Portable Extinguishers Module III

Use of Fire Extinguishers 7 Use of Fire Extinguishers Simple to operate with basic training Six basic steps for extinguishing fires 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.

SELECTING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TS 5–24 Factors to consider when selecting a portable extinguisher. 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 37

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

GUIDELINES FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISER USE TS 5–25 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 . 38

Locating a Fire Extinguisher 7 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.

Selecting the Proper Extinguisher 7 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.

Transporting a Fire Extinguisher 7 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.

Basic Steps of Fire Extinguisher Operation 7 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)

Ensure Your Personal Safety 7 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

The Care of Fire Extinguishers 7 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)

7 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.

Inspection (2 of 2) 7 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 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. 43

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 TS 5–31 Soda-acid Foam Internal Cartridge-Operated Water & Loaded Stream Internal Cartridge-Operated Dry Chemical 44

Hydrostatic Testing (1 of 3) 7 Hydrostatic Testing (1 of 3) Measures extinguisher’s ability to withstand internal pressure Special test facility required Above-normal pressure applied to water-filled cylinder

Hydrostatic Testing (2 of 3) 7 Hydrostatic Testing (2 of 3)

Hydrostatic Testing (3 of 3) 7 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.

Summary (1 of 3) 7 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.

7 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.

Summary (3 of 3) Extinguishers vary by 7 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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