REFRESHER COURSEFIRE DEPT.

• FUNDAMENTAL• EXTINGUISHER• SCBA• CASE STUDY

Definitions: Fire Triangle

• To burn a fire needs fuel, an ignition source (like a spark) and oxygen.

• Remove any of these and the fire will go out

Definition: Flashpoint

• Flashpoint is the temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapor to ignite if an ignition source is present.

• Typically the lower the flash point, the greater the fire hazard. Any substance with a flashpoint near or below room temperature should be handled as posing a real fire hazard.

Definitions: Flammable and Combustible

• Combustible liquids have flashpoints above 37.77º C.

• Flammable liquids have flashpoints below 37.77º C

Classes of FiresOrdinary Combustibles: paper, cloth, Ordinary Combustibles: paper, cloth, upholstery, trash, most plastic, wood...upholstery, trash, most plastic, wood...

Flammable liquids and greases; Flammable liquids and greases; petrol, diesel, kerosene, oil, paint, petrol, diesel, kerosene, oil, paint, cleaning fluids, cooking oil...cleaning fluids, cooking oil...

Energized electrical components: Energized electrical components: appliances, wiring...appliances, wiring...

Combustible metals: potassium, Combustible metals: potassium, magnesium...magnesium...

“PASS” Method

(Other types require slightly (Other types require slightly different techniques.)different techniques.)

P Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with nozzle

pointing away from you

and release the locking mechanism

A Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of

the fire

S Squeeze / Strike the lever

S Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Fire Extinguisher Training• Take fire

extinguisher training• Never attempt to

fight fire unless you have complete confidence you can put it out

Monthly Inspections

• Fire Services inspects fire extinguishers on a monthly basis

• If you come across an extinguisher that has not been checked recently, please notify Fire Services

Firefighting Decision Criteria

• KnowKnow locations of extinguishers in your area and how to use them.

• AlwaysAlways sound the alarm regardlessregardless of fire size.

• AvoidAvoid smoky conditions.

Decision Tree

• Don’tDon’t attempt to fight unless:– Alarm is sounded. – Area is being evacuated.– Someone has called for help.– Fire is small and contained.– You have safe egress route (can be

reached without exposure to fire).• If in doubt, evacuate!evacuate!

REACT upon discovery of fire or smokefire or smoke

Remove persons in immediate danger!

Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)

Activate the building alarm !

Call for help !

Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!– Continue a complete building evacuation

– Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are trained and confident in use of a fire extinguisher #

Be Cautious !!!!for

• FIRE IS NOT SPREADING (small and contained)

• EXIT IS CLEAR (fight fire with your back to an exit )

• HAVE SOMEONE BACK YOU UP!• GET ASSISTANCE BEFORE TRYING TO FIGHT A FIRE!

• SMOKE – dangerous gases #

OK, It’s out…Now What?

• WATCH the fire area

– If the fire flares up again repeat!

– If you can’t control the fire, LEAVE immediately!

– Evacuate building and go on closing the door.

• Recharge or replace any used fire extinguisher!

LETS REVISESCBA

When do we use SCBA?

• Oxygen deficient atmospheres / confined spaces.

• Gas incidents.

• Chemical incidents.

• Salvage and clean-up operations.

• True unknowns.

• Whenever in doubt.

S.C.B.A. can’t protect you from:

• Gases absorbed through skin

• Intense heat

• Empty air supply

• Radiation

How much time do you have with the SCBA?

• It’s never enough, but you have about 30 minutes if:

• You’re in good cardiovascular health.

• Not stressed out.

• Good fit on mask

Factors that affect fit of mask

• Weight gain/loss

• Facial hair

• Shape of face

• Good seal

Safety Check

• Cylinder pressure

• Low air alarm (Warning Whistle)

• High pressure line

• Regulator

• Mainline valve

Safety Check cont.

• Low pressure hose

• Damaged Visor

• Face piece straps

• Face piece seal

CASE STUDY:

LEARN BEFORE IT BURNS YOULEARN BEFORE IT BURNS YOU

THANK YOU

Learn before you need it

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