Portable Fire Extinguisher Overview Safety Training Fire Basics Classes of Fire Portable Fire Extinguisher Overview Extinguishing a Fire
FIRE – it is a chemical reaction that takes place between fuel, heat and oxygen in form of light and noticeable heat.
HOW FIRE BURNS? Fire occurs whenever a given material is heated on the presence of oxygen to a temperature corresponding to the ignition point of the material.
ELEMENTS OF FIRE FUEL OXYGEN HEAT
FUEL – any substance that will burn when heated or hot enough in the presence of sufficient oxygen.
OXYGEN – atmosphere consists of 21% of oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% of other elements.
HEAT Three Stages: 1. Flash point – lowest temperature at which a flammable substance will give off vapor that will ignite when a flame or spark is introduced in the presence of sufficient oxygen. 2. Fire point – a temperature which is a few degrees higher than a flash point in which a flammable substance will continue to burn after it has been ignited. 3. Ignition point – a temperature which is higher than a fire point at which a substance is heated to give off vapor that will burn without the application of spark or a flame in the presence of sufficient oxygen.
FIRE TRIANGLE OXYGEN HEAT FUEL
Breaking the Fire Triangle OXYGEN HEAT FUEL Removal of Fuel: Shut off fuel supply Jettisoning or relocation Reduction of Heat: Use something that will absorb heat Water is the best cooling agent Control of Oxygen: Closing ventilation Displace or dilute oxygen by means of CO2 Blanketing
CLASSES OF FIRE Class “A” – combustible materials Characteristics – deep seated, leave ash and embers. Extinguishing method – cooling Class “B” – flammable liquid, gases, greases and similar products. Characteristic – surface burning. Extinguishing method – cut off oxygen supply or prevent flammable vapor from being given off. Class “C” – electrical fires Characteristic – electrical shock Extinguishing method – use non-conducting extinguishing agent. Class “D” – combustible metal fires