Questions and Answers
Portable fire extinguishers are classified according to the:
A portable fire extinguisher must be labeled with the:
How would a fire containing plastics be classified?
Class A
Class A portable fire extinguishers are rated based upon the amount of water and what?
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Which material is class B fuel?
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Which type of extinguishing agent is used to extinguish a Class B fire?
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Which statement about Class C fires is accurate?
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_____ is an example of a Class D fuel
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Which extinguishing agent should be used for a Class D fire?
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When an extinguishing agent is safe and effective for use on combustible metals, it will:
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Class K fires involve:
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Class K rated extinguishers work because of _______, which converts fatty acids into a soapy film.
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Which method of extinguishment excludes oxygen from the burning process?
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How does chemical flame inhibition work to extinguish fire?
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A ______ extinguisher requires the operator to apply pressure to a pump that increases pressure within the container and forces the agent out of the nozzle.
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Pump-type water extinguishers are intended primarily for use on:
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Stored-pressure water extinguishers are used on Class _____ fires.
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What do manufacturers sometimes add to stored-pressure water extinguishers in order to increase their effectiveness?
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On which type of fires are stored-pressure water-mist extinguishers safe and effective to use?
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Wet chemical stored-pressure extinguishers are intended for use on ___ fires.
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Which extinguisher would be effective for use on a burning puddle of gasoline at a vehicle incident?
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The air-aspirating foam nozzle used with an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) extinguisher produces:
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Where would a clean agent extinguisher likely be used?
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What is a characteristic of carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher?
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In which situation would a dry chemical extinguisher be most effective?
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Which statement about dry chemical extinguishers is accurate?
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When applying a dry powder agent, it is important to:
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When selecting the appropriate type of portable fire extinguisher to use for a situation, it is important to consider:
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A ____ extinguisher should be used in areas with highly sensitive computer equipment because it will cause less damage to the equipment than other extinguishers.
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What should be the next step after choosing the appropriate fire extinguisher for a fire?
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When operating a portable fire extinguisher, it is safest to approach the fire:
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What is the first step in the PASS application method of operating a portable fire extinguisher?
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When operating a portable fire extinguisher:
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Which statement about using a portable fire extinguisher on an incipient stage fire is accurate?
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What action should be taken if an entire extinguisher is discharged but the fire is not extinguished?
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Study Notes
Fire Extinguisher Classifications
- Portable fire extinguishers are classified based on their intended use and the type of fire they are designed to extinguish.
- Labels on extinguishers indicate class ratings using letters and/or symbols for easy identification.
Types of Fires and Corresponding Extinguishers
- Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles, such as plastics, and are rated from 1-A to 40-A based on performance in extinguishing tests.
- Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline, best extinguished with carbon dioxide agents.
- Class C fires are electrical fires; once electricity is cut, they are treated as Class A or B.
- Class D fires comprise combustible metals, such as magnesium, requiring dry powder agents.
- Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, effectively handled by wet chemical extinguishers.
Extinguishing Agents and Techniques
- Agents used for Class D fires must include instructions for safe application against combustible metals.
- Saponification is the process by which Class K extinguishers create a soapy film to extinguish fires.
- Smothering effectively excludes oxygen, halting the fire's combustion process.
- Chemical flame inhibition disrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire.
Manual and Stored Pressure Extinguishers
- Manual pump extinguishers require manual pressure to discharge the extinguishing agent.
- Stored-pressure water extinguishers are specifically effective on Class A fires.
- Class A foam can enhance the effectiveness of stored-pressure water extinguishers.
- Stored-pressure water-mist extinguishers are safe for Class C fire applications.
Specialized Extinguishers
- Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) extinguishers are ideal for vehicle gasoline fires.
- Clean agent extinguishers are suitable for sensitive environments, like computer rooms, and minimize equipment damage.
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers displace oxygen, aiding in smothering flames.
Application Techniques
- The PASS method for operating extinguishers includes Pulling the pin, Aiming at the base, Squeezing the handle, and Sweeping the nozzle.
- Always approach fires with the wind at your back for safety.
- Closely operating near a fire can scatter fuel or penetrate liquid surfaces, increasing danger.
Safety and Inspection
- Regularly inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they are charged and in working condition.
- If an extinguisher is depleted without extinguishing the fire, withdraw and re-evaluate the situation for safety.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the classifications of fire extinguishers and the types of fires they are designed to extinguish. This quiz covers various classes of fires, the appropriate extinguishing agents, and techniques involved. Challenge yourself to ensure you're prepared for fire safety!
