CHAPTER 7 - PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Flashcards
Often used to protect areas containing volatile flammable liquids
Dry chemical
Extinguishing agent suitable for use on combustible metal fires
Dry powder
Usually installed in range hoods and associated ducting where grease may accumulate
Wet chemical system
Any substance use for the purpose of controlling or extinguishing a fire
Extinguishing agent
Phenomenon that occurs when mixtures of alkaline based chemicals and certain cooking oils come into contact resulting in the formation of soapy foam
Saponification
A fire extinguisher capable of atomizing water through a special applicator
Watermist
Water from which ionic salts, minerals, and impurities have been removed by ion exchange
Deionized water
The most effective appliance for the generation of low expansion foam
Air aspirating foam nozzle
Chemical compounds that contain carbon plus one or more elements from the halogen series. Halon 1301 and halon 1211 are most commonly used as extinguishing agents for class B and C fires
Halogenated extinguishing agents
Capable of causing corrosion by gradually eroding, resting, or destroying a material.
Corrosive
The five classes of portable fire extinguishers match the five classes of fire. True or false?
True
Class B fires can be extinguished with water, water based agents, and dry chemicals. True or false?
False – carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, class B foam
Dry chemical and dry powder extinguishers are essentially the same. True or false?
False – if confused the reaction may be violent
Extinguishing agents use only one method to extinguish a fire. True or false?
False – smothering, cooling, chain breaking, saponification
Wet chemical stored pressure extinguishers are intended for use on class K fires
True
Carbon dioxide CO2 extinguishers can be found in both handheld and wheeled units.
True
When using a wheeled dry chemical unit, allow a few minutes for the unit to fully pressurize after introducing the gas before opening the nozzle.
False – allow a few seconds not minutes
When using a portable fire extinguisher always approach the fire with the wind at your back. True or false?
True
If a fire is not reduced in size after using an entire extinguisher, try using another entire extinguisher before reassessing the situation. True or false?
False – withdraw and reassess after one
Stand empty portable fire extinguishers up to signal to others that the unit is empty. True or false?
False – lay them down
Privately owned extinguishers have no inspection regulations. True or false?
False – they are regulated by local codes and standards
Some cleaning solvents may damage plastic parts of portable fire extinguishers. True or false?
True
Dry chemical extinguishers must be emptied and refilled every six years. True or false?
True
Portable firefighting device designed to combat incipient fires
Fire extinguisher