Module 7: Fire and Smoke Flashcards
1
Q
Fire and smoke relevant PDIs
A
- Check smoke detectors are operational
- Check toilet waste bin extinguisher is serviceable
- Ovens are free from foreign objects
- All electrical appliances in galley on turned off for taxi, take-off and landing
- Check quantity and stowage of all relevant equipment
2
Q
What is the usual cause of a circuit breaker tripping?
A
Electrical overload or fault
3
Q
What must you do if there is smoke present on ground?
A
CCMs must immediately pull any relevant circuit breakers and contact the Commander
4
Q
What are the 3 things that make up fire?
A
1) Oxygen
2) Fuel
3) Heat
5
Q
Fuel
A
Any substance that will burn; solid, liquid or gas
6
Q
Heat
A
Means of ignition; mechanically, chemically or electrically generated
7
Q
What is the basic principal of fire fighting?
A
Isolate one or more of the elements involved (i.e. oxygen, fuel, heat)
8
Q
What are the 3 ways to extinguish a fire?
A
1) Starve
2) Cool
3) Smother
9
Q
What element of fire is removed from starving it?
A
Fuel
10
Q
What element of fire is removed from cooling it?
A
Heat
11
Q
What element of fire is removed from smothering it?
A
Oxygen
12
Q
How can you starve a fire?
A
Use the fire axe to disperse the remnants of the fire, thus removing the fuel
13
Q
How can you smother a fire?
A
Use blankets, curtains, Halon extinguisher
14
Q
How can you cool a fire?
A
Use water / coffee / tea / soft drinks / water fire extinguisher
15
Q
Conduction
A
The transfer of heat through materials; occurs when two objects at different temperatures are in contact with each other
16
Q
Convection
A
The transfer of heat in liquids and gasses
17
Q
Radiation
A
A method of heat transfer that does not rely upon any contact between the heat source and the heated object e.g. we feel heat from the sun even though we are not touching it
18
Q
How are fires classed?
A
Based on whats on fire from A-F
19
Q
What is a Class A fire?
A
Solid - combustible materials such as fabric, wood, paper-plastic, textiles, carpets and rubber
20
Q
What is a Class B fire?
A
Liquid - Any flammable liquids such as oils, greases, petrol and paints
21
Q
What is a Class C fire?
A
Gases - Flammable gasses such as butane lighter gas
22
Q
What is a Class D fire?
A
Metals - Combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium
23
Q
What is a Class E fire?
A
Electric - Electricity is no longer classed as a fire as electricity can not burn however, it is often the cause of ignition for fires
24
Q
What is a Class F fire?
A
Fat - Cooking Oil
25
What are the 3 kinds of extinguishers that can be used?
1) Water 2) Halon 3) Hafex
26
Which extinguisher can only be used for Class A (solid) fires?
Water exintinguisher
27
Which extinguishers can be used for all classes of fire?
Halon
28
What is the difference between Halon and Hafex extinguishers
Halon extinguishers contain halon / BMC (Bromochlorodiflouromethane) while Hafex ones do not
29
Which extinguisher is the most effective?
Halon exinguisher
30
What element of fire does the Halon extinguisher remove?
Oxygen since it smothers it
31
What must be done after smothering a fire with a Halon extinguisher and why is this?
The area must be cooled if possible e.g. using water on a seat that caught fire to prevent re-ignition. This is because Halon extinguisher lacks cooling properties.
32
What is the smell and sound of electrical fires?
Smell = acrid
Sound = crackling or sparking noise
33
What are cabin furnishings often treated with?
Fire resistant properties
34
What vapours are released when cabin furnishings catch fire?
Toxic vapours e.g. gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide
35
What does smoke consist of?
1) Fine solid particles
2) Droplets of water
3) Other liquids
36
What should CCMs instruct passengers to do if there is smoke in the cabin?
- Cover their mouth and nose
- Bend down as low as possible where the air may be clearer
37
What should CCMs not directly involved in fighting the fire do if possible?
- Crowd control
- Distribute wet napkins, towels, tissues etc
38
Oxygen masks from the cabin “drop down” system MUST be manually released for passenger use in the cabin in smoke situations (T or F)
False - they MUST NOT
39
What are the 4 major hazards of smoke?
1) Absorption
2) Heat
3) Panic
4) Toxicity / irritants
40
What are the responsibilities of the flight crew when there is smoke in the cabin?
1) Assess the severity of the smoke
2) Commence smoke removal procedures i.e. create airflow through the cabin to remove the quantities of smoke that may be present
41
How is smoke removed from cabin?
Through cabins pressurization system
42
What are the 2 primary functions of Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE)?
- Protection from smoke, by supplying breathable oxygen
- Protection from fire / heat, by covering the head and front of the body with a fireproof shield
43
Halon is stored as ___ in the extinguisher and turns into ___ once released
liquid, gas
44
In what direction do you aim a halon extinguisher at a fire?
At the base
45
Why is it dangerous for a Halon extinguisher to be in contact with humans?
It reduces oxygen
46
Does the inhalation of vapours from a Halon extinguisher have side effects?
Not long-term, but short-term e.g. nausea, faintness, inflammation and swelling of the skin
47
What extinguisher is being phased out?
Halon
48
What are the 4 steps of a fire drill?
1) Identify
2) Attack
3) Inform
4) Electrics
49
What do you do in step 1 (identify) of a fire drill?
Identify type and source of fire
50
What do you do in step 2 (attack) of a fire drill?
Don fire fighting equipment and immediately begin fighting the fire
51
What do you do in step 3 (inform) of a fire drill?
Inform the commander via the interphone using the NITS formula.
52
What do you do in step 4 (electrics) of a fire drill?
- Pull relevant circuit breakers
- Have the electrics to the area switched off by the flight crew
53
What should 1 CCM be delegated to do following the putting out of a fire?
Closely monitor the area of the fire to prevent re-ignition
54
What are the 3 roles in a fire drill?
- Primary Fire Fighter
- Communicator
- Assist Fire Fighter
55
What are the responsibilities of a primary firefighter during a fire drill?
- Alert CCMs
- Identify fire type
- Switch off any electrical supply
- Collect a Halon extinguisher, gloves (and PBE if required)
- Locate source and attack the base of the fire
56
What are the responsibilities of the communicator during a fire drill?
Inform commander of the following:
- Identify themselves and their location
- Location/source of fire/smoke –including severity/density (colour/odor)
- Number of extinguishers used
- Situation within the cabin
57
What are the responsibilities of the assist fire fighter during a fire drill?
- Collect extra equipment
- Assist as appropriate
- Be prepared to take over if necessary
58
Why should the flight deck door remain locked in the even of a fire or smoke scenario?
To prevent smoke and fumes entering
59
What is the NITS procedure for a fire or smoke scenario?
N: Type, Source, Status, and Description of fire
I: Action Taken i.e. who is fighting the fire, how many extinguishers have been used
T: Time spent fighting fire
S: Special Instructions e.g. state if passengers and oxygen have been moved
60
What is the procedure for a suspected lavatory fire?
Feel the door of the lavatory using the back of your hand in a zig-zag pattern starting at the top of the door and working down to the bottom.
61
What is the procedure for a suspected lavatory fire if door is cool?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist fire fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX extinguisher
- Crouch down low and using the door as a shield open the door slightly
- If no flames are visible, enter the toilet with caution continuing to stay low
- Identify the type and source of the fire, the fire may be contained behind paneling or in the waste bin
- When the fire source is identified discharge halon/HAFEX appropriately aiming the nozzle at the base of the flame (depending on the size of the fire only a small amount of halon may be required)
- Monitor and if needed repeat the above step
- Check surrounding areas for evidence of fire
- When the fire is extinguished dampen down if non electrical
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
62
What is the procedure for a suspected lavatory fire if door is hot?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX extinguisher
- Crouch down low and using the door as a shield open the door slightly, just enough to insert the nozzle of the Halon/HAFEX
- Discharge one full halon extinguisher into the lavatory compartment
- Close the door and wait one minute
- After one minute open the door slightly, if the fire is not extinguished repeat the above step
- If the fire is extinguished enter the lavatory compartment with caution
- Check surrounding areas for evidence of fire
- When the fire is extinguished dampen down if non electrical
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
63
What are the initial steps the the event of an oven fire?
- Keep door closed
- Turn OFF oven and pull appropriate circuit breakers
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Monitor the situation and continue the drill as appropriate
64
What steps should you take if you have completed the initial steps of the procedure of an oven fire and it has self extinguished?
- Remove and cool all contents
- Check surrounding areas for signs of fire
- Monitor area for the remainder of the flight
- Keep commander updated
65
What steps should you take if you have completed the initial steps of the procedure of an oven fire and it is still on fire?
- Get equipment (halon extinguisher, gloves, and PBE)
- Open door slightly and insert the nozzle of the extinguisher (note don't use full extinguisher as oven is a small area)
- Close oven door
- Wait 1 minute and check it
- If not extinguished continue to repeat above steps
- If extinguished remove contents and dampen down
- Monitor area for the remainder of the flight
- Keep commander updated
66
What should you always ensure to use when using an oven to prevent fire?
oven insert/ sleeve
67
What are the two types of batteries commonly used to power consumer PED’s?
Lithium batteries (disposable) and lithium-ion batteries (rechargeable)
68
Why are lithium and lithium-ion batteries a fire hazard?
Ignition and subsequent explosion due to overheating.
69
What are the 3 signs of a lithium battery fire?
- Device stops working
- Battery overheats, hisses and / or bulges
- Smell / Smoke
70
What are the procedures for dealing with a lithium battery fire?
1) Deals with overheating of battery or device
2) Deals with situation where smokes/flames already visible
71
What are the first 3 steps of the procedure for dealing with a lithium battery overheating or on fire?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Move passengers away from the area & establish what you are dealing with, adopt the appropriate drill
72
What are the steps for dealing with a lithium battery overheating?
- Collect and gather PED bag, extinguisher and gloves
- Assist fire fighter ensuring water is available if needed
- Don gloves
- Open PED bag
- Place battery/device in PED bag and close securely
- Remove metal toilet waste bin, empty and place PED bag inside
- Monitor for the remainder of the flight
- Keep commander informed
73
What are the steps for dealing with a lithium battery that is on fire or smoking?
- Collect and gather equipment
- Get empty toilet bin and bring to scene
- Don firefighting equipment as needed
- Use Halon extinguisher if fire is visible
- Cool device by poruing a non-flammable liquid - NOT ICE OR WATER (continue repeating this)
- When safe, place item in the metal toilet bin and immerse device in water
- After time, once device is cooled, place in the PED bag, close and put in empty toilet waste bin
- Monitor for the remainder of the flight
- Keep commander informed
74
It is necessary to fit replacement PED bags to dispatch the airplane (T or F)
False - it is not necessary!
75
What are the steps if a waste bin is on fire?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX/water extinguisher
- Extinguish the fire with a Halon or Water extinguisher and or any other non flammable liquid
- Remove the waste container from its stowage to check the compartment for signs of fire
- Soak the contents of the container with water or any other non-flammable liquid - Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition - Keep the commander informed throughout
76
What are the steps if a cabin bag is on fire?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX
- Discharge an appropriate amount of halon, to extinguish the fire
- Locate the owner and establish the contents of the bag -
Dampen down with water. WARNING - before using water to dampen down be aware of the possibility of Dangerous Goods. (See also section 8 Dangerous Goods Part A Cabin)
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
77
What are the steps if an overhead locker or galley stowage area is on fire?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Move passengers away from the area
- Move Oxygen away from the area
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX extinguisher
- Open the locker / stowage door slightly
- Insert the nozzle of the Halon/HAFEX into the locker /stowage and discharge appropriately
- Wait one minute
- Open the locker / stowage door slightly if the fire is not extinguished repeat the above step
- If fire is extinguished remove contents
- Dampen down with water. WARNING
- Before using water to dampen down be aware of the possibility of Dangerous Goods. (See also section 8 Dangerous Goods Part A Cabin)
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
78
What are the steps if there is a fire behind a panel or bulkhead?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Move passengers away from the area
- Move Oxygen away from the area
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon/HAFEX extinguisher
- Feel bulkhead / panel with back of hand to find the source. CAUTION: make sure you have located the source of the fire as smoke can travel great distances behind panels
- If required, use the axe to lever the panel slightly away from the wall or to puncture a hole in the panel CAUTION: Liaise with flight deck crew as essential cabling and wiring may be running through the area
- Insert the nozzle of the Halon/HAFEX extinguisher behind the panel / into the area and discharge contents
- Wait one minute, if the fire is not extinguished repeat the above step
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
79
What are the steps if electrical equipment is on fire?
- Turn OFF and pull appropriate circuit breakers
- Summon assistance (communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Move Passengers away from the area
- If the smoke / fire involves IFE equipment, the IFE system must be isolated and remain isolated for the duration of the flight
- If fire / smoke involves electrical equipment in a passenger seat (e.g. video monitor) both the IFE and the seat power for the individual seat or block of seats must be isolated and remain isolated for the flight duration
- Discharge an appropriate amount of Halon/HAFEX
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
80
What is the procedure for a fire in the flight deck?
- Only Halon/HAFEX extinguishers should be used in the flight deck as water may damage electrical surfaces
- The flight crew should be on 100% oxygen when using a Halon extinguisher because of the dangers associated with using this extinguisher in a confined space and should consider remaining on oxygen until after landing following either a flight deck fire or the discharge of a Halon extinguisher in the flight deck area
81
What are the steps if there is a fire in the catering equipment?
- Summon assistance (Communicator and Assist Fire Fighter)
- Inform the flight deck immediately via the Communicator
- Collect and gather necessary fire fighting equipment
- Prepare by donning equipment and testing halon extinguisher
- Open the door slowly using door as a shield
- Discharge an appropriate amount of halon into the cart or container (as catering carts / containers are small confined spaces only a small amount of halon is required)
- Close door and wait one minute
- If fire has not extinguished repeat above steps
- If fire is extinguished open door and remove the contents
- Dampen down the contents to prevent re-ignition
- Monitor the area for the remainder of the flight, keeping fire fighting equipment to hand in case of re-ignition
- Keep the commander informed throughout
82
The halon extinguisher is filled with ____ and is pressurized with ___
halon gas, dry nitrogen
83
What do you look for during PDIs of halon extinguishers?
- Correct quantity
- Correct stowage
- Pressure gauge indicates green
- Pin and seal are intact
84
What are the steps in the operation of a halon extinguisher?
- Twist and pull pin to break seal and remove
- Hold upright. Squeeze trigger to test
- Aim at the base of flame
- Squeeze trigger
- Use in a sweeping motion
- Discharge as appropriate to fire being fought
85
What is the duration of a halon fire extinguisher?
10 seconds
86
What is the effective range of a halon fire extinguisher?
10 feet
87
Halon extinguisher must always be held ____ when in use as it is a ____
upright, pressurized unit
88
What do you look for during PDIs of Hafex extinguishers?
- Correct quantity.
- Correct stowage.
- Pin & Yellow plastic seal in tact
- Pressure gauge is in the green
89
Which extinguisher has less side effects on people?
Hafex
90
What is the optimal distance to the base of a fire that a Hafex extinguisher should be used from?
6 feet
91
What is the duration of a Hafex extinguisher?
9-10 seconds
92
Keep a distance of at least ____ if the burning clothes of persons are to be extinguished using a Hafex extinguisher
1 metre
93
What color is a water extinguisher?
grey
94
What do PDIs of water extinguishers involve?
- Correct quantity
- Correct stowage
- Copper / lead seal intact
- Operating lever in line with the collar
- Cartridge loaded in the handle [view through either of the two pin holes in the handle]
95
What are the steps involved in the operation of a water extinguisher?
- Turn the handle to right [clockwise] as far as possible
- Hold upright and press the operating lever to test
- Aim at the base of fire
- Press lever to discharge
- Use sweeping motion
96
How long does a water extinguisher last?
30 seconds
97
What is the effective range of a water extinguisher?
15 feet
98
What PBE is provided to CCMs?
Oxy Crew smoke hood
99
How are PBEs stored?
- Sealed in a vacuum-packed foil package which has a small yellow serviceability tag tied around it
- This package is then enclosed in a grey, plastic, hard-shell box
- The box is sealed with a white sticker-type seal
100
How many smoke hoods are there on boad? Where are they stored? When can they be used?
One smoke hood
Located in the flight deck
Primarily for use on occasions when an aircraft is positioned empty and there are no cabin crewmembers present
101
What do PDIs of PBEs include?
- Correct quantity
- Correct Stowage
- White seal on the clamp intact
- Yellow serviceability indicator visible
102
What are the steps in putting on a PBE?
- Open the securing straps, releasing the box from its stowed position
- Release the locking clamp
- Open the box and remove the vacuum pack
- Tear the sealing strip of the pack, open and remove the smoke hood
- Put both hands through the neck seal and firmly pull the hood over the head from the back to the front. Ensure long hair is tucked up under the neck seal
- Pull down on the lanyard sharply to start oxygen generation. [The lanyard may come away in your hand]. Note the time
- It will take a couple of seconds before the oxygen generation will commence
- Take a number of deep breaths to ensure oxygen is flowing and you are comfortable
- Oxygen is on demand and will re-circulate through the hood removing carbon dioxide through the normal breathing cycle
- Secure the unit around the waist using the straps, and adjust the mask to fit tightly over the face
103
How long does a PBE last?
20 mins
104
What are the steps in removing PBE?
- May be hot to the touch so grip the top back of the hood and pull it forward over the head with both hands
- Untie the straps after taking off the hood
105
How lond does Air Liquide Smoke Hood last?
15 mins
106
What are the steps in a PDI of Air Liquide Smoke Hood?
- Correct Quantity
- Correct stowage
- Check the in-viability green locking latch is in place
- Check the Indicator is visible green (red indicates the unit is unserviceable)
- Check the unit is in date (validity period 10 years)
107
What are the steps in putting on an Air Liquide Smoke Hood?
- Pull off the green locking latch
- Remove cover
- Remove the vacuum packed bag
- Once the vacuum packed bag is removed, pull sharply on the red tear strip to open the bag and take out the hood
- Place thumbs inside the neck seal and pull towards the orange indicators
- Shake the hood out with a swift downwards movement to open out
- Pull the smoke hood over your head from back to front
- Ensure hair is tucked up inside the neck seal
- Hood will automatically activate
108
How long does an Air Liquide Smoke Hood last?
15 mins
109
What do you look for during PDIs of flame proof gloves?
- Correct Quantity
- Correct Stowage
- In good repair
- Left and right hand gloves present
110
What do you look for during PDIs of PED bags?
- Correct Quantity
- Correct Stowage
- Not damaged
111
What do you look for during PDIs of fire axes?
- Correct Quantity
- Correct Stowage
- Secure
112
Purpose of fire axe
Break through furnishings and levering / removing panels or bulkheads to reach the source of a fire, or puncture hole to insert nozzle of extinguisher
113
What are the 5 Stages of Fire?
1. Incipient
2. Growth
3. Fully developed
4. Flashover (peak)
5. Decay
114
What are the products of combustion?
Smoke and gases
115
Characteristics of CO2
Colourless, odourless, tasteless
116
Characteristics of Carbon Monoxide
Colorless, odorless, tasteless, extremely toxic and asphyxiant gas
