Page 369 - IGC BOOK

is normally carried out on an annual basis by a certificated engineer and may involve
inspection, testing and dismantling (depending on the type of extinguisher).

Records should be kept of visual inspection and maintenance checks carried out.

Workers who might have to use portable fire extinguishers should be trained in safe use.

This will be determined by a fire risk assessment. This training should include theoretical
training (classroom-based) but should also include some practical training. This will
normally involve workers using real fire extinguishers to put out real fires, set up under

controlled circumstances either at the workplace or at a training centre. A typical training
course would include:

• A general understanding of how extinguishers operate.

• The importance of using the correct extinguisher for different classes of fire.

• Practice in the use of different extinguishers.

• Knowing when to tackle a fire, and when to leave it alone.

• Knowing when to leave a fire that has not been extinguished.

• Records should be kept of training provided.

Extinguishing Media

Extinguishing a fire is based on removing one or more sides of the fire triangle.

Removing the Fuel

Extinction by this process is known as starvation. This can be achieved by taking the fuel away
from the fire, taking the fire away from the fuel and/or reducing the quantity or bulk of fuel
available. Thus, materials may be moved away from the fire (to a distance sufficient to ensure
that they will not be ignited by any continuing radiant heat) or a gas supply may be turned
off.

Removing the Oxygen

Extinction by this process is known as smothering. This can be achieved by either allowing
the fire to consume all the available oxygen, whilst preventing the inward flow of any more
oxygen, or adding an inert gas to the mixture. The most usual method of smothering is by use

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 24