If or when a fire strikes - what to do

[Graham Taylor]

Hi guys,

I have not had a fire and, touch wood will never have one.

However, after reading a couple of other threads that mention fires, I was wondering if there was 'good practice' guide as to what to do if fire strikes during a job?

I have a CO2 extinguisher next to my machine but what do I do when I see one starting?

1. stop job
2. switch off machine
3. open lid and spray with extinguisher
4. ???
5. ???

Cheers

[Steve Morris]

personally I would open the lid and spray immediately - stopping the fire is the first concern.
opening the lid is the emergency stop on the Speedy so that stops the job running

pull the plug or shut off power and kill the extractor at the same time unless it stops when the lid is opened.

breathe a sigh of relief (assuming it didn't spread)

put the kettle on and have a good check for damage.

[Rich Harman]

This is what I would do for an actual fire, not flare ups.

1. Push E-Stop, or whatever it takes to cut power to the machine, extractor and air assist
2. Put fire out by whatever means fits the situation*
3. Run extractor to clear smoke - unless doing so presents a hazard
4. Once the area is secured, go take a break

*If the fire is out of control call 911, then if possible cut power to machine and extraction (main breaker if necessary) - you don't want to be drawing more fresh air to the fire. Then do whatever you safely can to minimize the spread of the fire.

[Steve Morris]

Call 999 - you might get a quicker response than 911

[Bert Kemp]

Whats 999 911 is the emergency response # here in the states, I have to guess 999 is the same in England?

Call 999 - you might get a quicker response than 911

[Graham Taylor]

so its all common sense then - I didnt know if there was a 'proper' proceedure.

And I may get a quicker responce if I did dial 911 - the guys who did the refit on out unit we all serving firefigters and man do they like a cup of tea or 50

[Steve Morris]

Yes Bert 999 is the UK equivalent of 911, surprisingly we aren't all from USA on this site.

Graham, I reckon if they fill the Fire engines with tea not water we would have a lot more firefighters

[Julian Ashcroft]

911 works in the UK too.

[Keith Winter]

We have a fire blanket right next to the machine and then an extinguisher for super emergencies. Never had to use it though thankfully. How do you guys feel about the fire blanket, good/bad?

[Dave Sheldrake]

Yes Bert 999 is the UK equivalent of 911, surprisingly we aren't all from USA on this site.

Graham, I reckon if they fill the Fire engines with tea not water we would have a lot more firefighters

Trumpton and the Water Faries

[Bert Kemp]

If the blanket fits into the engraving area I guess its fine but if it has to be pushed in or just doesn't fit then not so good. I'd want to make sure to put all the fire out and if the blanket can't completely cover the fire then its no good. I keep a spray bottle right on the machine and I stand there and watch it cut. If I have to go P or need coffee I hit pause.

Trumpton and the Water Faries

[Steve Morris]

CO2 is probably the quickest and cleanest way to remove the oxygen from the flame, also opening the lid (on the speedy) shuts off the laser so removing the source of ignition.
Bert, you are spot on never leave it when its running.

"Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub"

[Kev Williams]

I can't imagine anything that I'd put inside my laser that would be so flammable or would start a fire so big that I'd need anything but a damp towel or blanket to put the fire out if one started.

[Rich Harman]

I can't imagine anything that I'd put inside my laser that would be so flammable or would start a fire so big that I'd need anything but a damp towel or blanket to put the fire out if one started.

Sure, if you are present when it happens. It seems the big problems are when a small fire starts, but no one is there to stop it.

[matthew knott]

there was a good reason for it being 999 in the UK, doesnt apply anymore since the advent of push button phones