Fire Theory Flashcards
What kind of threat is fire?
A universal threat to life
Why is the severity of the threat of fire increased on an aircraft?
There are large amounts of flammable ignition sources, fuel and the limited possibilities of escape.
What are the prime causes of death from fire?
The inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes
If smoke or fire is found in the cabin who needs to be notified immediately?
The flight crew
When fire or smoke has been found what 2 PA’s need to be made?
One to the cabin crew team “Cabin Crew FCB to [location], Cabin Crew FCB to [location]”. and an additional PA to the passengers to calm them if they are distressed.
What are the 3 elements of fire?
- Heat
- Oxygen
- Fuel
What is classed as fuel?
Anything which will burn
What is classed as Oxygen?
The surrounding air
What is classed as heat?
The heat from electrical sources or burning materials
What is meant by the chemical reaction of fire?
The interaction between fuel, oxygen, and heat creates a chemical reaction which results in fire.
What happens if you remove one element of the fire triangle?
There is no fire
What happens to the fire when you remove the fuel?
You starve the fire
What happens to the fire when you remove the oxygen?
You smother the fire
What happens to the fire when you remove the heat?
You cool the fire
If you wanted to interfere with the chemical reaction of fire what would you do?
Apply FX
Once FX has been applied what should you do?
Further actions to prevent the fire from starting again- i.e. putting the source of the fire into a metal box.
What is a Class A fire?
A fire which is started from solid materials of an organic nature in which combustion takes place with the formation of glowing embers.
Give examples of sources of a Class A fire
Wood, paper, plastic, textiles, rubber.
What is a Class B fire?
A fire started by flammable liquids.
Give examples of sources of a Class B fire
Oil, grease, tar, paint, lacquers.
What is a Class C fire?
A fire caused by flammable gases.
Give an example the source of a Class C fire
Butane lighter gas.
What is a Class D fire?
A fire started by combustible metals.
Give examples of sources of a Class D fire
Sodium, magnesium, titanium, lithium.
What is a Class E fire?
A fire started by electrical equipment.
Give examples of sources of a Class E fire
IFE, wiring, seat motors.
What is a flash-over?
A flash-over is the term used to describe the sudden transfer of heat from a local fire to a more widespread fire involving a much greater area.
If the cabin crew deem it necessary to extinguish a fire which could cause a flash-out what should they do?
Create a small opening and apply FX.
Name the potential sources of danger.
- Electrical faults in any of the aircraft’s numerous systems.
- Inappropriate use of circuit breakers
- Unsuitable packaging used in ovens
- Food spills in ovens not being cleaned
- Careless actions (blocking grilles or covering with combustible materials, etc.)
- PED with lithium batteries
- Torn seat covers
What is special about modern aircraft furnishings?
They are flame retardant BUT they will produce smoke.
What should crew on a positioning flight do?
Carry out regular fire watch checks
What do additional checks should cabin crew carry out alongside their usual checks in terms of fire watching?
The cabin crew should check toilets, galleys and social areas, the cabin, IFE systems, and ISPS/electrical sockets.
What fire watch checks need to be conducted in the toilets?
- Compartment
- Waste bin
- Flush and Vaccum motors
- Smoke detector sensors
- Smoke
What fire watch checks need to be conducted in the galleys and social areas?
- Waste management
- Ovens
- Retail and therapy hand-held units
- Chilling system and ventilation
- CB and Power switches