32 Section 1 Preparing to Build 2.16 Fire Protection Carpenters should have a good understand- ing of fire hazards. They must know the causes of fires and methods of controlling them. The following list describes the four classes of fires: • Class A fires result from burning wood and debris • Class B fires involve highly volatile materials such as gasoline, oil, paints, and oil-soaked rags • Class C fires result from faulty electrical wiring and equipment • Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium and sodium Any of the first three classes of fires can occur on a typical construction site. Combustible metals are less often found on construction sites. Approved fire prevention practices should be followed throughout the construction proj- ect. Good housekeeping is an important aspect. Special precautions should be taken during the final stages of construction when heating equip- ment and wiring are being installed and when highly flammable surface finishes are being applied. Always keep containers of flammable materials closed when not in use. Dispose of oily rags and combustible materials promptly. Fire extinguishers should be available on the construction site. Be sure to use the proper kind for each type of fire, Figure 2-15. All fire extin- guishers have a safety pin in the handle. To use the extinguisher, pull the pin out, point the dis- charge nozzle at the base of the fire, and spray the extinguishing agent in a sweeping motion. Start several feet away from the fire and move in as it is extinguished. Study and follow local regulations. 2.17 First Aid Knowledge of first aid is important. You should understand approved procedures and be able to exercise good judgment in applying them. Remember that an accident victim may receive additional injury from unskilled treatment. Information of this nature can be secured from your local Red Cross. As a preventive measure against infection, keep an approved first aid kit on the jobsite. Because of the nature of the material being handled and the dirty conditions of the work area, even superficial wounds should be treated promptly. Clean, sterilize, and bandage all cuts and nicks. As a precaution, it is important to maintain a cur- rent tetanus shot as a guard against infection. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.