firefighter ii. copyright and terms of service copyright © texas education agency, 2011. these...

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable Fire Extinguishers Part IFirefighter II

Copyright and Terms of Service

Copyright Texas Education Agency, 2011. These materials are copyrighted and trademarked as the property of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of TEA, except under the following conditions:

1) Texas public school districts, charter schools, and Education Service Centers may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for the districts and schools educational use without obtaining permission from TEA.2) Residents of the state of Texas may reproduce and use copies of the Materials and Related Materials for individual personal use only, without obtaining written permission of TEA.3) Any portion reproduced must be reproduced in its entirety and remain unedited, unaltered and unchanged in any way.4) No monetary charge can be made for the reproduced materials or any document containing them; however, a reasonable charge to cover only the cost of reproduction and distribution may be charged.

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Contact TEA Copyrights with any questions you may have.

2Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

General Information3Every agent extinguishes fire with at least one of the following methods:Smothering oxygen exclusionCooling reducing the fuel to below its ignition temperatureChain Breaking interrupting the chemical chain reactionSaponification forming oxygen-excluding soapy foam

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.General Information (continued)NFPA 1901, the Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus, requires that pumping apparatusHave two approved, portable fire extinguishers with mounting bracketsMust be suitable for use on Class B and Class C firesA dry chemical extinguishers minimum size is a rating of 80 B:CA carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguisher has a required rating of 10 B:CCarry at least one 2 gallon or larger water extinguisher for use on Class A fires. Be protected from freezing if exposed to temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (water type extinguishers)

4Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Expelling of AgentsAll portable extinguishers expel their agent in one of the following ways:Manual pump (water can)Stored pressurePressure cartridge

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Fire ClassificationsClassified according to the material that is burningSome extinguishing agents are most effective on specific fuel typesThe agent dictates which type of portable extinguisher is most effective on that class fireThe five Classifications are A, B, C, D, and K

6Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Fire Classifications (continued)Class AOrdinary combustibles, extinguished by water or water-based agents, such as foam or multipurpose dry chemicalsWater is the most common agent used by the fire serviceClass BFlammable and combustible liquids and gasesAgents used are carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical, and class B foam

7Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Fire Classifications (continued)Class CFires created by electrical energyWater-based agents are not effective or safe to use until the electricity has been eliminated. Disconnect the electrical source and use the appropriate extinguisher.

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Fire Classifications (continued)Class DCombustible metalsThese fires are often identified by the bright white emissions from the burning processDry powder extinguishers are the most effectiveClass KCombustible cooking oilsWet chemical extinguishers and extinguishing systems are the most effective

9Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Extinguisher TypesPump-Type Water ExtinguishersIntended for use on small Class A firesEquipped with a single- or double-action pump

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Stored Pressure Water ExtinguishersAlso called air pressurized water (APW) extinguishers, or pressurized water extinguishersIntended for use on all types of small Class A firesThey are often used for hot spots during overhaul.Water is stored with compressed air or nitrogen

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Stored Pressure Water Extinguishers(continued)Class A foam concentrate isSometimes added to water extinguishers to increase their effectivenessAlso used as a wetting agent to help reachDeep seated fires in upholstered furnitureBaled fuelsWildland fires with dense matted vegetation

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Water-Mist Stored Pressure ExtinguishersIntended for use on Class A and C firesUse deionized water as an agentThe deionized water is non-conductiveThe extinguisher uses a fine spray that increases the cooling and soaking characteristics of water

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Wet Chemical Stored-Pressure Extinguishers (Class K)Similar in appearance to conventional stored-pressure unitsDesigned to control and extinguish fires in deep fryers found in kitchensContain a special potassium-based, low pH agent that is designed to cool and extinguish fires in unsaturated cooking oils


Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) ExtinguishersAlso known as light waterIntended for use on Class A and Class B firesEffective in suppressing vapors from small liquid fuel spillsA highly effective extinguishing and blanketing agent on hydrocarbon fuelsIneffective on polar solventsAFFF is corrosive and can remove finishes from tools and apparatus


Clean Agent ExtinguishersDesigned to replace Halon 1211Discharge a rapidly evaporating liquid that leaves no residueAgents include:Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCCF)Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)Perfluorocarbon (PFC)Fluoroidiocarbon (FIC)


Clean Agent Extinguishers (continued)Effectively cool and smother fires in Class A and B fuels, and, because the agents are non-conductive, they may be used on Class C firesThey are pressurized with Argon gasApproved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

17Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.18

Typical Class K ExtinguisherFoam Aspirating NozzleClean Agent ExtinguisherCopyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) ExtinguishersEffective on Class B and Class C firesCome as handheld and wheeled unitsWheeled units are usually found in airports and industry.Wheeled unit hoses (usually less than 15 feet long) must be unwound before use.Limited reach because they are discharged as a gas


Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers(continued)Do not require freeze protectionStored under their own pressureThe CO2 gas displaces available oxygen and smothers the fire.It has little cooling effect, despite the fact that it is discharged at subzero temperaturesDoes not produce a vapor-suppressing film, so reignition is always possible20

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Dry Chemical ExtinguishersFor use on Class A:B:C fires and/or Class B-C firesThe most common portable extinguishers in use todayCome as handheld units or wheeled unitsCartridge-type and stored-pressure designTwo basic types:Regular B:C-ratedMultipurpose A:B:C-rated 21

B:C rated extinguisherCopyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers(continued)Commonly used dry chemicals:Sodium bicarbonatePotassium bicarbonatePotassium chlorideMonoammonium phosphateUrea-potassiumDuring manufacturing, chemicals are mixed with an additive to make them moisture resistant. This prevents them from caking inside the extinguisher.22


Dry Chemical Extinguishers(continued)Monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate agents are not compatible with foam. They will cause a foam blanket to break down.Dry chemical agents are considered non-toxic.Upon discharge, chemical clouds can reduce visibility and create respiratory problems as airborne particulates.Discharge should be directed at whatever is burning, to cover it with the chemical.When the flames are knocked down, the agent should be applied intermittently on any hot spots.Many of the agents are corrosive.On wheeled units, the hose must be extended before use.

23Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Extinguishers and Agents for Metal FiresNo single agent can control fires in all combustible metals.Some powered agents can be applied by extinguishers, while others need to be applied by a shovel or scoop.Portable extinguishers for Class D fires can be handheld or wheeled units.Agents must be applied in sufficient depth to completely cover the area that is burning; the agent creates a smothering blanket.The agents may form a crust over the metal, and if the crust breaks, the fire may reignite.Avoid scattering the burned metal.After the metal is extinguished, the material should be left undisturbed until it is cooled completely; then it may be disposed of.

24Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Extinguishers and Agents for Metal Fires(continued)25

Class D agent may be applied with a shovel. Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Portable Fire Extinguishers Part IIFirefighter II

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Fire Extinguisher Rating SystemExtinguishers are classified according to their intended use. Icons, such as the ones on this label, indicate that this is intended for Class A fires but prohibited for use on Class B and C fires.

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Class A RatingsRated from 1-A through 40-ARatings are based on the amount of extinguishing agent, and the duration and range of the discharge used in extinguishing test firesFor a 1-A rating, 1 gallons of water is requiredFor a 2-A rating, 2 gallons, or twice the capacity, is requiredRatings are based on test fires in various sizes of fuel test cribs

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Controlled Fire In a Wooden CribCopyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Class B RatingsClassified with numerical ratings from 1-B through 640-BRatings are based on the approximate square foot area of flammable liquid fire that a non-expert operator can extinguishNon-expert operators are expected to extinguish 1 square foot for each numerical rating

29Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Class C RatingsThere are no number ratingsClass A and Class B fires involving energized electrical equipmentExtinguishing agents for Class C extinguishers are tested to make sure they are non-conductiveThe rating is assigned to extinguishers in addition to their Class A or Class B rating, or both30

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Class D RatingsNo numerical rating is givenTest fires for establishing Class D ratings vary with the combustible metal being testedThe following factors are considered:Reaction between the metal and the agentToxicity of the agentToxicity of the fumes produced and the products of combustion.The time needed to allow the metal to burn out without fire suppression efforts, versus the time needed to extinguish the fireApplication instructions for specific agents are on the faceplate31

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Class K RatingsRecognized by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) since 1996Class K ExtinguishersMust be capable of saponifying vegetable, peanut, canola, and other oils with little or no fatty acidsSaponify reduce fatty acids or fats into a soap or foamWork by suppressing vapors and smothering the fireClass K agents must be able to extinguish a fire in a deep fryer with a surface area of 2.25 square feet.

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Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Multiple MarkingsExtinguishers may be capable of extinguishing more than one class of fireThe three most common extinguisher combinations areClass A:B:CClass A:BClass B:CExtinguishers should be properly marked, or not used.The ratings of each class of fire that an extinguisher can extinguish are independent of each other.Example: a 4-A 20-B C extinguisher can extinguish a Class A fire 4 times greater than a 1-A extinguisher can, and a Class B fire 20 times greater than a 1-B:C can

33Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Multiple MarkingsPortable extinguishers are identified two ways:Geometric shapes of specific colors with the class letter in the shapePictographs to make the selection of the most appropriate extinguisher easier. An additional pictograph shows the type(s) of fire the extinguisher will not extinguish. This method is recommended by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).34Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Proper Extinguisher SelectionClassification of the burning fuel.Rating of the extinguisher.Hazards to be protected.Size and intensity of the fire.Atmospheric conditions.Life hazards or operational concerns.Ease of handling.Availability of trained personnel.


Using Portable ExtinguishersBecome familiar with the instructions found on the different types of extinguishers.Make sure that extinguishers are accessible from fire service vehicles, and fully operational.Check it before using it.After choosing the proper extinguisher (size and type), approach the fire from the windward side (wind at your back).


Using Portable Extinguishers(continued)All modern extinguishersOperate similarlyDo not need to be invertedPick up the extinguisher by the handle and carry it to the point of discharge (application)PASS MethodMake sure the extinguisher reaches the fireOperate with enough distance; being too close with an extinguisher can scatter lightweight fuels. Be careful!Move closer for final extinguishment after the fire is knocked down


PASS MethodPASS MethodPull the pin, breaking the seal.Aim the nozzle at whatever is burning.Squeeze the handles together to release the agent.Sweep the nozzle back and forth to cover the burning material.

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Inspecting Fire ExtinguishersNFPA 10 requires that portable fire extinguishers be inspected at least once every year, and that they are accessible and operable.Inspections are the responsibility of the building owner, and are usually done by the owner or their designee, such as a licensed extinguisher company.Firefighters should include extinguisher inspections as part of their annual building inspections.Fire extinguisher inspections should includeLocation and accessibilityChecking the following39Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers(continued)40The discharge nozzle or horn for obstructionsFor cracks, dirt, or grease accumulationsThe extinguisher shell for damageThe operating instructions for legibilityThe locking pin and tamper sealThat the extinguisher is full and pressurizedThe weight and pressure gaugeIf the extinguisher is found to be deficient in weight by 10 percent, it should be removed from serviceThe inspection tag for date of previous inspection, maintenance, or rechargingThe hose and hose fittings


Inspecting Fire Extinguishers(continued)41Regularly inspect extinguishers located on fire apparatusThree factors that determine the value of a portable fire extinguisher: ServiceabilityAccessibilitySimplicity of operation


Damaged & Obsolete Extinguishers 42Damaged extinguishers should be replaced. Do not use them again until they are certified for use.Obsolete extinguishers should be removed from service.Inverting-type extinguishers stopped being manufactured in 1969.Copper and brass shells have been discontinued.Carbon tetrachloride and chlorobromomethane have been obsolete since 1982

Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Halon Fire ExtinguishersTermination and consumption of Halon by the year 2000 because of its ozone depletion materialThe only exception is for essential uses where there is no alternativeThe U.S. stopped producing halogens in 1993.Extinguishes fire by interrupting the chemical chain reactionThe vapor is non-conductive and effective on surface firesHalon 1211 was replaced by FE-36 (hexafluoropropane)Halon 1301 was replaced by FE-241 (chlorotetrafluoroethane) and FM-20043Copyright Texas Education Agency 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.Resources0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA)Images used with permission from IFSTA.


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