Hot This Time of Year

Words: Steve Fechino

Yes, summer is hot; that is just how it is. Summer heat can have effects on many things, and as I get older, I realize there is usually something I can do to tolerate the hot days. We all know the obvious, and I am sure every one of us has that person who tells us to drink water. If you are in this trade, chances are you never drink enough.

When you drink water, it does not have to be cold to be useful. Water is great for cooling down our bodies, but not great for extinguishing some of the fires that can occur on a job site. I bet there are a few of us who can properly name the proper fire extinguisher needed for the different types of fires we may encounter on the job site, or anywhere else, for that matter. There are five classes (types) of fires. Not all are common on the job site, but we will cover the types for reference.

Fire extinguishers are handheld devices that vary in size, but all support the same goal: to extinguish a small fire before it gets out of hand. If you have not needed to use one by now, congratulations, you have lived better than I have.

Fire extinguishers are easy to use; they all have either a plastic or metal pin that needs to be pulled from the handle, releasing the “trigger” that releases the contents. It is important to do the following if you are using the extinguisher: try, no, on second thought, just do it, get upwind of the fire. You will thank me if the case ever arises. When you spray the extinguisher contents, gently pull the trigger (this can be harder than you think when the fire is gaining on you) and spray at the base of the fire where most of the fuel is in combustion. If you spray too fast, the contents can displace the base of the fire and burning fuel, making it larger and spreading it out, creating a bigger problem.

Types Of Fire Extinguishers

  • Class A: This is for common building materials and packaging, wood, cardboard, some non-polymer-based fabrics (wallpaper and anything cotton-based), and much of the job site trash we create. This type of fire can safely be extinguished using water that is sprayed directly at the base of the fire (typically in a concentrated area).

  • Class B: This is an extinguisher that would be used for different greases and fuels such as gasoline (understanding that the vapor from gasoline is what ignites) and oils (diesel).

  • Class C: This is the one we all should have knowledge of. This is for when that annoying electrician on the job has a fire, and it is in your best interest to actually help the guy. The Type C is used for a fire that has current/energized power associated with the appliance (electrical unit, power tool that still actually has a cord, or the job site microwave) or panel.

  • Class D: This is for projects that are typically heavy industrial where metals can actually burn. I have never been on a project where this is a concern; hopefully, you have not been involved with a site where this can happen.

  • Class K: This is another rare type of fire that masonry construction will typically not encounter. This is used to put out fires in kitchens where oils and fats can ignite.
The Three Important Extinguishers
There are basically three important extinguishers that are used in the industry, and they are as follows:

  • Water Fire Extinguishers: These are inexpensive to operate, useful on any bituminous combustible, and are very easy to use.

  • CO2 Fire Extinguishers: These are used when that annoying electrician on the job has a fire because it is not conductive (like water would be) and typically will not destroy surrounding components, as they will not leave a residual film. Side note: This extinguisher can also be used on your service truck where oil and grease could ignite.

  • Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: Also known as an ABC extinguisher, this is a very common and popular extinguisher to have on hand. A powder (released dry) is aimed directly at the base of the fire and “slowly released,” and HOPEFULLY, you are upwind. The dry powder will suffocate the fire, and if you are downwind, it will choke the living daylights out of you (not that I would ever do something so incredibly irresponsible). You will not be able to breathe if you inhale that powder! But it will knock out the fire.
The shelf life of a fire extinguisher is incredibly long, typically 10 to 12 years. It is important during that time span that you look over the discharge hose and inspect it for dry rot and make sure the pin is securely placed in the handle.


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