Final answer:
In the event of a small fire in a trash bin, a worker should assess if the fire is small enough to be put out with a fire extinguisher and ensure to not use water on grease fires. If the fire is unmanageable or safety is uncertain, the worker should raise the alarm, evacuate, and call emergency services, prioritizing personal safety and leaving fire fighting to professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a worker notices a fire starting in a small trash bin, they should take immediate action to ensure safety and prevent the fire from spreading. Here are the steps they should follow:
- Firstly, they should evaluate the size of the fire to determine if it is small enough to be extinguished quickly and safely with available resources, like a fire extinguisher.
- They should alert others in the area and activate the fire alarm if the fire is not controllable by one person, or if there is any uncertainty about being able to extinguish it.
- If the fire is small and manageable, they should use a fire extinguisher, remembering the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- If the fire cannot be controlled, or if the worker is unsure, they should evacuate the area immediately following established fire evacuation procedures.
- They should never use water on a grease fire, as water can cause the fire to spread. The correct response is to smother the fire or use a fire extinguisher specifically designed for grease fires if available.
- Once safe, they should call emergency services and provide them with relevant information about the fire.