36 Chapter 2 Woodworking Safety
• Examine dust collectors, the area beneath
table saws and shapers, and anywhere else
sawdust might accumulate. These areas
must be cleaned to prevent the buildup of
dust and to reduce the potential for fi res.
• Make sure you know your shop’s fi re safety
plan. What are you expected to do in case of
a fi re? When should the room be evacuated,
and which exits can be used?
Fire Extinguishers
Different kinds of fi res require different ex-
tinguishers, Figure 2-23. There are four classes
of fi re:
CLASS A: paper, wood, and other rubbish. This
type of fi re requires “quenching/cooling.” Most
extinguishers for Class A fi res contain water.
CLASS B: fl ammable liquid, such as grease, gas-
oline, and oil.
CLASS C: Electrical equipment. The type of fi re
has to be “cooled.” The extinguisher contains car-
bon dioxide and will cool the fi re until is goes out.
CLASS D: Flammable metals. There is not much
concern for this type of fi re in the woodshop.
The most effective fi re extinguishers are the
multiclass ones (such as ABC). These shoot a
powder that produces a cooling, smothering ef-
fect to help stop the fi re.
When using any type of fi re extinguisher,
follow these four steps. Remember the acronym
PASS:
1. Pull the safety pin at the top of the
extinguisher.
2. Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fi re.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the
extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep the nozzle in a back-and-forth
motion across the base of the fi re.
After the fi re has been extinguished, watch
to make sure it will not re-ignite.
Figure 2-21. Flammable liquids should be stored in
metal, fi reproof cabinets.
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Figure 2-22. Fire extinguishers should be kept in an
accessible location in the shop. The label shows the
types of fi res for which the extinguisher can be used.
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