CHAPTER 8 Portable Fire Extinguishers 1 Copyright 2007

CHAPTER 8 Portable Fire Extinguishers 1 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Objectives (1 of 2) • Explain the five classes of fire and the risks associated with each class. • Identify the kinds of fire extinguishers used for each class. • Explain the rating systems of portable extinguishers for Classes A, B, and C. • Identify the limitations of portable extinguishers. 2 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Objectives (2 of 2) • Demonstrate the operation of portable fire extinguishers. • Explain the care and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. • Discuss the inspection requirements of portable fire extinguishers. 3 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Introduction (1 of 2) 8 • Portable fire extinguishers are designed to fight small incipient fires. • Firefighters must know how to use extinguishers and be able to teach others. • Proper instruction can improve department effectiveness and reduce damage costs. • Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types and sizes. 4 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Introduction (2 of 2) 8 • Firefighters should know the extinguishers carried on apparatus. • Firefighters should be capable of answering questions regarding fire extinguishers. • Citizens will often request information and training on the use of extinguishers. 5 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Fire Classification and Risk • The type and nature of the burning material (fuel) defines the fire. • There are five classes of fire. – Class A – Class B – Class C – Class D – Class K (As of 1998) 6 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Class K Fires 8 7 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Types of Fire Extinguishers (1 of 2) • Many types of fire extinguishers are available today. 8 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Types of Fire Extinguishers (2 of 2) • Many factors need to be considered before using an extinguisher. – Type and amount of fuel – User and occupancy – Building construction – Environmental conditions – Type of equipment being protected 9 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Types of Extinguishing Agents (1 of 2) 8 • Water is the basic agent for Class A fires. • Water-based foam extinguishers for class B fires have either AFFF or FFFP. • CO 2 is an inert gas stored under pressure. • CO 2 is effective on Class B or C fires. • Dry chemical agents are particles propelled by a gaseous medium. • There are three categories of dry chemicals. 10 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Types of Extinguishing Agents (2 of 2) 8 • • Wet chemicals are water-based solutions. Wet chemicals are used for Class K fires. Clean agents have replaced halons. Clean agents do not conduct electricity or leave a residue. • There are two classes. – Halocarbon agents and inerting gases 11 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Kinds of Extinguishers • Pump-type extinguishers are hand-pumped devices. • Pressurized extinguishers operate by expelling gas that propels the agent out. • Cartridge-operated extinguishers are used for dry chemical and most dry powder Class D extinguishers. 12 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Backpack Pump Tank 8 13 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Stored Pressure Extinguishers (1 of 2) Stored Pressure Water Extinguisher Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning Stored Pressure Foam Extinguisher 8 14

CHAPTER Stored Pressure Extinguishers (2 of 2) Stored Pressure Dry Chemical Extinguisher Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers 8 15

CHAPTER Cartridge-Operated Dry Chemical Extinguisher 8 16 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Rating Systems of Portable Extinguishers 8 • Each class of fuel is subject to a separate type of rating test. – Class A rating test uses wooden cribbing test. – Class B rating test uses a pan of flammable liquid. – Class C rating test only involves conductivity of the agent and the nozzle or hose and nozzle combination. 17 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Limitations of Portable Extinguishers 8 • Extinguishers have limited capabilities. – They are designed and rated for certain types and sizes of fire. • The wrong extinguisher will create greater problems. – You need to use the right extinguisher for the fire present. 18 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Extinguisher Operation • Pull the pin. • Aim the nozzle. • Squeeze the handle. • Sweep the nozzle. 19 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Care and Maintenance of Portable Extinguishers 8 • Carefully inspect before placing in service. • Remove them from bracket periodically. • Occasionally invert dry chemical extinguishers. • Clean dirt and grit to maintain good working order. 20 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER Obsolete Extinguishers 8 • Firefighters should never operate obsolete extinguishers. – Soda acid – Chemical foam (except film-forming) – Vaporizing liquids – Cartridge-operated water or loaded stream – Copper or brass extinguishers 21 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Inspection Requirements (1 of 2) • First, perform visual inspection. • It should be checked every 30 days. • Pin seal should be in place. • Gauge should register proper pressure. 22 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Inspection Requirements (2 of 2) • Some extinguishers, such as CO 2, are only checked by weighing. • Weight is stamped on the cylinder. • Check for hydrostatic testing. 23 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning

CHAPTER 8 Summary • There are various classes of fires. • There are various kinds of extinguishers. • The proper type of extinguisher is needed for various classes of fire. • It is important to remember extinguishers have limitations. • Extinguishers need to be maintained, serviced, and inspected regularly. 24 Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning