FVCC Fire Rescue PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. OBJECTIVES 2-5.1Identify the classification and types of fire by symbols, pictures, and color-coding as

FVCC Fire RescueFVCC Fire Rescue

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

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)


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)


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, 4th ed, Chapter 5 Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, Chapter 8

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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.

Fire Extinguishers may be located at fixed positions in an occupancy or mounted on the apparatus

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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 CO2: 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).

CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF CLASSIFICATIONS & TYPES OF FIRESFIRES

Class, color, symbol, picture◦Class A

Class: Ordinary combustibles◦Wood, paper and clothing

Color – Green Symbol – Triangle Picture – Trash can and campfire


◦Class B Class: Flammable liquids

◦Gasoline, kerosene, alcohol Color – Red Symbol – Square Picture – Gasoline can


◦Class C Class: Energized electrical

equipment◦Any type of electrical

equipment that is energized Color – Blue Symbol – Circle Picture – Plug and socket


◦Class D Class: Combustible metals

◦Magnesium, sodium chloride, lithium

Color – Yellow Symbol – Star Picture – none

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER RATING SYSTEMRATING SYSTEM

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


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


Class C◦No fire test conducted◦Tested only for non-

conductivity◦Receives only the letter

rating


Class D◦No numerical rating given◦Considerations for rating:

Reaction between metal and agent

Toxicity of 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

EXTINGUISHERS AND EXTINGUISHERS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURESAPPLICATION PROCEDURES

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

Pump Tank Pump Tank Water ExtinguishersWater Extinguishers

Intended for use on small Class A fires.

Several kinds, all of which operate in a similar manner.

Equipped with a double-acting pump.


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


Often used for extinguishing hot

spots during overall operations, as well as

chimney flue fires.


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

Aqueous Film Forming Foam Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher(AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher

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

Two ways in which AFFF can be applied.

The film of AFFF floats ahead of the foam blanket.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Class A and B extinguisher


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


◦Ordinary agents Sodium bicarbonate Potassium bicarbonate Ammonium phosphate Potassium chloride

◦Multi-purpose agents Mono-ammonium

phosphate Barium sulfate


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 Caution: The top of the extinguishers should be pointed away from the should be pointed away from the firefighter or other personnel when firefighter or other personnel when pressurizing the unit. Because of size pressurizing the unit. Because of size of nozzle, the firefighter should be of nozzle, the firefighter should be prepared for a significant nozzle prepared for a significant nozzle reaction when it is opened.reaction when it is opened.


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

CO2 “snow” formed with moisture in the air.


Wheeled Units:Class B & CCommonly used in airports and industrial

facilitates. Hose (usually less than 15 ft long) must be

deployed or unwound from unit before use.


Halon: Halogenated Hydrocarbons Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone

Layer: International agreement requires complete phase out of Layer: International agreement requires complete phase out of the production of halogens by 2000.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.


Halon 1211: Research 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.


Halon 1301: Normally 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.

HalonHalon

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.


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.


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.

OPERATION OF FIRE OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERSEXTINGUISHERS

P.A.S.S.P- PullA- Aim


P.A.S.S. (cont.)S- SqueezeS- Sweep


Water (pump tank)◦Determine if unit is

full◦Carry tank to fire◦Unfold foot pad◦Pump with one hand

and direct stream with other hand

◦Sweep nozzle over entire area

◦Move in and complete extinguishment

OPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERSOPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Stored pressure extinguishers – water, halon, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2)◦Select appropriate extinguisher

◦Pull pin, breaking plastic or wire seal


◦Point the nozzle or horn in safe direction and discharge to ensure proper operation

◦Carry extinguisher to fire


◦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


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 EXTINGUISHERSOPERATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Cartridge-operated extinguishers – dry chemical, dry powder

Point the nozzle or horn to safe direction and discharge to ensure proper operation

Carry extinguisher to fire Aim nozzle or horn toward fire


◦Squeeze the discharge◦Sweep nozzle starting

near edge of fire◦Check that fire is out◦Back away from fire area

COMMON DEFECTSCOMMON DEFECTS

Corroded or damaged shellsObstructed hoses, horn or nozzlesIllegible labels and instructionsDepleted or incorrect stored pressureUnit not completely fullDamaged nozzles, hose and fittingsTampering of lock pins and tamper sealsInspection tag out of dateLeaking hoses, gaskets, nozzles and loose

labels

EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHERSEXTINGUISHERS

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 and directs stream with

other hand◦Sweeps nozzle over entire area◦Moves in and completes extinguishment

EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHING FIRES WITH EXTINGUISHERSEXTINGUISHERS

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 proper operation◦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

a. Stored-pressure water b. Dry chemical (stored-pressure)c. AFFF d. Dry chemical (cartridge-operated)

1.____ 2.____ 3.____ 4.____

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a. Pump-tank water b. Halonc. Backpack pump-tank water d. Carbon dioxide

5.____ 6.____ 7.____ 8.____

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___ 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

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___ 17. What size flammable liquid fire should the extinguisher in Question “g” be able to extinguish?

a. 20 ft2 b. 4 ft2 (0.37 m2) c. 40 ft2 d. 12 ft2 (1.12 m2) ___ 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

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___ 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

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___ 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

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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.

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Match extinguisher pictographs to the extinguisher's intended applications. Write the correct letters in the blanks.

a. d.b. e. c. ab.

_____ 31.Class A and Class B fires but not Class C _____ 32.Flammable liquids _____ 33.Class B and Class C fires but not Class A _____ 34.Ordinary combustibles _____ 35.Class A fires but not Class B and Class C _____ 36.Electrical equipment

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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 pre-incident 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

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___ 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

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___ 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

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Documents

FVCC Fire Rescue PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. OBJECTIVES 2-5.1Identify the classification and types of fire by symbols, pictures, and color-coding as