CHAPTER

8

PORTABLE

FIRE

EXTINGUISH

ERS

Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.

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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.

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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.

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8

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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8

Introduction 2 of 2

• Firefighters should know the extinguishers carried on apparatus.

• Citizens will often request information and training on the use of extinguishers.

• Firefighters should be capable of answering questions regarding fire extinguishers.

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8

Fire Classification and Risk

• The type and nature of the burning material (fuel) defines the fire.

• Currently 5 classes of fire• Class A• Class B• Class C• Class D• Class K*

*As of 1998

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8

Class K Equipment

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8

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Many types of fire extinguishers are available today.

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8

Types of Fire Extinguishers• 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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8

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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8

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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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 used for dry chemical

and most dry powder Class D extinguishers.

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8

Backpack Pump Tank

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8

Stored Pressure Water Extinguisher

Stored Pressure Foam Extinguisher

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8

Stored Pressure Dry Chemical Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

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8

Cartridge-Operated

Dry Chemical

Extinguisher

CHAPTER

8Rating 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..

CHAPTER

8Limitations of Portable Extinguishers

• Extinguishers have limited capabilities.• They are designed and rated for certain types and sizes

of fire.• Wrong extinguisher will create greater problems.• Need to use right extinguisher for the fire present.

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8

Extinguisher Operation

• P ull the pin.

• A im the nozzle.

• S queeze the handle.

• S weep the nozzle.

CHAPTER

8Care and Maintenance of

Portable Extinguishers

• Carefully inspect before placing in service.• Should be periodically removed from bracket.• Dry chemical extinguishers should be inverted

occasionally.• Clean dirt and grit to maintain good working order.

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8

Obsolete Extinguishers

• Soda acid.• Chemical foam (except film-forming.)• Vaporizing liquids.• Cartridge-operated water or loaded stream.• Copper or brass extinguishers.

•Firefighters should never operate obsolete extinguishers.

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8

Inspection Requirements 1 of 2

• Should be checked every 30 days.• First perform visual inspection.• Pin seal should be in place.• Gauge should register proper pressure.

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8

Inspection Requirements 2 of 2

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

• Weight is stamped on cylinder.• Check for hydrostatic testing.

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8

WRAP-UP• There are various classes of fires.• There are various kinds of extinguishers.• Proper type of extinguisher needed for various classes

of fire.• Important to remember extinguishers have limitations.• Extinguishers need to be maintained, serviced, and

inspected regularly.