Fire Safety and Utility Controls Flashcards
What is CERT’s number 1 priority? How do you achieve it?
RESCUER SAFETY
- work with a buddy
- wear safety equipment
FIRE CHEMISTRY: What are the 3 elements of a fire?
- heat (required to bring material to ignition point)
- fuel
- oxygen (need at least 20% oxygen to burn)
create a chemical exothermic reaction - FIRE TRIANGLE
What are the classes of fires? (based on the type of fuel)
* necessary for knowing how to extinguish them
Class A - ordinary combustibles (ex paper, cloth, wood, rubber, plastics)
Class B - flammable and combustible liquids
Class C - energized electrical equipment
Class D - combustible metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium)
Class K - cooking oils
What are the 3 categories of utility hazards in the home and workplace?
Electrical, Natural Gas, Flammable/Combustible liquids
What are 2 simple measures to prevent fires?
- locate potential hazards
- eliminate/reduce hazards
How can you reduce or eliminate electrical hazard fires?
- avoid “electrical octopus” (tangled chords)
- don’t run chords under carpet
- check for/replace broken/frayed chords
- maintain electrical appliances
What are the characteristics of water extinguishers?
- Capacity: 2.5 gallons (standard)
- Range: 30-40 feet (standard)
- Pressure: 110 psi (standard)
When can dry chemical extinguishers (sodium bicarbonate base) be used?
Class B and C fires
When can multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers be used?
Class A,B and C fires
What are the characteristics of dry chemical extinguishers?
- Capacity: 10-20 secs. discharge time)
- Range: 8-12 feet (standard)
- Pressure: 175-250 psi (standard)
What is the 5-second rule?
If the fire cannot be put out in five seconds then leave immediately.
What is ‘overhauling’?
The process of searching a fire scene for hidden fire or sparks to prevent rekindling
What is the first question to ask yourself before attempting to extinguish a fire?
Can I escape quickly and safely from the area if things go wrong?
What are the components of a portable fire extinguisher?
- Hose
- Pressure Gauge
- Carrying handle and trigger
- Cylinder
How do you operate a fire extinguisher?
P.A.S.S.
- Pull
- Aim
- Squeeze
- Sweep
What is ‘confinement’ in fire safety?
Restricting the spread of smoke and heat by closing doors, interior and exterior, thus ‘confining’ it.
How many Fire Suppression Safety Rules are there?
11
What is the job of Team Member 1?
put out a fire with an extinguisher
What is the job of Team Member 2?
watch out for hazards and ensure the safety of both team members
When are materials considered hazardous?
- Corrode other materials
- Explode or are easily ignited
- React strongly with water
- Are unstable when exposed to heat or shock
- Are toxic to humans, animals, or the environment through any form of intake
What is an example of hazardous materials?
- explosives
- flammable items
- poisonous items
- corrosives
- Nonflammable gases
- Oxidizers
- Radioactive materials
How do you locate where hazardous materials are stored?
- Location/type of occupancy
- placards
- sights, sound, smells
What is a commonplace for hazardous materials?
- industrial locations
- dry cleaner
- funeral home
- delivery van
What does a 704 diamond identify?
- Red: flammability
- Blue: health hazard
- Yellow: reactivity
- White: special precautions
