Transcript Portable Extinguishers - evfd

Portable Extinguishers
Module III
7
Use of Fire Extinguishers
• Simple to operate with basic training
• Six basic steps for extinguishing fires
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Locate the fire
Select the proper extinguisher
Transport the extinguisher to the fire
Activate the extinguisher to release the agent
Apply the extinguishing agent
Ensure personal safety
• Practice and training are essential.
TS 5–24
SELECTING PORTABLE
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Factors to consider when selecting a portable extinguisher.
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Classification of the burning fuel
Rating of the extinguisher
Hazards to be protected
Severity of the fire
Atmospheric conditions
Availability of trained personnel
Ease of handling extinguisher
Any life hazard or operational concerns
Extinguisher Selection
Considerations
• Select those that minimize risk to life/
property and are effective in extinguishing
the fire type
• Dry chemical extinguishers should not be
selected for use in areas where highly
sensitive computer equipment is located
TS 5–25
GUIDELINES FOR PORTABLE
FIRE EXTINGUISER USE
• Carry extinguisher by handle in upright position.
• Do not run.
• Make sure that you are within stream reach
before discharging agent.
• Be familiar with specific operating instructions.
• Watch for hot spots, particularly flammable liquid
hot spots, that might reflash.
• Always back away from an extinguished fire .
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Locating a Fire Extinguisher
• Know the types and locations of
extinguisher on apparatus.
• Know where extinguishers are located in
and around the fire station.
• Have at least one extinguisher in your
home and another in your personal
vehicle.
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Selecting the Proper Extinguisher
• Requires an understanding of the classification
and rating system
• Requires understanding the different types of
agents
• Fire fighters must quickly determine if a fire can
be controlled by an extinguisher.
• Fire fighters should also determine the
appropriate type of extinguisher to place in a
given area.
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Transporting a Fire Extinguisher
• Best method depends on size, weight, and
design of extinguisher.
• Carry fixed nozzle units in stronger hand.
• Use weaker hand for units with a hose between
trigger and nozzle.
• Place heavier extinguishers on ground near fire;
one hand to depress trigger, one hand to hold
nozzle and direct stream.
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Basic Steps of
Fire Extinguisher Operation
• P-A-S-S acronym:
– Pull the safety pin.
– Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames.
– Squeeze the trigger to discharge agent.
– Sweep the nozzle across the base of the
flames.
• Practice discharging different types of
extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher Operation
• Be sure agent reaches fire
• Apply agent from point
where stream reaches but
does not disturb fuel
• After fire knocked down,
move closer for final
extinguishment
(Continued)
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Ensure Your Personal Safety
• Approach fire with an exit behind you.
• Have a planned escape route in case of
extinguisher failure.
• Never let fire get between you and a safe exit.
• After suppression, back away; never turn your
back on the fire.
• Watch fire for rekindle.
• Wear appropriate PPE and SCBA (if needed).
Fire Extinguisher Operation
• If extinguishment not achieved after entire
extinguisher discharged,
withdraw/reassess
• If fire is in solid fuel reduced to smoldering
phase, may be overhauled using
appropriate tool
(Continued)
Fire Extinguisher Operation
• If fire in liquid fuel, it may be necessary to
apply foam through hoseline or
simultaneously attack with more than one
extinguisher
• If more than one extinguisher used
simultaneously, work in unison and
maintain constant awareness
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The Care of Fire Extinguishers
• Extinguishers must be regularly inspected
and properly maintained.
• Records keep inspections and
maintenance on schedule.
• Proper training required for inspection and
maintenance.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fire Extinguisher Inspections
• NFPA® 10 and most fire codes require
portable extinguishers inspected at least
once/year
• Verify that extinguishers
– Are in designated locations
– Not tampered with or activated
– No obvious damage/other condition
(Continued)
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Inspection (1 of 2)
• “Quick check” verifies availability for
immediate use.
• Check extinguishers on apparatus
regularly.
• Check tamper seals.
• Weigh or “heft” to determine fullness.
• Examine for obvious physical damage,
corrosion, or leaks.
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Inspection (2 of 2)
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Check pressure gauge.
Confirm proper identification by type and rating.
Shake dry chemicals to mix or redistribute agent.
Check nozzle for damage or obstructions.
Take problem units out of service and replace
with spares.
Fire Extinguisher Inspections
• Servicing
responsibility of
property
owner/building
occupant
• Firefighters should
include inspections
in building
inspection program
(Continued)
Fire Extinguisher Inspections
• Three factors determine value
– Serviceability
– Accessibility
– Simplicity of operation
• NFPA® 10 describes procedures for
hydrostatic testing of cylinders
Parts of Fire Extinguisher
Inspections
• Ensure extinguisher in
proper location/accessible
• Inspect discharge nozzle
• Inspect extinguisher shell
• Check for legible operating
instructions on nameplate
INACCESSIBLE
(Continued)
Parts of Fire Extinguisher
Inspections
• Check locking pin, tamper seal
• Determine whether full of agent, fully
pressurized
• Check for date of previous inspection
• Examine condition of hose/fittings
• If any items deficient, remove from service
Damaged Fire Extinguishers
• Can fail at any time; could
result in serious injury
• Leaking, corroded,
otherwise damaged
shells/cylinders should be
discarded or returned to
manufacturer for repair
(Continued)
Damaged Fire Extinguishers
• Only slight damage/corrosion and
uncertain whether safe — Should be
hydrostatically tested
• If allowed by SOP, leaking hoses, gaskets,
nozzles, and loose labels can be replaced
by firefighters
OBSOLETE
EXTINGUISHER FACTS
TS 5–30
• Extinguishers made of copper or brass with
soft-soldered or riveted cylinders were ruled out
by NFPA in 1969.
• Jan., 1982 - OSHA deadline for permanent
removal of all obsolete extinguishers from
workplace; some still found in old buildings.
• Carbon tetrachloride and chlorobromomethane
extinguishing agents prohibited in workplace
because of their toxicity.
Halon Fire Extinguishers
• Included in Montreal Protocol
• U.S. stopped producing halogens at end of
1993
• Units may still be in service
OBSOLETE INVERTING-TYPE
EXTINGUISHERS
Soda-acid
Foam
Internal Cartridge-Operated
Water & Loaded Stream
Internal Cartridge-Operated
Dry Chemical
TS 5–31
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Hydrostatic Testing (1 of 3)
• Measures extinguisher’s ability to
withstand internal pressure
• Special test facility required
• Above-normal pressure applied to waterfilled cylinder
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Hydrostatic Testing (2 of 3)
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Hydrostatic Testing (3 of 3)
• Assigned maximum interval usually 5 or 12
years, depending on vessel type
• Must indicate most recent test on the outside of
the extinguisher
• Extinguisher may not be refilled if most recent
test date is not within prescribed limit.
• All out of date extinguishers must be tested at an
appropriate facility.
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Summary (1 of 3)
• Two main uses of fire extinguishers:
– To control incipient-stage fires
– To apply special extinguishing agents
• Fires and fire extinguishers are grouped by their
characteristics.
• Fire extinguishers are classified and rated based
on their characteristics and capabilities.
• Fire extinguishers are tested and approved.
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Summary (2 of 3)
• Two key factors to determine type of
extinguisher to place in each area:
– Class of fire that is likely to occur
– Magnitude of an incipient fire
• Best agent for a hazard based on several factors
• Seven basic types of extinguishing agents
• Most portable extinguishers have six basic parts.
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Summary (3 of 3)
• Extinguishers vary by
– Extinguishing agent
– Capacity
– Effective range
– Time it takes to discharge the agent
• Six basic steps to using an extinguisher
• Extinguishers require regular inspection
and maintenance.
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