Rockland Fire Department Conducts Fire Extinguisher Training
The Rockland Fire Department conducted a 2 day training session on fire extinguishers for ITW/TACC, a local adhesives manufacturer. Their process involves several highly flammable chemicals, and it is imperative that the employees know and understand the proper use of fire extinguishers. Previously, the employees had been discharging extinguishers at a non flaming target, but were unhappy with the results. John Kupiac, Plant Facilities Manager for TACC, contacted the Rockland Fire Department about the possibility of doing live fire training. Deputy Chief William Ferguson agreed to formulate a class for them.
Over two recent days approximately 37 employees were trained to recognize the different classes of fire, the proper extinguishers to use on those fires, and safe practices when fighting fires. The first part of the training consisted of classroom instruction and DVD presentations by Deputy Ferguson and members of RE Lyons and Sons Extinguisher Company of Rockland.
After completing the classroom portion the employees were then brought outside and taught how handle a fire extinguisher under live fire conditions. Each employee was guided close to the live fire by Deputy Ferguson who instructed them in actually putting out the fire. The training fire was set in a 55 gallon drum cut in half sideways, filled with Diesel fuel. The entire live fire portion was conducted under the watchful eye of firefighters in full protective gear, acting as safety personnel, in the event of a wind shift or extinguisher failure.
One of the most important points that the students took away from the class is the ability to recognize a fire that is beyond the control of one person with one extinguisher. Deputy Ferguson also stressed the importance of keeping yourself from getting hurt and when to call for help.
The Rockland Fire Department wishes to express our thanks to Ray and Terri Lyons for donating the fire extinguishers and handouts for the class as well as John Nuttall (an off duty Captain from the Abington Fire Department) and Brian Bailey, both employees of RE Lyon’s Fire Extinguisher, for their assistance at the class.
