Three Bethesda Metro Center

Tenant Handbook

Fire Prevention Tips

  • Obey "NO SMOKING" law in all areas of the building.
  • Do not use portable heaters in the building at anytime.
  • Check for frayed or damaged electrical cords. Report them to your supervisor.
  • Do not run electrical cords under carpets or chair pads.
  • Do not overload electric outlets.
  • Turn off or unplug appliances when not in use.
  • Do not let trash overflow in wastebaskets or collection areas.
  • Do not block corridors, freight elevator bays and stairwells.
  • Do not prop open stairwell, corridor or other fire doors.
  • Check lighting in corridors, stairwells and exit signs. Report any malfunctioning lights.
  • Do not store any flammable liquids, oily rags or combustible materials in the building at anytime.
  • Under NO circumstances should any items be stored in the stairwells. They are your means of exiting in an emergency.

Fire Extinguishers

 

Always maintain 3 feet of clearance around all fire-protection equipment. Never re-hang a fire extinguisher once it has been used. Have it recharged by a licensed service provider. Most of all, practice fire prevention and good housekeeping. Don't give fire a place to start.

 

Class A
Any fire involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber and plastics.
Extinguish with a penetrating cooling agent. Water is the best material commonly available for this.

 

Class B
Any fire involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, naphtha, acetone, greases and oils; or flammable gases like methane or hydrogen. Extinguish with surface-acting agents such as dry chemicals, which break up the chemical reaction of the fire; or use inert, dense, heavier-than-air gases, which smother the fire.

 

Class C
Any fire involving electrical equipment, appliances and wiring. Extinguish with a nonconductive extinguishing agent to protect against electrical shock. Most extinguishers that have a Class B rating also have a Class C rating, but read the label to be sure.

 

Class D
Any fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium, lithium, potassium, etc. would be considered a Class D Fire

 

Fire Extinguisher Types

 

The building is equipped with multipurpose ABC dry chemical extinguishers that are suitable for class A, B and C type fires. All Class A fires must be followed up with water to ensure extinguishment of all deep-seated smoldering fires.
Class A - Air Pressure Water Tank, Hand Pump Water Tank and multipurpose ABC dry chemical.
Class B - Pressurized Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide, and multipurpose ABC dry chemical.
Class C - Pressurized Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide, and multipurpose ABC dry chemical.

 

 

The "PASS" Method for Using ABC Extinguishers

 

Pull safety pin while holding upright
Aim the hose at base of fire and stand back 10 feet and
Squeeze the lever/trigger.
Sweep side to side.