Fire Extinguisher

CONTENTFire1. Definition of fire2. Characteristics of Fire3. Causes of Fire4. Classification of Fire

Fire Extinguisher1. What is Fire Extinguisher2. How fire Extinguisher works3. Types of Fire Extinguisher4. Identification Chart for Fire Extinguisher5. How to Operate Fire Extinguisher6. Maintenance, Testing and Inspection

What is fire?

Fire is the visible effect of the process of combustion – a special type of chemical reaction. It occurs between oxygen in the air and some sort of fuel.

Chemical Reaction: A chain reaction can occur when the three Elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid oxidation, or burning takes Place.

Oxygen O2Oxygen is the most common oxidizing agent. Oxygen supports combustion but does not burn. Normal air contains 21% oxygen; and the higher the concentration of oxygen in the air, the more intensely a fire will burn. However, a fire can burn without the presence of oxygen if another oxidizing agent is present, E.g. Nitrates, peroxide, iodine, chlorine, etc.

Heat

Chemical Energy

Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.

Common Sources of Heat

Electrical Energy

Nuclear Energy

Mechanical Energy

Fuel

The Material or Substances being oxidized or Burned in the combustion Process.

Solid Fuels Liquid Fuels Gaseous Fuels

When heated to a certain temperature will produce combustible vapor. The actual Position also affect the way it Burns.

Flammable gases are generated by Vaporization.

The Most dangerous of all fuel types because they are already in the natural State required for ignition.

Causes of Fire

Housekeeping: Poor house keeping is a poor fire hazard. Cotton, cloths, papers, etc are the sources of ignition. They should be kept away from combusting material like petrol, oil etc.

Smoking: Careless smoking in non smoking areas should be stopped. Smoking shall be permitted in smoking zone only.

Welding / gas cutting: While doing gas welding or oxy- acetylene cutting produces flying sparks which falls on inflammable material and fire takes place.

Ignorance about fire hazards: Lack of knowledge about the safe methods of storage of inflammable liquids, materials. Correct use of electrical equipments etc. Negligent habit: Our negligent or careless habits are responsible for fire out break. A lighted match stick, cigarette end carelessly thrown on any combusting material.

Kitchen : Most sensible area to get fire in hotel. Kitchen staff should take extra care while preparing food. In kitchen because of carelessness oil fire and gas fire can take place. Electrical Panel Room: No material to be stored in Electrical panel room. Small short circuit will be converted into big fire. All storage must be at least 3 ft from electrical panel. In sum emergency situations it will be necessary to access these panels quickly.

HOW FIRES ARE CLASSIFIEDCLASS A FIRES

Wood Cloth Paper

Rubber Plastic

Fire that involves ordinary Combustible Materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many Plastics

CLASS B FIRES

Gasoline Oil

Motor Spirit Paints

Fire that involves flammable and combustible liquids and gases

CLASS C FIRES

Fire that involves energized electrical equipment Large ComputerServer.

CLASS D FIRES

Fire that involves combustible metals such as lithium, magnesium, sodium or aluminum

CLASS K FIRES

Class K is for in unstructured cooking oils in well insulated cookingAppliances in commercial Kitchen.

A fire extinguisher is to extinguish a starting fire, i.e. for initial firefighting. It contains a certain kind of extinguishing agent and includes a mechanism which puts the extinguisher into operation.  We distinguish these kinds of fire extinguishers: handheld (portable), cart-mounted (also called wheeled), and trailers.

What are Fire Extinguishers for?

Handle6

5

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3

21

7

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5

4

3

2

1

Handle

High Pressure Gas CanisterDry Chemical, Co2 or WaterNozzle

Pressure Gauge

Safety Pin

At the top of the cylinder, there is a smaller cylindrical container filled with compressed gas. A release valve acts as a locking mechanism and prevents this gas from escaping. When you pull the safety pin and squeeze the lever, the lever pushes on an actuating rod that presses the valve down to open a passage to the nozzle. The compressed gas is released, applying a downward pressure on the fire-extinguishing material, and pushing it out the nozzle under tremendous force. Although the temptation is to aim the extinguishing material at the flames, the proper way is to aim it directly at the fuel.

HOW FIRE EXTINGUISHER WORKS ?

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TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Water Extinguisher

Foam Extinguisher(AFFF)

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

Dry Chemical Powder Extinguisher

Wet Chemical Extinguisher

Special Dry Powder Extinguisher

Geometric

Symbol

Picture

Type

Symbol

Color Code

Water Yes No

Foam Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes YesABC Powder

A B C D KB

CO2

M28 Powder

Wet Chemical Yes

YesYes

Yes

Yes

No NoNo No

NoNoNo

No No

No No

No

NoNo

No

No

No

No

No

NoNo

No

Water Fire Extinguisher

A Class A Fires: Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.

Best For

Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, Coal etc.DangerDo not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliancesHow to UsePoint the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.How it Works

Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

Picture Symbol

Color Code

Foam Type Fire Extinguisher

Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.

BBest ForFires involving solids and burning liquids, such as paint and petrol but not suitable for chip or fat pan fires. Safe on fires caused by electricity if tested to 35kV (dielectric test) and a 1m safety distance is adhered to.DangerDo not use on chip or fat pan fires.How to UseFor fires involving solids, point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out. For fires involving liquids, do not aim the jet straight into the liquid. Where the liquid on fire is in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of the container or on a nearby surface above the burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow across the liquid.How it WorksThey are mainly water based, with a foaming agent so that the foam can float on top of the burning liquid and break the interaction between the flames and the fuel surface.

Color Code

Picture Symbol

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

C Class C Fires: Involve electrical equipment and Computer Server.

Best ForLive electrical equipment, although it allows re-ignition of hot plastics. Now mainly used on large computer servers, although care has to be taken not to asphyxiate people when using the extinguisher in small server rooms.DangerDo not use on chip or fat pan fires, as it carries burning fat out of container. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to ensure that the fire does not start up again. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can asphyxiate if used in confined spaces: ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been controlled. Only use CO2 extinguishers with frost-free horns, as the hand holding the horn can otherwise be frozen to the horn, as the gas is getting very cold during the discharge.How to UseThe discharge horn should be directed at the base of the flames and the jet kept moving across the area of the fire.How it WorksCarbon dioxide extinguisher works by suffocating the fire. Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen in the air. However, once discharged, the CO2 will dissipate quickly and allow access for oxygen again, which can re-ignite the fire.

Picture Symbol

Color Code

ABCDry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Class A Fires: Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.

Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.

Class C Fires: Being harmless to electrical equipment these extinguishers are ideal for offices ,workshops or any premises that uses electrical equipment.

Color Code

Picture Symbol

Picture Symbol

They use mono ammonium phosphate which is a dry chemical that is able to quickly put out the fire. It is a pale yellow powder that is able to put out all three classes of fire; Class A for trash, wood and paper, Class B for liquids and gases, and Class C for energized electrical sources.

Class D Fire Extinguisher

D Class D Fires: Involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.

Best For These specialist powder extinguishers are designed to tackle fires involving combustible metals such as lithium, magnesium, sodium or aluminum when in the form of sward or powder.There are three special powders based on graphite, copper and sodium chloride.

Danger Do not allow water to come in contact with the burning metal and the powder must be gently applied. Sodium Chloride is not recommended for Lithium.

How to Use The lance enables the user to tackle fire at a safe distance and the low velocity applicator to reduce the energy of the jet allowing the powder to gently smother the surface of the burning material thus avoiding scattering of high temperature particles and stimulating the formation of a crust. The method of application is completely different from a standard extinguisher and user training is required. They are not suitable for use on live electrical fires.

How it Works This extinguisher works by forming a crust which insulates the metal to prevent access to other combustible material nearby and smothering the fire to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere reacting with the metal

Color Code

Picture Symbol

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

K Class K Fires: Involve cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils/fats)Best For

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.DangerCheck manufacturer’s instructions for suitability of use. These extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires such as petrol, although Gloria has produced a 3l wet chemical extinguisher with B rating.How to UseApply the wet chemical using the extended applicator in slow circular movements, which give a gentle, yet highly effective application. Apply the fine spray onto the burning fat until the surface of the burning cooking oil changes into a soapy like substance which prevents re-ignition. The gentle application helps to prevent burning oil splashing out of the container. Make sure that you empty the entire content of the wet chemical extinguisher onto the oil/fat, as the fire can re-ignite otherwise.How it WorksMost class F extinguishers contain a solution of potassium acetate, sometimes with some potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate. The extinguishers spray the agent out as a fine mist. The mist acts to cool the flame front, while the potassium salts saponify the surface of the burning cooking oil, producing a layer of foam over the surface. This solution thus provides a similar blanketing effect to a foam extinguisher, but with a greater cooling effect. The saponification only works on animal fats and vegetable oils, so most class F extinguishers cannot be used for class B fires. The misting also helps to prevent splashing the blazing oil.

Color Code

Picture Symbol

• Pull the pin• Aim at the base of the fire• Squeeze the trigger• Sweep back and forth• FIGHT THE FIRE IF...AND ONLY IF

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE TRUE:• Everyone has left or is leaving the building. The fire department or Public Safety

is being called. The fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it was started (wastebasket, cushion, small appliance, etc.). You have a way out and can fight the fire with your back to your exit. Your extinguisher is rated for the class of fire at hand. You have had training in use of the fire extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively. Stay low, Avoid breathing the heated smoke and fumes as well as the extinguishing agent. If you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight the fire - Don’t fight it - instead, get out closing the door behind you.

Fire Extinguisher Usage

HOW TO OPERATE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER ?

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Remember The Phrase

P A S S1. “P”ULL... Pull the pin. This will

also break the tamper seal.2. “A”IM... Aim low, pointing the

extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.Note: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage skin.

3. “S”QUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.

4. “S”WEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 – 4.

If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire....EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

How to Use A Fire Extinguisher

Don’t Forget!

Pull the pin Aim the nozzle Squeeze the trigger Sweep the hose or nozzle back and forth

FE need to be placed at visible and easily reachable places

In not clearly arranged or blind areas a particular fire symbol for marking placement of FE is to be used and placed at a visible place.

FE are placed in areas with high probability of fires

portable FE are placed on the wall, so that the handle of EF was up to 1,5m above the ground FE on the floor must be prevented from falling FE in vehicles are placed not to endanger personal safety

Appropriate use of FE has a graphic representation and short description on each FE. Read the instructions first before use.Remember! Apply fire extinguishing always in the direction of wind and extinguish the quenching surface from its edge.A fire extinguisher can be used repeatedly, therefore after each (even very short) use refill the FE. In case of another fire you will avoid complications connected with the lack of extinguishing agent.The control of FE is to be done after each use or when mechanically damaged, otherwise usually once a year by a specialized company.

The best way of placing and using fire extinguishers (FE)

1. SOUND THE FIRE ALARM and call the fire department, if appropriate.

2. IDENTIFY A SAFE EVACUATION PATH before approaching the fire.

– Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path.

3. SELECT the appropriate type of fire extinguisher.

4. DISCHARGE the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

5. BACK AWAY from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.

6. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY if the extinguisher is empty and the fire is not out.

7. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY if the fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.

General Procedures for Responding To a Fire

Remove persons in immediate danger!Ensure doors are closed! (confine fire/smoke)

Activate the building alarm !Call the Fire Department !Treat ALL fires as DANGEROUS!

– Continue a complete building evacuation– Do not attempt to fight a fire UNLESS you are NFPA

certified in use of a fire extinguisher !

REACT upon discovery of fire or smoke

• Know department 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 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”

Firefighting Decision Criteria

Call the KSFES Department (Dial 101) Make sure the building is being evacuated Determine whether the fire is small and is not spreading Confirm you have a safe path to an exit not threatened by the fire. Know how to use a fire extinguisher

SHOULD YOU FIGHT THE FIRE?

BEFORE you consider fighting a fire . . . .

Before deciding to fight the fire, keep these things in mind:

1. Know what is burning! If you don’t know what’s burning, you won’t know what kind of fire extinguisher to use

2. Even if you have an ABC fire extinguisher, there may be something in the fire that is going to explode or produce toxic fumes.

Chances are you will know what’s burning, or at least have a pretty good idea, but if you don’t, let the fire department handle it.

3. Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? The time to use a fire extinguisher is at the beginning stages of the fire

4. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building.

As you evacuate the building, close the door (if there is one) behind you as you leave. This will help to slow down the spread of smoke and fire.

NEVER fight a fire if even one of the following is true:

The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area in which it started or is already a large fire  The fire could block your escape route.  

  You are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.     You doubt that the extinguisher you are holding is designed for the type of fire at hand or is large enough to fight the fire

ExtinguisherType

Inspection* Maintenance**

Recharging***

Hydrostatic Testing*

Water (Stored

Pressure)

30 Days 1 Year 1 Year 5 Years

AFFF(Liquid Charge Type)

30 Days 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years

Dry Chemical Powder

30 Days 1 Year Empty and internally inspect

@ 6 Years

12 Years

Carbon Dioxide

30 Days Maintenance and Ensure

conductivity exists@ 1 Year

5 Years 5 Years

Special Dry Powder

30 Days 1 Year Empty and internally inspect

@ 6 Years

12 Years

Wet Chemical 30 Days 1 Year 5 Years 5 Years

INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND RECHARGING PERIODS FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGISHERS

THANK YOU

UMESH G A