed, and when cylinders are empty.

• Cylinders shall be used and stored in an upright position.

• The cylinder valve should always be opened slowly. Always stand away from the face and back of the gauge when opening the cylinder valve.

• When a special wrench is required to open a cylinder or manifold valve, the wrench shall be left in place on the valve stem when in use; this precaution is taken so the gas supply can be shut off quickly in case of an emergency; and that nothing shall be placed on top of a cylinder that may damage the safety device or interfere with the quick closing of the valve.

• Fire extinguishing equipment should be readily available when combustible materials can be exposed to welding or cutting operations using compressed cylinder gases.

Things Not ToDo

• Never roll a cylinder to move it.

• Never carry a cylinder by the valve.

• Never leave an open cylinder unattended.

• Never leave a cylinder unsecured.

• Never force improper attachments on to the wrong cylinder.

• Never grease or oil the regulator, valve, or fittings of an oxygen cylinder.

• Never refill a cylinder.

• Never use a flame to locate gas leaks.

• Never attempt to mix gases in a cylinder.

• Never discard pressurized cylinders in the normal trash.

Drinking Water Safety

Know Your WaterSupply

• Whether for drinking, cooking, bathing, or doing laundry, a supply of clean water is important to a healthy home. Know where your water comes from.

Tips for AllWater Users

• Install devices to prevent garden hose water from flowing backwards into your drinking water.

• Consult your local building code office before making major repairs or changes to your plumbing system.

• Conserve water because clean water is precious. Don’t waste it, instead, use water-saving toilets, and showerheads. Repair plumbing leaks right away.

Water SupplyProblems

Bacteria andViruses

• The most common problem in private well water is bacteria. If bacteria are found, it means that human or animal wastes may be entering your water. Some bacteria can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

Chemicals

• Harmful chemicals such as gasoline, solvents, and pesticides can get into drinking water. Natural chemicals like arsenic, manganese, iron, and radon can also get into your drinking water.

Water QualityTesting

• Public water supplies are tested for more than 100 chemicals. If you use public water you can call the water utility for information about your drinking water.

• All private wells and many public water supplies use groundwater. Groundwater is water held in underground soils and rock.  Several communities use water from nearby lakes, like Lake Winnebago, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior.

Tips for Peoplewho use Public Water Supplies

• Find out where your water comes from. Contact your water utility if you have questions about your water supply.

• Protect your water supply. Follow any water-use warnings. Dispose of pesticides, motor oil, and other chemicals properly. Reduce your use of lawn and garden chemicals since these chemicals may seep into drinking water.

• Call your water utility if you have questions or if you notice a change in the taste, odor, smell or color of your water.

• If you own a private well, be sure your water supply is safe. Yearly testing and maintenance will help protect your water supply. Call your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office for more information.

Tips for Peoplewho use Private Wells

• Find out the age and depth of your well and the length of its casing (the pipe inside the drilled hole). Learn about the types of soil, bedrock and water supply problems in your area.

• Find out when your drinking water was last tested. Know what tests were run, and the results. Keep records of any tests or repairs that you make.

• Test at least once a year for bacteria. Several labs in Wisconsin can do these tests. Check the yellow pages in your phone book for a lab near you.

• Test for nitrate. This is especially important if there is a pregnant woman or infant in your home. Nitrates come from fertilizer use, barnyard runoff, and septic systems. A high nitrate level may mean that your water also has bacteria or farm chemicals.

• You may want to do other tests. Talk to a regional water supply expert at your local DNR office to find out if arsenic or radon are common in your area. If your well is near an old landfill, gas station, or buried fuel tank you might want to test for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). If your well is near an orchard or farm field, a test for pesticides might be advised.

• Have your water tested if you notice a change in its taste, odor, or color. Some tests are expensive and may be hard to do. Contact your well driller, local DNR office, or your local health department for help.

• If your water contains bacteria or chemicals find out the source of the problem. Fix it and test the water again to be sure it is safe.

• Keep chemicals, septic tanks, and animal waste away from your well. Dispose of chemicals and motor oil properly. Don’t put waste chemicals in your septic system. Limit your use of lawn and garden chemicals. Keep the area around your well clean.