Republic of the Philippines

PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY

Camarines Sur

Lagonoy Campus
Module 5 and 6

Theories of Combustion and Classification of Fire

Name of Student: _________________________________ Week Number: 5-6

Course Code: CDI6 Name of Faculty: Nena Angela M. Vargas
Course Title: Fire Protection and Arson Investigation

FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL, EXTINGUISHMENT, AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

I. Objectives:

1. Explain and understand fire suppression, control, extinguishment and extinguishing agent
2. Explain and understand the methods of fire extinguishment
3. Explain and discuss the classes of fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents
4. Explain and discuss the classes of fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents
5. Introduce the classification and ratings of fire extinguishers
6. Discuss the proper maintenance and checking of fire extinguishers

II. Lessons

FIRE SUPPRESSION, CONTROL, EXTINGUISHMENT, AND EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

The proper selection of an agent or method of control or extinguishment is the most important factor in
determining the degree of a success of a firefighting operation.

Fire Suppression - means slowing down the rate of burning, whereas, control means keeping the fire
from spreading or holding the fire to one area. Extinguishment is putting the fire completely out.

FOUR METHODS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT AND HOW IT WORKS

Extinguishing a fire is somewhat comparable to the elimination of life. For example; the cooling of the
fire may be compared to asphyxiation (elimination of the oxygen supply), and the separation may be
compared with malnutrition or starvation. The tetrahedron concept adds a fourth element - chemical
reaction.

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Under the triangle-of-fire-concept, there are three (3) ways of suppressing, controlling, and
extinguishing a fire, namely:

1. Cooling

- The cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is heat absorption.
Water is the best general cooling agent for firefighting purposes. Used on Class A fires, the water
absorbs the heat generated at the surface of the burning material, thus, reducing the temperature of
the material below its flash point.

Water can be also used on Class B fires, which include flammable petroleum products. As with a Class A
fire, the water absorbs much of heat, reducing the vaporization rate of the liquid fuel. This is the most
noticeable in a fire involving lubricating oil, whose flashpoint is between 300 to 450 degrees F.

It is of less value in a fire involving gasoline, with its flashpoint at 45 degrees F. Water could never cool
gasoline below its flash point. The extinguishing ability of the water is broken into fine particles to
accelerate heat absorption.

2. Smothering

- excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that the gases or vapours of the fuel cannot ignite and continue
the combustion. CO2 and AFFF are used for this purpose.

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3. Separation/Starvation

- The removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a valve in a gas line prevents the fuel and
oxygen from coming together. If fuel is not available, then heat, regardless of the temperature, cannot
affect the fuel, Therefore, there is no fire.

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These three methods of extinguishment explain how fires are extinguished with the used of water, CO2,
and foam. They do not entirely account for the results obtained by vaporizing liquids or chemicals.

Vaporizing liquids could not possibly absorb enough heat to have the same effect as water, and dry
chemical do not exclude sufficient oxygen to smother a fire in the same manner as carbon dioxide.

4. Chemical Chain Reaction - The fourth method of extinguishment is known as inhibition or the
interruption of chemical reaction.

The sequence of events in suppressing or extinguishing a fire with dry chemicals or vaporizing liquids
includes some aspects of the first three methods. Using the potassium bicarbonate (dry chemical) as an
example, you can follow the process of the fourth method of extinguishment.

Remember that this is a rapid reaction and does not necessarily happen one step at a time.

First, the heat of the fire vaporizes the potassium bicarbonate thereby producing water, carbon dioxide,
and potassium dioxide. In the process of vaporization and the change of these compounds, a substantial
amount of heat is absorbed by the water and some smothering occurs due to the release of CO2.

Second, the chemical reaction resulting when the potassium dioxide unites with the water formed by
the fire creates an amount of potassium hydroxide.

Third, some potassium hydroxide reacts with certain products released from the fuel, thus forming
water and potassium monoxide. Other potassium hydroxide molecules react with the free hydrogen of
the combustion to form a potassium atom and molecules of water.

Finally, this combination of reactions halts the process of fuel uniting with oxygen of the air, thereby
breaking the chemical chain reaction and stopping the fire.

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Extinguishing Agents

The effectiveness of an extinguisher on particular fire depends on the amount and type of agent in the
extinguisher. Different extinguishing agents can be used to put out a certain class of fire by one or more
methods.

1. Removing oxygen;
2. Removing the fuel;
3. Removing heat; and
4. Interrupting the chemical chain reaction

Some extinguishing agents may be able to extinguish more than one class of fire. They are marked with
multiple letters or multiple numerical-letter ratings.

The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the class of fire they are used, and the
extinguishing methods used:

1. Water

-used only on Class A fires. Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material below its ignition
temperature. It is the most commonly used agent in firefighting. In its natural state, it is highly stable
and may be used to extinguish most types of fire if properly applied. Due to its conductive properties,
water should not be used on electrical fires.

Additives: There are many additives for water used in fire-fighting. Each of these has a specific purpose
and effect on the water.

Ways or Methods Water Extinguishes Fires

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A. Cooling- The outstanding heat absorbing qualities of water make it an excellent cooling agent. In the
cooling process, water is applied in large enough amounts to reduce the temperature of the surface of
the burning material to below its flashpoint.

The amount of water required depends on the burning material (temperature) and the manner in which
water is applied (straight or fog stream)

B. Smothering - When water is used to smother a fire, stream must be generated in sufficient amounts
to exclude or displaced air. If the steam generated is confined in the combustion zone, the smothering
action will be enhanced.

In ordinary combustibles, the cooling effect of the water not the smother-normally causes
extinguishment. The smothering effect does not completely extinguish the fire; rather, it has a tendency
to suppress flaming.

Usage - Water is generally used on Class A fires. Fires involving high flashpoint liquids (such as heavy fuel
oil, and asphalt) may be extinguished when water is effectively applied in spray form. Water may also be
used to extinguish Class C and Class D fires in some cases. In these cases, use extreme caution to avoid
injury to personnel and/or damage to equipment.

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

- A number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent. It is non-combustible and non-
reactive with most substances. CO2 provides its pressure for discharge from storage cylinders or
extinguishers. Being a gas, CO2 can penetrate and spread to all parts of fire.

Effects: Extinguishment with CO2 is primarily by smothering. It covers or blankets the burning materials
and reduces the oxygen content to below levels needed for combustion. Even though it is very cold, it
has a little cooling effect on a fire when compared with equal amounts of water. This is the reason when
fires that have been apparently extinguished with CO2 re-ignite from hot surfaces or embers as the CO2
dissipates.

Usage: Due to its non-conductivity, CO2 is very effective for use on Class C fires. It is also used on Class B
fires, but another agent is needed in blanketing or smothering on large are fires to prevent re-ignition.

CO2 can cause unconsciousness and death in connections needed for extinguishment. А 9%
concentration is about all most people can take without becoming unconscious within just a few
minutes.

3. Dry Chemical

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- The dry chemical extinguishing agents in use today are mixtures of powders and various additives that
improve the storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders. Sodium bicarbonate, Potassium
bicarbonate, and mono ammonium phosphate are some of the powders commonly used today.

Dry chemical is stable at low temperatures, but it has an upper storage temperature of 140°F. At
temperatures above 140°F some caking or sticking of the powder occurs. These agents are said to be
non-toxic, but in discharging large amounts they may cause some breathing and visibility problems.

Effects: Flames banish almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire area. But the
exact chemistry and mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not fully known. It has been suggested
that the dry chemical agents inhibit the chain reaction in the combustion zone has greater effect in
extinguishment than the smothering or cooling actions and radiation shielding have.

Usage: There are two basic types of Dry Chemical:

a). Ordinary and Regular Dry Chemical -generally refer to those powders that are intended for use on
Class B or Class C fires.

b). Multi-purpose Dry Chemical - refers to powders listed for use on Class A, B, C fires. Be careful not to
confuse ordinary, regular, multipurpose dry chemical with "dry powder".

4. Dry Powder

- Dry powder is a generally term for agents used to extinguish combustible metal fires. No one dry
powder has been found to be effective on all types of combustible metals.

Effects: Dry powder generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible metal. To some
extent, heat is absorbed by the powder to lower the temperature of the metal to below ignition point
(as with G.I. powder).

Usage: Dry powder is used primarily on Class D fires and should not be used on other types of fire, due
to its limited value on these fires.

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5. AFFF - Aqueous Film Forming Foam has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purposes.
Protein base foam is now used primarily for runway foaming operations and for some training purposes.

Effects: The quick "knock-down" and "heat reduction" properties of AFFF have proven it to be a highly
effective agent. These properties, combined with its ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon
fires to prevent "flashback", make it an outstanding and effective extinguishing agent with which to
work.

When AFFF is applied to the surface of a flammable liquid fire, the surface active material (surfactant)
provides a vapor sealing effect. This is not only extinguishes the fire but also prevents the release of fuel
vapors which could result in flashbacks. This vapor seal is also very hard to break-up by walking, or
moving some hose lines through it.

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Usage: As with any other extinguishing agent, its effectiveness depends on the proper application. The
AFFF is designed to be applied at a 6% mixture (94 parts water to 6 parts AFFF concentrate). This
mixture should be applied in a rainfall manner, or lobbing effect to allow rapid spreading over the
surface. It is used primarily to extinguish on Class B fires. It may be used on Class A fires but may be less
effective than plain water.

Foam spray (fog) is more conductive than plain water fog, because the material contained in the foam
allows the water to conduct electricity.

6. Halons (Halogenated Agents)

- These agents have been used for over 50 years. Continuous research has brought these agents to the
present high degree of effectiveness in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along with a
decrease in life safety hazard. The older (better known) agents such as carbon tetra-chloride (Halon 104)
and chlorobromomethane (Halon 1011) are less effective and more toxic than the newer agents now in
use.

• Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane) is a gas at normal temperature, but with its

relatively high boiling point (+25 F), requires pressurization to expel it at a satisfactory rate for
extinguishment. Halon 1211 is discharge both partly as a liquid spray and partly as a gas.

• Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane) is treated as a liquefied gas and, like carbon dioxide,
requires no pressurizing agent for expulsion at normal temperature. Nitrogen may be added to
storage containers when temperature is below O F, to ensure adequate discharge pressure.

Halon 1301 is the least toxic of the Halons. This low toxicity allow for safe discharge from total
flood systems in occupied spaces such as computer rooms.

Halon is a generic term for halogenated hydrocarbons and is a chemical compound that contains carbon
plus one more elements from the halogens series (fluorine chlorine, bromine, or iodine). Although a
very large number of halogenated compounds exist, only a few are used to a significant extent as fire
extinguishing agents.

Halogenated vapor is a non-conductor of electricity and is effective in fighting surface fires in such
commodities as flammable liquids, most solid combustible materials, and electrical

Effects:

Halogenated agents work chemically to extinguish fire. They stop combustion process by breaking the
fire chain reaction and prevent further fire propagation. This chemical fire-stopping action happens with

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only a low concentration of halogenated agent used. Application of the agent may be applied locally by
using a compressed bottle of non-combustible gas similar to a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. This type
of application is effective in controlling or extinguishing surface fires involving flammable liquid, solids,
or gases, such as dip tanks, quench tanks, spray transformers, or vapor vents., booths, oil-filled

Usage: Halogenated agents are very effective on Class B and Class C fires and have some effects or
success on Class A fires.

=====================================================================================

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or sick person before or until the
arrival of qualified personnel/doctor. When the term first aid is used to describe a piece of equipment,
the same general meaning applies.

Portable (first-aid) fire extinguishers are designed to be used on fires as soon as possible after they start
and before the fire gets too far along. These extinguishers may be able to extinguish the fire or hold it in
check until larger firefighting equipment arrives.

Extinguishers are designed primarily for use by people other than firefighters. The skill and knowledge in
their operation may mean the difference between using one small fire extinguisher or a big operation
involving many fire trucks and dozens of people to extinguish a fire.

Fire Extinguisher

- It is a mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for
stopping fires, the means for application of its contents for the purpose of putting out fire
(particularly small fire) before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to
place.
- It is a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers offer the greatest potential for immediately controlling workplace fires. Their
portability and relatively easy operation often make them ready for use within seconds. However,
training and education is critical to know more on the operations and use of an extinguisher. Users

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should know how to identify extinguishers, what types are available, where they are in the work place,
and above all, how to use them.

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

1. Water Portable Extinguisher

2. Water Mist Class K Fire Extinguisher
3. Halotron Fire Ext.
4. Dry Chemical Fire Ext.
5. Class D Fire Extinguisher

Classification and Ratings:

Different type of fire extinguishers is designed to extinguish fires involving different types of fuels.

Extinguishers are classified as Class A, B, C, and D or combination depending on the fire against their
agents is effective. The class of extinguisher should be on the extinguisher shell.

The "picture symbol" labeling system now in use is designed to make the operation of fire extinguishers
more effective and safe to use through the use of less confusing pictorial labels. The system also
emphasizes when not to use an extinguisher on certain types of fires.

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• Class A type of extinguisher is used on fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as
wood, clothes, and paper.
• Class B extinguisher is used on fires involving liquids, grease, and gases.
• Class C extinguishers are used on fires involving energized electrical equipment.
• Class D extinguisher is used on fires involving combustible metals such as titanium, magnesium,
zirconium, sodium, and potassium.

Information Indicated on the Extinguisher:

1. Date of original filling;

2. Chemical contents;
3. Type of extinguisher;
4. Operating instruction and safety procedure in usage;
5. Name and address of the manufacturer;
6. Name and address of the dealer.

Fire Extinguisher Ratings:

• Class A and Class B extinguishers carry a numerical rating to indicate how large a fire an
experienced person can put out with the use of an extinguisher. The ratings are based on
reproducible physical test conducted by Underwriter's Laboratories that are designed to
determine the extinguishing capability for each size and type of extinguisher.
• Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating because there is no readily measurable quantity
for class C fires which are essentially Class A or B fires involving energized electrical equipment.
• Class D extinguishers likewise do not have a numerical rating. Their effectiveness is described on
the faceplate.

Class A Ratings

An extinguisher for Class A fires could have any one of the following ratings. The numerical rating for this
class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire
it will extinguish.

1-A 6-A
2-A 10-A
3-A 20-A
4-A 30-A
5-A 40-A

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A 4-A extinguisher, for example, should extinguish about twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher.

Class B Ratings

An extinguisher for Class B fires could have any one of the following ratings. The numerical rating for this
type of extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of flammable liquid fire that a non-
expert individual can expect to extinguish.

1-B
2-B
5-B
10-B
20-B
30-B
40-B
and up to 640-B

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Class C Ratings

Extinguishers rated for Class C fires are tested only for electrical conductivity. However, no extinguisher
gets Class C ratings without a Class A and/or Class B rating. This class of fire extinguisher does not have a
numerical rating. The letter "C" indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D Ratings

Class D extinguishers are tested on metal fires. The agent used depends on the metal for which the
extinguisher was designed. Check the extinguisher faceplate for the unit's effectiveness on specific
metals.

There is no picture designator for Class D extinguishers. This type of extinguisher generally have no
rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of Class D fires.

The Most Common Extinguishing Agents Use in Fire Extinguisher

1. Water - used only on Class A fires. These extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should
only be used on Class A fires.

Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. Under certain
conditions, the steam converted from the water will exclude oxygen and smother the fire. Anti-freeze
solutions added to the water in some of these extinguishers prevent freezing but add nothing to the
effectiveness. Most of the extinguishers are 2% gallons in capacity and it will deliver a stream up to 40
feet horizontally contains water and compressed gas.

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2. Dry Chemicals

Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multi-purpose use. It contains an extinguishing agent
and uses a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant.

Types:

a. Regular or ordinary (sodium and potassium bicarbonate respectively) used only Class B or C Class
fires.

b. Multi-purpose dry chemicals (ammonium phosphate) used on Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Dry chemicals inhibit the chain reaction and, to a certain degree, cool and smother the fire. These
agents are chemically treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing. This also
helps prevent packing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry chemical
extinguishers may be found in sizes which range from 2 1/2 to 30 pounds.

3. Carbon Dioxide

- used on Class B and Class C fires. CO2 extinguishes fire by smothering, reducing the oxygen level below
that which supports combustion. These extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. Under certain
conditions, the coldness of the gas also helps put out the fire. It is an inert gas.

When CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or tank such a fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor
to a liquid. When it passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, it changes from a liquid to
a gas and the expansion chills it to low temperatures so that approximate 30 % of the liquid CO2 is
converted into a solid dioxide "snow" or "dry ice." The cooling will often cause ice to form around the
"horn" where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since there is the possibility that the fire could
re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out.

4. Foam

- used only on Class A and B fires. Foam removes fuel by forming a layer over a burning liquid and
preventing flammable vapors from escaping. Foam will also smother by keeping oxygen from mixing
with the vapors and cool with a constant layer of water bearing foam.

5. Halons - used on Class B and C fires. These liquefied gases are most effective in interrupting the chain
reaction, but they also have slight smothering and cooling effects. These are made up of carbon and one
or more halogen elements like fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and bromine.

These types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since they leave no
residue to clean up. Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually from 4-6 feet.

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The initial application should be made at the base of the fire, even after the fires have been
put out.

6. Metal/Sand Extinguishers

These types of extinguishers are primarily used for flammable metals (Class D) and have the
characteristics of a blanketing effect (smothering) on the fire. The most common extinguishing agent
used is sodium chloride.

The following are different types of Metal/Sand Extinguishing Agents:

a) Sodium chloride - used for metal fires involving magnesium, sodium (spills and in depth),
potassium, sodium/potassium alloys, uranium and powdered aluminum. Heat from the fire
causes the agent to harden and form a crust that excludes air and dissipates heat.
b) Powdered Copper Metal (Cu metal) - used for fires involving lithium and lithium alloys. It is the
only known lithium fire fighting agent which will cling to a vertical surface thus making it the
preferred agent used on three dimensional and flowing fires.
c) Graphite-based powders - these are designed for use on lithium fires. It is also effective on fires
involving high melting metals such as zirconium and titanium.
d) Specially-designed sodium bicarbonate-based dry agents - used to suppress fires with most
metal alkyls, pyrophoric liquids which ignite on contact with air, such as triethylaluminum.
Sodium carbonate-based dry powders- can be used with most Class D fires involving sodium,
potassium or sodium/potassium alloys. This agent is recommended where stress corrosion of
stainless steel must be kept to an absolute minimum.

7. Halotron I Extinguishers

- These extinguishers are intended for use on class B and Class C fires. Halotron I is an ozone-friendly
replacement for Halon 1211.(which was banned by international agreements starting 1994).

This "clean" agent discharges as a liquid, has a high visibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or
static shock, leaves no residue and is non-conducting. These properties make it ideal for computer
rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications equipment, and electronics, and it is expensive.

8. FE-36 - (Hydrofluorocarbon-236fa or known as HFC-236fa)

- it is a DuPont-manufactured Halon 1211 replacement. This agent is less toxic than 0 both Halon 1211
and Halotron I. It has a zero ozone-depleting effect or potential. FE-36 is not scheduled for phase-out
whereas production is slated to cease in 2015, Halotron I.

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9. Water Mist Extinguishers

- Ideal used for Class A fire where a potential Class C hazard exists. Unlike an ordinary water
extinguisher, the misting nozzle provides safety from electric shock and reduces scattering of burning
materials.

In of non-magnetic versions, water mist extinguishers are the preferred choice for MRI or NMR facilities
or for deployment on mine sweepers. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) NMR's (Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance Spectrometers)

Portable fire extinguishers are no substitute not for sprinkler systems, hose streams, or other fire bore
fighting devices. They contain a limited supply of 001 extinguishing agent, and their discharge range and
time is limited.

But they are necessary even do when property is protected by an automatic fire protection device.

Parts of Fire Extinguisher

Steps in using portable fire extinguishers:

1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed,
breaking the plastic or wire inspection band.

2. Point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body,
unclip it first.

3. Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the
handle.

4. Sweep the nozzle in side to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. Direct
the agent at the base of the flames. After the fire is out, probe for smoldering hot spot or liquids that
could reignite. Make sure the fire is out. Back away from the fire area to protect yourself from possible
danger or flashback.

Remember the acronym, "P.A.S.S.”

P......Pull the Pin.

A......Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
S......Squeeze trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.

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S......Sweep the extinguisher nozzle from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the
extinguishing agent.

Semi-Portable/Wheeled Extinguisher

These types of extinguishers provide a way of getting a sizeable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire
rapidly. These units are designed for in plant protection and offer a considerably longer agent discharge
period and greater firefighting power Capacities range from 100 to 350lbs. of dry chemical agent.
Generally, nitrogen in a separate tank releases the agent through a flexible hose tipped with a spray
nozzle. The units typically have a 50foot (15m) hose that allows considerable maneuverability while
combating fires.

Steps to operate a wheeled type extinguisher:

1. Open the compressed gas cylinder to pressurize the agent;

2. Free the hose from its reel and move toward the fire;

3. Point the nozzle toward the base of the fire;

4. Squeeze the nozzle to discharge the agent. To stop discharging, release the nozzle action.

Inspection and Maintenance of Extinguishers:

Once a fire extinguisher is purchased and installed, it becomes the responsibility of the owner to
maintain the extinguisher so that it remains fully operable. To fulfill this responsibility, there should be a
program to provide for the periodic inspection of each extinguisher and an effective extinguisher
maintenance program.

Fire extinguisher maintenance is a specialized activity and should be performed by competent persons.
Fire extinguishers are provided to protect life and property and there should be no doubt as to their
reliability in time of emergency.

The more common types of extinguishers that you may come in contact with are the following:

1. Water
2. Carbon Dioxide
3. Dry Chemical
4. Dry Powder

Procedures for Inspecting Various Types Extinguishers:

1. Check accessibility and proper location;

2. Check for tag for date of last recharge or inspection;

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3. Check nozzle for obstruction and operations;

4. Examine for corrosion (leaks at seams) or mechanical damage;

5. Check locks pin and seal;

6. Determine if full (water level, pressure gauge, weight);
7. Examine condition of hose and hose coupling;
8. Check horns for cracks, dirt, or grease accumulations;
9. Date of inspection and initials of inspector.

• Pressurized and Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher

Most of these extinguishers are 2% gallons in capacity. The different parts of the extinguisher are the
following:

1. Shell
2. Discharge valve
3. Pick-up tube
4. Hose
5. Nozzle
6. Pressure gauge
7. CO2 cartridge

Inspection:

1. Check the seal attached to the safety pin for damage;

2. Check the air pressure gauge for correct pressure reading of 100psi and condition of pressure gauge;
3. Examine hose and nozzle for foreign objects and damage, and the overall condition of the
extinguisher.

No semi-annual inspection is required for these type of extinguishers except for the CO2 cartridge-
operated type. With this type, weigh the cartridge every 6 months to check for any leakage. At the
annual inspection, agent must be discharged, clean the extinguisher completely, and recharge it with
the proper agents.

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

- is an inert gas that extinguishes fires by smothering rather than by cooling. The heat-absorbing capacity
of CO2 is very limited, being only 10 % that of water. When CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or
fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid.

When it passes through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, the change takes place from a liquid to
a gas and the expansion chills it to low temperature. Internal pressure generated by CO2 stored in a tank
or cylinder is proportional to the temperature; therefore, these extinguishers should not be placed in

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locations where heat is intense and they must be protected from the direct rays of the sun
during hot weather.

At room temperature, the CO2 gas exerts a pressure of more than 800 psi in the extinguishers. The high
internal pressure at normal temperatures requires that container must be made of heavy materials. An
empty 15-pound capacity extinguisher weighs approximately 35 pounds. The 15-pound hand
extinguisher and the 50-pound hand-drawn wheel-type extinguisher are the most commonly used in
firefighting operation.

All CO2 extinguishers must be provided with the following seals:

1. A seal attached to the valve handle or wheel to hold the valve locking pin in place;
2. A plastic hood or cap placed over the safety valve to cover the frangible pressure-release disk. To
insure proper operation of CO2 extinguishers, the seals must be standard replacement items, as
designed by the manufacturers.

Inspection:

1. Check pin seal on the extinguisher to insure that it is intact;

2. Check the plastic seal to make sure that the seal is in place over the safety disk;

3. Check the extinguisher location to make sure that it is not subjected to high temperatures or in the
direct exposure to the rays of the sun;

4. Check the hose for deterioration or weaknesses;

5. Check the horn for damage.

A missing plastic seal may indicate a ruptured safety disk and empty extinguisher. If either the pin seal or
the plastic seal is missing, weigh, recharge (if necessary), and reseal the extinguisher. The annual
inspections of CO2 extinguishers should include weighing the shell to insure a full charge.

Lubricate also the running gears wheel-type extinguishers. It should be recharged if less than 90% of its
capacity is present. (This is the same as a greater- than-10% loss of the net capacity).

• Dry-Chemical Extinguishers

Various compounds of dry-chemical agents are used. Some of the more common ones are sodium
bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and an ammonium phosphate which is a multi-purpose agent.

These agents are chemically treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing.
This also helps prevent packing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry-chemical
extinguishers may be found in different sizes which range from 2 to 30 pounds. The 30-pound size is the

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most common size used. The extinguishers may be cartridge-operated or may be of stored-
pressure type.

The design of the stored-pressure type is similar to the pressurized-water type.

Inspection:

The inspection includes checking of the hose, nozzle, and shell for leaks, cracks, and corrosion. Check
cartridge if screwed tightly in position and that the seal is firmly attached and in place.

Semi-annual inspection, the cartridge must be weighed to determine if there has been a loss of not
more than 10% of the excellent gas from cartridge. If more than 10% loss has occurred, the cartridge
must be replaced and/or recharged.

Annual inspection includes all of the previous checks and inspections, plus a complete operational test,
cleaning, and checking.

• Dry-Powder Extinguishers

These types of extinguishers are designed for use on Class D fires. Their sizes may vary from the small 1
lb., to the 350-pound wheeled type extinguishers. The 30-pound type is the most common type used in
the U.S. Air Force.

The agents used I the extinguishers may be in powder or in granule form. Using these agents on the
wrong type of metal fire may result in a serious explosion, release of toxic gases, or both, thus
endangering the users and others. One agent can be used on several types of metal fires, while another
agent can be used only on one specific type of metal fire. These agents are also treated to remain water-
resistive and free-flowing under stored conditions.

Inspection:

The inspection procedures for these extinguishers are identical to those for dry-chemical extinguishers.
One exception to this is certain dry-powder agents have no "extinguisher" but are always stored in the
container used for shipping. These containers should be inspected for damage or exposure to water, as
moisture may affect them.

When these agents are needed for extinguishment, the lid is simply removed and the agent is scooped,
shovelled or thrown by onto the burning metal. Extinguishers Leaked, corroded, or otherwise damaged
extinguisher shells or cylinders should be discarded or returned to the manufacturer for repair.

CAUTION: Never Try To Repair The Shell or Cylinder Subjected To Pressure.

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If an extinguisher shows slight damaged or corrosion and it is questionable whether it is safe

to use, it should be given a hydrostatic test by the manufacturer or a qualified testing agency. Leaking
hose, leaking gaskets, nozzles, can be replaced by fire brigade personnel.

Testing Extinguishers:

State when, how, and by whom extinguishers are service tested and hydrostatically tested:

Extinguishers, fire hoses and other fire safety equipment (alarms, exit signs, emergency lights) need to
be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in working condition. A quick visual check is to be done
at least monthly by the monitoring personnel in the area. Under OSHA regulations extinguishers and
hoses must be checked and documented at least once a year by a qualified inspector.

A sign-off tag should be present for documentation purposes, to verify that the extinguishers have been
inspected.

1. Service Test - a service test of an extinguisher is an operational test of the extinguisher to see to it
that it is operating properly. This test is normally conducted at least once a year during the scheduled
maintenance cycle.

2. Hydrostatic Test - hydrostatic test is an internal pressure checks of an extinguisher cylinder or shell to
detect possible failure under pressure. Normally, during the testing the cylinder or shell is filled with
water (hydro). The test should be conducted immediately upon discovering of any indication of
mechanical injury or corrosion to those extinguishers which exert internal pressure. The test indicates
whether the extinguisher parts are capable of withstanding a designated pressure.

In general, the extinguisher if filled with water and liquid pressure is built up within the container or
shell with a pump. Distortion, leaking, or rupture is a sign of failure. Never use gas or air pressure for
pressure testing because the compressed air or gas would expand with destructive force in case of an
extinguisher failure.

Care and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers:

At least once a month a fire extinguisher should be inspected on the following factors/reasons:

a). The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access
in an emergency;

b). The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge the needle
should be in the green zone - not too high and not too low;

c). The nozzle or other parts are not obstructed;

d). The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact;

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Camarines Sur

e). There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off
any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk, etc. that may have landed on the extinguisher;

f). Some manufacturers recommend the shaking of dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent
powder from packing/caking;

g). Hydrostatic testing is recommended to ensure that cylinder is safe to use (pressure testing) If the
extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replaced it immediately. Recharge all extinguishers
immediately after regardless of how much they were used.

III. Activity

1. Oral Recitation

IV. Assessment

1.Quiz

=====================================================================================

V. Suggested References:

1. Leo Bustria- Fire Behavior and Arson Investigation (2nd Edition)

2. Oscar Gatchalian Soriano- Fire Technology and Arson Investigation

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