Questions and Answers
What is a Foam Blanket?
The result of a slow and dispersed foam application to reflect radiant heat away from the fuel source, insulates fuel by dispersing the heat away, and assists in smothering the fuel.
What type of fuels have flames that may not be visible?
What is meant by Dry Chemicals with Chain-breaking action?
No physical properties of the fire are affected, oxygen is not displaced, little cooling is accomplished.
What does 'Fuel in depth' refer to?
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What is a Freeboard?
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Where should the extinguisher stream start from the leading edge?
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Spill fires are the easiest of all flammable liquid fires to extinguish with dry chemical.
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A three-dimensional fire involves flammable liquids in motion.
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What is the safest and most successful way of extinguishing fires in the early stages?
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Where should extinguishment begin on a fire?
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How many dry chemical extinguisher operators should be present if there is an obstacle?
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How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
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What procedures should be followed when inspecting a fire extinguisher? (Select all that apply)
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What is Hydrostatic Testing?
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What is the maximum PSI above the extinguisher operating pressure that can be set?
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Who has a responsibility to protect their tenants and the public by maintaining a fire-safe environment?
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Who needs an effective fire protection program that includes strategically-placed portable fire extinguishers?
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Fires are classified according to their ________?
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What type of fires should water extinguishers not be used for?
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What independent testing laboratories rate fire extinguishers?
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Which of the following is not a class of fire?
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Why are the five major classes of fires represented with pictures?
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What is expelling agents in a fire extinguisher dependent on?
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What are the three ways pressure can be generated for fire extinguishers?
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What extinguishing agent creates its own pressure and doesn't require the addition of a pressurizing gas to expel?
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What are the six basic parts of an extinguisher?
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What is Water used as an extinguishing agent suitable for?
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What does NFPA stand for?
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True or False: Never use ABC dry chemical, Halon 1211, or Halotron I fire extinguishers on fires involving oxidizers (pool chemicals).
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What is the most important aspect of any fire extinguisher application technique?
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The minimum temperature to which a material must be raised before combustion will occur is called the ________ temperature.
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What is PASS in relation to fire extinguishers?
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Which side should a fire be fought?
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What are the methods to ensure the foam is not submerged into the fuel?
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What are the advantages of using higher application rates?
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What is NFPA 10?
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Study Notes
Responsibilities and Regulations
- Building owners and managers must maintain a fire-safe environment for tenants and the public.
- Effective fire protection programs that include portable fire extinguishers are required in all public buildings and workplaces.
Fire Classifications
- Fires are classified by their fuel type, influencing extinguishing methods.
- Classes of fires:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper)
- Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oils)
- Class C: Live electrical equipment fires.
- Class D: Combustible metals.
- Class K: Cooking oils and fats (e.g., in kitchen settings).
Fire Extinguishers Overview
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rates extinguishers based on the types of fires they can address.
- Water extinguishers should not be used on combustible cooking media or live electrical equipment due to splatter risk and electric shock hazards.
- Dry chemical extinguishers are versatile, rated for Class A, B, and C fires, commonly found in homes and businesses.
Extinguishing Agents and Mechanisms
- Extinguishing agents are expelled using pressure from gas or a manual pump.
- Carbon Dioxide creates its own pressure, useful for Class B and C fires, and is stored under pressure as a liquid.
- Water is effective for Class A fires; however, it should never be used on electrical fires or cooking media.
Specialized Extinguishing Agents
- Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) forms a protective film on flammable liquids, preventing vapors.
- Wet chemical agents are primarily designed for Class K fires and work by forming a foam that cools the fire and prevents re-ignition (saponification).
- Dry chemical extinguishing agents include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate (Purple K), and monoammonium phosphate (ABC).
Fire Extinguisher Components
- Key parts of an extinguisher:
- Cylinder: Contains the extinguishing agent.
- Handle: For carrying the extinguisher.
- Lever: Used to discharge the agent.
- Nozzle/Horn: Directs the agent.
- Locking mechanism: Prevents accidental discharge.
- Pressure indicator (gauge): Shows if the extinguisher is charged.
Extinguishment Procedures
- Follow the PASS technique: Pull the safety pin, Aim at the fire's base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
- Always prioritize operator safety and maintain a clear escape path.
- To avoid fuel disturbance, apply foam gently and use techniques like "rain down."
Testing and Standards
- Class A fire tests involve extinguishers successfully handling different wood-burning tests.
- NFPA 10 establishes standards for portable fire extinguishers, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Safe Practices and Considerations
- Avoid using dry chemicals or Halon agents on fires involving oxidizers due to explosive reactions.
- Recognize that spill fires lack leading edges, making them easier to extinguish, while three-dimensional fires involve flammable liquids in motion.
- Using extinguishers in teams is the safest method for tackling fires in early stages.### Fire Extinguishment and Safety Protocols
- Begin extinguishment at the ground fire and systematically move towards the source.
- Presence of multiple dry chemical extinguisher operators is required when there are obstacles.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
- Fire extinguishers should be inspected at minimum 30-day intervals.
- Key inspection procedures include:
- Checking that the pressure gauge reading is in the operable range.
- Assessing fullness by weighing the extinguisher.
- Ensuring the discharge outlet is intact and not broken.
- Confirming the seal is unbroken.
- Verifying that operating instructions are clearly visible.
Hydrostatic Testing
- Hydrostatic testing involves applying water pressure or another non-compressible fluid to the cylinder through a specially designed valve coupling.
- Dry chemical extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every 12 years, while all other extinguishers require testing every 5 years.
Pressure Limitations
- The maximum pressure that can be set on the extinguisher must not exceed 25 psi above its operating pressure.
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Description
Test your knowledge on fire extinguishers and fire safety regulations with these flashcards from Chapter 6. Understand the responsibilities of building owners, effective fire protection programs, and classifications of fires based on fuel types. Perfect for anyone studying fire safety or property management.
