FIRE SAFETY & FIRE EXTINGUISHER USE

• What is fire / The combustion process.

Fire is a chemical chain reaction between fuel and heat in the presence of oxygen.

◦ Three components O2 HEAT

◦ Need all three components to start a fire
◦ Fire extinguishers remove one or more of the components

• Fourth elements of fire. FUEL

◦ Again these atoms react with the oxygen atoms or molecules of air. Because of reaction the heat is
produced. This heat raise the temperature of fuel by radiation and release more reactive and unstable
atoms of carbon and hydrogen. These again react with oxygen of air.

• Fire tetrahedron
◦ Heat – heat is the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat come into contact with a fuel
the energy support the combustion reaction

• Common source of heat.

◦ Chemical energy, Electrical energy, Mechanical energy, Nuclear energy.

• Types of fuels.
◦ Solid fuels
◦ Liquid fuels
◦ Gaseous fuels

• Principles of heat transmission

◦ Conduction
◦ Convection
◦ Radiation

• Types of fuels
◦ Solid fuels – When heated to a certain temperature will produce combustible vapour the actual
position also affect the way it burns

◦ Liquid fuels – Flammable gases are generated by vaporization.

◦ Gaseous fuels – The most dangerous of all fuel types because they are already in the natural state
required for ignition.

➢ Fire classes
 Class – A (‘A’ – stands for ash)
◦ Ordinary solid
▫ Wood
▫ Paper
▫ Plastic
▫ Rubber
▫ Coal

 How to extinguish a Class A fire

◦ Adding water – Class A fire only
◦ Limit material burning – Shovel away material, Add rock dust to remaining fuel.
◦ Pit a lid on it – Usually oily rags or paper in a waste container.
◦ Use a fire extinguisher – Usually class A, B&C fire
  Class- B (‘B’ – Stands for boil)
◦ Liquid
▫ Gasoline; oil, Diesel fuel
▫ Greases; Hydraulic fluid
▫ Gases; Acetylene, Propane
e.g.- motor spirit paints

 How to extinguish a Class B fire

◦ Not recommended – water can cause the fire to spread.
◦ Remove excess liquids fuel or shut of bottled gas cylinders
◦ Put a lid on it – No oxygen no fire
◦ Use a BC or ABC fire extinguisher.

 Class – C (‘C’ stands for circuit)

◦ Energized electrical equipment & cables.
◦ Always treat “C” fires as through power is still on.

 How to extinguish a class C fire

◦ Not recommended – Water can conduct electricity.
◦ Shut off the power – May still have A or B fire remaining.
◦ May not work because of the high temperature of the electric arc.
◦ Use a BC or ABC fire extinguisher.

 Class – D (‘D’ stands for circuit)

◦ Combustible metals
▫ Magnesium
▫ Titanium
▫ Zirconium
▫ Sodium
▫ Potassium
▫ Lithium
▫ Calcium
▫ Zinc

 How to extinguish a class D fire.

◦ They are usually started by a class – A, B, C fire, and will burn at extremely high temperatures.
▫ Not recommended – The O2 and H2 in the water will accelerate the fire.
▫ Shovel away all materials that cab be ignite by the high heat generated.
▫ Attempt to isolate the fire by covering with sand or rock dust.
▫ Not recommended – ABC fire extinguishers. (Super D or sodium chloride or G-plus
(graphite).

 Class – K
◦ Cooking media
▫ Animal & Plant oil (coconut mustard oil Lard fat ghee)

 How to extinguish a class K fire.

◦ Recently recognized by NFPA 10
◦ Fires involving combustible oils, lards and fats in commercial cooking.
◦ Problem – ABC type fire extinguishers may not work on these fires, a special class K
extinguisher may be needed!

What are the fire extinguishing methods?

Cooling – Removal of heat from the scene of fire is called as cooling.

By water, foam extinguisher.
Starvation – Removal of fuel from the scene of fire is called as starvation.
By cutting fuel supply.

Smothering – Removal of oxygen from the scene of fire is called as smothering.

By using CO2 , DCP fire extinguisher.

Chain breaking – Brake the chain.

By DCP, blanketing.
Applying agents to interfere with chemical chain reaction of breaking down the products of
combustion thought heat & oxidation.

Fire classification / Fire types

US/OSHA UK INDIA
A – Wood clothes coal rubber A – Wood clothes coal rubber A – Wood clothes coal rubber
plastic etc. plastic etc. plastic etc.
B – kerosene , petrol, diesel, B – Kerosene, Petrol Diesel B – Kerosene, Petrol Diesel
alcohol, paint, CNG, LPG, Alcohol Paint (only liquid) Alcohol Paint (only liquid)
acetylene
C – Live electrical fire C – CNG, LPG, Acetylene (only C – CNG, LPG, Acetylene (only
gas) gas)
D – Aluminium, Iron, steel, D – Aluminium, Iron, Steel, D – Aluminium, Iron, Steel,
uranium copper uranium, Copper uranium, Copper
K – Animal & plant oil coconut E – Kitchen fire E – Electrical fire
mustard oil lard fat ghee
F – Kitchen fire

• Properties of flammable liquids

◦ Flash point – The minimum temperature to which a liquid fuel gives of sufficient vapour that can be
ignited momentarily by a flame.

◦ Fire point – The minimum temperature to which a liquid fuel gives of sufficient vapour to support
continuous combustion.

◦ Auto Ignition temperature – The minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel will ignite without
the presence of a pilot flame or spark.

◦ Flammability limit – A flammable gas or vapour will only form in atmosphere if the flammable
vapour and oxygen in air lies within certain limits, These limits are referred to us the lower and
upper flammable or explosive limits.

• Fire tetrahedron

◦ Self sustained chemical reaction

▪ Combustible is a complex reaction that requires a fuel, an oxidizer and heat energy to come
together in a very specific way fire can only continue when enough heat is produced to cause the
continued development of flammable vapour or gases.

• Fire extinguisher installation height.

◦ For fire extinguishers having a gross weight < 18.14 kg. H < 1.53m.
◦ For fire extinguishers having a gross weight > 18.14 kg. (except wheeled types); H < 1.07m.
◦ In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the hand portable fire extinguisher and the floor
be less than 102mm.
• Fire extinguisher types
◦ Pressurized water
▪ Class “A” fires only
▪ 2.5 gal water (up to 1min discharge time)
▪ Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity check.
▪ 30-40 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Can be started and stopped as necessary.
▪ Extinguishes by cooling burning material below the ignition point.
▪ Label colour Bright RED

◦ Carbon dioxide (CO2)

▪ Class “B” or “C” fires.
▪ 2.5-100 lb of CO2 (8-30 seconds discharge time)
▪ Has NO pressure gauge – capacity verified by weight.
▪ 3-8 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Extinguishes by smothering burning materials.
▪ Effectiveness decreases as temperature of burning materials increases.
▪ Label colour – BLACK.

◦ Multi-purpose dry chemical

▪ Class “A, B, C” Fires.
▪ 2.5 – 20 lb dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) 8-5 seconds discharge time).
▪ Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity check.
▪ 5 – 20 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Extinguishes by smothering burning materials.
▪ Label colour BLUE.

◦ Halon fire extinguisher.

Halon fire extinguisher is important device to have, especially for emergency situations. It
contains a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn. Halon fire
extinguisher is often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since they leave no residue.

◦ Such on expensive computers server rooms etc.

◦ Since halon manufacturing was banned.

◦ Foam extinguishers
▪ Overview – Foam extinguishers are most common type of fire extinguisher for Class B fire but
also work on Class A fires as they are water based.
▪ Label colour – CREAM
▪ Use for – Organic materials. Ex – paper, cardboard wood also.
- Flammable liquids. Ex – Paint and petrol.

◦ Wet chemical extinguishers

▪ Overview – Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for use or Class F fires involving cooking
oils and fats.
▪ Label colour – YELLOW.
▪ Use for – cooking oil / Fat fires
▪ Chemical – Potassium salt.

• Fire safety rules

◦ Stop drop and roll.
◦ Get out and Stay out.
◦ Fall and Crawl.
◦ Feel the Door before opening.
◦ Call – 101.
◦ Plan and practice an escape.
• Firefighting decision criteria.
◦ Know emergency procedures and evacuation routes.
◦ Know locations of extinguishers in your area and how to use them.
◦ Always sound the alarm regardless of fire size.
◦ Avoid Smoky conditions.
◦ Ensure area is evacuated.
◦ Don’t attempt to fight fire unless.
▪ Alarm is sounded
▪ Fire is small and contained.
▪ You have safe egress route. (can be reached without exposure to fire).
▪ Available extinguishers are rated for size and type of fire.”
▪ If in doubt evacuate. “DON’T ATTEMPT TO FIGHT UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED”.

• When faced with a fire you must make some split second decisions.
◦ Do i want to put out this fire?
◦ How do you operate this things anyway?
◦ Do i need help?
◦ Is the extinguisher the proper type for this type of fire?
◦ Are the capabilities of this extinguisher sufficient for the size of the fire?
◦ Does the fuel source make the fire too hazardous for this extinguisher?
◦ Is there a safe way to turn off or remove the fuel source?
◦ Do environmental conditions indicate that fighting this type of fire would endanger other or me?

• Extinguisher types
The fire equipment manufactures refer to three basic types of hand portable fire extinguishers:
◦ Stored pressure.
◦ Cartridge operated.
◦ Sealed pressure.
The difference lies mainly in the sealing method and the means by which the container is pressurized

• Classification of fire extinguishers.

Classified as either stored pressure or cartridge operated, they are additionally classified by under
writers laboratory (UL) as:
◦ ABC - (Ammonium phosphate)
◦ BC – (Sodium bicarbonate; purple K). or
◦ C – (Carbon dioxide).
◦ D – (Super D or sodium chloride), copper, or G – plus (Graphite).

• Fire extinguisher monthly visual inspection.

Instruction – See related numbers in the picture
1. Check the tag and make sure the annual inspection date is current.
2. The date that is punched is the last date serviced. A year from that date is is due.
3. Check to make sure there is a seal through the pull pin.
4. Check the pull pin. It should be in place through the handle.
5. Read the gauge the yellow arrow should be in the green zone.
6. Look at the hose or nozzle tip and check for cracks or damages. Some extinguishers do not have
hoses or nozzles.
7. Look at the cylinder to check for dents or rust etc.
8. Check the wall hanger. Make sure it is secure in the wall and the proper bracket.
9. Make sure there is an arrow sign for each fire extinguisher. Some may be located outside the room
where the extinguisher is mounted.
10. It is very important to make sure there is a 3 – foot clearance in front of and around the fire
extinguisher.
11. When the visual inspection has been completed put your initials on the line next to the month you
inspected the extinguisher (on the tag).
 MONTHLY INSPECTION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Sl No. Fire extinguisher Type of fire Date of monthly Date of annual Status Place of fire Signature Remark (if any)
No. extinguisher inspection inspection extinguishers

• Fire marshal role and responsibilities.

Introduction
Fire incident commander has ultimate responsibility.
◦ Site fire marshal, and
◦ Health and safety officer

◦ Duties of the fire marshal officer.

▪ Monitor conditions hazards and risks.
▪ Personnel accountability.
▪ Ensure understanding of the IAP
▪ Risk assessment
▪ Identify safe assemble area / collapse / hot zones.
▪ Monitor vehicle traffic.
▪ Monitor radio communications.
▪ Identify need for additional fire marshal.

◦ Knowledge of the fire marshal

▪ Firefighting strategy and tactics.
▪ Building construction
▪ Fire behaviour and fire loads.
▪ Forcible entry.
▪ Ventilation.
▪ Evacuation procedures.
▪ SCBA and PPE usage.
▪ Climatic conditions.
▪ Ladder operations.
▪ Establishing control zones.

◦ Scene considerations.
▪ Fire loads
• Maximum heat production.
• Target hazards and fire load potential.
• Knowledge aids operation.

▪ Forcible entry
• Understand techniques.
• Understand hazards.

▪ Ventilation
• Understand ventilation principals.
• Effects of improper ventilation.
• Understand negative and positive ventilation.

▪ Evacuation procedures
• Essential at all types of incidents.
• Understand policy.
◦ Ordering and evacuation
 ◦ Notifying and using personnel effectively.
◦ Establishing a relocation area.

▪ SCBA and PPE

• Understand standards and policy.
• Enforce use as appropriate.

▪ Climatic conditions
• Weather can have an adverse effect.
• Maintain constant awareness.
• Adverse conditions include.
◦ Extreme temperature and humidity.
◦ Freezing rain and snow.
◦ High wind.

▪ Ladder operations.
• Understand ground and aerial ladders.
• Ensure sufficient ground ladders area in place.

▪ Establishing control zones

• Allow for personnel accountability.
• Collapse zone based on
◦ Building height and
◦ Construction type
• Control zones aid in scene management.

◦ Special operations.
▪ Types of incidents.
• Hazardous material
• Emergency medical and mass casualty.
• Technical rescues.

◦ Fire marshal roles.

▪ Identify high hazard and risk locations.
▪ Review and develop pre – incident plans.
▪ Review and develop standard operating procedures.
▪ Ensure adoption and implementation of the IMS.

◦ Conduct research and development relating to

▪ Firefighting strategy and tactics.
▪ Safety best management practices
▪ Other technologies.

◦ Roles of fire marshal at scene

▪ Coordinate with the IC, understand the IAP.
▪ Report size up information to the IC.
▪ Conduct incident safety size – up.
▪ Establish control zones.
▪ Establish rapid intervention teams.
▪ Provide advice on challenging conditions.
▪ Monitor communications.
▪ Monitor vehicle traffic.
▪ Continually assess risks.

◦ Radio size – up 360

▪ Location(address/ intersection) – Active or potential flow paths?
 ▪ Products of combustion – Structural stability such as class – ABC types of building.
▪ Numerical floor height & Occupancy type – locations and extent of the fire?
▪ Special instruction (exposures, location of fire related to structure operational mode) – other
hazards (electrical exposures, access) – size, age and construction type of building?

◦ Other factors to consider during size up.

▪ Time of day – e.g. – Night
▪ Weather e.g. - Wind, Rain
▪ Savable live and / or property?
▪ Resources on scene or in route? e.g. – water supply

◦ Challenges for the fire marshal

▪ Reorganization of fire type.
▪ Manage the risk.
▪ Effectively use interpersonal skills.
▪ Enforce accountability.
▪ Effectively support operations.
▪ Plan for additional resources.

◦ Role following the incident

▪ Post incident analysis and reports.
▪ Injury or death reports.
▪ Identification of corrective action for.

◦ Future accidents
▪ To develop SOP’s for violations of department.
▪ Remove poorly defined procedures.
▪ Train the department for unforeseen conditions.
▪ Find out training deficiencies.