Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located throughout all of the buildings on the Xavier campus. They are required as part of the various building and fire codes. Their use could help mitigate property damage in the event of a fire and possibly save lives and avoid personal injury resulting from a fire.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations (29 CFR SS 1910.157(g)) state that if Xavier requires you to use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire, then we must train you annually in their proper use. Xavier has chosen not to require its' employees to use fire extinguishers. However, if you choose to use an extinguisher because you know how and believe you can do so safely, then you can as a "good Samaritan".

If you think you might ever have occasion to use a fire extinguisher either at home or at work, then you should take the on-line training by watching the video. Improper use of fire extinguishers can result in injury to the user, more extensive property damage or possible injury or death of other occupants of the building.

After viewing the video, if you elect to use a fire extinguisher, you should remember the PASS principal; Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the suppressant back and forth across the fire. In pulling the pin, it is easier to break the plastic seal if you twist it first rather than trying to pull it straight out. Remember, never use more than one fire extinguisher before evacuating the building. If one fire extinguisher will not do the job, you need to evacuate and leave it to the professional firefighters.

Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you know how and can do so safely, otherwise, sound the alarm and evacuate the building.