Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Motorcycles: Fundamentals, Service, Repair 20 Most shops have multipurpose ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers that can be used to fight three of the four types of fires. Fire types are categorized as follows: • Class A—The combustible material consists of paper, wood, cloth, or trash. Extinguish this type of fire with lots of water, a solution containing a high percentage of water and/or foam, or a multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. • Class B—The combustible material is a liquid, such as gasoline, oil, grease, or a solvent. This is the type of fire that most commonly occurs in the shop. Extinguish this fire by smothering it with foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical. Using water on this type of fire only causes it to spread. • Class C—The combustible material consists of live electrical equipment—motors, switches, generators, or wiring. Extinguish this fire with a nonconductive smothering agent, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical. Do not use foam or water because they are both electrically conductive. • Class D—The combustible material is metal fragments and shavings, especially titanium and magnesium, such as that used in engine covers and valves. This type fire, though rare, is often a result of grinding or machining of these metals. Extinguish this fire with a dry powder compound either dumped on or sprayed under pressure. Since D-rated extinguishers are not common, consider adding this type of extinguisher to the area where machining takes place if a risk is present. General Fire Safety Rules Become familiar with the location and operation of all firefighting equipment in the shop area. Make sure that any fire extinguisher that has been used is recharged immediately. Follow these fire safety rules in the motorcycle shop: • Never create flames or sparks near fuel or any other flammable liquid. • Store volatile liquids in properly labeled containers and keep them in an isolated area. • Keep batteries away from sparks or flame to avoid possible explosions. At best, a small fire can be contained with a fire extinguisher. If using a fire extin- guisher does not contain the fire after a short period of time, if the fire begins to spread, or if the fire creates great quantities of smoke, leave the shop immediately and call the fire department. When using the fire extinguisher, position yourself between a fire and an escape route. Never assume the fire is completely extinguished and turn your back on it. It may rekindle without warning. If it appears your extinguisher is empty or the fire is beyond control, call 911 and leave the shop immediately. Evacuation procedures should be in place in the shop. Post escape routes with meet- ing locations for a “head count.” New employees should be briefed on procedures during orientation. These procedures also work for other natural disasters. Using a Fire Extinguisher Become familiar with the proper operation and handling of different types of fire extin- guishers. See Figure 2-9. Extensive on-site training can be scheduled by contacting your local fire department. Since many shops have foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemical fire extinguishers, suggestions for their use are discussed in this section. When using a foam extinguisher, do not aim the stream directly into the burning liq- uid. Instead, allow the foam to fall lightly on the fire. As the fire diminishes, concentrate it more directly on the fire. Direct a carbon dioxide extinguisher’s stream as close to the fire as possible. Start at the edge of the flames and gradually move forward and upward. Do not use a carbon diox- ide fire extinguisher in an enclosed space. The gas will quickly displace any oxygen in the area, possibly causing asphyxiation.