CAMS Fire/Rescue Course Training Notes
Personal Attributes:
Some of the reasons for your involvement in fire/rescue:
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After retiring from racing I wanted to give something back to the sport I loved & enjoyed for
many years.
It was by chance I came across someone’s number on the side of a vehicle who was
recruiting for new fire personnel.
At the event 1:
Fire:
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Fire Overalls (Single or dual layer)
Eye Protection (Glasses, Goggles .etc)
Gloves (Leather or fire protective)
Boots (Leather Steel Toed Boots)
Head Protection (Helmet*Depending on type of event if required, Balaclava, Hat, Ear Plugs,
Earmuffs)
Q7. Describe the ‘theory of Combustion’
Fire fighting methods: cooling, Smothering, Starvation
Foam Extinguisher
Classes of Fire
Class A-Carbonaceous (e.g. Wood, Paper, Cloth)
Class B- Flammable Liquids (e.g. Petrol, Varnish)
Class C- Flammable Gases (e.g. L.P.G)
Class D-Metal type fires (e.g. Magnesium)
Class E- Fires involving Live electrical Hazards
Class F-Cooking & fat fires
Fire Fighting Equipment/Portable Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers
When charged they’re to weigh no greater than 23 Kg as a rule in Australian Standard for OH&S
reasons.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WATER EXTINGUISHERS ( Red with Red
Band)
ADVANTAGES
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Cost - Cheap to buy and refill
Cooling Effect - Excellent surface penetration and cooling properties, which helps to rapidly
reduce the flames.
Environmentally Friendly Medium – Plain water and nitrogen poses no threat to the
environment or operator.
DISADVANTAGES
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Limits Of Use - Water extinguishers can only be used on solid combustibles, such and
wood, paper and textiles.
Temperature Restriction - As it uses plain water as its extinguisher medium it is liable freeze
at low temperatures, Even with low freeze additive still only use in temperature down to –
10oc.
Danger If used On Wrong Class Of Fire – Conducts electricity and is also highly volatile when used on
flammable liquid fires, must not be used on class D (metal fires)
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers(Red with White Band)
ADVANTAGES
Quick Knockdown - Dry powder, when correctly applied and at the required
application rate, has the ability to ensure an initial quick knockdown of the fire.
Non-Conductor of Electricity - Dry powder can safely be used at incidents where it is
known or suspected that ‘live’ electrical equipment is present.
Good on Running Fuel Fires - Owing to its fire extinguishing action, dry powder,
when used in conjunction with foam sprays, can be extremely effective when used on
running fuel fires.
Creates No Thermal Shock - Because the application of dry powder onto hot metal
does not cause thermal shock, it is particularly useful for dealing with fires involving
undercarriage assemblies.
Good Heat Shield - The discharge of dry powder creates an effective shield against
radiated heat. In cases where large quantities of powder are discharged, this has the
potential to shield surrounding structures and personnel from the damaging effects of
the fire.
Wide Range Of Use – Dry powder extinguishers can be used on class A,B and C
Fires.
Wide Temperature Range – Typically can be used between -20oc to +60oc.
Mass for mass the most effective fire-fighting medium.
DISADVANTAGES
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Visibility Problems - The application of dry powder and generation of a dense
powder cloud will dramatically reduce the visibility of the operator so they
may not be able to use vision to judge the effectiveness of the powder on the
fire or may jeopardise escape in a fire.
Can Cause Breathing Problems - If dry powder is inhaled it can irritate the respiratory organs.
Whilst short term exposure is not considered to be harmful, repeated inhalation should be
avoided.
Leaves a Residue - Dry powder is a very messy extinguishing agent that will leave
behind a residue that is corrosive to certain materials and because it is a find powder it can
also be abrasive. Thoughtless use may lead to the powder causing more damage than the
fire itself, using dry powder fire extinguishers in kitchens or offices as powder can
contaminate food and inhibit the use of electrical components such as keyboards if
discharged. Because of the properties of powder being very light and easily carried through
the atmosphere dry powder extinguishers when discharged risk contamination over a wide
area.
Poor Post Fire Security - Due to the smothering and chemical interference effect of
dry powder, it will only remain effective whilst it is present in the atmosphere above the fuel.
Because it is a cloud of fine powder, particles of it can easily be dispersed by the wind, giving
a very real danger of rapid re-ignition of fuel.
Vulnerable to packing down – Failure of extinguisher can result from the packing down of the
powder within the extinguisher body; this problem is associated more with cartridge operated
extinguishers. This can be a particular problem on vehicle mounted equipment as the vehicle
vibration will cause the powder to compress under its own weight. Regular maintenance
routines are essential; to prevent failure of equipment at a crucial time. .
Usage & Location – Because of the disadvantages above dry powder extinguishers should
only be found in industrial settings and where no alternative fire extinguisher mediums are
suitable. They should not be found in offices, flats etc.
Co2 Extinguisher (Red with Black Band)
ADVANTAGES
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It is a non corrosive gas, does not contain any solid material making it very
clean extinguishing agent.
It does not conduct electricity.
It does not leave any kind of residue. Co2 fire extinguishers are great for use
in kitchens as they have less risk of contaminating food preparation areas.
Has the longest service life of most extinguishers, 10 years before an
extended service will need to be carried out.
DISADVANTAGES
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Co2 is the most toxic gas when it comes to human health. It is a highly suffocating
gas, whose concentration of even 9% in the breathing air would make a person
unconscious within minutes, special consideration should be taken before installing in
confined spaces.
Co2 fire extinguishers can extinguish flammable liquid fires but are not suitable for
use on flammable solids, flammable gasses or cooking fat fires.
Very loud when used and a untrained person may think the extinguisher is not
working correctly.
If used incorrectly frost burns can result.
Not field refillable, has to be returned to a refilling depot, so most companies use an
exchange cylinder service that can be quite expensive.
Foam Extinguisher(Red with Blue Band):
ADVANTAGES
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Smaller Extinguisher – The foam extinguishers are a lot smaller than their standard water
equivalents but carry the same Class A Fire rating. Typically a 3Litre Foam will weigh 70%
less than a 9Litre water but both have a 13A rating.
Multiple Classes Of Fire Covered - Can be used on both Class A and Class B fires, also if
used inadvertently of a fire involving electrics (up to 35Kv) the operator will not get a electric
shock.
Quick Knock Down – The AFFF extinguisher medium gives a rapid knock down of the fire and
in the case of contained flammable liquid fires the fuel is covered by a film of foam that help
cool the fuel as well as sealing in the flammable vapors.
Visibility - Does not impair visibility of the operator when used.
Suitability – The foam extinguisher is non-toxic and non damaging to most materials. That
said the environmental implications of using foam extinguishers should always be considered.
Effective against obstructed Class B fires such as car engine bays. Can be applied to liquids
in tanks shielding them from another source of ignition.
DISADVANTAGES
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Freezing Problems – Due to the extinguisher being mainly water, the extinguisher is liable to
freezing, even with a Low freeze additive added it will only be suitable in temperatures down
to minus 10oc.
Flammable Liquid Fires - Although can be used flammable liquid fires there are limitations to
the liquids covered. Consulting with the data sheet of the liquids to be covered will help
identify which foam should be used, fires involving alcohol require alcohol-resistant aqueous
film forming foam (AR-AFFF).
Costs – The cost of purchasing and refilling are higher than the water extinguishers and with
the environmental implications of disposing of foam will see the refills costs increase.
Compatibility – If used with conjunction with powder extinguishers then the powder must be
foam compatible or the powder may break down the foam protective blanket.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WET CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
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To help customers make informed judgments about the selection of the best extinguishing
media for specific operational circumstances, an understanding of the advantages and
disadvantages of each is essential. In respect of wet chemical fire extinguishers
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ADVANTAGES
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Best fire fighting medium for fire involving cooking fats.
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Has a Class A rating and a Class F rating (Class F Fires are typically fires involving cooking
oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.)
Water content of the wet chemical rapidly evaporates from the surface of the oil taking away
the heat from the oil thus cooling the oil down, it also mixes with the cooling oil and the
mixture rapidly saponifies becoming soapy like in texture.
Low pressure applicator, ensuring burning oil is not thrown around.
Lance means the operator is always a safe distance from burning oils or fats.
Spray nozzle has been tested, and passed the BSi 35kv conductivity test, meaning it is safe
to use near electrical equipment
Precise extinguishing agent application - no dry chemical to clean up
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DISADVANTAGES
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Expensive to buy and refill
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Reference Guide: http://www.medwayfireprotection.co.uk/water_extinguishers.htm
At the Event 2
Rescue tools:
Hydraulic tools: Spreaders, Cutters, Rams Combi Tools
Hand tools: Chains, Screwdrivers, Crow Bars, Hammers, Hacksaw, Socket Set, Allen Keys
Tools/Maintenance
Always check your gear before starting an event that includes any of the following:
Hydraulic equipment
Hand tools
Air Equipment
Winching Equipment