Types of Fires
Class A
Class A fires include common materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics that can act as a fuel source. In an effort to reduce the risk of fires involving class A combustible materials, employees shall:
- Dispose of waste materials daily
- Keep work areas free of debris and fuel paths that could allow a fire to spread
- Store paper stock in metal cabinets
- Store rags in metal bins with closing lids
- Do not order excessive amounts of combustibles
Class B
Class B fires include more highly flammable and combustible materials such as oil, grease, some paints and lacquers, and flammable gasses/aerosols. These materials are most commonly found in laboratory and PSU maintenance spaces. In an effort to reduce the risk of fires involving class B combustibles, employees shall not:
- Use a flammable liquid as a cleaning agent in PSU buildings
- Use or store near exits, stairs, or egress pathways
- Perform any hot work in areas where class B combustibles are present
- Allow open flame or the generation of heat where class B combustibles are present
Class K
Class K fires involve vegetable oils, animal fats, or fats in cooking appliances. These are most commonly found in commercial cooking areas like cafeteria’s around PSU Campus. In an effort to reduce the risk of class K fires, employees, students, and contractors shall:
- Ensure the appropriate hood and ventilation systems are in place anywhere grease laden vapors are produced
- Maintain a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for equipment
- Not use excessive amounts of grease or oil while cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended