Chapter 9 - Portable Fire Extinguishers Flashcards
Which NFPA standard provides information on the selection and use of fire extinguishers ?
NFPA 10
p 212
Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the ______________ of ______ that they will extinguish.
Classifications of fire
p 213
NFPA 10 recognizes two different methods of extinguisher recognition: ?
pictorial system and letter-symbol system
p 213
The __________ ____________ system is the most widely used fire extinguisher identification system.
pictorial labeling
p 213
It is important to note that the ________-__________ method of fire extinguisher identification is rapidly losing its usefulness in favor of the internationally recognized pictograph system.
letter-symbol
p 214
Portable fire extinguisher ratings:
The rating system is based upon the extinguishment of test fires in accordance with _______.
UL 711, Standard for Rating and Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishers
p 214
Fire extinguisher ratings:
The ratings consist of both a _________ and ________ designation for extinguishers intended to combat Class A and Class B fires.
numeric and letter
p 214
Extinguishers classified for Class ____ fires receive only a letter rating because fires involving energized electrical equipment are fueled by materials that are typically Class A and Class B in composition.
C
p 214
A 5 to 6 pound dry chemical extinguisher is rated at _____ or _____ depending on its chemical mixture.
2A or 3A
p 214
The smallest B:C type extinguishers have a _____ to _____ rating.
5B to 10B
p 214
All other things being equal, a 4A or 40B rated extinguishers should be ________ as effective as a 2A or 20B extinguisher.
twice
p 214
Class ____ ratings are never assigned to any type of multipurpose extinguisher.
D
p 215
Extinguishers classified for Class ____ fires receive only a letter rating because fires involving energized electrical equipment are fueled by materials that are typically Class A and Class B in composition.
C
p 214
A 5 to 6 pound dry chemical extinguisher is rated at _____ or _____ depending on its chemical mixture.
2A or 3A
p 214
The smallest B:C type extinguishers have a _____ to _____ rating.
5B to 10B
p 214
All other things being equal, a 4A or 40B rated extinguishers should be ________ as effective as a 2A or 20B extinguisher.
twice
p 214
Class ____ ratings are never assigned to any type of multipurpose extinguisher.
D
p 215
All extinguishers are tested in order to obtain a ____ rating.
UL
p 215
Discharge volume capability:
- Any portable fire extinguisher that uses dry chemical or dry powder as an extinguishing agent must be able to discharge _____ percent of its contents.
- Any portable fire extinguisher that uses agents other than dry chemical or dry powder (halon, carbon dioxide, water, etc.) must be able to discharge _____ percent of its contents.
80 / 95
p 215
Discharge duration:
- A portable extinguisher that uses water stored under pressure as an extinguishing agent must have a minimum of a _____ to _____ second discharge time.
45 to 60
p 215
Discharge duration:
- A minimum effective discharge time is required for any extinguisher for which a Class ____ rating is desired.
B
p 215
Discharge duration:
- Dry chemical extinguishers 10 pounds and larger must have a discharge rate of ___ __________ per second.
1 pound
p 215
Discharge range:
- Extinguishers that use water stored under pressure must have a minimum effective discharge of _____ feet for a _____ second period.
- Dry chemical and dry powder extinguishers must have a minimum horizontal discharge range of _____ feet.
30 / 40
10
p 215
- A testing method that uses water under pressure to check the integrity of pressure vessels.
Hydrostatic test
p 215
Hydrostatic test consist of pressurizing the components to five times their rated capacity for a period of not less than ____ seconds.
5
p 215
Class A portable fire extinguishers are rated from ____ through _____.
1A / 40A
p 216
Class A ratings test:
The ratings are based on _____ different test fires using various sizes of fuel cribs. These tests fires include a ______-_____ test and a ______-________ test.
two / wood-crib / wood-panel
p 216
Extinguishers suitable for use on Class B fires are classified with a numerical rating ranging from _____ to _______.
1B to 640B
p 216
Class B rating tests:
The number is an indication of the approximate ________ ______ area of fire involving a ____ inch layer of flammable liquid that can be extinguished by a novice or inexperienced operator.
square foot / 2
p 216
Class B rating tests:
The rating is based on the principle that an expert extinguisher operator such as a laboratory technician can extinguish ____ and ____-______ times more fire than a novice.
two and one-half times
p 216
Class B ratings test:
For example, a novice extinguisher operator using a 60B rated extinguisher can be expected to extinguish a flammable liquid fire involving a ______ area and an expert a ______ area.
60 ft^2 / 150 ft^2
p 216
Extinguishers with a rating of ______ or greater are considered suitable for outdoor fires.
20B
p 216
A _______ ____ rating is not assigned a numerical designation because the rating signifies only that the extinguishing agent is electrically nonconductive.
Class C
p 216
Class D fire extinguishers are not given ___________ ratings.
numerical
p 217
Class D ratings test:
These types of extinguishers are generally tested against fires involving specific combustible metals including ____________, _________, and ______________.
magnesium, sodium, and potassium
p 217
Class D rating test:
- Four magnesium fire tests
- _______ fire test
- ________-_________ fire test
- ________ fire test
- ________ fire test
- Area
- Pallet-transfer
- Premix
- Casting
p 217
Class D ratings tests:
For sodium and potassium ratings, there are two standard procedures for testing: ?
Both test are conducted when the metals are in a _______ state.
spill-fire test and pan-fire test / liquid
p 217
Class K fire extinguishers are rated for their ability to extinguish fire in _____________ ____________ environments. The fuel used must be new vegetable shorting or oil with an antifoaming agent and an autoignition temperature of ______ *F or higher. Test are performed on a commercial ______ _____ _______.
commercial cooking / 685 / deep fat fryer
p 217
Extinguishing agents:
Water
A 5-gallon water extinguisher weighs in excess of ____ pounds and is the maximum size that is considered truly __________.
42 / portable
p 217
Since __________ water has most of the minerals removed, its use is acceptable on Class C fires.
distilled
p 218
Extinguishing agents:
This agent produces both air foam and a floating film on the surface of a liquid fuel and is suitable for both Class A and Class B fires ?
Aqueous film forming foam ( AFFF)
p 218
Extinguishing agents:
This foam is usually diluted in a solution of water and 3 or 6 percent foam and is effective on Class A and Class B fires ?
Film forming fluoroprotein (FFFP)
p 218
Extinguishing agents:
This agent is a colorless, non combustible gas that is heavier than air. It extinguishes fire primarily through a smothering action by establishing a gaseous blanket between the fuel and the surrounding air ?
Carbon dioxide
p 218
Extinguishing agents:
__________ and other _______________ agents contain atoms from one of the halogen series of chemical elements: fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. This agent is principally effective on Class B and Class C fires.
Halons / halogenated agents
p 218
Extinguishing agents:
In physical form, ______ __________ agents are very small solid powdery particles.
dry chemical
p 219
Extinguishing agents:
This agent is a form of baking soda and was the first commercially produced dry chemical agent ?
Sodium bicarbonate
p 219
Extinguishing agents:
This agent also known as Purple K, is deemed twice as effective as sodium bicarbonate in fire extinguishment ?
Potassium bicarbonate
p 220
Extinguishing agents:
Monoammonium phosphate is an effective and popular agent for use on Class ___, Class ____, and Class ____ fires.
Class A, Class B, and Class C
p 220
Extinguishing agents:
______ __________ extinguishing agents are those used for extinguishing Class D fires and are not to be confused with dry chemicals.
Dry powder
p 220
This agent is designed to extinguish fires in combustible metals such as aluminum, magnesium, sodium and potassium ?
Dry powders
p 220
Extinguishing agents:
This agent is a Class D extinguishing agent designed specifically for use on sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires ?
Na-X
p 220
Extinguishing agents:
This agent is a sodium chloride based extinguishing agent intended for use on magnesium, sodium, and potassium fires ?
Met-L-X
p 220
Extinguishing agents:
This is an agent that can be used on several combustible metals. It was developed to control fires involving lithium but can also be used to extinguish magnesium, zirconium, and sodium fires ?
Lith-X
p 221
These extinguishing agents are used to suppress fires involving commercial cooking equipment ?
Wet chemical
p 221
Most Class ____ extinguishing agents are alkaline based mixtures consisting of potassium carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate or a combination.
K
p 221
Types of fire extinguishers: Classifications of method use - * \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - pressure * \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - operated * \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ - operated
- Stored-pressure
- Cartridge-operated
- Pump-operated
p 221
Types
This fire extinguisher contains an expellant gas and an extinguishing agent in a single chamber ?
Stored pressure
p 221
Types:
This extinguisher has the expellant gas stored in a cartridge, while the extinguishing agent is contained in an adjacent cylinder called an agent cylinder or tank ?
Cartridge operated
p 222
Types:
This extinguisher discharges its agent by the manual operation of a pump. This type of extinguisher is limited to the use of water as the extinguishing agent ?
Pump-operated
p 222
Requirements for extinguisher distribution are found in NFPA _____.
10
p 223
Class B Factors
NFPA 10 establishes ______ inch as the criterion for a flammable liquid fire to be classified as having depth.
1/4
p 224
NFPA 10 recommends that the travel distance for Class D extinguishers not exceed _____ feet.
75
p 224
In areas where Class K fires are likely, the maximum travel distance from the hazard to the extinguisher is _____ feet.
30 feet
p 224
- Extinguishers with a gross weight of 40 pounds or less should be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than _____ feet above the floor.
5
p 225
- Extinguishers with a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds, except wheeled types, should be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than _____ feet above the floor.
3 1/2
p 225
- The clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor should never be less than ____ inches.
4
p 225
NFPA _______, requires that portable fire extinguishers be carried on apparatus. The extinguishers must be suitable for Class ____, Class _____, and Class _____ fires.
1901 / A,B,C
p 226
Minimum ratings for fire extinguishers carried on apparatus:
- One dry chemical extinguisher rated for B:C fires with at least an _______ rating.
- One _____ gallon or larger water extinguisher.
- 80 B:C
- 2 1/2
p 227
NFPA _____ recommends that extinguisher inspections be performed __________.
10 / monthly
p 227
Recharging:
It is important to use a source of expellant gas with a pressure not greater than ____ psi above operating pressure.
25
p 228
With the exception of pump-tank water extinguishers, fire extinguishers are considered __________ _________.
pressure vessels
p 228
The pressure in extinguishers varies from _____ to _____ psi depending upon the type.
100 to 850
p 228
The method used to pressure test an extinguisher is known as the __________ _______.
hydrostatic test
p 228
Hydrostatic testing consists of filling the cylinder with _______ and then applying the appropriate pressure by means of a _______.
water / pump
p 228
Hydrostatic testing:
If the cylinder fails while pressurized with water, a _________ __________ typically does not occur.
violent rupture
p 228-229
Hydrostatic testing:
For CO2 extinguishers and CO2 or nitrogen cylinders used as an expellant source, the hydrostatic test pressure is _____ or _____ percent of the service pressure stamped on the vessel.
5/3 or 167
p 229
Extinguishers should not be subjected to hydrostatic testing if they show ?
signs of damage
p 229
Many extinguishers completely discharge the extinguishing agent in ___ to ___ seconds, which leaves little time for trial and error or practice.
8 to 15
p 229
PASS method:
- P- ______ the pin at the top of the extinguisher
- A- _____ the nozzle or outlet toward the fire
- S- _________ the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent.
- S- ________ the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire to disperse the extinguishing agent.
- Pull
- Aim
- Squeeze
- Sweep
p 230
Class A fire attack:
A Class A fire should be attacked at a distance of ____ to ____ feet depending on the reach of the extinguisher.
10 to 30
p 231
Class A fire attack:
If the fire involves lightweight materials that might scatter easily, the dry chemical extinguisher can be used approximately ____ feet from and ____ feet above the fire.
10 / 3
p 232
Class B fire attack:
The extinguishing agent should initially be discharged from a distance of approximately _____ feet.
10
p 232
______ extinguishers are also effective on flammable liquid fires.
CO2
p 232
AFFF is effective on Class B fires involving _____________ such as fuel oils, gasoline, and kerosene.
hydrocarbons
p 232
AFFF should not be discharged directly into the ________ ________ because it will penetrate the burning liquid and cause splashing.
liquid surface
p 232
Class B fire attack:
AFFF
On fires of depth, the foam should be ___________ off the sides or back of the enclosing tank so that the agent will flow down on the liquid. On spill fires the AFFF can be directed onto the surface just in _______ of the fire to spray over the fire.
deflected / front
p 232-233
Class C fire attack:
_____ or _______-______ extinguishers are the best choices for use on sensitive electrical equipment.
CO2 or water-mist
p 233
Class C fire attack:
______ should be applied at close range for a quick knockdown. Water-mist stored pressure extinguishers can be used from a somewhat greater distance, even as far as _____ feet.
CO2 / 12
p 233
Class D fire attack:
The burning material should be covered with a ___ inch layer of dry powder agent.
2
p 233
Class D fire attack:
Dry powder agents should be applied with a minimum of ____________ to the burning material. Most are applied with either an extinguisher or a ________.
disturbance / shovel
p 233
Class K fires are particularly difficult to extinguish because of their tendency to ___________.
reignite
p 233
Class K fire attack:
Application of the agent should begin from a distance of ____ to ____feet from the burning material.
10 to 12
p 233
Class B Factors
NFPA 10 establishes ______ inch as the criterion for a flammable liquid fire to be classified as having depth.
1/4
p 224
NFPA 10 recommends that the travel distance for Class D extinguishers not exceed _____ feet.
75
p 224
In areas where Class K fires are likely, the maximum travel distance from the hazard to the extinguisher is _____ feet.
30 feet
p 224
- Extinguishers with a gross weight of 40 pounds or less should be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than _____ feet above the floor.
5
p 225
- Extinguishers with a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds, except wheeled types, should be installed so that the top of the extinguisher is not more than _____ feet above the floor.
3 1/2
p 225
- The clearance between the bottom of the extinguisher and the floor should never be less than ____ inches.
4
p 225
NFPA _______, requires that portable fire extinguishers be carried on apparatus. The extinguishers must be suitable for Class ____, Class _____, and Class _____ fires.
1901 / A,B,C
p 226
Minimum ratings for fire extinguishers carried on apparatus:
- One dry chemical extinguisher rated for B:C fires with at least an _______ rating.
- One _____ gallon or larger water extinguisher.
- 80 B:C
- 2 1/2
p 227
NFPA _____ recommends that extinguisher inspections be performed __________.
10 / monthly
p 227
Recharging:
It is important to use a source of expellant gas with a pressure not greater than ____ psi above operating pressure.
25
p 228
With the exception of pump-tank water extinguishers, fire extinguishers are considered __________ _________.
pressure vessels
p 228
The pressure in extinguishers varies from _____ to _____ psi depending upon the type.
100 to 850
p 228
The method used to pressure test an extinguisher is known as the __________ _______.
hydrostatic test
p 228
Hydrostatic testing consists of filling the cylinder with _______ and then applying the appropriate pressure by means of a _______.
water / pump
p 228
Hydrostatic testing:
If the cylinder fails while pressurized with water, a _________ __________ typically does not occur.
violent rupture
p 228-229
Hydrostatic testing:
For CO2 extinguishers and CO2 or nitrogen cylinders used as an expellant source, the hydrostatic test pressure is _____ or _____ percent of the service pressure stamped on the vessel.
5/3 or 167
p 229
Extinguishers should not be subjected to hydrostatic testing if they show ?
signs of damage
p 229
Many extinguishers completely discharge the extinguishing agent in ___ to ___ seconds, which leaves little time for trial and error or practice.
8 to 15
p 229
PASS method:
- P- ______ the pin at the top of the extinguisher
- A- _____ the nozzle or outlet toward the fire
- S- _________ the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent.
- S- ________ the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire to disperse the extinguishing agent.
- Pull
- Aim
- Squeeze
- Sweep
p 230
Class A fire attack:
A Class A fire should be attacked at a distance of ____ to ____ feet depending on the reach of the extinguisher.
10 to 30
p 231
Class A fire attack:
If the fire involves lightweight materials that might scatter easily, the dry chemical extinguisher can be used approximately ____ feet from and ____ feet above the fire.
10 / 3
p 232
Class B fire attack:
The extinguishing agent should initially be discharged from a distance of approximately _____ feet.
10
p 232
______ extinguishers are also effective on flammable liquid fires.
CO2
p 232
AFFF is effective on Class B fires involving _____________ such as fuel oils, gasoline, and kerosene.
hydrocarbons
p 232
AFFF should not be discharged directly into the ________ ________ because it will penetrate the burning liquid and cause splashing.
liquid surface
p 232
Class B fire attack:
AFFF
On fires of depth, the foam should be ___________ off the sides or back of the enclosing tank so that the agent will flow down on the liquid. On spill fires the AFFF can be directed onto the surface just in _______ of the fire to spray over the fire.
deflected / front
p 232-233
Class C fire attack:
_____ or _______-______ extinguishers are the best choices for use on sensitive electrical equipment.
CO2 or water-mist
p 233
Class C fire attack:
______ should be applied at close range for a quick knockdown. Water-mist stored pressure extinguishers can be used from a somewhat greater distance, even as far as _____ feet.
CO2 / 12
p 233
Class D fire attack:
The burning material should be covered with a ___ inch layer of dry powder agent.
2
p 233
Class D fire attack:
Dry powder agents should be applied with a minimum of ____________ to the burning material. Most are applied with either an extinguisher or a ________.
disturbance / shovel
p 233
Class K fires are particularly difficult to extinguish because of their tendency to ___________.
reignite
p 233
Class K fire attack:
Application of the agent should begin from a distance of ____ to ____feet from the burning material.
10 to 12
p 233
