ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
DATE:
TFPS LESSON PLAN
INSTRUCTOR:
TOTAL TIME:
Portable Fire
Extinguishers

Cognitive learning: 1 hours

Psychomotor learning: 1 hours
LEARNING OUTCOME(S):
ESTIMATED TIME:
The learner will be able to:
Identify the five classes of fire (A, B, C, D, and K).
Explain the five classes of fire and the risks associated with each class.
Discuss the risks associated with various types of fires and the potential damage associated
with various types of fire extinguishers.
List and describe the kinds of fire extinguishers used for each class.
Explain how the rating systems of portable extinguishers are utilized for proper extinguisher
selection.
Discuss the limitations of portable extinguishers.
Given a specific type of extinguisher, describe its operation.
Given a Class A, B, or C fire, select the appropriate extinguisher, make a safe approach and
completely extinguish the fire.
Discuss the inspection requirements of portable fire extinguishers
INTRODUCTION:
ESTIMATED TIME:
In this chapter, students will learn about the different types of extinguishers available for
extinguishment of different classes of fires. Students will also select and use appropriate extinguishers
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TFPS LESSON PLAN
on controlled fires.
APPLICABLE SECTION 21 GUIDANCE NOTES & SAFETY NOTE
Section 21 Guidance Note 6-2 Firefighting Near Water
Remember as the T/F you are a supervisor for this work period and will observe and enforce
all appropriate health and safety measures for you lesson participants.
NOTE(S) #
GUIDANCE NOTE NAME / SAFETY NOTE
PRESENTATION
ESTIMATED TIME:
LESSON OUTLINE
TEACHING AIDS
INTRODUCTION
A. Portable fire extinguishers designed to fight:
1.
Small fires
2.
Unusual fires
3.
Fires that cannot be reached quickly with hose lines
Slide 2
(Estimated Time: 10
minutes)
Page 233
B. Fire extinguishers are valuable tools.
C. Four basic PASS steps
1.
P: Pull the pin.
2.
A: Aim the nozzle.
3.
S: Squeeze the handle.
4.
S: Sweep the base of the fire.
D. Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types and sizes.
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TFPS LESSON PLAN
FIRE CLASSIFICATION AND RISK
A. Type of material burning defines class of fire.
B. Different classes of fire used to identify type of extinguishers and
Slide 3
(Estimated Time:
15 minutes)
agents used
C. Four traditional classes of fire
1.
Page 236
Additional class added in the past few years
D. Have a pre-incident plan for fuel types and locations.
E. Class A
1.
Involves ordinary combustibles
2.
Can be extinguished with:
Slide 4
a) Water
b) Water-based agents
c) Foam
d) Multipurpose dry chemicals
3.
Water usually the agent used
F. Class B
1.
Flammable and combustible liquids, gases, and greases
2.
Special hazards: situations in which fire extinguishers have not been
tested
3.
Common extinguishing agents
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Regular and multipurpose dry chemical
c) Foam
G. Class C
1.
Involves energized electrical equipment
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ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
2.
Water-based agents cannot be used.
3.
Turn off electrical power and use appropriate extinguisher.
4.
Categorized with another class of extinguisher: BC or ABC
5.
Agents include:
TFPS LESSON PLAN
Slide 6
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Regular and multipurpose dry chemicals
H. Class D
1.
Involves combustible metals and alloys
2.
Can have erratic behaviour
3.
Water and other agents can react violently when applied to burning
Slide 7
combustible metals.
a) Appear to explode when water applied
4.
No universal Class D extinguisher for all metals
5.
Class D agents called dry powders
a) Not to be confused with dry chemicals
I.
Class K
1.
New classification as of 1998
2.
Fires in combustible cooking fuels
3.
Agents are usually wet chemicals.
4.
Agents usually used in fixed systems
TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Slide 8 & 9
Slide 10 &11
A. Many types available
B. Factors for selecting an extinguisher
1.
Type and amount of fuel
2.
Person using extinguisher
3.
Type of building construction and occupancy
4.
Type of equipment protected
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(Estimated Time:
30 minutes)
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ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
TFPS LESSON PLAN
a) Main objective is extinguishing the fire.
C. Types of extinguishing agents
1.
Water is the basic agent for Class A materials.
2.
Loaded stream extinguisher
3.
Water-based foam extinguishers have either:
Slide 12
a) Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
b) Film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP)
c) Better penetration for Class A materials
d) Reduces surface tension of the water
4.
Carbon dioxide: inert gas stored under pressure as a liquid capable of
being self-expelled
5.
Dry chemical agents: particles propelled by gaseous medium
D. Kinds of extinguishers
1.
Many types in use today
a) Small and handheld
b) Large and require a wheeled cart
2.
Pump-type extinguishers are hand-pumped devices of two designs.
3.
Stored pressure extinguishers expel gas to propel agent
4.
Cartridge-operated extinguishers have expelled gas stored in cartridge on
Slide 13 -17
side of container
RATING SYSTEMS FOR PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
Slide 18
A. Each class of fuel is subjected to a separate type of extinguisher test
for its class.
B. Usually conducted by independent testing agency
(Estimated Time: 15
minutes)
C. Appropriate ratings and symbols are noted on label of extinguisher.
Page 246
D. Class A
1.
Testing utilizes wood cribbing
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ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
TFPS LESSON PLAN
2.
Extinguisher should extinguish about 1 cubic foot of wood cribbing.
3.
Ratings increase as amount of fire suppressed increases.
a) Class 2-A extinguisher puts out twice the fire of 1-A.
E. Class B
1.
Test involves igniting a pan of flammable liquid, allowing a pre-burn
period, and attacking the fire.
2.
Size of pan determines rating
a) 4-square-foot pan yields rating of 4-B
3.
Ratings based on inexperienced extinguisher operator
4.
Larger fires require more agent per area than smaller ones.
F. Class C
1.
Testing tests only the conductivity of:
Slide 19
a) Agent
b) Nozzle
c) Hose
d) Nozzle combination
2.
No actual fire test
3.
No numbers are assigned with Class C rating.
LIMITATIONS OF PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
A. Exceeding capabilities can cause damage and injury.
Slide 20
B. Designed for specific purposes
C. First-aid method for fire extinguishment
(Estimated Time: 10
minutes)
D. Usually best to pick the larger size
E. Wrong class extinguisher may not do the job.
1.
May cause a reaction or electrical shock
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ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
TFPS LESSON PLAN
PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER OPERATION
A. PASS outlines four simple steps for extinguisher use.
1.
P: Pull the pin.
2.
A: Aim the nozzle.
3.
S: Squeeze the handle.
4.
S: Sweep the base of the fire.
Slide 21
(Estimated Time: 10
minutes)
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF PORTABLE
Page 250
EXTINGUISHERS
A. Simple inspections and careful storage prevent most problems.
B. Vehicle operators should periodically move unit from its bracket to
hand test weight and do visual check.
Slide 822
C. Recharging water extinguisher is a simple process.
1.
Performed at fire station by any firefighter
(Estimated Time: 15
minutes)
a) Unscrew and remove the top.
b) Add the manufacturer’s recommendation of water.
c) Add foam, if required.
d) Replace the top.
e) Charge the extinguisher with the manufacturer’s recommendation of air.
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Slide 823 & 824
ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
TFPS LESSON PLAN
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
A. Many popular fire extinguishers of the past are now obsolete.
Slide 25
B. Inspection of fire extinguishers is usually a visual inspection.
C. If something does not look right, extinguisher should be removed and
(Estimated Time:
10 minutes)
replaced.
D. Extinguishers returned to service should be examined prior to their
placement on apparatus.
If the instructor has
access to obsolete
extinguishers, bring them
in and share them with
the class.
LESSONS LEARNED
A. Fire extinguishers can be used as:
1.
Initial response tools
2.
To fight fires in special situations
B. Firefighters classify fires by their fuels
1.
Ordinary combustibles
2.
Flammable liquids and gases
3.
Energized electrical equipment
Slide 26
(Estimated Time: 5
minutes)
C. Four-step process for using an extinguisher: PASS
Instructors Note: Show Skills DVD Chapter 6
SUMMARY:

There are various classes of fires: A, B, C, D, and K. Each has its own sets
of risks.

There are various kinds of fire extinguishers for the different classes of
fires.

Firefighters need to know what type of extinguisher to use for the various
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TEACHING AIDS
ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE
TFPS LESSON PLAN
classes of fire.

Extinguishers are rated for Classes A, B, and C.

Extinguishers are operated easily by remembering the PASS acronym.

One must remember that extinguishers have limitations.

Extinguishers must be properly maintained, serviced, and inspected
regularly.
ANY QUESTIONS? OR AREAS YOU WISH ME TO REVIEW?
APPLICATION & TEST:
ESTIMATED TIME:
Celebration of Knowledge before next Session
25 mins
ASSIGNMENT:
Read Chapter 6 Portable Fire Extinguishers Essentials of Fire Fighting 5th Edition
REFERENCE MATERIALS:



Page 9
Essentials of Fire Fighting 5th Edition
.
Canadian Firefighter’s Handbook:
Firefighting and Emergency Response
TRAINING AIDS REQUIRED:
EQUIPMENT

Instructional outline
Professional Qualifications, National

Required references
Fire Protection Association, Quincy,

Recommended references (if applicable)
NFPA 1001, Standard for Firefighter
ONTARIO FIRE COLLEGE

TFPS LESSON PLAN
MA, 2008

PowerPoint presentation
NFPA 13, Standard for Portable Fire

PowerPoint presenter
Extinguishers, National Fire Protection

Equipment required to run PowerPoint
Association, Quincy, MA, 2007
Page 10
presentation

Chalkboard/whiteboard or easel pad

Chalk or marker

Class A, B, and C fire extinguishers

Materials to ignite Class A and B fires

Appropriate PPE