Corporate office learns a little about fire safety

This morning’s Safety Meeting at the Corporate Office was on the proper use of fire extinguishers, including a “hands on” demonstration.

The training was provided by Eric Espinoza with Marmic Fire and Safety Co. located here in Cape Girardeau.

Always be sure you are using the proper fire extinguisher for the type of fire in front of you.

Class A  fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics..

Class B  fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil and paint.

  • Class B Fires also include flammable gases such as propane and butane.
  • Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease.

Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances.

  • Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.

Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum and magnesium.

Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animal fats and vegetable fats.

As Regional EHS Coordinator Jerry Neels pointed out – a fire extinguisher is just to use for very small fires and mostly as a means to help you exit a burning structure.

Thanks to EHS Manager Bruce Menke for arranging this event.