FVCC Fire Rescue PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 2 5

FVCC Fire Rescue PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

2 -5. 1 Identify the classification and types of fire by symbols, pictures, and color-coding as they relate to portable extinguishers (3 -3. 15) 2 -5. 2 Identify the portable fire extinguisher rating system (3 -3. 15) 2 -5. 3 Identify the appropriate extinguishers and the application procedures for the various classes of fires when given a selection of extinguishers commonly carried on fire apparatus. (3 -3. 15) OBJECTIVES

2 -5. 4 Identify the operations on all commonly available fire extinguishers and agents. (3 -3. 15) 2 -5. 5 Identify common defects found during a visual inspection of fire extinguishers (3 -3. 15) OBJECTIVES

2 -5. 6 Demonstrate extinguishing the following classes of fires using the appropriate portable fire extinguishers: (3 -3. 15(b)) ◦ 2 -5. 6. 1 Class A ◦ 2 -5. 6. 2 Class B IFSTA, Essentials, 4 th ed, Chapter 5 Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, Chapter 8 OBJECTIVES

NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers Excellent to use on incipient fires. Can extinguish a small fire in much less than it would take to deploy a hoseline. Firefighters should not rely on extinguishers found in occupancies. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Fire Extinguishers may be located at fixed positions in an occupancy or mounted on the apparatus

NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus Requires a pumping apparatus to have 2 approved portable fire extinguishers with mounting brackets. These most be suitable for Class B and C fires. Stated Minimum size requirement: Dry Chemical Extinguishers: 80 B: C CO 2: 10 B: C Also requires a 2 ½ gallon or larger water extinguisher with a mounting bracket for use on Class A fires. (Water extinguishers should be protected against freezing which would temperatures lower than 40* F). (Freeze protection maybe be provided adding anti-freeze to the water or storage of extinguisher in warm areas). PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Class, color, symbol, picture ◦ Class A Class: Ordinary combustibles ◦ Wood, paper and clothing Color – Green Symbol – Triangle Picture – Trash can and campfire CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

◦ Class B Class: Flammable liquids ◦ Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol Color – Red Symbol – Square Picture – Gasoline can CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

◦ Class C Class: Energized electrical equipment ◦ Any type of electrical equipment that is energized Color – Blue Symbol – Circle Picture – Plug and socket CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

◦ Class D Class: Combustible metals ◦ Magnesium, sodium chloride, lithium Color – Yellow Symbol – Star Picture – none CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

Class A ◦ Rated 1 -A through 40 -A ◦ 1 -A requires 1 ¼ gallons of water ◦ Rating based on tests conducted by: Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) Underwriters Laboratories Inc of Canada (ULC) ◦ Tests determine extinguishing capability PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER RATING SYSTEM

Class B ◦ Rated 1 -B through 640 -B ◦ Rating based on square foot area that a non-expert operator can extinguish ◦ Non-expert expected to extinguish 1 square foot for each numerical CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

Class C ◦ No fire test conducted ◦ Tested only for nonconductivity ◦ Receives only the letter rating CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

Class D ◦ No numerical rating given ◦ Considerations for rating: Reaction between metal and agent Toxicity of the fumes produced and the products of combustion Time to allow metal to burn out without fire suppression efforts versus time to extinguish ◦ Cannot be given a multipurpose rating CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRES

Water (pump tank) Class A extinguisher ◦ Sizes from 1 ½ to 5 gallons ◦ Range – 30 -40 feet ◦ Discharge time – 45 seconds to 3 minutes ◦ Agent discharged by pumping action of operator ◦ Needs freeze protection EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Intended for use on small Class A fires. Several kinds, all of which operate in a similar manner. Equipped with a doubleacting pump. Pump Tank Water Extinguishers

Stored pressure water extinguisher (air pressurized water) (APW) Class A extinguisher ◦ Sizes from 1 ¼ to 2 ½ gallons ◦ Range – 30 -40 feet ◦ Discharge time – 30 to 60 seconds ◦ Agent discharged by compressed air stored in tank ◦ Needs freeze protection EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Often used for extinguishing hot spots during overall operations, as well as chimney flue fires. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Aqueous film foaming foam (AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher ◦ Most 2 ½ gallons ◦ Range – 20 -25 feet ◦ Discharge time – 50 seconds ◦ Agent discharged by compressed air (or Nitrogen) stored in tank. ◦ Needs freeze protection EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Class A foam concentrate acts as a wetting agent that aids in extinguishing deep seated fires, vehicle fires and wildland fires. Ineffective on Class B Polar Solvents (water soluble) Ex: Alcohol & Acetone Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher The film of AFFF floats ahead of the foam blanket. Two ways in which AFFF can be applied.

Dry chemical (hand carried) ratings ◦ Ordinary – Class B/C ◦ Multipurpose – Class A, B and C ◦ Sizes from 2 ½ to 30 pounds ◦ Range – 5 to 20 feet ◦ Discharge time – 10 to 25 seconds ◦ Agent discharged by: Stored pressure Cartridge ◦ Does not need freeze protection EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

◦ Ordinary agents Sodium bicarbonate Potassium bicarbonate Ammonium phosphate Potassium chloride ◦ Multi-purpose agents Mono-ammonium phosphate Barium sulfate EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Wheeled Units: Similar to handheld units Class A, B, C rating depending upon dry chemical components. Extinguishing agent kept in one tank; pressurized gas is stored in a separate cylinder. Hose should be stretched out completely. Caution: The top of the extinguishers should be pointed away from the firefighter or other personnel when pressurizing the unit. Because of size of nozzle, the firefighter should be prepared for a significant nozzle reaction when it is opened. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Carbon dioxide (hand carried) ◦ Class B/C extinguisher Sizes 2 to 20 pounds ◦ Range: 3 to 6 feet ◦ Discharge time: 8 to 30 seconds ◦ Agent discharged by its own stored pressure Avoid contact with skin Large horn, no gauge CO 2 “snow” formed with moisture in the air. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Wheeled Units: Class B & C Commonly used in airports and industrial facilitates. Hose (usually less than 15 ft long) must be deployed or unwound from unit before use. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Halon: Halogenated Hydrocarbons Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer: International agreement requires complete phase out of the production of halogens by 2000. Exception allowed for essential uses where no suitable alternatives are available. Two most common are Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 Vapor is nonconductive and is effective in extinguishing surface fires in flammable & combustible liquids and electrical equipment. Not effective on fires in self-oxidizing fuels. Primary modern application is for the protection of sensitive electronic equipment like computers. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Halon Research 1211: suggests that Halon 1211 interrupts the chain reaction of the combustion process. Primarily used for Class B: C Fires Large wheeled units are found up to 150 lb. In size. Stored in extinguisher as a liquefied compressed gas, but Nitrogen is added to the tank to increase discharge pressure & stream reach. Stream may be affected by wind when operated outdoors. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Halon Normally 1301: not used by itself in portable extinguishers because the agent is discharged as a nearly invisible gas that is highly susceptible to being affected by the wind. In confined space (Computer Room) Halon 1301’s volatility allows it to disperse faster than Halon 1211. Reason why Halon 1301 is agent of choice in most total flooding systems using halogenated hydrocarbons. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Warning: When halon is used to extinguish a fire, it decomposes and liberates toxic components, so these agents should not be used in unventilated, confined spaces. Halon

Dry Powder Agents: Special Extinguishing Agents and Techniques. No single agent will control or extinguish metal fires. Some agents can be applied by portable extinguishers. Other agents must be applied by either shovel or a scoop. Agent must be applied in a sufficient depth to completely cover the area that is burning to create a smothering blanket. Gentle application so as to not break the “crust” that may form over the burning material. If crust is broken may cause fire to flare up again. Care should be given as to not spread the burning metal. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Dry Powder Agents: (cont. ) If burning material is on a combustible surface, the fire should be covered with power first. Then a 1 -2” layer of powder should be spread nearby and the burning metal shoveled onto this layer with more powder as needed. After extinguishing the fire, the material should be left undisturbed. Disposal should not be attempted until the mass has cooled completely. EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES

P. A. S. S. P- Pull A- Aim OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

P. A. S. S. (cont. ) S- Squeeze S- Sweep OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Water (pump tank) ◦ Determine if unit is full ◦ Carry tank to fire ◦ Unfold foot pad ◦ Pump with one hand direct stream with other hand ◦ Sweep nozzle over entire area ◦ Move in and complete extinguishment OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Stored pressure extinguishers – water, halon, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO 2) ◦ Select appropriate extinguisher ◦ Pull pin, breaking plastic or wire seal OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

◦ Point the nozzle or horn in safe direction and discharge to ensure properation ◦ Carry extinguisher to fire OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

◦ Aim nozzle or horn toward fire ◦ Squeeze the carrying handle ◦ Sweep nozzle at base of fire ◦ Check that fire is out ◦ Back away from fire area OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Cartridge-operated extinguishers – dry chemical, dry powder ◦ Select appropriate extinguisher ◦ Remove hose from stored position ◦ Position to one side and depress activation plunger OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Cartridge-operated extinguishers – dry chemical, dry powder Point the nozzle or horn to safe direction and discharge to ensure properation Carry extinguisher to fire Aim nozzle or horn toward fire OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

◦ Squeeze the discharge ◦ Sweep nozzle starting near edge of fire ◦ Check that fire is out ◦ Back away from fire area OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Corroded or damaged shells Obstructed hoses, horn or nozzles Illegible labels and instructions Depleted or incorrect stored pressure Unit not completely full Damaged nozzles, hose and fittings Tampering of lock pins and tamper seals Inspection tag out of date Leaking hoses, gaskets, nozzles and loose labels COMMON DEFECTS

Class A 2 -5. 6. 1 Class A Fire (pump tank) ◦ Checks to see if extinguisher is full ◦ Carries to fire from windward side, if possible ◦ Unfolds and steps on foot pad ◦ Pumps with one hand directs stream with other hand ◦ Sweeps nozzle over entire area ◦ Moves in and completes extinguishment EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHERS

Class B and C (Carbon dioxide) For Class C fires, turn off energized electrical equipment ◦ Selects appropriate extinguisher ◦ Pulls pin ◦ Points nozzle in safe direction and discharges to ensure properation ◦ Carries extinguisher to fire from windward side, if possible ◦ Aims nozzle toward fire ◦ Squeezes carrying handle ◦ Sweeps at base of fire ◦ Checks fire is out ◦ Backs away from fire EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHERS

HOMEWORK 1. ____ 2. ____ a. Stored-pressure water c. AFFF 3. ____ 4. ____ b. Dry chemical (stored-pressure) d. Dry chemical (cartridge-operated)

HOMEWORK 5. ____ 6. ____ a. Pump-tank water c. Backpack pump-tank water 7. ____ 8. ____ b. Halon d. Carbon dioxide

HOMEWORK ___ 13. If the capacity of a Class 1 -A extinguisher is 1. 25 gallons of water, what is the capacity of an extinguisher rated 15 -A? a. 12 gallons b. 19 gallons c. 15 gallons d. 14 gallons ___ 14. Firefighter A says that Class D agents cannot be given a multipurpose rating to be used on other classes of fires. Firefighter B says that no numerical rating is applied to Class D extinguishers. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B ___15. A multipurpose extinguisher rated 4 -A, 20 -B: C should extinguish a Class A fire that is ___ times larger than a 1 -A fire. a. 2 b. 4 c. 6 d. 8 ___ 16. What capacity Class B fire should the extinguisher in Question “g” be capable of extinguishing? a. 20 times as much as a 1 -B extinguisher b. 20 times as much as a B-C extinguisher c. 20 times as much as a Class C extinguisher d. 20 times as much as a 4 -A extinguisher

HOMEWORK ___ 17. What size flammable liquid fire should the extinguisher in Question “g” be able to extinguish? a. 20 ft 2 b. 4 ft 2 (0. 37 m 2) c. 40 ft 2 d. 12 ft 2 (1. 12 m 2) ___ 18. Firefighter A says that Class C fires are essentially Class A or Class B fires involving energized electrical equipment. Firefighter B says that the Class C designation just confirms that the extinguishing agent is nonconductive. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B ___ 19. Which of the following is not a factor considered when testing extinguishing agents and portable extinguishers for Class D fires? a. Toxicity of the agent b. Toxicity of the fumes produced and the products of combustion c. Reactions between the burning metal and the agent d. Reactions between the extinguisher metal and the agent 20. Firefighter A says that an extinguisher that is not marked with its class rating should be used only on Class A fires. Firefighter B says that extinguishers can be rated B-C but cannot be rated A-C. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

HOMEWORK ___ 21. Extinguishers suitable for Class C fires should be identified by a ___ containing the letter C. a. Square b. Triangle c. Circle d. Star ___ 22. What water capacity is required for an extinguisher to receive a 1 -A classification? a. ½ gallon b. 1¼ gallons c. 1 gallon d. 1½ gallons ___ 23. What is the number of the NFPA Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers? a. 10 b. 20 c. 30 d. 40 ___ 24. Which of the following classes of extinguishers receive a numerical rating in addition to a letter classification? a. B and C b. C and D c. A and C d. A and B

HOMEWORK ___ 25. Firefighter A says that when an extinguishing agent is determined to be safe and effective for use on combustible metal, it is assigned a Star 1 – 5 rating. Firefighter B says that no numerical rating is given to Class D extinguishers. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B ___ 26. Upon what are Class B ratings based? a. The approximate square-foot area of a flammable liquid fire that a non expert can extinguish B. The amount of extinguishing agent and duration and range of discharge used in extinguishing test fires c. The conductivity of the extinguishing agent d. The area of the fire and the type and flammability of the fuel

HOMEWORK Match extinguisher symbol shapes to fire classification letters. Write the correct letters on the blanks. a. A b. B c. C d. D _____ 27. _____ 29. _____ 28. _____ 30.

HOMEWORK Match extinguisher pictographs to the extinguisher's intended applications. Write the correct letters in the blanks. a. d. e. ab. c. _____ _____ 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. Class A and Class B fires but not Class C Flammable liquids Class B and Class C fires but not Class A Ordinary combustibles Class A fires but not Class B and Class C Electrical equipment

HOMEWORK Select facts about fire extinguisher inspection, damage, and obsolescence. Write the correct letters in the blanks. ___ 37. Firefighter A says that fire inspectors should include extinguisher inspections in their building inspection and preincident planning programs. Firefighter B says that the servicing of portable fire extinguishers is the responsibility of the property owner or building occupant. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B ___ 38. Which organization/standard requires and explains the procedures for hydrostatic testing of extinguisher cylinders? a. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 157 c. IFSTA 1982 b. HAZWOPPER 10. 19 d. NFPA 10 ___ 39. Firefighter A says that hydrostatic test results must be recorded on the extinguisher cylinder. Firefighter B says that hydrostatic test results on high- and low-pressure extinguishers are recorded differently. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B

HOMEWORK ___ 40. Firefighter A says that damaged shells or cylinders should be discarded or returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Firefighter B says that if an extinguisher shows only slight damage or corrosion, it should be given a hydrostatic test by the manufacturer or a qualified testing agency. Who is right? a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B ___ 41. Which of the following is not a method of determining whether an extinguisher is full and pressurized? a. Check the pressure gauge. b. Inspect the agent level. c. Weigh the extinguisher. d. Briefly squeeze the handle. ___ 42. What is not a reason for removing an extinguisher from service? a. Out-of-date inspection tag b. Two or more years old c. Deficient in weight by 10 percent d. Illegible operating instructions on nameplate

HOMEWORK ___ 43. When did American manufacturers stop making inverting type fire extinguishers? a. 1982 b. 1980 c. 1976 d. 1969 ____ 44. Which of the following types of fire extinguishers is obsolete? a. Internal cartridge-operated water b. Sodium chloride c. Carbon dioxide d. Stored-pressure dry chemical ___ 45. If an occupant asks firefighters to dispose of an extinguisher, what should they do? a. Dispose of the extinguisher in accordance with department policies and procedures. b. Refer the occupant to the local factory-authorized extinguisher disposal location. c. Explain that it is the occupant’s legal responsibility to dispose of the extinguisher. d. Instruct the occupant to return the extinguisher to its manufacturer