Fire Classes & Extinguishers Quiz and Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Portable fire extinguishers are classified according to the:

Place where they were manufactured

Certification level required to operate them

Type of fire they are designed to extinguish (correct)

Amount of time they have been in service

A portable fire extinguisher must be labeled with the:

Colors that designate its class rating

Letter and/or symbols that designate its class rating (correct)

Name of the purchasing department

Type of PPE required to be worn while operating

How would a fire containing plastics be classified?

Class A (correct)

Class K

Class D

Class B

Class A portable fire extinguishers are rated from 1-A through 40-A based upon the amount of water and:

Duration and range of discharge used in extinguishing test fires Signup and view all the answers

What material is a Class B fuel?

Gasoline Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extinguishing agent is used to extinguish Class B fire?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Class C fires is accurate?

Once the electricity has been shut off to a Class C fire it may be treated as a Class A or Class B fire Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of Class D fuel?

Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

Which extinguishing agent should be used for Class D fire?

Dry powder Signup and view all the answers

When an extinguishing agent is determined to be safe and effective for use on combustible metals, it will:

Include application instructions on the faceplate Signup and view all the answers

Class K fires involve:

Cooking oils Signup and view all the answers

Class K rated extinguishers work because of ___, which converts fatty acids into a soapy film.

Saponification Signup and view all the answers

Which method of extinguishment excludes oxygen from the burning process?

Smothering Signup and view all the answers

How does chemical flame inhibition work to extinguish fire?

Interrupts the chemical chain reaction in the burning process Signup and view all the answers

A ___ extinguisher requires the operator to apply pressure to a pump that increases pressure within the container and forces the agent out the nozzle.

manual pump Signup and view all the answers

Pump-type water extinguishers are intended primarily for use on:

Ground cover fires Signup and view all the answers

Stored pressure water extinguishers are used on Class ___ fires.

A Signup and view all the answers

What do manufacturers sometimes add to stored-pressure water extinguishers in order to increase their effectiveness?

Class A foam Signup and view all the answers

On which type of fires are stored pressure water-mist extinguishers safe and effective to use?

Class C Signup and view all the answers

Wet chemical stored pressure extinguishers are intended for use on fires:

Class K Signup and view all the answers

Which extinguisher would be effective for use on a burning puddle of gasoline at a vehicle incident?

Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

The air-aspirating foam nozzle used with an aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) extinguisher produces:

Higher quality foam than a standard extinguisher nozzle Signup and view all the answers

Where would a clean agent extinguisher likely be used?

Computer room fire Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers?

CO2 gas displaces oxygen to smother the fire Signup and view all the answers

In which situation would a dry chemical extinguisher be MOST effective?

Fuel spill fire at a vehicle accident Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about dry chemical extinguishers is accurate?

Particles of the agent may become airborne during application Signup and view all the answers

When applying a dry powder agent, it is important to:

Avoid breaking the crust that forms over the burning material Signup and view all the answers

When selecting the appropriate type of portable fire extinguisher to use for a situation, it is important to consider:

The class of fuel that is burning Signup and view all the answers

A ___ extinguisher should be used in areas with highly sensitive computer equipment because it will cause less damage to the equipment than other extinguishers.

clean agent Signup and view all the answers

What should be the next step after choosing the appropriate fire extinguisher for a fire?

Inspect the extinguisher to make sure it is charged and operable Signup and view all the answers

When operating a portable fire extinguisher, it is safest to approach the fire:

With the wind at your back Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the PASS application method of operating a portable fire extinguisher?

Pull the pin to break the thin wire or plastic seal Signup and view all the answers

When operating a portable fire extinguisher:

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about using a portable fire extinguisher on an incipient stage fire is accurate?

Operating close to the fire can scatter solid fuel or penetrate the surface of liquid fuel Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if an entire extinguisher is discharged but the fire is not extinguished?

Withdraw and reassess the situation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Extinguishers Classification

Portable fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they extinguish.
Extinguishers must be labeled with letters and symbols indicating their class rating.

Fire Classes

Class A fires involve materials like plastics, wood, and paper products.
Class B fires pertain to flammable liquids such as gasoline and oils.
Class C fires include energized electrical equipment and should be treated as Class A or B post deactivation.
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium.
Class K fires are related to cooking oils and fats.

Extinguishing Agents

Class A extinguishers are rated from 1-A to 40-A based on test discharge duration and range.
Carbon dioxide is effective for Class B fires by smothering and displacing oxygen.
Dry powder is the suitable agent for Class D fires.
Wet chemical extinguishers utilize saponification to tackle Class K fires.

Extinguishing methods

Smothering removes oxygen from the fire's process.
Chemical flame inhibition interrupts the reaction chain in burning materials.

Portable Extinguisher Operation

Manual pump extinguishers require operator pressure for discharge.
Stored pressure water extinguishers are effective on Class A fires.
Manufacturers sometimes enhance stored-pressure water extinguishers with Class A foam for increased efficacy.

Specific Extinguisher Applications

Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) extinguishers are good for flammable liquid fires.
Stored pressure water-mist extinguishers are safe for Class C fires.
Clean agent extinguishers minimize damage to sensitive electrical equipment in computer rooms.

Operating Procedures

Inspect extinguishers for charge and operability before use.
Approach a fire with the wind at your back for safety.
Follow the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep the nozzle.

Safety Considerations

Operating too close to a fire can spread solid fuels or penetrate liquid surfaces.
If an extinguisher is discharged and the fire persists, withdraw and reassess the situation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fire classes and extinguishers with this quiz based on IFSTA Chapter 6. This chapter covers the different types of portable fire extinguishers and their classifications. Prepare to enhance your understanding of fire safety and extinguishing methods!

IFSTA Chapter 6 - Fire Classes and Extinguishers