CHAPTER
8
PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
Copyright© 2000. Delmar is a division of Thomson Learning.
CHAPTER
8
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.
CHAPTER
8
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.
CHAPTER
8
Introduction
1 of 2
• 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.
CHAPTER
8
Introduction
2 of 2
• Firefighters should know the extinguishers carried on
apparatus.
• Citizens will often request information and training on
the use of extinguishers.
• Firefighters should be capable of answering questions
regarding fire extinguishers.
CHAPTER
8
Fire Classification and Risk
• The type and nature of the burning material (fuel)
defines the fire.
• Currently 5 classes of fire
• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• Class D
• Class K*
*As of 1998
CHAPTER
8
Class K Equipment
CHAPTER
8
Types of Fire Extinguishers
• Many types of fire
extinguishers are
available today.
CHAPTER
8
Types of Fire Extinguishers
• 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.
CHAPTER
8
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.
• CO2 is an inert gas stored under pressure.
• CO2 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.
CHAPTER
8
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.
CHAPTER
8
Kinds of Extinguishers
• Pump-type extinguishers are hand pumped devices.
• Pressurized extinguishers operate by expelling gas that
propels the agent out.
• Cartridge-operated extinguishers used for dry chemical
and most dry powder Class D extinguishers.
CHAPTER
8
Backpack Pump Tank
CHAPTER
8
Stored Pressure Water
Extinguisher
Stored Pressure Foam
Extinguisher
CHAPTER
8
Stored Pressure Dry
Chemical Extinguisher
Carbon Dioxide
Extinguishers
CHAPTER
8
Cartridge-Operated
Dry Chemical
Extinguisher
CHAPTER
Rating Systems of Portable
Extinguishers
8
• 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..
CHAPTER
8
Limitations of Portable Extinguishers
• Extinguishers have limited capabilities.
• They are designed and rated for certain types and sizes
of fire.
• Wrong extinguisher will create greater problems.
• Need to use right extinguisher for the fire present.
CHAPTER
8
Extinguisher Operation
•
P ull the pin.
•
A im the nozzle.
•
S queeze the handle.
•
S weep the nozzle.
CHAPTER
Care and Maintenance of Portable
Extinguishers
• Carefully inspect before placing in service.
• Should be periodically removed from bracket.
• Dry chemical extinguishers should be inverted
occasionally.
• Clean dirt and grit to maintain good working order.
8
CHAPTER
8
Obsolete Extinguishers
•
•
•
•
•
•
Soda acid.
Chemical foam (except film-forming.)
Vaporizing liquids.
Cartridge-operated water or loaded stream.
Copper or brass extinguishers.
Firefighters should never operate obsolete
extinguishers.
CHAPTER
8
Inspection Requirements
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•
•
•
1 of 2
Should be checked every 30 days.
First perform visual inspection.
Pin seal should be in place.
Gauge should register proper pressure.
CHAPTER
8
Inspection Requirements
2 of 2
• Some extinguishers, such as CO2, only checked by
weighing.
• Weight is stamped on cylinder.
• Check for hydrostatic testing.
CHAPTER
8
WRAP-UP
• There are various classes of fires.
• There are various kinds of extinguishers.
• Proper type of extinguisher needed for various classes
of fire.
• Important to remember extinguishers have limitations.
• Extinguishers need to be maintained, serviced, and
inspected regularly.