PDFs_Fire Prevention and Firefighting

7/31/2019 PDFs_Fire Prevention and Firefighting

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02 206 Basic Safety Course: FIRE PREVENTION AND FIREFIGHTING

Page No.: 1Revision No.: 02

Module 1 Minimize the Risk of Fire The Fire Triangle Properties of Flammable Materials Sources of Ignition Fire Spread

Safe Practices Fire Hazards

Module 2 Maintain A State of Readiness to

Respond to Emergency Situations

Involving Fires Organization of Shipboard Fire Fighting Location of Fire-fighting Appliances and Emergency

Escape Routes

Fire Spread in Different Parts of a Ship Fire and Smoke Detection Measures on Ships and

Automatic Alarms

Classification of Fires and Applicable ExtinguishingAgents

Module 3 Fight and Extinguish Fires Fire-fighting Appliances and Equipment Precautions For and Use of Fixed Installations

Use of Breathing Apparatus for Fighting Fires


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Three things are required for combustion or fire:fuel (to vaporize and burn), oxygen (to combinewith fuel vapor) and heat (to raise the temperatureof the fuel vapor to its ignition temperature). Thefire triangle illustrates these requirements. It alsoillustrates two facts of importance in preventingand extinguishing fires:

If any side of the fire triangle is missing, afire cannot start.

If any side of the fire triangle is removed,the fire will go out.

The fire tetrahedron (below) is a betterrepresentation of the combustion process. Atetrahedron is a solid figure with four triangularfaces. It is useful for illustrating and rememberingthe combustion process because it has room forthe chain reaction and because each face touchesthe other three faces.

The tetrahedron illustrates how flaming combustionis supported and sustained through the chainreaction. The chain reaction face keeps the otherthree faces from falling apart.

This is an important point because the extinguishing agents used in many modern portablefire extinguishers, automatic extinguishing systems and explosion suppression systemsdirectly attack and break down the chain reaction sequence.

flammability - the degree of proneness of a material to catch fire ignition point - The ignition point or temperature of a substance is the lowest

temperature at which sustained combustion will occur without the application ofa spark or flame.

burning temperature - The lowest temperature at which a substance will burnwithout continued application of an ignition source.

burning speed - The art by which the object burns and usually depends on theconfiguration of the substance. Solid fuels in the form of dust or shavings willburn faster than bulky materials (small wood chips will burn faster than a solidwooden beam).


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flash point of liquid fuels flammable range of gaseous and liquid fuels thermal value

The flash point of a liquid fuel is the temperature at which it gives off sufficient vapor toform an ignitable mixture near its surface. The mixture is capable of being ignited but isnot capable of sustaining combustion. If a liquid has no flash point, it is not flammable.Lower flash point indicates increased susceptibility to ignition.

It is the proper proportion of a flammable gas (or flammable vapor of a liquid)and air to make an ignitable mixture. lower explosive limit (LEL) - The smallest percentage of a gas (or vapor) that will

make an ignitable air-vapor mixture. If there is less gas in the mixture, it is toolean to burn.

upper explosive limit (UEL) - The greatest percentage of a gas (or a vapor) in anignitable air-vapor mixture. If a mixture contains more gas than the UEL, it istoo rich to burn.

explosive range - The range of percentages between the lower and

The ability of a substance to conduct heat. Finely divided fuels have a much larger surfacearea exposed to the heat. Therefore, heat is absorbed much faster and vaporization ismore rapid. More vapors are available for ignition so it burns with great intensity and thefuel is quickly consumed. On the other hand, a bulky fuel will burn longer than a finelydivided fuel.

The thermal value of a fuel is a measure of the heat released by the combustion of a givenmass of substance. The thermal value of wood is about 8,000 BTUs/pound; the thermal

value of crude oil is about 20,000 BTUs/pound. Pound for pound, petroleum fuelsproduce about 2.5 times as much heat as wood does.


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Thermal value, as well as the amount of fuel, must be considered in determining how muchheat a fuel will produce if burned.

Some fires start without an external heat source or by auto-ignition. This will happen whenthe flash point of the fuel is relatively low; ignition temperature is low than usual and theair-vapor mixture is at explosive range.

While static electricity may not seem an obvious source of ignition, it does present ahazard. Static electricity is generated when two things made of different materials rubtogether. Petroleum fuels flowing through hoses can build up a charge which can cause a

spark. If the proportion of vapor in the air is in the flammable range and the spark hasenough energy, a fire or explosion can occur.

Reactivity is the reaction of certain materials against certain elements. For example,chlorine produces a violent reaction when it combines with finely divided metals or certainorganic materials particularly acetylene, turpentine and gaseous ammonia. Caution: stowin well-ventilated space. Stow away from organic materials.

Examples:The metals, sodium and potassium react with water. Cautions: segregation same as for

flammable solids labeled Dangerous When Wet.

flame of a match sparks caused by ferrous metals striking together heat generated by friction lighting (naked) flame from any cutting torch or welding machine electric short circuit electric arc between conductors heat generated by an overheated electrical conductor or motor spontaneous ignition (auto-ignition)


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Heat from a fire is transferred by one or more of three methods:

It is the transfer of heat through a solid body. For example on a hot stove, heat isconducted through the pot to its contents. Wood is ordinarily a poor conductor of heat butmetals are good conductors. Since most ships are constructed of metal, heat transfer byconduction is a potential hazard. Fire can move from one hold to another, one deck toanother and one compartment to another via heat conduction.

It is the transfer of heat through the movement of heated gases and liquids. The smoke,heated air and gases and flying embers produced by a fire are lighter than cool air. Theyrise to the highest point that they can reach. If their upward movement is blocked, they willmove horizontally until they find an upward pathway. On a ship, heat from a fire on alower deck will travel horizontally along passageways and upward through stairways andladder and hatch openings.

It is the transfer of heat from a source across an intervening space (no material substanceis involved). The heat travels outward from the fire in the same manner as light (in straightlines). This is how we receive heat from the sun.Radiant heat from a fire in one area of a cargo hold can raise the temperature of asubstance on the opposite side of the hold to the point where it vaporizes and the fuelvapors ignite.

Spread of fire occurs as a result of equalization in temperature between fire andsurroundings via conduction, radiation and convection currents.

If a fire is attacked early and efficiently, it can easily be confined to the area in which itstarted. If it is allowed to burn unchecked, it can generate great amounts of heat that will


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maintain a clean engine-room, remove oil-soaked rags

keep extraction fan and flue-gas duct clean ensure cooking oils do not spill on top of the stove or overheat in electrical

cooking pans keep electrical installations well maintained

no smoking in bed no unauthorized electrical fittings no emptying of ashtrays into wastepaper bins without ensuring all cigarette

ends are extinguished

ensure hatches are correctly cleaned ensure cargoes are stowed and ventilated in accordance with the rules prohibit smoking during cargo-working periods secure cargo inert the atmosphere in cargo compartments when required ensure hold /cargo compartment lights are switched off and cargo clusters

disconnected, removed and stored away after use and before closing ofhatches

Prevention is by far the best method of combating fire and this can be achieved through thefollowing:

constant vigilance preparedness fire patrol proper watch keeping maintenance of equipment

Most hazards on a ship are fuel sources or ignition sources. The air usually providesenough oxygen for fire.

combustible liquids like fuel and lubricating oils oil leaks and oil-soaked insulation hot surfaces, e.g. exhaust pipes, engine parts overheating defects in lagging hot work, e.g. welding, cutting by oxy-acetylene torch

auto-ignition, e.g. oil dripping on hot surface


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combustible liquids, e.g. cooking oil, hot fat hot surfaces, e.g. ovens, frying pans, flues defective electrical connections

combustible materials, e.g. furnishings, personal effects carelessness with cigarettes and matches, setting fire to bedclothes,

wastepaper bin contents and furnishings defective electrical connections

self-heating cargo and spontaneous combustion oxidizing cargoes and organic peroxides compressed flammable gas explosives


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Organization of Shipboard Fire Fighting

Consist of seven short blasts followed by one long blast on the ships whistle and bells.This special alarm signal activated from the navigating bridge summons/calls the crew tofire stations.

The ship has other fire alarms installed as well.

CO2 alarm -Evacuation alarms warn people to leave spaces that are about tobe flooded with a fire-extinguishing material such as carbon dioxide, halon, orfoam

manually operated fire alarm such as PULL BOXES, are located throughoutthe ship

UMS fire-detection system -automatic fire detection alarms are activated bysmoke, flame, and heat detectors. The alarms consist of bells and lights on aremote control panel

It is a diagram of the ship showing the various fire protection features:

decks control stations fire detection and alarm systems sprinkler installations ventilation systems fire zones access routes and escape routes fire-fighting equipment

Fire control plans are usually kept in well-marked red cylinders mounted in the bridge andin other prominent locations. A copy of the plan is also kept in a cylinder on the maindeck for the benefit of land-based fire-fighting personnel.


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Also known as station bill, muster list is a ship document which lists and describes

assigned special duties and duty stations to crewmembers during emergency situation. Themuster list also lists the ships emergency equipment and alarms.

Muster list is posted at the bridge and at all dutystations. There is only one muster list, but allcrewmembers are given individual station cardlisting their own specific duties.

Only the Master can override the muster listinstructions. However, other officers may give

you additional tasks during an emergency.

Effective communication throughout the ship is vital during emergency like fire. Passengersand crews have to be informed. Fire-fighting operations need to be coordinated.Methods of communication used during a fire emergency are:

messengers telephones two-way radios ship-to-shore VHF radios public address system

Communication with the M aster should be established by phone or by messenger.Communication with firefighting teams must also be established and maintained.Messengers would be best for this purpose since telephone lines might be destroyed by thefire and firefighters would be moving constantly. An internal two-way radio system, ifavailable, could be used to coordinate firefighting efforts.

An emergency squad or fire party is a group of crewmen selected by the master for theirspecial training to deal with emergency like fire. The chief officer (assisted by theboatswain) is normally in command of the team. The rest of the team should be made upof crewmen trained in the use of fire and rescue equipment.

Candidates for the fire party would be crew members who are highly knowledgeable inemergency procedures and have earned certificates for their proficiency.

The staging area should be established in a smoke-free area, as near as possible to the fire

zone. An open deck location windward of the fire would be ideal. However, if the fire is


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deep within the ship, the staging area should be located below deck. A location near aships telephone, if feasible, would be helpful in establishing links.

All supplies needed to support the firefighting effort should be brought to the staging area.These would include backup supplies of hose, nozzles and axes, spare cylinders forbreathing apparatus and portable lights. The staging area should also be used as the firstaid station. The equipment required to render first aid to injured crewmen should be set upthere.

Do not enter the fire zone where the fire is burning until the team leader gives the order.You must familiarize yourself with the fire zone first and escape routes. During fire, the fire

zone can be sealed off. Knowing the location and layout of the fire zones will improveyour emergency response.

Shipboard drills are simulated emergency situations. During fire drill, firefighting team aswell as the rest of the crew learns how to coordinate their emergency efforts. They alsolearn the necessary knowledge and skills in using the equipment properly. Likewise, duringthis drill, a crewmember learns his fellow crew emergency duties. This will make himflexible in filling vacancies of key personnel in the fire party.

The typical exercises during fire drills are:

extinguishing a fire in a deep fryer entering a closed room that is on fire rescuing an unconscious person from a smoke-filled space extinguishing a major deck fire.

During drills, always follow your muster list duties unless the Master orders otherwise.

Location of Fire-fighting Appliances and Emergency Escape Routes

The following basic principles having regard to the type of ship and the potential firehazards involve:

division of ship into main vertical zones by thermal and structural boundaries; separation of accommodation spaces from the remainder of the ship by thermal

and structural boundaries; restricted use of combustible materials; detection of any fire in the zone of origin; containment and extinction of any fire in the space of origin; protection of means of escape or access for firefighting; availability of fire-extinguishing appliances; and

minimization of possibility of ignition of inflammable cargo vapors.


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The cargo deck, cofferdams, paint store, chemical store and machinery compartments are

classed as hazardous areas. These areas are isolated from the accommodation by A - 60bulkheads. An A-60 bulkhead or deck is constructed of 4.5 mm thick steel suitablystiffened. The steel is then insulated with 50 mm of glass wool. This type of bulkhead ordeck will provide a minimum of 60 minutes protection from smoke or flames. There is anA-60 deck between the accommodation and the machinery compartments, theaccommodation and the bridge. This will ensure that the accommodation will not beaffected by fire from either the machinery compartments or the cargo deck. The bridge isalso protected from an accommodation fire.

The accommodation is classed as a non-hazardous area. The corridors are made from B-0

class panels. These are 1.6 mm thick steel panels with 50 mm of mineral wool to provideinsulation. They will provide 30 minutes protection from smoke or flames.

The cabin walls are made from C - class panels which are sandwich panels of galvanizedsteel coated with a PVC film. They have 50 mm of rock wool insulation. These panels willprovide 30 minutes protection from smoke and heat. The accommodation, engine room,emergency exit and stairways are surrounded by A-60 bulkheads to ensure an adequateescape route.

Doorways between A-60 bulkheads are A class doors fitted with a self-closing device.

Doorways in the accommodation corridor are fitted with B class doors and magnetic selfclosing devices linked to the fire alarm panel. Cabin doors are B class doors.

Although the inert gas system is not a fire extinguishing system, it is designed to preventfires and explosions. With few exceptions, every tank ship of 100,000 or more deadweight tonnage and with a keel-laying date of January 1, 1975 or later must have an inertgas system.

Inert gas system was developed to reduce the

oxygen content in the cargo tanks.Hydrocarbon gas will not normally burn in anatmosphere with less than 11% of oxygen byvolume. Therefore, to prevent an explosionor fire in the cargo tanks, the vapor spaceoxygen content is kept below 8% by usinginert gas from the boilers or an inert gasgenerator. It must be operated as necessaryto maintain an inert atmosphere in the cargotanks except during gas freeing operations.


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The inert gas system is composed of a gas generator, a scrubber, blowers, distributionlines, valves, instrumentation, alarms and controls.

When cargo is loaded, the inert gas is shut down and the tanks are vented. Once loaded,a positive pressure is maintained in the ullage space to prevent the ingress of air. Whiledischarging, the inert gas keeps pace with the falling level of liquid.To prevent hydrocarbon gases returning to the uptakes, a non-return valves and a waterseal are placed in the system. The system is continuously monitored in the Cargo andEngine Control Room with a repeater on the bridge. Alarms will sound if oxygen content isabove 5%, low water seal level and low/high pressure (200/1260 mm H.G.)

Cargo spaces of ships of 1000 gross tonnage and above are protected either by a fixedgas fire-extinguishing system or by foam fire-extinguishing system.

Cargo spaces of ships of 2000 gross tonnage and above are exempted from the aboveprovision if they are provided with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing allventilators and other openings leading to the hold.

The emergency pump is use if the main fire pumps, their sources of power or their controlsare damaged or inaccessible. The emergency pump must be capable of pumping enoughwater (50 psi) to operate two hoses. Fire pumps are the only means for moving water

through the fire-main system when the ship is at sea. On cargo ships, if a fire in any onecompartment could disable all the fire pumps, there must be a fixed emergency pump withan independent source of power.

The emergency pump must be located in a space that does not share a common boundarywith spaces containing:

the main fire pumps internal combustion machinery oil-fired boilers oil fuel preparation units

In and from all passenger and crew spaces and in spaces in which the crew is normallyemployed other than machinery, stairways and ladders, have a ready means of escape tothe lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck.

Below the bulkhead deck, two means of escape (at least one of which isindependent of watertight doors) are provided for each watertight compartment orsimilarly restricted space.

Above the bulkhead deck, there are at least two means of escape from each mainvertical zone wherein one of it gives access to a stairway.

Two means of escape are provided for each machinery space.


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Two sets of steel ladders widely separated from each other, with one leading to thedoors in the upper part of the space.

One steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from whichaccess is provided to the embarkation deck.

A steel door capable of being operated from each side and which provides a safeescape route to the embarkation deck is provided.

Emergency escape routes are well marked showing arrows and symbols. They areprovided also with an emergency lighting system.

A fire in machinery space will be contained in the machinery space itself and will not

spread to accommodation as accommodation is separated from machinery space bystructural and thermal protection boundaries.

A fire in cargo pump room will be contained in the cargo pump room itself and will notspread to accommodation as accommodation is separated from cargo pump room bystructural and thermal protection boundaries.

All A-60 doors separating machinery space and cargo pump room will be shut in case offire in respective spaces.

All ventilation flaps will be closed in case of fire in machinery space and cargo space.

The accommodation fire should be contained in accommodation itself and should not beallowed to spread in machinery space and cargo pump by similar arrangements as statedabove.

The accommodation fire originating in galley, laundry, linen locker, common publicspaces, and living spaces should be contained in the space of origin of fire and should notbe allowed to spread to other parts of accommodation by using thermal protection andventilation flaps/draught stops.

A fire in any cargo hold should be contained in the affected cargo itself by shutting hatchcovers, ventilator flaps and cooling boundary bulkheads.

The fire in isolated spaces such as wheel house, radio room, chart room, forepeak area,i.e. paint locker etc. and steering gear compartment should be contained in the space oforigin itself by shutting doors, ventilator flaps and using the fixed installation and other fire-fighting appliances where provided.

A well-designed fire detection system, properly installed and maintained, will give an early

warning of the presence and location of a fire in the protected area. A fire detector gives awarning when fire occurs in the area protected by the detector. A fire detection system,


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including one or more types of detectors, sounds the alarm in the affected areas and alertsthose responsible for fire-fighting operations.

An automatic fire detection system is made up of: Normal and emergency power supplies Fire detection control unit Fire detectors Light and bell signals.

The fire detection control unit consists of a control panel containing the fire alarm signal,

as well as trouble alarm and power alarm failure devices. These devices provide bothvisible and audible signals. The control unit also contains a power supply transfer switch toengage the emergency power supply if the normal power supply fails.

The control unit is normally located in an area that is safe from flammable gases andvapors, while control panels may be located throughout the ship, such as on the bridge.Fire detectors sense and initiate a signal in response to heat, smoke, flame or some otherindication of fire, and initiate an appropriate signal.

When fire is detected, lights are automatically activated: Indicator lights on the control unit and control panels

Alarm lights in the affected areas.

Alarm bells or tones are sounded: On the control unit and control panels In the engine room In the affected areas.

These lights and alarms can be shut off only by their respective manual resetting devices.

There are three main types of automatic fire detectors: Heat-activated fire detectors Smoke detection systems Flame detectors.

Two non-automatic systems are: Manual fire alarm systems Supervised patrols and watchmens systems.


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Heat-Activated Fire DetectorsHeat-activated fire detectors are activated by the heat of a fire, and include:

Fixed-temperature detectors Rate-of-rise detectors Combined fixed-temperature and rate-of-rise detectors Automatic sprinkler systems.

A fixed-temperature fire detector activates a fire alarm when the temperature of the devicereaches a predetermined value. Because the heat transfer from the air to the device takestime, by the time the fixed-temperature detector activates, the surrounding air is alwayshotter than the detector. This delay is called thermal lag.

Automatic sprinkler systems are both fire detection and fire extinguishing systems. Thesystem piping is usually charged with water to the sprinkler heads. The water is held backby a fixed-temperature seal in each head. The seal is either a piece of fusible metal or aliquid-expansion bulb. Either one will allow water to flow through the sprinkler head whenthe temperature reaches a preset value.

Aboard ship, automatic sprinkler systems are arranged so that the release of water from asprinkler head automatically activates visible and audible alarms in the bridge or firecontrol station.

Manual fire alarm systems consist of normal and emergency power supplies, a fire controlunit to receive the alarm and the necessary fire alarm boxes. The fire control unit is similarto the automatic fire detection control unit (it must contain means for receiving alarmsignals and translating these signals into audible and visible alarms). It must also haveprovision for registering trouble signals. Similar to automatic system, vibrating bells arerequired for engine room notification.

Manual alarm systems are usually combined with automatic detection systems. If the

automatic system fails, a crewman who discovers a fire can promptly send an alarm via themanual alarm system.

In addition, the manual system is important even when the automatic system is functioningproperly. If a manual alarm is received on the bridge shortly after an automatic alarm, thewatch officer can be fairly certain that there is an actual fire and not a false alarm.


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There is at least one manual fire alarm box in each fire zone on the vessel. Framed charts

or diagrams in the bridge and fire control station adjacent to the fire alarm receivingequipment should indicate the locations of the fire zones in which the alarm boxes areinstalled. Manual fire alarm boxes are usually located in main passageways, stairwayenclosures, public spaces and similar areas. They should be readily available and easilyseen in case of need. Manual alarm boxes must be placed so that any person evacuatinga fire area will pass one on the way out.

A complete smoke detection system aboard a ship includes: A means for continuously exhausting air samples from protected places

A means of testing air for contamination by smoke A visual, or visual and audible, means for indicating the presence of smoke.

A smoke detector is a device that tests air samples for smoke. Available types of smokedetectors include:

Photoelectric smoke detector Ionization smoke detector cloud chamber smoke detector

Flame detectors are designed to recognize flames. Although flame detectors aresometimes used in shore side buildings, they are rarely used on ships, due to frequent falsealarms in the shipboard environment.

Ordinary combustible material; carbonaceous or deep seated; ex: wood, cloth, paper,mattressExtinguishing Agents:

water (cooling; red cylinder) foam dry chemical powder

Flammable liquid (gasoline, diesel) and or flammable gas (LPG, acetylene)Extinguishing Agents

foam (smothering; pale cream cylinder) CO2 dry chemical powder

shut off supply fuel (starving)


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Energized electrical equipment

Extinguishing Agents CO2 (Oxygen dilution; black cylinder) dry chemical powder shut off power supply

Combustible metal: ex.: magnesium, potassium, sodiumExtinguishing Agents

dry powder (inhibiting; French blue cylinder) dry sand


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Every ship should be provided with appliances whereby at leasttwo powerful jets of water can be rapidly and simultaneouslydirected into any part of the ship, at least one of which shallbe from a single length of hose; such appliances shouldinclude at least two pumps operated by power and at leastthree fire hoses; at least one fire hose should be provided for

every 30m in length of the ship or fraction thereof.

For each length of hose required, one hose nozzle of dual-purpose type capable ofdelivering a solid stream or a spray and incorporating a shut-off should be available.

Hoses are often linked together to give firefighters a greater range of mobility. Hoses arejoined manually by threaded couplings. One end of the hose is male, and the other end isfemale.

The male coupling is threaded on the outside. The female coupling is always threaded on

the inside, and is often called the swivel coupling.

Connecting a hose to a hydrant is exactly the same as joining hoses together. To fit nozzleto the fire hose, the same arrangement of threaded coupling is used. The male end of thehose fits in the female end of the nozzle.

Mobile apparatus are semi-portable fire extinguisher or an extinguishing system wherein ahose can be run out to the fire.

Semi-portable system provides a way of getting a sizable amount of extinguishing agent toa fire rapidly. This allows the operator to make a sustained attack.


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carbon dioxide cylinders powder containers with propellant gas foam-making equipment

Semi-portable systems are usually set up to protect the same areas as fixed systems.Where possible, a fire is first attacked with the semi-portable system. If this attack controlsor extinguishes the fire, then the large fixed system need not be activated. Semi-portablesystems may also be used as primary extinguishing system. Since they are initial attacksystems, it is essential that they be backed up with additional firefighting equipment.

Portable fire extinguishers are an excellent first line of defense when a fire breaks out. Theyare light and easy to use but also fast to dispense extinguishing agents.

Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher Absorbs heat and cool burning material.

Fights class A fires.

Have a range of 30 to 40 feet.

Lasts for about 55 seconds.

Can be recharged on board with water.

The stored-pressure water extinguisher is the most commonly used portable firefightingappliance. The 9.5 liter size has an NFPA rating of 2A. It weighs about 13. 6 kg. (30 lb)and has a horizontal range of 10.7 -12.2 m. In continuous operation, it will expand itswater in about 55 seconds. However, it may be used intermittently, to extend itsoperational time.

The container is filled with water or an anti-freeze solution to within about 15 cm of thetop. The extinguisher is pressurized through the air valve with either air or an inert gassuch as nitrogen. The normal charging pressure is about 690 kilopascals (100 psi). Thegauge allows the pressure within the extinguisher to be checked at any time. Most gaugesare color coded to indicate normal and abnormal pressures.

The extinguisher is carried to the fire and the ring pin or other safety device is removed.The operator aims the nozzle with one hand and squeezes the discharge lever with theother hand. The stream should be directed at the seat of the fire. It should be moved backand forth to ensure complete coverage of the burning material. Short bursts can be used

to conserve the limited supply of water.


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As the flames are knocked down, the operator may move closer to the fire. By placing thetip of one finger over the nozzle the operator can obtain a spray pattern that will cover a

wider area.

Foam Extinguishers Primary SMOTHERING agent

The best extinguishing agent for Class B liquid fire

Aggregations of small bubbles or tiny bubbles

Foam Extinguishers

Foam extinguishers are similar in appearance to water extinguisher but they have a greaterextinguishing capability. The most common size is 9.5 liters, with an NFPA rating of2A:4B. This indicates that the extinguisher may be used on both class A and class B fires.It has a range of about 9.2 - 12.2 m and a discharge duration of slightly less than aminute.

The extinguisher is charged by filling it with two solutions that are kept separated (in theextinguisher) until it is to be used. These solutions are commonly called the A and Bsolutions (their designations have nothing to do with fire classifications).

The foam extinguisher is carried to the fire right side up and then inverted. This mixes the

two solutions producing a liquid foam and CO2 gas. The CO2 acts as the propellantand fill the foam bubbles. The liquid foam expands to about 8 times its original volume(this means the 9.5 liter extinguisher will produce 68 -76 liters foam).

The foam should be applied gently on burning liquids. This can be done by directing thestream in from of the fire to bounce the foam onto the fire. The stream also may bedirected against the back wall of a tank or a structural member to allow the foam to rundown and flow slowly. For this reason, the stream must be directed to the fire from severalangles for complete coverage of the burning materials.

Foam extinguishers are subject to freezing and cannot be stowed in temperature below 4.4C. Once activated, these extinguishers will expel their entire foam content which shouldall be directed onto the fire. Maintenance consists mainly of annual discharging,inspection, cleaning and recharging.

Dry Powder Primary inhibiting agent The best extinguishing agent for Class D

Dry powder (not dry chemical) is the only extinguishing agent that may be used on

combustible-metal (class D) fires. Class D extinguisher has a range of only 1.8 - 2.4 m.The extinguishing agent is sodium chloride, which forms a crust on the burning metal.


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The nozzle is removed from its retainer and the puncture lever is pressed. This allows the

propellant gas (CO2 or nitrogen) to activate the extinguisher. The operator then aims thenozzle and squeezes the grips to apply the powder to the surface of the burning metal. Theoperator should begin the application of dry powder from the maximum range 1.8 - 2.4m.

Dry Chemical It has a smothering effect to fire Can be used in Class A,B,C Non conducting extinguishing agent

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers Smother fires by diluting the oxygen supply Fight class B and C fires Have a range of 5 feet

The extinguisher is carried to the fire in an upright position. The short range of the CO2extinguisher means the operator must get fairly close to the fire. The extinguisher is placedon the deck and the locking pin is removed. The discharge is controlled either by openinga valve or by squeezing two handles together.

The operator must grasp the hose handle and not the discharge horn. The CO2 expands

and cools very quickly as it leaves the extinguisher. The horn gets cold enough to frostover and cause severe frostbite. When a CO2 extinguisher is used in a confined space,the operator should guard against suffocation by wearing breathing apparatus.


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This unlocks the operating lever and allowsyou to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may

have other lever-release mechanisms.

Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the baseof the fire.

the lever above the handle: This discharges theextinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop thedischarge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of alever.)

from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire,keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire andsweep back and forth until the flames

In addition to fire extinguishers, there are other types ofportable equipment such as portable foam applicators (alsocalled in-line proportioners). The in-line proportioners givethe nozzle men more freedom of movement than the nozzlewith pickup tube. The proportioners may be installedanywhere in the hose line between the fire main and the foamnozzle. It also feeds mechanical foam to the nozzle but it maybe placed at a convenient distance from the heat of the fire.

The in-line proportioner is a light weight venture device. It uses the water-stream pressure

to draw foam concentrate from a 19-liter container through a pickup tube and into thewater stream in the proper proportion.


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The pickup tube is screwed into the top center of the proportioner. The female end of thefirefighting hose is screwed into the male end of the proportioner. The male end of the

firefighting hose is advanced to the fire, and mechanical foam nozzle is screwed on. Thefirefighting hose should not be longer than 45.7 m from proportioner to nozzle.

Ships must carry at least two outfits. The outfits constitute three sections as: personal equipment breathing apparatus fireproof lifeline with snaphook and harness

is designed to enable seamen toenter such as hostile environment with some degree ofprotection for the respiratory system.Two types of breathing apparatus:

self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) hose masks (fresh air breathing apparatus)

A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is excellent for fire fighting and rescuebecause the apparatus is mounted at the users back, thus, providing freedom ofmovement. The SCBA unit is heavy and is dependent on the users rate ofbreathing. It

supplies air for only 20 to 30 minutes. The SCBA unit is equipped with a Personal AlarmSafety System (PASS) which alerts others if the wearer is immobilized or still for a period oftime.

(fresh air breathing apparatus)Here, the user wears a facepiece that is connected to apump through a long hose. Air is pumped to the user,whose mobility is limited by the length and weight of thehose. The device can be used for extended period oftime.

The use of fresh air breathing apparatus is limited mainlyby hose length. When the hose is longer than 132 ft.,the pump may not be able to supply enough air to theuser.

For each breathing apparatus, a fireproof lifeline of sufficient length and strength shall beprovided capable of being attached by means of a snap hook to the harness of the

apparatus or to a separate belt in order to prevent the breathing apparatus from becomingdetached when the lifeline is operated.


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The lifeline guides the firefighter out of the fire area. It is important to take the same pathin and out so the lifeline is not caught on obstructions.

The lifeline is also for communication between the firefighter and the person outside thefire area who monitors the lifeline. Signals are sent back and forth by tugging on the line.

The complete extinguishing equipment comprises an attractively designed syntheticcupboard containing a neatly folded fire blanket which is surrounded by a metal bracket.The fire blanket only requires a space of 7 cm in depth for storage. When the lid isopened, the fluff free fiber glass blanket is automatically ejected and ready for use.

The rescuer can immediately insert his hands into the pockets at either side of the blanketand release the blanket from the bracket. The blanket unfolds in such a manner that therescuer can cover either the person or object and extinguish the starting fire without anydanger to himself. The operational use of the fire blanket cupboard enables the preventionof serious personal injury or extensive damage in an efficient manner.

Each fire zone has at least one manual fire alarm box. Manual fire alarms are inaccommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations. Each exit to the outdoors hasa manual alarm. Location of alarms is posted in the fire control stations.

During emergency like fire, it is necessary to shut off engines, fuel lines and oil pumps. Toisolate the fire zone, you simply pull the emergency control to shut off equipment in an

emergency.

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You will find emergency controls near the equipment that they control. They may belocated outside the door of the engine room or cargo space or in a nearby control station.

The following actions should be immediately taken by the person who discovers fire:1. Activate the alarm.2. Inform control station (bridge).3. Restrict.4. Try to extinguish the fire.

Factors to consider when deciding on fire-fighting methodology:

accessibility of the location of the fire personnel present at the location of the fire reactions with the cargo / burning material equipment and fire-fighting agents appropriate to the fire

water (in the form of solid jet, spray, fog or flooding) foam (as high, medium and low expansion) carbon dioxide steam dry chemical powders

When the fire alarm is given, fire procedures and emergency stations procedures are putinto effect:

1 Crew assemble at the designated fire stations as given in muster list2 The fire parties assemble, on orders from the bridge and carry out their tasks aimed

at containing the fire and extinguishing it.3 The pumps are started to supply extinguishing water.4 The Master decides the most appropriate method for fighting the fire.

The Master controls the fire-fighting operations from the bridge. When the fire isextinguished, a fire watch is kept.

An investigation into the cause of fire is initiated by the Master to avoid recurrence. If thefire is in port, the shore authorities are informed immediately.

The medium used must not produce toxic gases

The quantity of the medium must be adequate for the spaces which are to beprotected


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The piping system must have control valves The release of a gas medium must not be automatic

The order to release the medium must be given by the Master or a senior officer

Fixed fire systems are designed and installed in a ship as a part of its original construction.The ships Master, officers and crew members rarely have any influence on the type offirefighting systems employed. Marine and fire protection engineers generally make thesedecisions to conform with SOLAS provisions.

carbon dioxide sprinkler (wet and dry risers)

foam (low expansion) foam (high expansion)

fire mains, hydrants emergency generators, fire and bilge pumps pressure water spray in special category spaces chemical powder applicants

Carbon dioxide is used as a smothering agent inengine room, pump room, inert gas fan room,emergency generator room and incinerator room

When the CO2 control box is opened, alarms areactuated in the engine room and pump room to warnthe crew that the CO2 is about to be released. Theair conditioning fans will automatically stop and thevents will close for that area of the ship. A headcount should be taken before discharging the system.In addition to the main CO2 system, there areseparate systems for the inert gas fan room, emergency generator room and theincinerator. These systems comprise of four CO2 gas cylinders that are manually

operated.

Foam is a blanket of bubbles that extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. The bubbles areformed by mixing water and a foam-making agent (foam concentrate). The result is calleda foam solution. The various foam solutions are lighter than the lightest of flammable oils.Consequently, when applied to burning oils they float on the surface of the oil.

Firefighting foam is used to form a blanket on the surface of flaming liquids including oil.

The blanket prevents flammable vapors from leaving the surface and prevents oxygen from


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reaching the fuel. Fire cannot exist when the fuel and oxygen are separated. The water inthe foam also has a cooling effect which gives foam its class A extinguishing capability.

The ideal foam solution should flow freely enough to cover a surface rapidly, yet sticktogether to provide and maintain a vapor-tight blanket. The solution must retain enoughwater to provide a long-lasting seal. Rapid loss of water would cause the foam to dry outand break down from the high temperatures associated with fire. The foam should be lightenough to float on flammable liquids yet heavy enough to resist winds.

Chemical foam is formed by mixing an alkali (sodium bicarbonate) with an acid (aluminumsulfate) in water. This mixture is in a sealed airtight container. A stabilizer is added tomake the foam tenacious and long-lived.

When this chemicals react, they form a foam or froth of bubbles filled with carbon dioxidegas. The carbon dioxide in the bubbles has little or no extinguishing value. Its onlypurpose is to inflate the bubbles from 7 to 16 volumes of foam are produced for eachvolume of water.

Many chemical foam systems are still in use both aboard ship and in shore installations.However, they are being phased out in favor of the newer mechanical foam or as it are

sometimes called, air foam.

Mechanical foam is produced by mixing a foam concentrate with water to produce a foamsolution. The bubbles are formed by the turbulent mixing of air and the foam solution. Asthe name air foam implies, the bubbles are filled with air. Aside from the workmanshipand efficiency of the equipment, the degree of mixing determines the quality of the foam.The design of the equipment determines the quantity of foam produced.

There are several types of mechanical foams. They are similar in nature but each has its

own special firefighting capabilities. They are produced from proteins, detergents (whichare synthetics) and surfactants. The surfactants are large group of compounds thatinclude detergents, wetting agents and liquid soaps. Surfactants are used to produceaqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Foam may be generated chemically or mechanically. Chemical foam is produced bychemical reactions taking place in water. The foam bubbles are filled with CO2.Mechanical foam is produced by mixing foam concentrate with water to produce a foamsolution then mixing air with the foam solution. The bubbles are thus filled with air.


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Foam systems are acceptable as fire protection for boiler rooms, machinery spaces andpump rooms on all vessels. Mechanical foam systems may be installed in these spaces

instead of other approved systems such as CO2. Deck foam systems must be installed ontankers constructed after January 1, 1970 as fire protection for flammable-liquid cargo.Some older vessels may have foam systems protecting flammable-liquid cargo holds (foamsystems are no longer employed for this purpose).

Chemical foam is produced by the reaction of bicarbonate of soda with aluminum sulfate(or ferric sulfate). A foam stabilizer is added to improve its extinguishing properties.Chemical foam has more body than mechanical foam and will build a stouter blanket.

A continuous type chemical foam generator is shown below. The generator may be fixedor portable. It consists of a hopper with a foam ejector at the bottom (its function is todissolve the dry foam chemicals in a stream of water). The generator inlet is connected toa hose line or piping to the fire main.

The continuous-type generator uses foam chemical at a rate of about 45.4 kg./min (100lb/min) with either fresh or salt water at 21.1C (70 F). Since 0.45 kg. (1 lb) of foampowder produces about 30 liters (8 gal) of foam, the unit produces about 3000 liters / min(800 gal / min) of foam. In one minute this quantity of foam can cover an area of 37 m2(400 ft2) to a thickness of 76.2 mm (3 in). This area is equivalent to a square 6.1 m (20ft) on each side.

Mechanical foam concentrate is available in 3% and 6% concentrations. It may be mixedwith either fresh or salt water to produce foam solution:

12 liters (3 gal) 3% concentrate, mixed with 367 liters (97 gal) of water produces379 liters (100 gal) foam solution

2.3 liters (6 gal) 6 % concentrate, mixed with 356 liters (94 gal) water produces379 liters (100 gal) foam solution


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When the foam solution is mixed with air, it expands. The expansion ratio of the foamindicates the proportions of air and water it contains. Thus, for example a 4:1 foam

expansion ratio is defined as the quantity of moisture contained in a given quantity offoam. In 1000 : 1 high expansion foam, there is one gallon of moisture in 1000 gallonsof the high expansion foam. A 100 : 1 expansion ratio means the foam contains 99volumes of air for each volume of water. The air is introduced into the foam solution at afoam spray nozzle, monitor or turret nozzle.

In fixed foam extinguishing systems, the air-to-water ratio is set to obtain the desired foamproperties. In general, the lower the expansion ratio the wetter, the more fluid, the heavierthe more heat resistant is the foam.

The foam system on most ships is used for fighting a fire on the cargo deck. The systemcomprises:

foam bulk storage tank foam pump variable flow injector (proportioner)

The foam system is operated from the FGFC room. The foam bulk storage tank contains4m3 of fluoro-protein foam with an additional 100 L tank used for exercises. The foam ispumped from the tank by an electrically driven pump. The foam concentrate is admitted tothe foam main via the variable flow injector where it mixes with sea water at 3 % (fed from

the fire pumps).The foam main feeds seven monitors on the cargo deck and seven foam valves, for usewith portable foam making equipment. The foam mixture is aerated at the monitors withan expansion rate 12:1. This produces low expansion foam, which is laid across the cargodeck. Low expansion foam is used to give a good throw and make the foam resistant towind drift.

Sprinkler systems are generally used to protectliving quarters, adjacent passageways, publicspaces and vehicular decks on roll-on / roll-off(ro-ro) vessels and ferryboats.Sprinkler systems may extinguish fire in thesespaces. However, their primary function is toprotect the vessels structure, limit the spread of fireand control the amount of heat produced. Theyalso protect people in these areas and maintainescape routes.


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Heat from the fire melts the fusible links of one or

more sprinkler heads. The heads open allowingwater to flow. The initial supply of water comesfrom the piping and then from the pressure tank.As water flows out of the tank, its pressure isreduced. This pressure drop causes a pressure-sensitive switch to electrically activate thesprinkler water pump and the alarm bells.The sprinkler pump takes over as the water sourcesupplying water from a fresh water holding tank.Check valves in the piping ensure that the water flows from the pump to the sprinkler

heads rather than into the pressure tank. When the holding tank water supply is depleted,the pump suction must be manually shifted to seawater.

Crewmen should not depend on an automatic sprinkler system as the sole method ofextinguishment. As in all fire attack operations, the initial attack (by the sprinkler system)should be backed up with charged hose lines. An activated sprinkler should not be shutdown until the fire is at least knocked down and hose lines are in position to extinguish anyremaining fire. It is important to prevent unnecessary water accumulation but the primaryobjective is to get the fire out. If an automatic sprinkler system is shut off too soon, heatfrom the continuing fire can cause many more sprinkler heads to open. The additionalopen heads can put an excessive load on the system beyond the capability of the sprinkler

pump. The result would be reduced pressure in the system and insufficient water flow fromthe sprinkler heads. The heads then would not be able to form the spray pattern necessaryto achieve extinguishments.

After the fire is extinguished the sprinkler system should be restored to service. Thesprinkler heads that were opened should be replaced with heads of the same temperaturerating and deflector type. A supply of heads of the proper types should be kept on boardfor this purpose. The pressure tank should be refilled and pressurized and the valves reset.

In a manual or dry riser sprinkler system, the sprinkler heads are normally open and thereis no water in the piping. When a fire is discovered, the fire pumps are started and acontrol valve is manually opened, supplying water to all the heads in the system. Themanual system supplies a larger volume of water to a protected area than the automaticsystem does.


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The fire-main system is the ships first line of defense against fire. It is required no matter

what other fire extinguishing systems are installed. Every crew member can expect to beassigned to a station requiring knowledge of the use and operation of the ships fire main.Fire-main system supplies water to all areas of the vessel. Fortunately the supply of waterat sea is limitless. The movement of water to the fire location is restricted only by thesystem itself, the effect of the water on the stability of the ship and the capacity of thesupply pumps.The fire-main system is composed of the following:

fire pumps piping (main and branch lines) control valves hose and nozzles

solid-jet (straight stream) For hard to reach area/structure above; cannot be used for Class B (liquid fire)

because it will splash and scatter and make the condition worse semi-fog stream (60 degrees) - for extinguishment and cooling full fog stream (180 degrees) For shielding / protection; use for attacking and

back outing the fire

The piping directs firefighting water from thepumps to hydrants at the fire stations. The pipingmust be large enough in diameter to distribute themaximum required discharge from two fire pumpsoperating simultaneously. The water pressure inthe system must be approximately 50 psi at the twohydrants that are highest or furthest for cargo andmiscellaneous vessels and 75 psi for tank vessels.This requirement ensures that the piping is largeenough in diameter so that the pressure produced

at the pump is not lost through friction in thepiping.


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The piping system consists of a large main pipe and smaller branch lines leading off to thehydrants. The main pipe is usually 4 - 6 inches in diameter. The branch lines are

generally 1 - 2 inches in diameter. Although the smaller branch lines reduce the flowof water, they make it easier to maintain the required pressure at the fire stations. Branchlines may not be connected into the fire-main system for any purpose other than firefightingand deck washing.

All sections of the fire-main system on weather decks must be protected against freezing.For these purpose, they may be fitted with isolation and drain valves so that water in thepiping may be drained in cold weather.

The schematic diagram on the previous page shows the fire main and pumps on a ship. It

comprises of two fire pumps (fire and deluge pumps) and an emergency pump. The pumpsare electric centrifugal self-priming pumps. The main fire pumps draw sea-water from aseparate sea chest than the emergency pump.All fire pumps can be started from the following places:

bridge cargo and engine control room fire control center pump side

The fire main feeds ten hydrants in the engine room (two per deck). At theaccommodation, the main branches feed the port and starboard sides. There are two

valves per deck located at the entrances to the accommodation. The fire main also runsdown the cargo deck feeding hydrants on the port and starboard sides. There are hosereels placed throughout the ship; two per deck in the engine room, one per deck in theaccommodation and seven on the cargo deck. The International Shore Connection can befound on the upper deck, port and starboard sides. This provides protection against acargo deck fire. A sprinkler system is also provided for the chemical stores in the engineroom, paint stores in the engine room and fore peak.

At least one shore connection in the fire-main system is required on each side of the vessel.

Each shore connection must be in an accessible location and must be fitted with cutoff andcheck valves.

A vessel on an international voyage must have at least oneportable international shore connection available to eitherside of the vessel. International shore connections may beconnected to matching fittings that are available at mostports and terminals throughout the world.


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These enable the crew to take advantage of the pumping capability of the shore installationor fire department at any port. The required international shore connections are

permanently mounted on some vessels.

These devices provide air or oxygen to the user, who wearsthe entire device. The user is thus, completely mobile.However, the device can supply air or oxygen for limitedamount of time only.There are two kinds of SCBAs:

oxygen breathing apparatus (OBA)- these devices provide oxygen chemically. demand units - these devices provide air or oxygen from a supply carried by theuser.

Demand-type breathing apparatus is being used increasingly aboard merchant ships. Itspopularity stems from its convenience, the fact that it supplies the user with cool fresh air,the speed with which it can be put into service and its versatility.

The demand-type apparatus gets its name from the function of the regulator which controlsthe flow of air to the face piece. The regulator supplies air on demand; i.e. it suppliesthe user with air when he needs it and in the amount that his respiratory system requires. It

thus, supplies different users with air at different rates, depending on their demand.Newer model demand-type breathing apparatus are being supplied with a positive flowto the face piece. The slight pressure in the face piece prevents contaminated air fromentering the face piece and getting into the respiratory tract. This positive air pressurelessens the critical nature of the face piece fit against the users face.

Loosen straps and place the apparatus with the cylinder valve facing upwardpreparation for its donning.


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Place the neck strap of the face piece on your neck then don breathing apparatusby means of over head.

Adjust shoulder straps firmly and comfortably, buckle up the waist, inserting themale buckle on the back of the female buckle to lock it

Lean forward when the cylinder is released so that the cylinder will not slide downthe back.

Tighten waist strap by pulling either side for comfortable fit. Bear in mind that waistcarries the whole weight of breathing apparatus.

Put on the spiromatic mask by means of one hand technique. Place first the facepiece on your chin then move the mask towards face totally and give a deep breath.The breathing valve will open automatically.

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Documents

PDFs_Fire Prevention and Firefighting