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Portable FireExtinguishers

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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.

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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.

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Introduction (1 of 2)

• 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.

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Introduction (2 of 2)

• 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.

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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)

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Class K Fires

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (1 of 2)

• Many types of fire extinguishers are available today.

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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

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Types of Extinguishing Agents (1 of 2)

• Water is the basic agent for Class A fires.

• Water-based foam extinguishers for class B fires have either AFFF or FFFP.

• CO2 is an inert gas stored under pressure.

• CO2 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.

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Types of Extinguishing Agents (2 of 2)

• 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

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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.

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Backpack Pump Tank

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Stored Pressure Water Extinguisher

Stored Pressure Foam Extinguisher

Stored Pressure Extinguishers (1 of 2)

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Stored Pressure Dry Chemical Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Stored Pressure Extinguishers (2 of 2)

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Cartridge-Operated Dry Chemical Extinguisher

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Rating Systems of Portable Extinguishers

• 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.

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Limitations of Portable Extinguishers

• 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.

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Extinguisher Operation

• Pull the pin.

• Aim the nozzle.

• Squeeze the handle.

• Sweep the nozzle.

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Care and Maintenance of Portable Extinguishers

• 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.

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Obsolete Extinguishers

• 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

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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.

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Inspection Requirements (2 of 2)

• Some extinguishers, such as CO2, are only checked by weighing.

• Weight is stamped on the cylinder.

• Check for hydrostatic testing.

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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.