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Fire Operation Manual

Fire Operation Manual

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Gerald Maginga
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91 views

Fire Operation Manual

Fire Operation Manual

Uploaded by

Gerald Maginga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FIRE OPERATION MANUAL

Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle specific types of fire. There are six different classes of fire and several
different types of fire extinguishers.  

1. Types of Fires
Not all fires are the same. Per NFPA 10, burning may be classified into one or more of the following fire classes and
your fire protection specialist will select the right fire extinguisher size and agent for the hazard.

Class A
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth,
rubber, and many plastics.

Class B
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum greases,
tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, alcohols. Class B fires also
include flammable gases such as propane and butane. Class B fires do not include
fires involving cooking oils and grease.

Class C
Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment such
as computers, servers, motors, transformers, and appliances. Remove the power
and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.

Class D
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.

Class K
Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animal and vegetable
fats.
2. Types of extinguishers

2.1. Foam extinguishers


Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are most suited to extinguishing liquid fires such as
petrol or diesel and are more versatile than water jet extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as
wood and paper. The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapour
reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free-flowing liquid fires.
Foam extinguishers have a cream label.

2.2. Water extinguishers


Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials
such as paper, wood and textiles.
There are four different types of water extinguishers: water jet, water spray, water with additives and water mist or
fog.  
Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning materials, cooling them and preventing re-
ignition. They should not be used on live electrical equipment.

Water spray extinguishers use a very fine spray of water droplets, each droplet is surrounded by air which is non-
conductive. Most water spray fire extinguishers carry a 35 kV dielectric test approval which means they have been
tested on a 35,000 Volt electrical source at one meter.
Water extinguishers with additives are water extinguishers with foaming chemicals added. The water loses its natural
surface tension meaning that it can soak into the burning materials more effectively. Adding the chemicals to the
water means that a smaller extinguisher can produce the same fire rating as a larger, water only, extinguisher.
Water mist, or fog, extinguishers apply water in the form of mist, or fog, the droplets are much smaller than those
from the water spray extinguisher. The smaller the droplet, the larger its surface area in relation to its size, the quicker
the droplet evaporates which absorbs the heat energy faster. The downside is the smaller the droplet the less it weighs
and therefore the less powerful the cloud of water.
All water extinguishers have a red label.

2.3. Wet chemical extinguishers


Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil,
sunflower oil, maize oil and butter. They are extremely effective, when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly
knocks the flames out, cools the burning oil and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing the surface and
preventing re-ignition. Although they are primarily designed for use on Class F fires, cooking oils and deep fat fryers.
They can also be used on Class A fires (wood, paper and fabrics) and Class B fires (flammable liquids).
Wet chemical extinguishers have a yellow label.

2.4. Carbon dioxide extinguishers (CO2)


CO2 extinguishers are ideal for places with a lot of electrical equipment such as offices or server rooms because they
are safe to use on fires involving electrical apparatus. Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a
foam extinguisher. They can also be used on Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffin or petrol.
CO2 extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (CO2) have a black label.

2.5. Powder extinguishers


Powder extinguishers are a good multi-purpose fire extinguisher because they can be used on Class A, B and C fires.
They can also be used on fires involving electrical equipment however, they do not cool the fire so it can re-ignite.
Powder extinguishers can also create a loss of visibility and may create breathing problems. They are not generally
recommended for use inside buildings unless there is absolutely no alternative.
Powder extinguishers have a blue label.

2.6. L2 & M28 Powder


The L2 Powder and M28 Powder Fire Extinguishers (special powder extinguishers) are designed specifically to fight
combustible metal fires (class D), such as sodium, lithium, magnesium and aluminium.
The extinguishers are equipped with a special very low velocity applicator to ensure the fire fighting powder is applied
efficiently and effectively to burning metal and prevent burning from spreading. The L2 version contains powder
formulated for extinguishing all metal fires including lithium.

3. How to use Fire Extinguisher


 Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal
 Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
 Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
 Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out
NB: COMMON FIRE EXTINGUISHER MISTAKES / ERRORS
 Never ignore the instructions that comes along with your fire extinguisher. Share the instruction awareness
with your members
 Never use wrong types of fire extinguisher that is not indicated on the label
 Don’t let your extinguisher expire without you knowing
 Always place your fire extinguishers near emergency accessible exterior door
 Don’t keep it a secret. Make sure all members know the place where you keep your fire extinguishers

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