Prior to fighting any fire with a portable fire extinguisher, the individual who has been properly trained on the use of the extinguisher must perform a risk assessment that evaluates the fire size, the fire fighters evacuation path, and the atmosphere in the vicinity of the fire. The following risk assessment (
Table 1) can be found on the OSHA website, and is available
here.
| Risk Assessment Question | Fight
(If all are true) | Evacuate Immediately
(If any are true) |
| Is the fire too big? | - The fire is limited to the original material ignited.
- It is contained (eg, in a waste basket).
- It has not spread to other materials.
- The flames are no higher than the firefighter's head.
| - The fire involves flammable solvents.
- It has spread over more than 60 square feet.
- It is partially hidden behind a wall or ceiling
- It cannot be reached from a standing position.
|
| Is the air safe to breathe? | - The fire has not depleted the oxygen in the room.
- Only small quantities of toxic gas are being produced.
- No respiratory protection equipment is needed.
| - Respiratory protection equipment is needed due to smoke and products of combustion.
|
| Is the environment too hot or smoky? | - Heat is being generated but the room temperature is only slightly elevated.
- Smoke may be accumulating on the ceiling but visibility is good.
- No special personal protective equipment is needed.
| - The radiated heat is easily felt on exposed skin, making it difficult to approach within 10-15 feet of the fire (or the effective range of the extinguisher).
- One must crawl on the floor due to heat or smoke.
- Smoke is quickly filling the room, decreasing visibility.
|
| Is there a safe evacuation path? | - There is a safe evacuation path that is behind you as you fight the fire.
| - The fire is not contained and fire, heat, or smoke may block the evacuation path.
|
