Theatre Catalog (1946-47)

son’s clothing catches fire, the best thing is to roll him in a rug or blanket to smother the fire. Or, sometimes, where water would cause serious damage, as in the case of valuable papers or blueprints, it may be better to smother the fire. But, in the great majority of cases, the rules given above will generally apply. The inspection label of the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., that appears on the extinguisher, will be found to indicate the class or classes of fires for which the device is suitable. FIRE FIGHTING Big fires are terrifying, and only professional fire fighters know how to handle them. But every theatre owner, manager, and attache should be prepared to put out a little fire safely, so it can never become a big fire. The first thing to do when fire breaks out is to collect your wits and size up the situation. This will not take more than a few seconds, and it may keep you from doing some foolish or useless thing. Immediately call, or send someone to call the fire department. Then go into action with your extinguisher. Take a position near a door, so that any sudden burst of flame cannot trap you. If possible, stand so that the smoke and fire are carried away from you by any drafts. If the fire is in a small room or closet, stay outside and aim the extinguisher agent in at the fire. Take advantage of the length of stream to remain at a comfortable distance from the fire. Always aim directly at the thing that is burning, not at the smoke or flame, except in the case of flammable liquid. But if fats, gasoline, or other Class B materials are burning in a container, aim just above the level of the liquid, to CONSTRUCTION of the gas-cartridge extinguisher is shown in this Pyrene Manufacturing Company sketch. When the top is bumped on the floor, the gas cylinder is punctured, the carbon dioxide forces out the water. avoid splashing and spreading the fire. If the fire is spread out over the floor or ground, start at one end, preferably at the point nearest you, and sweep it out completely as you go. If the fire is traveling up a wall, put out the fire at the bottom first and then follow it up. In the case of Class C fires, it is desir-: SODA-ACID EXTINGUISHERS are operated by inverting. Direct nozzle at the base of the flames. Discharge completely. Sodaacid extinguishers should be used on fires in wood, textiles, rubbish, and similar materials. These extinguishers must not be kept where they will be exposed to freezing temperatures. Extinguishers of the sodaacid type should be recharged immediately, following manufacturer's instructions. (General Detroit photograph.) able to turn off the electric current, if you can, to prevent re-ignition. But, by using the proper type of extinguisher, you will not be in danger of electric shock if you cannot turn off the current, Many materials give off poisonous gases when they burn, so move about to avoid inhaling the smoke. When the fire is out, open windows to air the place. If you cannot air the place out quickly and easily, get out and stay out until the smoke has cleared away. “APPROVED” EXTINGUISHERS Approved extinguishers are the best weapons for fighting small fires. They are made to throw-a steady stream of extinguishing agent for several feet, so the operator can stay at a safe distance from the fire. They can be handled by one person, and, if properly maintained, they are always ready for instant use. They do not depend on some outside source of pressure, as does, for example, a garden hose. The extinguisher discharge can be aimed exactly where it will do the most good, in contrast to water in a bucket, which cannot be thrown any distance with accuracy. They are designed only to fight fires, so they are unlikely to be in use for some other purpose when an emergency occurs. And, where certain classes of fires may be expected, you can have a type of extinguisher that is most suitable for that class of fire. An extinguisher which is “approved” is known to be reliable. In other words, you can judge the reliability of an extinguisher by whether or not it carries the label of the Underwriters’ Laboratories or the Factory Mutual Laboratories. Every extinguisher tested and approved by either or both these laboratories has met the exacting requirements of a safe standard of construction and performance. Such an extinguisher bears one or more of these approved labels. Such an approved extinguisher does not wear out. It gives years of valuable service if it is maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is made of materials which are expected to stand up under all sorts of conditions. If it becomes damaged, it should be repaired only by the manufacturer, who has the proper equipment and experience for the work. An extinguisher must, of course, be refilled immediately after use, and regularly cared for and inspected, according to the instructions printed on it by the manufacturer. Although extinguishers do not require a great deal of care, they are no exception to the general rule that mechanical devices have to be serviced from time to time. Do not expect an extinguisher to stand by you unless you give it the atteniton it requires and deserves, ’ # And, after servicing your extinguishers, put them back in their proper places, in locations known to everyone and where you can get at them easily when needed. NUMBER OF EXTINGUISHERS The number of fire extinguishers that each theatre should have, in order to be fully protected, will vary according to its size and equipment. The minimum number recommended by the National Fire Protection Association is one for THEATRE CATALOG 1946-47