Fire

Prevention
and
Fire fighting
What we are going to Learn ?

 What “fire” is?

 Classifications of fire.
 Leading fire causes.
 Types of portable fire extinguishers.
 Limitations of portable fire extinguishers
 Precautions to be taken while fire fighting
 Making the “right” decision.
 How to use a portable fire extinguisher ?
What is Fire?

A rapid chemical reaction.

The self-sustaining
process of rapid
oxidation of a fuel,
which produces
heat and light.
 Fire Triangle
Extinguishment Theory

• Removing Heat
• Removing Fuel
• Reducing Oxygen

WILL

• Inhibit Chemical
Chain Reaction
Classification of Fire
Class A or Ordinary Combustibles

This includes fuels such

as wood,paper, plastic,
rubber, and cloth.

Green Triangle
Classification of Fire
Class B or Flammable
and Combustible
Liquids and Gases
This includes all hydrocarbon
and alcohol based liquids and Red Square
gases that will support
combustion.
Classification of Fire
Class C or Electrical

This includes all fires involving

energized electrical equipment.

Blue Circle
Classification of Fire
Class D
or Combustible Metals

Examples of these types of

metals are: zirconium,
titanium, potassium, and
magnesium.
D
Yellow
Star
 Some Causes of Fire ?

Electricity Improper Storage

Housekeeping Space Heaters
Cleaning Supplies Construction
Flammable Liquids Combustible Liquids
Machinery Unattended Cooking
Careless smoking

Prevention is the best way to

fight a fire!
Different Types of Extinguishers

The common type of fire extinguishers :

Pressurized Water
Carbon Dioxide
Dry Chemical Powder
ABC
Mechanical Foam
 Limitations

Water / Foam 30-40 ft. 60 sec.

extinguisher

Dry chemical 5-20 ft. 8-25 sec.

CO2 extinguisher 3-8 ft. 8-30 sec.

Type of Fire x Type of Fire Extinguishers

Type of
How It Works A B C D
Extinguisher
Water Reduces temperature √ NEVER

CO2 Displaces oxygen √ √

Dry Chemical Binds oxygen √ √ √ MAP

Mech Foam √ √
√
Smothers fire
Sand
 D C P FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Safety Clip

Discharge Hose

Inner Container

Nozzle /
Dry Chemical Powder Squeeze
(In main container) Grip

Co2 Cartridge (In inner container)

 Locking
Pin
Control Valve
Safety
Nut Flexible High
Pressure Hose

Siphon
Tube Discharge Horn

CO2 Gas

CARBON DI OXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

 Squeeze Valve
Discharge Hose

Pressure
Gauge

Siphon Tube

Powder
Open
Nozzle

ABC POWDER TYPE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

 ‘Quick-Check’

Is It Ready To Use ?
1. Check the gauge. The pressure indicator
should be in the green zone. (CO2
extinguishers do not have pressure
gauges.)

2. The extinguisher should have a current

inspection tag.

3. The pin and handle should be secured

with a plastic tab seal.

4. The extinguisher and hose should be

free of any visible damage.
 Making That “Right” Decision
To use a Portable Fire Extinguisher

 You are trained in the use of extinguishers.

 You know what is burning.

 Fire is not spreading rapidly.

 Smoke and heat has not filled the area.

 You have a clear path of escape.

 Follow your instincts.

 Precautions
In your work area, know the
location of:

1. The nearest
emergency exit.
2. A secondary route of
escape.
3. The location of fire
extinguishers.
4. The location of fire
alarm pull stations.
 Precautions
 Never go into a unknown area to fight a fire.
 Storage Guidelines
 Maintain at least a 3ft clearance
 All storage must be from heating surfaces, air ducts,
heaters, and lighting fixtures.
at least 3 ft from  Storage of combustible materials
electrical panels. In in mechanical rooms is
prohibited.
some emergency
Improper Mechanical
situations it will be Improper Storage in front Room Storage
necessary to access of Electrical Panel
these panels
quickly.
Precautions

 Never allow the fire

to get between you
and a route to
escape.
Precautions

 Stay upwind of
to the fire.

 Stay low, never

try to work
over top the
fire.
Make sure your extinguisher can be
used in an emergency.
 The extinguisher should be
mounted on the wall.
 The area in front of the
extinguisher shall be clear.
No obstructions
 The pressure gauge should
be in the green zone
 The inspection tag should
show that the extinguisher
has been inspected
 P
Pull the pin

This will allow you to

squeeze the handle in
order to discharge
the extinguisher
 A
Aim at the base of Aim the hose
fire or nozzle.

Aiming at the middle will do

no good.
The agent will pass through
the flames.
S
Squeeze the Handle / Lever.

Squeeze the handle

This will release the

pressurized
extinguishing agent
S

Sweep the agent.

 You are not
expected
to be firefighters !
Do not take
unnecessary risks!