There are five classes of fires which require different types of fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers come in various types that use different agents like water, dry chemical, wet chemical, foam, and carbon dioxide to fight specific classes of small fires. It is important to select the proper extinguisher for the class of fire, know how to operate it using the PASS method, and ensure extinguishers receive regular maintenance and inspections to keep them in good working order.

1. Portable Fire Extinguishers

2. Objectives (1 of 2) Explain the five classes of fire and the risks associated with each class. Identify the kinds of fire extinguishers used for each class. Explain the rating systems of portable extinguishers for Classes A,B, and C. Identify the limitations of portable extinguishers.

3. Objectives (2 of 2) Demonstrate the operation of portable fire extinguishers. Explain the care and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Discuss the inspection requirements of portable fire extinguishers.

4. Introduction (1 of 3) Click Here to View Video: Portable Fire Extinguishers

5. Introduction (2 of 3) Portable fire extinguishers are designed to fight small incipient fires. Firefighters must know how to use extinguishers and be able to teach others. Proper instruction can improve department effectiveness and reduce damage costs. Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types and sizes.

6. Introduction (3 of 3) Firefighters should know the extinguishers carried on apparatus. Firefighters should be capable of answering questions regarding fire extinguishers. Citizens will often request information and training on the use of extinguishers.

7. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FIRE-PROTECTION APPLIANCES USED TODAY 1ST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST FIRES EXCELLENT TOOL FOR EXTINQUISHING INCIPIENT FIRES CAN OFTEN EXTINGUISH A SMALL FIRE IN LESS TIME THAN DEPLOYING A HOSE LINE

8. GENERAL : It is important that firefighters be knowledgeable about the different types of portable fire extinguishers and their use. We will discuss the various types of portable fire extinguishers that firefighters are likely to encounter. NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers provides information on rating, placement and use.

9. GENERAL : Firefighters should rely on extinguishers carried on their apparatus and not those found in occupancies. Two portable extinguishers are required on fire apparatus by NFPA standard 1901 One suitable for class B and C fires and one for class A Sizes are as follows: Co2 rated 10 BC, Dry Chemical rated 80 BC, & 2.5 Gal H2o for Class A

10. Fire Classification and Risk The type and nature of the burning material (fuel) defines the fire. There are five classes of fire. Class A Class B Class C Class D Class K (As of 1998)

11. Class K Fires Click Here to View Video: Class K Fires

12. Types of Fire Extinguishers (1 of 2) Many types of fire extinguishers are available today. Click Here to View Video: Fire Extinguisher Functions/Ratings

13. Types of Fire Extinguishers (2 of 2) Many factors need to be considered before using an extinguisher. Type and amount of fuel User and occupancy Building construction Environmental conditions Type of equipment being protected

14. Types of Extinguishing Agents (1 of 2) Water is the basic agent for Class A fires. Water-based foam extinguishers for class B fires have either AFFF or FFFP. CO 2 is an inert gas stored under pressure. CO 2 is effective on Class B or C fires. Dry chemical agents are particles propelled by a gaseous medium. There are three categories of dry chemicals.

15. Types of Extinguishing Agents (2 of 2) Wet chemicals are water-based solutions. Wet chemicals are used for Class K fires. Clean agents have replaced halons. Clean agents do not conduct electricity or leave a residue. There are two classes. Halocarbon agents and inerting gases

16. Kinds of Extinguishers Pump-type extinguishers are hand-pumped devices. Pressurized extinguishers operate by expelling gas that propels the agent out. Cartridge-operated extinguishers are used for dry chemical and most dry powder Class D extinguishers.

17. Backpack Pump Tank

18. PUMP-TANK WATER STREAM REACH – 30 to 40 ft. DISCHARGE TIME – 45 sec. To 3 min.

19. Stored Pressure Water Extinguisher Stored Pressure Foam Extinguisher Stored Pressure Extinguishers (1 of 2)

20. STORED-PRESSURE WATER STREAM REACH - 30 to 40 ft. DISCHARGE TIME - 45 sec. To 60 sec.

21. FOAM EXTINGUISHERS: STREAM REACH - 20 to 25 ft. DISCHARGE TIME - Approx. 50 sec. AFFF - USED ON CLASS B FIRES NOT INVOLVING WATER SOLUABLE LIQUIDS (POLAR SOLVENTS) AIR ASPIRATING CREATING A BLANKET FFFP - USED ON CLASS B FIRES INVOLVING ALCOHOL RESISTANT LIQUIDS (SMOTHERS)

22. Stored Pressure Dry Chemical Extinguisher Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers Stored Pressure Extinguishers (2 of 2)

23. DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS ABC ( MULTI- PURPOSE)- MOST COMMON USED (MONOAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE) BC (REGULAR, OR SODIUM BICARBONATE) POTASIUM BICARBONATE AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE POTASIUM CHLORIDE PKP (POTASSIUM BICARBONATE) USED FOR MOST CLASSES OF FIRES

24. DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS STREAM REACH: 5 TO 20 Ft. DISCHARGE TIME: 8 TO 25 Sec. !!!!!! NEVER MIX DRY CHEMICAL WITH OTHER TYPES OF AGENTS , MAY CAUSE A DANGEROUS RISE IN PRESSURE INSIDE EXTINGUISHER NON-TOXIC ONLY AN IRRITANT

25. HALON EXTINGUISHERS: 1211 - CLEAR LIQUID STREAM Stream Reach - 8 to 18 ft. Discharge Time - 8 to 18 sec. 1301 -FIXED SYSTEMS (FLOODING) Stream Reach - 4 to 6 ft Discharge Time - 8 to 10 sec. NEARLY INVISIBLE (WIND) HALOTRON (CLEAN-AGENT)- B&C NON OZONE DEPLETER, ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE

26. Cartridge-Operated Dry Chemical Extinguisher

27. CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS STREAM REACH - 3 to 8 ft. DISCHARGE TIME - 8 to 30 sec. HORN- DISPERSION UNLIKE OTHERS ITS STORED UNDER ITS OWN PRESSURE

28. DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHERS: DRY POWDER ( LITH-X) - EXTINGUISH COMBUSTIBLE METALS NOT EVERY DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER WILL WORK ON ANY COMBUSTIBLE METAL FIRE GRAY OR BLACK IN COLOR APPLY WITH SUFFICIENT DEPTH

29. WET CHEMICAL CLASS K - FOUND IN KITCHENS WITH UNSATURATED FATS & OILS, EXTINGUISHES WITH MINIMAL SPLASH BACK AND PREVENTION OF REFLASH Common Size - 2-1/2 Gallon Operating Principle - Air Pressure

30. WET CHEMICAL CLASS K - STREAM REACH - 8 to 12 ft. DISCHARGE TIME - 75 to 80 sec.

32. Rating Systems of Portable Extinguishers Each class of fuel is subject to a separate type of rating test. Class A rating test uses wooden cribbing test. Class B rating test uses a pan of flammable liquid. Class C rating test only involves conductivity of the agent and the nozzle or hose and nozzle combination.

33. Rating Systems of Portable Extinguishers

34. CLASS A RATINGS: CLASS A RATINGS RANGE FROM 1-ATO 40-A 1-A EQUALS 11/4 GAL.OF WATER (BENCH MARK) 2-A HAS TWO TIMES THE EXTINGUISHING CAPABILITY OF A 1-A ACCORDING TO OCCUPANCY HAZARD,MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA PER UNIT, PER EXTINGUISHER, AND MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE TO EXTINGUISHER

35. CLASS B RATING: CLASS B RATINGS RANGE FROM 1-B TO 640-B THE 1-B RATING EQUALING 1 SQUARE FOOT THE TEST CONSIST OF THE APPROXIMATE SQUARE FOOT AREA OF A FLAMMABLE LIQUID FIRE THAT A NON-EXPERT OPERATOR CAN EXTINGUISH

36. CLASS C & D RATINGS: CLASS C FIRES ARE TYPICALLY CLASS A OR B FIRES INVOLVING ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT (AGENT NON-CONDUCTIVE) THERE IS NO EXTINGUISHER WITH A CLASS A-C RATING CLASS D FIRES EXTINGUISHING CAPABILITY VARIES WITH THE FUEL METAL BEING BURNED CLASS D EXTINGUISHERS ARE NOT GIVEN A MULTI PURPOSE RATING

37. Limitations of Portable Extinguishers Extinguishers have limited capabilities. They are designed and rated for certain types and sizes of fire. The wrong extinguisher will create greater problems. You need to use the right extinguisher for the fire present.

38. Extinguisher Operation P ull the pin. A im the nozzle. S queeze the handle. S weep the nozzle. Click Here to View Video: PASS Procedure/Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

39. OPERATION OF EXTINGUISHER: SELECTING QUICK INSPECTION APPROACH APPLICATION

40. SELECTION: CHOOSE PROPER EXTINGUISHER ACCORDING TO SIZE OF FIRE, TYPE OF FIRE. CHOOSE AN EXTINGUISHER THAT WILL EFFECTIVELY DO THE JOB WITHOUT RISK TO LIFE AND PROPERTY

41. QUICK INSPECTION: EXTERNAL DAMAGE HOSE-HORN/NOZZLE ARE IN PLACE PROPER WEIGHT OF EXTINGUISHER PRESSURE GAUGE IN OPERATING RANGE

42. APPROACH: SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER RUN WITH EXTINGUISHER APPROACH FROM WINWARD SIDE MAKE SURE AGENT REACHES FIRE WATCH FOR RADIANT HEAT

43. APPLICATION: P ULL OUT THE PULL PIN IN OUTWARD DIRECTION WITH RIGHT HAND A IM NOZZLE AT BASE OF FIRE WITH RIGHT HAND S QUEEZE HANDLE WITH LEFT S WEEP NOZZLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT BASE OF FIRE WITH RIGHT HAND, MOVING FORWARD UNTIL FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED

44. Obsolete Extinguishers Firefighters should never operate obsolete extinguishers. Soda acid Chemical foam (except film-forming) Vaporizing liquids Cartridge-operated water or loaded stream Copper or brass extinguishers Click Here to View Video: Obsolete Fire Extinguishers

45. Care and Maintenance of Portable Extinguishers Carefully inspect before placing in service. Remove them from bracket periodically. Occasionally invert dry chemical extinguishers. Clean dirt and grit to maintain good working order.

46. Inspection Requirements (1 of 2) First, perform visual inspection. It should be checked every 30 days. Pin seal should be in place. Gauge should register proper pressure.

47. Inspection Requirements (2 of 2) Some extinguishers, such as CO 2 , are only checked by weighing. Weight is stamped on the cylinder. Check for hydrostatic testing.

48. INSPECTION : LOCATIONS/ACCESSABILITY SEAL PHYSICAL DAMAGE GAUGE HOSES&HORNS/NOZZLE INSTRUCTION& NAMEPLATE CHECK WEIGHT INSPECTION TAG/COLLAR& STICKERS

49. LOCATION/ACCESSABILITY: IN DESIGNATED LOCATION IN BRACKET/CASE CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS

50. SEAL/PIN: PIN IS IN SEAL IS NOT BROKEN PROPER TYPE OF SEAL AND PIN IS ON EXTINGUISHER

51. PHYSICAL DAMAGE: DENTS CRACKS CORROSION BROKEN OR BENT HANDLES CRACKED OR BROKEN HOSES/NOZZLES

52. GAUGE: IN OPERATION RANGE NO WATER IN IT BENT LEAKING BLOWOUT DISC NEEDLE NOT BROKE

53. HOSES&HORNS/NOZZLES FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS CRACKED OR SPLIT MELTED FITTINGS ALL CO2 HOSES REQUIRE A CONDUCTIVITY TEST LABEL

54. INSTRUCTIONS/NAMEPLATE: THERE LEGIBLE RATING SYMBOL

55. WEIGHT: LIFTING SCALE GAUGE NAMEPLATE

56. INSPECTION TAG/COLLAR& STICKERS : DATE OF INSPECTION,MAINTENANCE,OR RECHARGING ANY EXTINGUISHER SERVICED AFTER JANUARY 1999, SHALL HAVE A SERVICE COLLAR ALL EXTINGUISHERS MADE OR SERVICED AFTER 1989 SHALLHAVE HMIS LABEL OR STICKER HYDROSTATIC STICKER 6YR STICKER

57. MAINTENANCE/SERVICING: RESPONSIBILITY ANNUAL SERVICE 6YR MAINTENANCE HYDROSTATIC TEST

58. RESPONSIBLILITY: THE BUILDING OCCUPANT PROPERTY OWNER LICENSED COMPANIES CERTIFIED EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIANS

59. ANNUAL SERVICE: INSPECTED ANNUALLY EITHER BY BUILDING OWNER, FIRE INSPECTOR, LICENSED BUISNESS CHECK HOSE CHECK GAUGE CHECK SEAL CHECK LABELS WEIGHT

60. 6 YEAR MAINTENANCE: COMPLETED EVERY 6 YEARS AFTER MANUFACTURED, OR HYDROSTACIALLY TESTED COMPLETE TEARDOWN CHECK VALVE STEM CHECK O-RING AGENT OVERALL EXTINGUISHER

61. HYDRO-STATIC TESTING: DRY CHEM/POWDER- 12 YEARS HALON- 12 YEARS CO2- 5 YEARS FOAM- 5 YEARS( AGENT EVERY 3)

62. HYDRO CONT: WATER- 5 YEARS COMPLETE TEARDOWN DEFORMATIES, DENTS, SCRATCHES ALL STORED PRESSURE EXTINGUISHERS THAT REQUIRE A 12 YEAR HYDRO ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A 6 YEAR MAINTENANCE

63. IF ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED ARE FOUND DEFICIENT IN EITHER INSPECTION OR MAINTENANCE, THE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE, AND REPAIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT POLICIES

64. Summary There are various classes of fires. There are various kinds of extinguishers. The proper type of extinguisher is needed for various classes of fire. It is important to remember extinguishers have limitations. Extinguishers need to be maintained, serviced, and inspected regularly.