NFPA Standards and Fire Classes Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What NFPA Standard is referenced for portable fire extinguishers?

NFPA 20

NFPA 50

NFPA 30

NFPA 10 (correct)

How many classes of fires are there?

What acronym is used to describe the operating principle of a fire extinguisher?

PASS

Class A fires are represented by which color and symbol?

Green / Triangle Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fire are ordinary combustibles?

Class A Signup and view all the answers

Class B fires are represented by which color and symbol?

Red / Square Signup and view all the answers

What do Class B fires consist of?

Flammable liquids, greases, and gases. Signup and view all the answers

Class C fires are represented by what color and shape?

Blue / Circle Signup and view all the answers

Energized electrical equipment is which class of fire?

Class C Signup and view all the answers

Combustible metals comprise class ____ fires and are represented by which color and shape.

D, yellow / star Signup and view all the answers

Give examples of Class D or combustible metal fires.

Titanium, Zirconium, Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

Class K fires involve what?

Combustible cooking oils, vegetable or animal fat. Signup and view all the answers

Carbon Dioxide or CO2 extinguishers are rated for which classes of fire?

B & C Signup and view all the answers

What are two types of ABC rated extinguishers?

Ordinary or Multipurpose Signup and view all the answers

Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers are rated for which classes of fires?

A, B, & C Signup and view all the answers

Fires involving Class C materials should be ________________ first.

deenergized / unplugged Signup and view all the answers

What agency is responsible for testing and rating fire extinguishers?

UL Signup and view all the answers

An expert trained in the proper use of an extinguisher can expect _____ times more fire extinguisher potential.

2.5 Signup and view all the answers

A '1A' rated extinguisher means what?

The A rating is a water equivalency rating. Signup and view all the answers

Portable extinguishers are intended to be used on small fires in the __ or _ phase.

incipient or early growth Signup and view all the answers

A 10 'B' rated extinguisher would have the potential to extinguish ____ square feet of class B fire.

10 square feet Signup and view all the answers

Explain the extinguisher rating of 2A10BC.

It is rated for use on Class A, B, or C fires. Signup and view all the answers

Why would an extinguisher receive a class C rating?

The agent inside does not conduct electricity. Signup and view all the answers

How much water is in a 'Water Can', and what is the rating?

2.5 gallons of water, rating is 2A Signup and view all the answers

Name some features that distinguish a CO2 extinguisher from other types.

No pressure gauge, large horn or nozzle on hose. Signup and view all the answers

How can you tell the readiness of a CO2 extinguisher?

It must be weighed. Signup and view all the answers

What are typical inspection/test intervals for extinguishers?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Name 3 tests for Class A fires.

Wood panel, wood crib, excelsior Signup and view all the answers

Name 4 mechanisms by which extinguisher agents extinguish a fire.

Smothering, cooling, chain breaking, saponification. Signup and view all the answers

Dry powder extinguishers are used for Class ___ fires ONLY.

D Signup and view all the answers

What extinguishers are required on pumping apparatus by NFPA 1901?

2 extinguishers suitable for Class B & C fires, dry chemical at least 80B:C, CO2 at least 10B:C, and one 2.5 gallon or larger water extinguisher for Class A fires. Signup and view all the answers

Water mist extinguishers are rated for Class _ & fires and use __________ water.

A & C, deionized water Signup and view all the answers

Class K fires are extinguished using _______________ extinguishers.

Wet chemical Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NFPA Standards and Ratings

Portable fire extinguishers are governed by NFPA 10.
There are five classes of fires identified by the NFPA.

Fire Classes

Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastics, rubber, and textiles. Represented by a green triangle.
Class B fires comprise flammable liquids and gases such as diesel fuel, kerosene, gasoline, and propane, marked by a red square.
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, indicated by a blue circle.
Class D fires consist of combustible metals like titanium, zirconium, and magnesium. Represented by a yellow star.
Class K fires pertain to combustible cooking oils, vegetable or animal fats.

Operating Principles

The operating principle of a fire extinguisher is summarized by the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Extinguisher Ratings

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are suitable for Class B and C fires.
ABC rated extinguishers can be classified as ordinary or multipurpose, rated for Class A, B, and C fires.
A "1A" rated extinguisher equals 1.25 gallons of water; thus, a 4A rating equates to five gallons.
A "10 B" rated extinguisher can extinguish a fire spanning 10 square feet.

Usage and Efficacy

Energized electrical equipment should be de-energized or unplugged before using a Class C extinguisher.
An expert trained in extinguisher use can achieve up to 2.5 times more fire extinguishing potential.

Extinguisher Features

CO2 extinguishers lack a pressure gauge and feature a large horn or nozzle.
Readiness of a CO2 extinguisher is determined by its weight.
Dry powder extinguishers are specifically for Class D fires.

Inspection and Maintenance

Monthly inspections are required by owners or employees.
Licensed professionals must inspect extinguishers yearly.
Extinguishers need to be checked after each use, when damage is suspected, and undergo maintenance every six years.

Specialized Extinguishers

Water mist extinguishers are suitable for Class A and C fires, utilizing deionized water.
Wet chemical extinguishers are designated for Class K fires.
NFPA 1901 mandates two extinguishers suited for Class B and C fires on pumping apparatus, including specified ratings for dry chemical and water extinguishers.

Testing and Mechanisms

Testing for Class A fires includes wood panel, wood crib, and excelsior methods.
Extinguisher agents extinguish fires through various mechanisms: smothering, cooling, chain breaking, and saponification.

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Description

Test your knowledge on NFPA standards and ratings concerning fire extinguishers and the different classes of fires. This quiz covers important concepts such as the PASS technique and extinguisher applications for specific fire types. Perfect for anyone looking to understand fire safety regulations.