February 2019 – Monthly Safety Topic


PURPOSE: Fires can be encountered at any time or place. By being prepared, you can reduce the severity of injury and property damage. When a fire starts, think of your safety first and the safety of others. To understand how fire extinguishers work, you need to understand how fires work. Fire is a rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and a combustible material, which results in the release of heat, light, flames, and smoke. 

For fire to exist, 4 elements must be present: 

• Enough oxygen to sustain combustion. 
• Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature.
• Some sort of fuel or combustible material. 
• The chemical reaction that is fire. 

The ABC small fire extinguishers in Chuze Fitness locations are multipurpose dry chemical designed to smother burning materials, separating the fuel from the oxygen. 

WHEN FIRE OR SMOKE IS DISCOVERED, IMMEDIATELY RACE to SAFETY: 

Remove any persons from immediate danger
Activate the fire alarm nearest to you
CALL 9-1-1
Evacuate if necessary and/or Extinguish with Portable Fire Extinguisher if possible and safe to do so

▪ Account for all team members, members, guests, children in Kids’ Club and contractors 
▪ Do not attempt to extinguish fires unless you are comfortable doing so 
▪ Follow all instructions by emergency personnel 

To operate a fire extinguisher – remember the word PASS

1. Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and pull the locking pin.
2. Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire. To smother the source of the fire, do not aim at the flames.
3. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. If it does not squeeze make sure you have pulled the pin.
4. Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.