TBT – Fire Extinguisher Guidance

Overview

Location: Depot/Vehicles

Duration: 10-15 mins

Purpose

  • To understand when and how to use a 1 kg ABC dry powder fire extinguisher safely.

  • To stress that no one is expected to fight fires. Extinguishers are provided to help you escape or knock down a very small fire blocking your way. If in doubt: get out, stay out, call 999.

Key message: Your safety comes first. Use the extinguisher only if the fire is small, you have a clear exit behind you, and you are trained and confident.

  • Can be used on:

    • Class A – solid combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)

    • Class B – flammable liquids (petrol, diesel, solvents)

    • Class C – flammable gases

    • Electrical – live electrical equipment (typically effective up to ~1000 V)

    Do not use on / Avoid:

    • Class F – cooking oils/fats (chip pans) — use wet chemical or evacuate.

    • Lithium‑ion battery thermal events (e‑bikes, power packs) — evacuate and call 999.

    • Confined rooms if avoidable — powder creates a dense dust cloud causing zero visibility and breathing irritation.

    Note: A 1 kg unit has a very short discharge time (around 6–11 seconds). Act decisively and be ready to withdraw.

  • Raise the alarm / shout “FIRE!” and call 999 (or instruct someone to do it).

  • Keep your exit behind you; never let fire cut off your way out.

  • Assess size: if larger than a small waste‑bin, evacuate.

  • Extinguisher condition: in date, mounted/secure, pin and tamper seal intact, pressure gauge in green (if fitted), hose/nozzle undamaged.

  • Wind direction (outdoors/yard): stand upwind so powder and smoke blow away from you.

  • Vehicles: if a vehicle is involved, engine off, handbrake on, bonnet release pulled (do not fully open if there’s a fire under the bonnet — crack it slightly and discharge to avoid flash‑over).

  1. P – Pull the safety pin (break the seal).

  2. A – Aim at the base of the fire (not the flames); stand ~2–3 m away.

  3. S – Squeeze the handle to discharge powder.

  4. S – Sweep side‑to‑side across the base until the fire is out.

Tips:

  • Give a short test burst first.

  • Work from the near edge of the fire towards the far edge.

  • For spills/liquids, sweep gently to avoid splashing/spread.

  • For gas fires, only attempt if you can safely shut off the supply; otherwise withdraw.

  • Watch for re‑ignition; if the fire grows or you can’t control it within seconds, leave immediately.

  • Visibility: a dust cloud will form — keep low and keep your exit behind you.

  • Breathing/eyes: avoid inhalation; if affected, get to fresh air and seek first aid.

  • Contamination/clean‑up: powder can damage electronics and is messy — report use so kit can be cleaned/replaced.

  • Do not re‑enter a smoke‑filled area.

  • Isolate power/fuel only if safe.

  • Report to your supervisor and log the incident.

  • Arrange replacement/servicing of any used or discharged extinguisher immediately (including vehicle units).

  • Record via the Fire Extinguisher Usage form, so that management are aware of the incident and can make any necessary interventions.