Friday, April 10, 2009

“Fire Safety at Sea” training at “Clean, Green Boating Fair”

You’re on a cruise in the San Juans … you’ve had a great day … and now you’re frying up some fish for dinner, when suddenly “Whoosh!” The cook stove shoots up bright, hot flames that instantly blacken the boat’s headliner and singe your hair.

Quick – what’s the first thing you do? Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use? When should you call for help?

For most recreational boaters, a rush of adrenalin and fear is usually the first response in a situation like this. You can, however, stay calm and in control of the situation if you know which fire fighting product to use, how to use it and where it’s kept.

At the “Clean, Green Boating Fair,” Norm Cole of Fireguard Extinguisher Service will present “Fire Safety at Sea,” a review of the basic portable fire extinguisher types to have on your boat, the chemical components and uses for each type, and the manufacturers to stay away from.

With over 30 years of experience in portable fire extinguisher training, Cole will show how fire extinguishers are labeled to show the class of fire each can extinguish:

Class A – Wood, paper, cloth, trash
Class B – Flammable liquids, oil, gas, grease, diesel
Class C – Electrical, energized electrical equipment
Class D – Combustible metals
Class K – Kitchen deep grease (deep fryer)

Cole will also teach the P.A.S.S. method:

Pull the pin
Aim at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep side-to-side

A fire-fighting demonstration will follow Cole’s instruction and Q&A session. The first hand experience boaters gain from this practice session could make the difference between safe, effective response to a fire with minimal damage vs. trauma and tragedy.

Fireguard Extinguisher Service will also offer onsite re-certification and re-charging of reusable fire extinguisher canisters at the Fair. Bring your fire extinguishers and get up-to-date servicing right in the parking lot of Delin Docks Marina!

No comments:

Post a Comment