Firefighting Flashcards
State the three (3) general properties of gas, and then identify what four (4) measures you would consider using when trying to combat a gas leak?
Gases are compressible
Gases fill any container
Gases expand on heating
Turn off supply
Eliminate ignition sources
dilute with water sprays
disperse with water sprays.
List in order the six (6) stages of branch control.
Left for life
Set to flush
Open Branch
Call/signal for water on
Set flow rate
Set flow pattern
On entry into a structure fire you would expect fire gases to be present. As these fire gases reach their LEL, what are the types of ignition sources that could be present to cause an explosion to occur?
Sparks due to impact or friction
Intermittent fridge motor.
Flames
Pilot lights
Sparks from vehicle
You have been tasked to don B.A., make entry and carry out primary search & rescue. Explain the correct door entry procedure you should use to safely make entry into the structure.
Ensure hose line is charged, flushed and set to spray
Check direction of door opening by examining hinges
Adopt a position of safety behind door or wall
Paint door to find level of neutral plane - test door with back of hand for heat
Pulse spray twice above the door before opening communicating with number 2.
Open door - pulse twice within compartment and shut door - allow for effect
Assess entry, enter when safe.
As a crew member working in your LT at a bushfire incident, you identify a loss in communications with your Sector Commander. What actions could you take to re-establish radio contact? (Describe at least three).
Check/change battery
Change position - move to higher ground.
Use vehicle mounted radio
Contact control and advise situation
Relocate to the last place you had comms.
As the designated pump operator, your OIC has asked you to provide foam to the branch operator. Identify & describe three (3) disadvantages of foam being used in firefighting operations?
Foam concentrate can be expensive
Foam may be attacked by certain chemical agents
Application may be affected by strong winds
Heat build-up is a very late indicator and should not be used as a warning sign for which particular fire phenomenon? What other signs can be used to identify this earlier, and potentially allow you to prevent it occurring?
Flashover - Look for products beginning to pyrolyse, thermal layer lowering, smoke darkening.
Ventilate vertically and gas cool.
Identify the three (3) types of fire streams used, and describe two (2) pros & (2) cons of using each at a structure fire:
Jet - Long reach, Good penetration, High chance of damage, jet reaction
Spray - Water curtain protects, economical, less throw, less penetration.
Fog - Absorbs heat, enhances rate water converts to steam, Wind affected, short reach.
How would your knowledge of “Flammability Range”, “Lower Explosive Limit”, “Upper Explosive Limit” & “Ideal Mixture” assist you to deal with a venting LPG Cylinder inside a small factory shed.
Ventilate Accordingly. Eliminate all ignition sources
You arrive at a structure fire involving a high-rise building. Identify four (4) hazards that are specific to, or at an increased risk in this scenario, and how we can avoid these occurring.
- Structural collapse of all or part of the building. Maintain a 60 metre exclusion zone. Hose lines should be positioned where they can be protected.
- Concealed fire spread. Take care when advancing through buildings to ensure you are not suddenly cut off by fire emerging from a concealed place.
- Heat stress. Provide relief crews. Hydration.
- Extreme fire behavior. Control ventilation.
- Reduced visibility. Consider guidelines, torch, work in pairs.
Gases can be heavier than air and lighter than air. Using this knowledge, explain how this will affect how you deal with a chlorine gas spill you have been turned out to?
Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will settle in low lying areas. Use a monitor to test those areas specifically and ventilate the space well.
Explain in detail the two (2) technical reasons why water is used as a firefighting medium.
High thermal capacity
High latent heat capacity - meaning it takes more energy to increase the temperature of water compared to any other substance.
