TOOLBOX TALK 26/60
TOPIC: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
OBJECTIVE: TO CREATE AWARNESS IN THE USE OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Some things to know before you give your talk:

• Remind your team that there are several types of fire extinguishers around the job site and that they are intended for different types of fires.
• You need to check and make sure each day that it is serviced and not tampered with.

One basic type of fire extinguisher contains water:

• These fire extinguishers should be used on fires in wood, paper, cloth and rubbish. 
• They should not be used on burning liquids like petrol. The burning liquid may float on the water and the fire may spread. 
• They should also not be used on live electrical or electronic equipment because water is a good conductor of electricity. 

Other common types of fire extinguishers contain dioxide or dry chemicals:

• These are usually mounted on or beside machinery, equipment and containers of flammable liquid. 
• Carbon dioxide and dry chemicals cut off the air supply necessary for a fire and smother it.