Bagaimana cara menggunakan fire extinguisher (APAR) di heavy equipment?

Heavy equipment punya risiko tinggi kebakaran karena kombinasi fuel, hydraulic oil, electrical, dan hot components - operator harus competent menggunakan APAR.

Jenis APAR di Heavy Equipment:

1. ABC Dry Chemical Powder (Paling Umum)

• Effective untuk: Class A (solid), B (liquid), C (electrical)
• Kapasitas: Minimum 6 kg untuk equipment cabin
• Pro: Versatile, non-conductive (aman untuk electrical)
• Con: Residue merusak engine jika extensively used

2. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

• Best untuk electrical fire
• No residue - tidak damage equipment
• Con: Short discharge time, tidak untuk outdoor windy condition

Fire Classification:

• Class A: Solid combustible (seat upholstery, paper, rubber)
• Class B: Flammable liquid (diesel, hydraulic oil)
• Class C: Electrical (wiring, battery)
• Class D: Metal (rare di equipment, tapi possible magnesium component)

Common Fire Causes di Heavy Equipment:

• Fuel leak: Pada hot exhaust manifold
• Hydraulic leak: High-pressure spray onto hot surface
• Electrical short: Wiring fault, overload
• Overheating: Engine, brake, bearing
• External: Welding spark, brush fire

PASS Technique untuk Menggunakan APAR:

P - PULL the Pin

• Break seal dan pull pin dari handle
• Test discharge briefly untuk ensure working

A - AIM at the Base

• Point nozzle ke base of flame, bukan api di atas
• Stand 2-3 meter dari fire (safe distance)
• Position dengan exit behind you - escape route clear

S - SQUEEZE the Handle

• Firm, steady squeeze untuk discharge
• Control flow - jangan waste agent

S - SWEEP Side to Side

• Move nozzle dari side ke side across base of fire
• Cover entire fire area
• Move forward slowly as fire knocked down

Emergency Fire Procedure:

If Fire Detected While Operating:

1. STOP equipment immediately - shut down engine
2. EXIT cabin safely - use handrail, don't jump
3. Evacuate to safe distance - minimum 10 meter
4. Alert others - shout, radio, alarm
5. Assess fire size:
• Small (size of trash can): Consider fighting dengan APAR
• Large atau spreading rapidly: EVACUATE, call fire department
6. If decide to fight fire:
• Grab APAR dari cabin atau nearby
• Approach dengan wind at your back
• Use PASS technique
• If fire not controlled dalam 10 seconds atau APAR empty - RETREAT
7. After fire out:
• Monitor untuk re-ignition - 15 minutes
• Report incident - equipment inspection before use

When NOT to Fight Fire:

• Fire larger than your body size
• Fire blocking your escape route
• Toxic smoke - cab filled with smoke
• Fire near fuel tank - explosion risk
• APAR wrong type untuk fire class
• You tidak trained atau tidak confident

Remember: LIFE > PROPERTY - equipment replaceable, you are not!

APAR Inspection & Maintenance:

• Monthly: Visual check - pressure gauge di green zone, no damage, accessible
• Annual: Professional service - recharge if needed
• After use: Immediate replacement/recharge - even partial discharge

APAR Location di Equipment:

• Mounted di cabin, easily accessible dari operator seat
• Bracket secure - tidak jatuh saat vibration
• Not blocked by tools atau material

SIO.co.id include fire safety dan APAR training dalam program - hands-on practice dengan live fire drill!