Fire Extinguisher Concepts and Classifications

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Questions and Answers

What is a fire extinguisher?

Portable fire fighting device designed to combat incipient fires.

What is an extinguishing agent?

Any substance used for the purpose of controlling or extinguishing a fire.

What class of fire involves ordinary combustibles like wood and paper?

Class A Fire

What is dry chemical in relation to fire extinguishing?

Any one of a number of powdery extinguishing agents used to extinguish fires. Signup and view all the answers

What class of fire involves flammable and combustible liquids?

Class B Fire Signup and view all the answers

What class of fire involves energized electrical equipment?

Class C Fire Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fire involves combustible metals?

Class D Fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a clean agent?

A clean agent does not harm the ozone layer. Signup and view all the answers

Portable fire extinguishers are often suitable for more than one class of fire.

True Signup and view all the answers

Class C extinguishing agents are capable of conducting electricity.

False Signup and view all the answers

Water can be safely used on a Class C fire until the electricity is turned off.

False Signup and view all the answers

Portable fire extinguishers are identified in two ways: geometric shapes and _____ .

pictographs Signup and view all the answers

Extinguisher ratings for Class A portable fire extinguishers are based primarily on the amount of _____ used.

water Signup and view all the answers

The finished foam of an aqueous film forming foam extinguisher floats on the surface of fuels that are _____ than water.

lighter Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked immediately before using a portable fire extinguisher?

External condition, hose/nozzle, weight, pressure gauge. Signup and view all the answers

Match the class of fire to its description:

Class A = Fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as textiles, paper, plastics, rubber and wood. Class B = Fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids and gases. Class C = Fires that involve energized electrical equipment. Class K = Fires that involve combustible cooking oils such as vegetable or animal fats. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extinguisher is effective on Class K fires?

Wet chemical stored-pressure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Extinguisher Concepts

Fire Extinguisher: A portable device designed to combat incipient fires.
Extinguishing Agent: Substance used to control or extinguish a fire.

Classifications of Fires

Class A Fire: Involves ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
Class B Fire: Comprises flammable and combustible liquids and gases.
Class C Fire: Involves energized electrical equipment.
Class D Fire: Pertains to combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium.
Class K Fire: Involves cooking appliances with combustible cooking media like oils and fats.

Extinguishing Agents

Dry Chemical: Powdery agent used to extinguish various types of fires.
Dry Powder: Suitable for use on combustible metal fires.
Wet Chemical: Utilized primarily for Class K fires; contains potassium-based agents.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): Creates a vapor barrier over fuel spills, effective on hydrocarbon fuels.
Carbon Dioxide: Displaces oxygen and is effective on Class B and C fire types.
Water Mist: Atomizes water for extinguishing fires, safe for energized equipment.

Fire Fighting Techniques

Smothering: Excludes oxygen from the fire.
Cooling: Reduces temperature below ignition point.
Chemical Flame Inhibition: Interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire.
Saponification: Forms a soapy film when alkaline substances interact with certain cooking oils.

Safety Practices

Use extinguishers matching the fire class intended.
Never use water on Class D fires; it can react violently.
Always ensure a clear exit when using a portable fire extinguisher.
Conduct proper checks of weight, hose, external condition, and pressure gauge before operation.

Extinguishment Application Method (PASS)

P: Pull pin breaking seal.
A: Aim nozzle at fire base.
S: Squeeze handles to release agent.
S: Sweep nozzle side to side for coverage.

Additional Knowledge

Saponification in Class K fires involves creating a barrier against flames.
Dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B, and C fires but not for Class D.
Factors for selecting an extinguisher include type of fuel, extinguisher rating, and atmospheric conditions.
Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the fuel surface when applying extinguishing agents.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of fire extinguishers, including types and classifications of fires. It also explores various extinguishing agents and their specific uses. Test your knowledge on fire safety and effective extinguishing methods.