CDI 108- FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION-MAIN TOPIC 3
HEAT-It is the energy possessed by a material or substance due Although it is very easy to compare the relative temperature will not change until all the ice is melted. The latent
to molecular activity. temperatures of two substances by the sense of touch it is heat absorbed is used up in overcoming the forces holding the
In physics, heat is the transfer of energy from one part of impossible to evaluate the absolute magnitude of the particles of ice together and is stored as energy in the water.
a substance to another or from one body to another by virtue of temperature by subjective reactions. Adding heat to a substance, Temperature Scales
a difference in temperature. Heat is energy in transit it always however, not only raises its temperature causing it to impart a Five different temperature scales are in use today, they are:
from substance at a higher temperature to the substance at a more acute sensation of warmth but also produces alterations in 1. Celsius - it has a freezing point of 0°C and a boiling point of
lower temperature, raising the temperature of the latter and several physical properties, which may be measured with 100°C. It is widely used throughout the world, particularly for
lowering that of the former substance, provided the volume of precision. scientific works.
the bodies remains constant Heat does not flow from lower to Specific Heat 2. Fahrenheit it is used mostly in English- speaking countries for
higher temperature unless another form of energy transfer work The heat capacity or the measure of the amount of heat purposes other than scientific works and based on the mercury
in always present required raising the temperature of a unit mass of a substance thermometer. In this scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F and
The study of energy is rooted in the subject of one-degree. If the heating process occurs while the substance is the boiling point is 212 °F.
thermodynamics, very logical science that carefully defines maintained at a constant volume or is subjected to a constant 3. Kelvin or Absolute - it is the most commonly used
energy, beat, temperature and other properties. pressure the measure is referred to as a specific heat at constant thermodynamic temperature scale. Zero is defined as absolute
Heat is thermal energy in motion that travels from hot to volume. zero of temperature that is, - 273.15 °c, or -459.67 °F.
a cold region. Thermal energy is a geoperty of matter directly Latent Heat 4. Rankine is another temperature scale employing absolute zero
associated with the concept of temperature. A number of physical changes are associated with the as its lowest point in which each degree of temperature is
change of temperature of a substance. Almost all substances equivalent to one degree on the Fahrenheit scale. The freezing
expand in volume when heated and contract when cooled. The point of water under this scale is 492 'R and the boiling point is
behavior of water between 0° and 4°C (32° and 39° F) constitutes 672 °R.
an important exemption to this rule. The phase of a substance 5. International Temperature Scale In 1933, scientist of 31
refers to its occurrence as a solid, liquid, or gas, and phase nations adopted a new international temperature scale with
changes in pure substances occur at definite temperatures and additional fixed temperature points, based on the Kelvin scale
pressures. The process of changing from solid to gas is referred and thermodynamic principles. The international scale is based
to as SUBLIMATION, from solid to liquid as MELTING and from on the property of electrical resistively, with platinum wire as the
Heat and Temperature liquid to vapor as VAPORIZATION. If the pressure is constant, the standard for temperature between -190° and 660°C.
Heat should not be confused with temperature, which is process occurs at constant temperature. The amount of heat to
the measurement of the relative amount of heat energy produce a change of phase is called LATENT HEAT, and hence,
contained within a given substance Temperature is an latent heats of sublimation, melting and vaporization exist. If
intensity measurement, with units in degrees on the Celsius water is boiled in an open vessel at a pressure of 1 atm, the
(centigrade), Fahrenheit, Kelvin scales. Heat is the measurement temperature does not rise above 100°C (212°F), no matter how
of quantity and is given in British thermal units (Btu). much heat is added. For example, the heat that is absorbed
Temperature is the measurement of the degree of without changing the temperature of the water is the latent heat,
thermal agitation of molecules; the hotness or coldness of it is not lost but expended in changing the water to steam and is
something. Thermometer is the instrument used to measure then stored as energy in the steam, it is again released when the
temperature and commonly expressed in °C °F, and °K. steam is condensed to form water (CONDENSATION). Similarly,
if the mixture of water and ice in a glass is heated, its
PREPARED BY: MS. ABEGAIL R GARCIA, RCRIM
CDI 108- FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION-MAIN TOPIC 3
Heat Production large fires, the high fireball that accompanies the incident is One of the first indication to a new firefighter recruit to join the
There are five ways to produce heat: referred to as a firestorm and is an example of convected heat. fire service have firefighting gratis y Important that the rightfully
1. Chemical - chemically produced heat is the result of rapid 3. Radiation - radiated heat moves in wave and rays much like understand
oxidation. sunlight. Radiated heat travels the speed, as does visible light: Types of Protective Clothing
2. Mechanical - mechanical heat is the product of friction. The 186,000 miles per second. It is primarily responsible for the 1. Protective Clothing for structural firefighting.
rubbing of two sticks together to generate enough heat is an exposure hazards that develop and exist during a fire. Heat waves 2. Protective Clothing for Wildland Firefighting
example. travel in a direct or straight line from their source until they strike 3. Protective Clothing for a Hazardous Materials Incident
3. Electrical electrical heat is the product of arcing, shorting or an object. The heat that collects on the surface of the object or Components of Protective Clothing
other electrical malfunction. Poor wire connections, too much building in the path of the heat waves is subsequently absorbed The protective clothing is a combination of several items, each of
resistance, a loose ground, and too much current flowing through into its mass through conduction. which must place with others before maximum protection is
an improperly sized wire are other sources of electrical heat. Conduction requires physical contact between bodies or established.
4. Compressed gas - when a gas is compressed, its molecular portions of bodies exchanging heat, but radiation does not Full Set of Protective Clothing:
activity is greatly increased producing heat. require contact or the presence of any matter between the • Firefighter coat and pants
5. Nuclear - Nuclear energy is the product of the splitting or bodies. Convection occurs when a liquid or gas is in contact with • Boots
fusing of atomic particles (Fission or fusion respectively). The a solid body at a different temperature and is always • Gloves
tremendous heat energy in a nuclear power plant produces accompanied by the motion of the liquid or gas. The science • A hood to protect the head from heat
steam to turn steam turbines. dealing with the transfer of heat between bodies is called heat • A firefighter helmet for head protection
Heat Transfer transfer. • A pull-down protective visor and goggles for eye
The physical methods by which energy in the form of protection.
heat can be transferred between bodies are conduction and The clothing must pass rigorous tests and certifications. It is
radiation. A third method, which also involves the motion of very expensive, so it is important that firefighter should take
matter, is called convection. good care of it.
Hence, there are three ways to transfer heat: Conduction, Coat and Pants
Convection, and Radiation. A firefighter's coat and pants are made up of three layers
1. Conduction - it is the transfer of heats by molecular activity of protection. The first layer is flame retardant, but not flame
with in a material or medium, usually a solid. Direct contact is the proof. In a flash-fire type incident, it may give firefighter a few
underlying factor in conduction. Example, if you touch a hot seconds to get out of the heat and survive. An important
stove, the pain you feel is a first result of conducted heat passing component of the outer shell is the reflective trim, which makes
from the stove directly to your hand. In a structural fire, the firefighter more visible to others when working in dark
superheated pipes, steel girders, and other structural members condition.
such as walls and floors may conduct enough heat to initiate fires The second and third layers of protection are in the inner
in other areas of the structure. liner, which is a combination of a thermal barrier and a moisture
2. Convection - it is the transfer of heat through a circulating PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
barrier.
medium, usually air or liquid. Heat transfer by convection is A-Personal Protective Clothing
These barriers help protect firefighters from excessive
chiefly responsible for the spread of fire in structures. The super- A gear or by firefighters during emergency f control operations.
heat and water from the outside. It is designed to allow the
heated gases evolved from a fire are lighter than air, and This ensemble includes protection for
firefighter’s body to release some of the heat that builds up from
consequently rise, they can and do initiate additional damage. In exertion at the fire.
PREPARED BY: MS. ABEGAIL R GARCIA, RCRIM
CDI 108- FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION-MAIN TOPIC 3
The helmet is impact-resistant, it is uniquely designed to protect Breathing apparatus is a device that provide the user
the firefighter from falling objects, shield from water, it also with an additional supply of air or breathing protection.
provides protection from heat. The suspension inside the helmet A self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA,
is provided to give the user some impact resistance. It also sometimes referred to as a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus
provides ventilation for heat release from the top of the user's (CABA) or simply Breathing Apparatus (BA) is a device worn by
head. Reflective trim on the helmet provide visibility. rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air
It also features a small, partial hood that is connected to the inner in a hostile environment. When not used underwater, they are
lining of the helmet that protect the firefighter's ear and neck sometimes called industrial breathing sets. The term "self-
Boots
during emergency operation. contained" means that the breathing set is not dependent on a
These are made of either rubber composite materials or
It also has a pull-down eye shield that provides superficial eye remote supply (e.g., through a long hose). If designed for use
leather. Their soles are resistant to puncture. It also had steel
protection for users who are not wearing goggles or face piece of under water, it is called SCUBA (self-contained underwater
toes for protection, and heat resistant as well.
SCBA. breathing apparatus).
An SCBA typically has three main components:
1. A high-pressure tank (e.g., 2200 psi to 4500 psi);
2. A pressure regulator;
3. An inhalation connection (mouthpiece, mouth mask or face
mask), connected together and mounted to a carrying frame.
Two kinds of SCBA:
Gloves 1. Closed Circuit
Types: The closed-circuit type filters, supplements, and
Gloves and coat with wristlets recirculates exhaled gas: It is used when a longer-duration supply
of breathing gas is needed, such as in mine rescue and in long
B - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) tunnels, and going through passages too narrow for a big open-
SCOT circuit air cylinder.
Before open-circuit SCBA's were developed, most
industrial breathing sets were rebreathers, such as the Siebe
Gorman Proto, Siebe Gorman Savox, or Siebe Gorman Salvus.
Rebreathers used underwater have the advantage of not
releasing tell-tale bubbles, making it more difficult to detect
divers involved in covert operations.
Gloves and coat without wristlets - This type of glove is specially 2. Open Circuit
designed to protect against heat and puncture, it also provides Open-circuit industrial breathing sets are filled with
dexterity to the hands and fingers. filtered, compressed air, rather than pure oxygen. Typical open-
These gloves are used for structural firefighting. circuit systems have two regulators; a first stage to reduce the
Hood and Helmet pressure of air to allow it be carried to the mask, and a second
The hood is flame resistant and provides protection to the stage regulator to reduce it even further to a level just above
exposed head and neck of the user. standard atmospheric pressure. This air is then fed to the mask
PREPARED BY: MS. ABEGAIL R GARCIA, RCRIM
CDI 108- FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION-MAIN TOPIC 3
via either a demand valve (activating only on inhalation) or a b) Positive pressure type
continuous positive pressure valve (providing constant airflow to Regulator Parts:
the mask). a) Alarm
An open-circuit rescue or firefighter SCBA has a full- face Whistle
mask, regulator, air cylinder, cylinder pressure gauge, and a Bell
harness with adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt which lets b) High Pressure Hose
it be worn on the back. The air cylinder usually comes in one of c) By-Pass Valve
three standard sizes: 30, 45 or 60 minutes. The relative fitness, d) Gauge
and especially the level of exertion of the wearer, often results in
variations of the actual usable time that the SCBA can provide air,
often reducing the working time by 25% to 50%. Most fire departments carry breathing apparatus
Parts of Breathing Apparatus: assembled and in racks, ready to use, on the fire truck. Personnel
1. Face piece - An assembly that fits onto the face of the person should be familiar with the simple steps for connecting the air
using the breathing apparatus, forming a tight seal to the face cylinder to the backpack, checking the SCBA insuring its readiness
and transmitting air or oxygen to the user. for use. The checking should be done every day and before and
Parts of Face Piece: after each use.
a) head harness
b) Flexible tube 3. Air Cylinder Visual Inspection of an SCBA
c) Exhalation valve Parts: Steps:
e) Nose cup a) Pressure gauge 1. Face piece
f) Speech diaphragm b) Control valve Check for cracks or tears in the rubber seat. Look for any debris
g) Pressure relief valve in the exhalation valve. Look for any loose clamps. Put the mask
d) Lens on and check the exhalation valve by exhaling gently while
blocking the breathing tube with your hand.
2. Regulator
Check for cleanliness and any signs of external damage. Operate
the main-line valve and emergency bypass valve to check for
smooth operation.
3. High pressure hose
Look for external damage and check the O-ring on the coupling
for damage or deformity.
4. Back Pack or Sling Pack - Designed to hold the unit securely 4. Harness straps
and comfortably on the wearer. Look for excessive wear to the straps and check all stitching for
2. Regulator - A device that is used to control the pressure of air any obvious damage. Make sure that all hardware on the straps
coming from the cylinder. is clean and operable.
Types: 5. Audible alarm
a) Demand type regulator Look for any obvious external damage.
PREPARED BY: MS. ABEGAIL R GARCIA, RCRIM
CDI 108- FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION-MAIN TOPIC 3
6. Cylinder 4. Lift the assembly over your head, allowing the SCBA to slide
Look for any signs of damage, any gouges, or any abraded areas. down to your back with the shoulder straps falling into place.
Check the pressure gauge and make sure that the cylinder is filled Allow both hands to travel down the straps to the adjustment
to the appropriate level. Compare the cylinder gauge to the buckles, pulling the backpack snuggly to a comfortable position.
regulator gauge for accuracy. 5. Clip the waist strap and adjust it to a snug. At this point, most
of the weight of the SCBA should be carried on the waist strap.
Donning of an SCBA
A. Coat Method Donning of an SCBA C. Donning the Facemask/Facepiece
Steps: Steps:
1. Kneel behind the SCBA. Check the SCBA cylinder pressure to 1. Place your chin in first, drag the straps over your head and drag
make sure the cylinder is full. Make sure that the main line valve the mask down over your head or use the ball-cap method. In the
and the emergency bypass valves on the regulator are closed. ball-cap method hold the straps on the back of your head and
Open the main cylinder valve fully. Listen to the low-pressure drag the mask down over your face. Straps should be adjusted to
alarm to sound briefly as the system is charged. fit the mask snuggly to your face covering exposed skin once the
2. Check both the cylinder pressure gauge and the remote air mask is in place.
pressure gauge. Make sure they are within 100 psi of each other. 2. Pull down protective hood around your neck and pull up your
If they are not, do not use the SCBA. coat collar. Center the harness on your head and clear away any
3. Grasp the shoulder strap that is on the same side as the air hair that may be between your head and the mask. Starting with
regulator and lift the pack off the ground, slinging it over your the bottom straps, tighten them at the same time until it fit.
shoulder. 3. Check the seal by covering the opening in the mask and
4. Place your other arm through the outside strap. Allow both of inhaling gently for 10 seconds. Feel no leaks as the mask squeezes
your hands to travel down the straps to the adjustment buckles, to your face
pulling the backpack snuggly to a comfortable position. 4. Check the exhalation valve by exhaling gently. Don't exhale too
5. Clip the waist strap and adjust it to a snug, and comfortable fit. hard to avoid injury to your eardrums.
The weight of the SCBA should be carried on the waist strap. 5. Connect to your air supply and inhale to start the airflow.
B. Over-the-Head Donning of an SCBA 6. Pull protective hood up and over the straps to cover any
Steps: exposed skin. Make sure that the hood does not cover any part
1. Kneel behind the SCBA. Check the cylinder pressure of the of the lens or the exhalation valve.
SCBA to make it sure it is full. Check the main line valve and the 7. Put the helmet on with the earlaps down and fasten the
emergency bypass valve are closed on the regulator. Open the chinstrap snuggly under your chin be sure that it does not pass
main cylinder valve fully. Listen for the low-pressure alarm to over the top of the low-pressure hose (if SCBA is equipped with
sound briefly as the system is charged. one).
2. Check both the cylinder pressure gauge and the remote air 8. Fasten your collar for a final bit of protection.
pressure gauge. Make sure they are within 100 psi of each
3. Reach between the shoulder strap and the backpack, grasping
the backpack on each side.
PREPARED BY: MS. ABEGAIL R GARCIA, RCRIM
