An Introduction to “Fire Fighting”“Fire Fighting”

Fire is a serious hazard in India and on an average about 25,000 people dies every year due to fires and explosions. India has witnessed several devastating fires and explosions that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives and property damages.

September 5, 2012 : A powerful explosion tore through one of the biggest fire works factories, Om Sakthi Fireworks Industries Crackers in Sivakashi, Tamil Nadu, triggering a major fire. About 50 people killed and more than 75 injured

July 30, 2012 : A coach of Delhi – Chennai Tamil Nadu Express caught fire near Nellor in Andhra Pradesh – 35 passengers were killed and 25 injured.

December 9, 2011 : A blaze started in the basement of building of AMRI Hospital, Dhakuria, Kolkata and quickly spread, trapping hundreds of people – 94 patients and staffers were killed.

July 16, 2004 : A major blaze raged through the Sri Krishna / Saraswati English Medium School at Kumbakonam when its that reached roof caught fire – About 93 children aged 6 and 10 were charred to death.January 23, 2004 :A major blaze engulfed Padmapriya Marriage Hall at Srirangam, near Tiruchi, in Tamil Nadu. The probable cause of the fire was due to a short circuit which resulted from a wire of videographer’s camera - 62 people including the bridegroom were killed and 45 severely injured.

April 10, 2000 : A devastating fire broke out at a tent of ‘Brand India Fair’ at Victoria Park, Meerut. The cause of the fire was due to an electrical short circuit within the structure. The fire also led to the explosion of gas cylinders at the makeshift kitchen at the site which soon engulfed the area turning the park into an inferno. At least 100 people were killed

Fire

What we are going to Learn:What we are going to Learn:

What “fire” is.What “fire” is. Classifications of fire.Classifications of fire. Leading fire causes.Leading fire causes. Fire Fighting InstrumentsFire Fighting Instruments Fire prevention.Fire prevention. Importance of portable fire extinguishersImportance of portable fire extinguishers Types of portable fire extinguishers.Types of portable fire extinguishers. How to use a portable fire extinguisher.How to use a portable fire extinguisher. Making the “right” decision.Making the “right” decision. Reporting an emergency.Reporting an emergency.

What is fire

A rapid chemical reaction.

The self-sustaining

process of rapid oxidation of a

fuel, which produces

heat and light.

Extinguishment Theory

• Removing Heat• Removing Fuel• Reducing Oxygen WILL

• Inhibit Chemical Chain Reaction

How fire spreads 1. Direct burning – chemical reaction

2. Convection

3. Radiation

4. Conduction

Fire Creep

Burning material falling onto other combustible materials

Flashover

Types of fire

Class A or Ordinary Combustibles

This includes fuels such as wood,paper, plastic,rubber, and cloth.

Green Triangle

Class B

Class B or Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Gases

This includes all hydrocarbon

and alcohol based liquids and

gases that will support combustion.

Red Square

Class C

Class C or Electrical

This includes all fires involving energized electrical equipment.

Blue Circle

Classification of Fire

Class DClass D

or Combustible Metalsor Combustible Metals

Examples of these types of Examples of these types of

metals are: zirconium, metals are: zirconium,

titanium, potassium, and titanium, potassium, and

magnesium.magnesium.

DYelloYello

w w StarStar

Class K is for fires in unsaturated cooking oils in well insulated cooking appliances in commercial kitchens.

Some Causes of Fire ?

Electricity Improper StorageHousekeeping Space Heaters Cleaning Supplies ConstructionFlammable Liquids Combustible LiquidsMachinery Unattended Cooking

Careless smokingPrevention is the best way to fight a fire!

Types Of Fire Fighting EquipmentsFire ExtinguisherFire AlarmFire BlanketFire HoseFire HydrantFire SuitHeat DetectorSmoke DetectorFire sprinkler

Fire AlarmAn automatic fire alarm system is designed to detect the unwanted presence of fire by monitoring environmental changes associated with combustion. In general, a fire alarm system is classified as either automatically actuated, manually actuated, or both. Automatic fire alarm systems are intended to notify the building occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire or other emergency, report the event to an off-premises location in order to summon emergency services, and to prepare the structure and associated systems to control the spread of fire and smoke.

Fire BlanketA fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish small incipient (starting) fires. It consists of a sheet of fire retardant material which is placed over a fire in order to smother it .

Small fire blankets, such as for use in kitchens and around the home, are usually made of fibreglass and sometimes kevlar and are folded into a quick-release contraption for ease of storage.

Larger fire blankets, for use in laboratory and industrial situations, are often made of wool (sometimes treated with a flame retardant fluid). These blankets are usually mounted in vertical quick-release container so that they can be easily pulled out and wrapped round a person whose clothes are on fire.

Fire ExtinguisherA fire extinguisher, flame extinguisher, or simply an extinguisher, is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

Fire HoseA fire hose is a high-pressure hose used to carry water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to a fire to extinguish it.

Outdoors, it is attached either to a fire engine or a fire hydrant. Indoors, it can be permanently attached to a building's standpipe or plumbing system.

The usual working pressure of a firehose can vary between 8 and 20 bar (800 and 2,000 kPa; 116 and 290 psi), while its bursting pressure can be up to 83 bar (8,300 kPa; 1,204 psi)

Fire HydrantA fire hydrant is an active fire protection measure, and a source of water provided in most urban, suburban and rural areas with municipal water service to enable firefighters to tap into the municipal water supply to assist in extinguishing a fire.

A hose is attached to the fire hydrant, then the valve is opened to provide a powerful flow of water, on the order of 350 kPa (50 lbf/in²) (this pressure varies according to region and depends on various factors including the size and location of the attached water main). This hose can be further attached to a fire engine, which can then use a powerful pump to boost the water pressure and possibly split it into multiple streams. The hose may be connected with a threaded connection, instantaneous "quick connector" or a Storz connector. Care should be taken not to open or close a fire hydrant too quickly, as this can create a water hammer which can damage nearby pipes and equipment.

Fire SuitA fire proximity suit (also, silvers or silver bunker suit) is a suit designed to protect a firefighter from high temperatures, especially near fires of extreme temperature such as aircraft fires.Today they are manufactured from vacuum-deposited aluminized materials that reflect the high radiant loads produced by the fire.Aluminized hood or helmet cover with neck shroudAluminized jacket and pants complete with vapor barrier insulated linerAluminized lined glovesAluminized AR-FF bootsSelf-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (aluminized covers for air bottles, or suits that cover the air pack are also available)

Heat DetectorA heat detector is a fire alarm device designed to respond when the convected thermal energy of a fire increases the temperature of a heat sensitive element. The thermal mass and conductivity of the element regulate the rate flow of heat into the element.

Fire SprinklerA fire sprinkler is the

component of a fire sprinkler system that discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. In buildings protected by fire sprinklers, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal link held together with fusible alloy and other alloys with similar compositions. The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pip cap which acts as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler. Because each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is reached, the number of sprinklers that operate is limited to only those near the fire, thereby maximizing the available water pressure over the point of fire origin.

The bulb breaks as a result of the thermal expansion of the liquid inside the bulb.[11] The time it takes before a bulb breaks is dependent on the temperature. Below the design temperature, it does not break, and above the design temperature, it takes less time for higher temperatures

The importance of portable fire extinguishers?

Your first line of

defense!

Characteristics

Water extinguisher 30-40 ft. 60 sec.

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

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

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers

• Usually silver in color.

• Hose attached somewhere at/near the top.

• Can be used on Class A fires only.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

• Usually red in color.

• No pressure gauges.

• “Horn” instead of a hose or nozzle.

• Can be used on Class B and C fires only.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont.)

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

• Can be red, yellow, white or other colors.

• Extinguishers containing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium bicarbonate can be used on Class B and C fires only.

• Those containing monammonium phosphate can be used to extinguish Class A, B and C fires.

BC

ABC

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Class D Fire Extinguishers

• Contain special material (e.g., graphite).

• Use only on fires involving combustible metals (e.g., titanium, zirconium, etc.).

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Types of Fire Extinguishers (cont.)

Halon Fire Extinguishers

• “Halogenated hydrocarbons.” (similar to Freon)

• Primarily used to extinguish fires in sophisticated electrical/computer equipment (Class C fires).

“Wet Chemical” Fire Extinguishers

• Primarily used to extinguish Class K fires (cooking grease made with animal fats).

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Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different classes of fire.

The 3 most common types of fire extinguishers are:

Types of Fire ExtinguishersTypes of Fire Extinguishers

1. Water (APW)………………….Only for A type fire

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)…… Only for C type fire

3. Dry Chemical (ABC, BC, DC)

Emergency Procedures

If there is a fire in your building, please

proceed to the nearest exit and leave in an

orderly manner.

Remain outside until you are given the all clear by the fire or police department.

“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.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

Making That “Right” DecisionTo 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.

LIMITED IN:Capacity - .5kg to 11kg approx

of extinguishing agent

Range - Typically 1m to 6m

Duration - Discharge their

contents in only 5 to 45 seconds!

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Extinguisher Common features

Safety pin (and plastic tamper tag)

Carrying handle / operating lever Pressure gaugeLabel :

Type (Water, C02, Dry Chemical)Classification (A, B, E)Capacity Rating (in Kg)Instructions

Discharge nozzle or horn E

Up Close & Personal

Pressure Gauge

Anti-tamper seal

Hose

Horn

Pull Pin

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Pressure Gauge

Needle on pressure gauge should be in “operable range.”

Any problems here?

Extinguisher needs recharged.

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The P.A.S.S. Method

Pull the pin.

Aim the hose or nozzle.

Squeeze the lever.

Sweep the agent.

PULL the pin

AIMLOW at the base of the fire

SQUEEZEthe lever

SWEEPfrom side to side (slowly)

Beware …! 1. Fires involving gas will reignite if the source is not

isolated – explosion risk!

2. If possible, turn off power before tackling a fire in electrical equipment

3. When is a fire small enough to tackle … or too large to deal with?

4. One fire = One extinguisher

5. Be prepared to abandon the fight if you don’t start to control the fire quickly

Risk Assessment? Is the fire too big?

Is the air safe to breathe?

Is the environment too hot or smoky?

Is there a safe evacuation path?

If you don’t feel safe – don’t put yourself at risk … escape and call out the experts

People fires … STOP, DROP, ROLL

Don’t use extinguishers (maybe water mist?)

Don’t flap or slap at the burning clothes

React rapidly / urgently but stay calm

Don’t become a victim yourself

6ft fire blankets in some laboratories

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

Call in 101

It is not recommended you stay in the building to call. Call from a nearby building or a cell phone.

Give as much information as possible to the emergency dispatcher.

Reporting an Emergency

Environmental Concerns

In your building, know the location of:

1. The nearest exit.2. A secondary route of

escape.3. The location of fire

extinguishers.4. The location of fire

alarm pull stations.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Training

You are not expected

to be firefighters! Do not take unnecessary

risks!

Thank You Thank You For Your For Your

Time!Time!