Fire Extinguisher Safety Toolbox Talk
A small fire can be put out in seconds with the right extinguisher. Use the wrong one and you can make it much worse, or get electrocuted. Today we cover which extinguisher to use, how to use it, and when to walk away.
Takes about 5 minutes.
Key points to read out
- Know where the extinguishers are on this site, and keep them clear and easy to reach.
- Check the gauge is in the green and the service tag is in date. Extinguishers are serviced every 6 months.
- Know the colour bands: red is water, blue band is foam, black band is CO2, white band is dry chemical powder, oatmeal band is wet chemical.
- Never use water on electrical fires or burning fuel.
- Use PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
- Only fight a small fire, with a clear exit behind you. If it is spreading or there is a lot of smoke, get out.
- Raise the alarm and call 000 first, even if you think you can put it out.
- Report any extinguisher that has been used, even partly, so it can be replaced.
Questions to ask the crew
- Where is the nearest extinguisher to where you are working?
- Which extinguisher would you use on an electrical fire?
- What does PASS stand for?
- When should you not try to fight a fire?
Reference: AS 2444 (Portable fire extinguishers, selection and location)
Sign-in sheet
Print this page or download the sign-in sheet. Or run it in the app and the crew signs on the phone.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
Get it signed
Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.