Ch. 3: Definitions

Question 1

A colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive inert gas that is a suitable medium for extinguishing Class B and Class C fires

Answer 1

Carbon Dioxide

Question 2

A powder composed of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate-based with added particulate material supplemented by special treatment to
provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and the proper flow capabilities

Answer 2

Dry Chemical

Question 3

Normally an aqueous solution of organic or inorganic salts or a combination thereof that forms an extinguishing agent.

Answer 3

Wet Chemical

Question 4

Electrically non-conducting, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon
evaporation.

Answer 4

Clean Agent

Question 5

A system that is constructed in a manner that does not introduce foreign material into the agent being recovered and has a means of visually inspecting the recovered agent for contaminants.

Answer 5

Dry Chemical Closed Recovery System

Question 6

A system that provides for the transfer of halogenated agents between fire extinguishers, supply containers, and recharge and recovery containers so that none of the halogenated agent escapes to the atmosphere.

Answer 6

Halogenated Closed Recovery System

Question 7

Cylinders (and cartridges) containing nitrogen, compressed air, carbon dioxide, or other gases at a pressure higher than 500 psi (3447 kPa) at 70°F (21°C).

Answer 7

High-Pressure Cylinder

Question 8

Cylinders containing fire extinguishing agent (medium), nitrogen, compressed air, or other compressed gases at a service pressure of 500 psi (3447 kPa) or lower at 70°F (21°C).

Answer 8

Low-Pressure Cylinder

Question 9

Solid materials in powder or granular form designed to extinguish Class D combustible metal fires by crusting, smothering, or heat-transferring means.

Answer 9

Dry Powder

Question 10

Either a local alarm device to indicate when an extinguisher is removed from its designated location or a method of electronic communication (data transmission) between an in-place fire extinguisher and an electronic monitoring device/system.

Answer 10

Electronic Monitoring

Question 11

Extinguisher retention device designed to mount and secure a specific extinguisher model onto various surfaces by incorporating releasable straps or bands to secure the fire extinguisher.

Answer 11

Extinguisher Bracket

Question 12

An identifiable and readily accessible fire extinguisher housing device designed to store and protect fire equipment.

Answer 12

Extinguisher Cabinet

Question 13

Extinguisher mounting device designed for mounting a specific extinguisher model onto stationary vertical surfaces.

Answer 13

Extinguisher Hanger

Question 14

A quick check that a fire extinguisher is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent its operation.

Answer 14

Extinguisher Inspection

Question 15

A thorough examination of the fire extinguisher that is intended to give maximum assurance that a fire extinguisher will operate effectively and safely
and to determine if physical damage or condition will prevent its operation, if any repair or replacement is necessary, and if hydrostatic testing or internal maintenance is required.

Answer 15

Extinguisher Maintenance

Question 16

A solution that will form an aqueous film on liquid fuels

Answer 16

Film-Forming Foam

Question 17

A solution based on fluorinated surfactants plus foam stabilizers to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing liquid fuel vapors.

Answer 17

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)

Question 18

A protein-foam solution that uses fluorinated surfactants to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing liquid fuel vapors.

Answer 18

Film-Forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP)

Question 19

Flammable liquids at least 1/4” deep

Answer 19

Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth

Question 20

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), perfluorocarbon (PFC), fluoroiodocarbon (FIC) types of agents, and other halocarbons that are found acceptable under the Environmental Protection Agency Significant New Alternatives Policy program.

Answer 20

Halocarbons

Question 21

Bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211), bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301), and mixtures of Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 (Halon 1211/1301).

Answer 21

Halons

Question 22

Pressure testing of the extinguisher to verify its strength against unwanted rupture.

Answer 22

Hydrostatic Testing

Question 23

A water-based extinguishing agent that uses an alkali metal salt as a freezing point depressant.

Answer 23

Loaded Stream Charge

Question 24

All steel shells other than stainless steel and steel shells used for high-pressure cylinders.

Answer 24

Mild Steel Shell

Question 25

The normal operating pressure as indicated on the nameplate or cylinder of a fire extinguisher.

Answer 25

Extinguisher Service Pressure

Question 26

The pressure shown on the nameplate at which a shell was tested at time of manufacture.

Answer 26

Factory Test Pressure

Question 27

Fires resulting from liquids that are forced, pumped, or sprayed.

Answer 27

Pressurized Flammable Liquid Fires

Question 28

The replacement of the extinguishing agent (also includes the expellant for certain types of fire extinguishers).

Answer 28

Recharging

Question 29

Performing maintenance, recharging, or hydrostatic testing on a fire extinguisher.

Answer 29

Servicing

Question 30

The actual walking distance from a point to the nearest fire extinguisher fulfilling hazard requirements.

Answer 30

Travel Distance

Question 31

A concentrate that, when added to water, reduces the surface tension and increases its ability to penetrate and spread.

Answer 31

Wetting Agent

Question 32

A fire extinguisher in which the expellant gas is in a separate container from the agent storage container.

Answer 32

Cartridge/Cylinder-Operated Fire Extinguisher

Question 33

A fire extinguisher that is intended to be used one time and not capable of or intended to be recharged and returned to service.

Answer 33

Nonrechargeable (Nonrefillable) Fire Extinguisher

Question 34

A portable device, carried or on wheels and operated by hand, containing an extinguishing agent that can be expelled under pressure for the purpose of suppressing or extinguishing a fire.

Answer 34

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Question 35

A fire extinguisher capable of undergoing complete maintenance, including internal inspection of the pressure vessel, replacement of all substandard parts and seals, and hydrostatic testing.

Answer 35

Rechargeable (Refillable) Fire Extinguisher

Question 36

A fire extinguisher in which the agent has sufficient vapor pressure at normal operating temperatures to expel itself.

Answer 36

Self-Expelling Fire Extinguisher

Question 37

A fire extinguisher in which both the extinguishing agent and expellant gas are kept in a single container, and that includes a pressure indicator or gauge.

Answer 37

Stored-Pressure Fire Extinguisher

Question 38

A fire extinguisher containing distilled or de-ionized water and employing a nozzle that discharges the agent in a fine spray.

Answer 38

Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

Question 39

A fire extinguisher containing water-based agents, such as water, film-forming foam agents (AFFF, FFFP), antifreeze, loaded stream, and wet chemical.

Answer 39

Water-Type Fire Extinguisher

Question 40

A portable fire extinguisher equipped with a carriage and wheels intended to be transported to the fire by one person.

Answer 40

Wheeled Fire Extinguisher