Portable Extinguishers Firefighter I Portable Extinguishers

Four Classes of Fire It is important to know the 4 classes of fire and the appropriate type of fire extinguisher to use on each. Why? Each class of fire has its own requirements for extinguishment. Incorrect choice of extinguisher type may result in ineffective extinguishment. Incorrect choice may result in increased property loss. Incorrect choice may result in injury.

Class A – Ordinary Combustibles Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics Cooling below ignition temp is most common method of extinguishment Water, AFFF, Dry Chemical

Class B – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Gasoline, oil, lacquer, paint, alcohol Oxygen exclusion (smothering) most effective form of extinguishment Other Methods – remove fuel, temp reduction, and interruption of the chain reaction (Purple K) Halon, CO2, Dry Chemical, AFFF Maximum travel distance is 75’ for Light Class A hazards

Class C – Energized Electrical Equipment Household appliances, computers, transformers, and power lines Fastest - De-energize then fight appropriately depending upon fuel involved Non-conducting agents – Halon, CO2, Dry Chemical. Remove from service if any of these areas are defficient

Class D – Combustible Metals Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium Water and common extinguishing agents typically ineffective. Dry Powder – Agent varies depending on metal. No one agent works on all class D fires. Identify and treat appropriately. MSDS and/or DOT Guidebook will give recommendations.

Extinguisher Ratings Extinguishers are classified according to the types of fire for which they are intended – Class A through D and K Class A and Class B extinguishers are rated according to performance capability.

Class A Rating Class A rating is primarily based on the amount of extinguishing agent and the duration and range of discharge used in extinguishing test fires. Range from 1-A to 40-A For a 1-A rating, 1 ¼ gallons of water are required A 2-A rating requires 2 ½ gallons or twice the 1- A capacity

Class B Rating Rating based on approximate square foot area of a flammable liquid fire that a nonexpert operator can extinguish A nonexpert is expected to extinguish 1 square foot for each numerical rating of the extinguisher Range of 1-B to 640-B

Class C Rating Only confirms that agent has been tested for electrical non- conductivity.

Class D Rating Rated on the types of combustible metal Details of instruction included on face plate of the extinguisher

Class K Rating Fire extinguishers for cooking media used in commercial deep fat fryers. (vegetable or animal oils and fats) To be used after fixed extinguishing system has been activated.

2 Systems of Labeling Portable Extinguishers

Used on Class D Fires – Agent depends on type of metal Used on Class D Fires – Agent depends on type of metal. Some dry powders may be applied by extinguisher, others need to scooped or shoveled.

Intended for small Class A fires only

Water Mist Primarily for class A fires but are safe for use on class C fires Water mist take away the heat element Alternative to clean agent extinguishers New Rating

Class A Foam sometimes added to serve as a wetting agent Class A Foam sometimes added to serve as a wetting agent. Protect against freezing when exposed to temps below 40 degrees. May add antifreeze to the water

Same as Stored Pressure except contains a specified amount of AFFF and has an air aspirated nozzle. Apply by allowing to gently rain down or deflect off an object to prevent disturbance of the foam blanket.

Halotron Replacement for Halon Clean agent extinguisher Potassium Acetate New Rating by UL. Use after fixed system has been activated.

Should have been phased out by 2000 due to international agreement called the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Only exception is for essential uses where no suitable alternatives are available. Halon 1211 and 1301. Interrupts the Chain Reaction

Discharges as a gas. Displaces oxygen and smothers the fire Discharges as a gas. Displaces oxygen and smothers the fire. Also removes heat due to cold discharge temp.

Wet Chemical New agent developed for use in commercial deep fat fryers. New Class K (Safe for Class C) Discharges as a fine mist. Removes heat to extinguish and then provides a barrier between oxygen and fuel to prevent reignition Also can be used on small Class A fires

Sodium bicarbonate, Potassium bicarbonate, Urea-potassium bicarbonate, Potassium chloride, Monoammonium, Phosphate. 2 Kinds of Dry Chemical – Regular BC rated and Multipurpose ABC rated. Stored pressure and cartridge operated. Interrupt the Chain reaction and creates a barrier between oxygen and the fuel. Purple K

Dry Chemical vs Dry Powder

Wheeled Cart

AGENTS USED IN FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Pump tank & backpack pump (water). Stored pressure (water). AFFF (aqueous film forming foam). Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluromethane). Halon 1301 ( bromotrifluoromethane). Co2 (liquefied compressed gas). Dry chemical (ordinary and multipurpose).

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER VALUES Three important factors that determine the value of a fire extinguisher: Serviciability. Accessibility. Users ability to operate.

Hydrostatic Testing NFPA 10 requires hydrostatic testing of extinguisher cylinders Test results are recorded on the cylinder Refer to NFPA 10 for Specific information on extinguisher testing.

Hydrostatic Test Intervals 5 12 Stored-pressure water, loaded stream, and/or antifreeze Wetting agent AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) FFFP (film-forming fluoroprotein foam) Dry chemical with stainless steel shells Carbon dioxide Wet chemical Dry chemical, stored-pressure, with mild steel shells, brazed brass shells, or aluminum shells Dry chemical, cartridge- or cylinder-operated, with mild steel shells Halogenated agents Dry powder, stored-pressure, cartridge- or cylinder-operated, with mild steel shells NFPA 10 table 7.2

High Pressure Hydro Stamping High-Pressure Cylinders and Cartridges. Cylinders or cartridges that pass the hydrostatic test shall be stamped with the retester’s identification number and month and year of the retest per TC/DOT requirements. Stamping shall be placed only on the shoulder, top head, neck, or foot ring (where provided) of the cylinder.

Low Pressure Hydro Label

INSPECTION PROCEDURES Extinguisher in proper location & accessible. Inspect discharge horn & nozzle. Inspect shell for any physical damage Operating instructions legible. Check lock pins & tamper seals. Full of agent and/or fully pressurized. Date of previous inspection (determined by code). Condition of hose & fittings.

Types of Damage Leaking Corrosion Damaged shells or cylinders Leaking hoses Leaking gaskets Nozzle damage Loose labels

MAINTENANCE CHECK Maintenance procedures should include examination of three basic parts: Mechanical parts. Extinguishing agents. Expelling means.

RECORDS Building owners should keep the following records on maintenance and inspections: Month. Year. Type of maintenance. Date of last recharge. Never attempt to repair the shell or cylinder.

Inspections vs Maintenance

OBSOLETE EXTINGUISHERS Soda-acid extinguisher. Inverted foam extinguisher. Cartridge-operated water extinguishers. Liquid carbon tetrachloride extinguishers.

SELECTION FACTORS Hazards to be protected. Severity of the fire. Atmospheric conditions. Personnel available. Ease of handling. Life hazard or operational concerns.

Refilling a “Water Can”

PASS Pull Aim Squeeze Sweep Inspections completed every 30 days and logged on tag. Maintenance performed annually by qualified personnel.

Questions?