Portable Foam Extinguishers: Types and Applications

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Questions and Answers

What type of fires are foam portable extinguishers designed to combat?

Class-C fires involving electrical equipment

Class-A fires involving ordinary combustibles (correct)

Class-B fires involving flammable liquids

Class-D fires like flammable metal fires

Which type of foam extinguisher is highly effective against Class-B and C fuel fires?

Liquid Protein Film Forming Foam Extinguisher

Wet Chemical Foam Extinguisher (correct)

Alcohol Resistant AFFF Foam Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguisher

What is the main function of Alcohol Resistant AFFF Foam Extinguishers?

Create a layer of foam over the fire's surface to prevent oxygen from reaching the flames (correct)

Produce foam that forms a barrier between the burning material and the air

Create a layer of foam to cool the burning material

Prevent re-ignition by creating a frothy mixture

What is the key agent in Liquid Protein Film Forming Foam Extinguishers?

Potassium salts of fatty acids and hydroxides Signup and view all the answers

How do you use a wet chemical foam extinguisher effectively?

Aim for the base of the fire, spraying from side to side until it is completely out Signup and view all the answers

Why are Alcohol Resistant AFFF Foam Extinguishers not suitable for Class-A fires?

They are ineffective against ordinary combustibles Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial safety consideration when using portable extinguishers for switchboard fires?

Ensuring staff are fully trained in extinguisher use Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for extinguishers to be easily accessible and located away from electrical sources in switchboard fire situations?

To ensure quick access during emergencies Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for extinguishers to be of an appropriate size in order to tackle specific types of fires?

To ensure proper fire suppression based on fire type Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of regular inspections and maintenance of portable extinguishers in relation to switchboard fires?

To ensure they are functioning properly Signup and view all the answers

How can organizations effectively prevent and tackle switchboard fires according to the text?

By understanding types of extinguishers and considering safety measures Signup and view all the answers

In what way do portable extinguishers play a crucial role in fire safety in switchboard fire situations?

They can prevent harm to personnel and minimize property damage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of portable extinguisher is specifically designed for switchboard fires and is more effective than traditional dry-chemical extinguishers?

Metal-Foam Extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

Why are Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers suitable for use in switchboard fires involving live electrical equipment?

They are ineffective in conducting electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why Halon extinguishers have been replaced in tackling electrical fires?

Environmental concerns Signup and view all the answers

Which class of fires are Dry-Chemical Extinguishers (Class D) primarily meant to extinguish?

Class D fires involving flammable metals Signup and view all the answers

What makes Metal-Foam Extinguishers effective for use in switchboard fires?

They form a protective layer over the fire Signup and view all the answers

Why are Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers preferred for switchboard fires involving live electrical equipment?

They do not harm electronic equipment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Portable Foam Extinguishers

Foam portable extinguishers are designed to combat Class-A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, cloth, paper, rubber, coal, and light structural materials. These fire extinguishing agents are categorized into three types: wet chemical, alcohol resistant AFFF, and liquid protein film forming.

Wet Chemical Foam Extinguishers

Wet chemical foam extinguishers are highly effective against class B and C fuel fires. They contain potassium salts of fatty acids and hydroxides that create a frothy mixture that cools the burning material and prevents re-ignition. When using a wet chemical foam extinguisher, aim for the base of the fire, spraying from side to side until it is completely out.

Alcohol Resistant AFFF Foam Extinguishers

Alcohol resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishers are used primarily for Class-B and -D fires, such as electrical, flammable liquids, and flammable metal fires. They work by creating a layer of foam over the fire's surface, preventing oxygen from reaching the flames and allowing heat to dissipate. To use an AFFF foam extinguisher, aim directly at the fire's base and sweep from left to right until the flame goes out.

Liquid Protein Film Forming Foam Extinguishers

Liquid protein film forming foam extinguishers are designed for Class-A fires involving organic solids. They produce foam that forms a barrier between the burning material and the air. To operate this type of foam extinguisher, direct the stream towards the base of the fire and keep sweeping until the flame disappears.

It is crucial to understand the different categories of foam extinguishers and their appropriate applications. Knowing how to use these tools effectively can save lives and reduce property damage during emergency situations involving fires.

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Description

Learn about the different types of foam portable extinguishers and their applications for combating Class-A, B, C, D fires. Understand how wet chemical, alcohol resistant AFFF, and liquid protein film forming foam extinguishers work and the proper techniques for using them effectively.