Portable Fire Extinguishers
Module 1
Chapter 7
Copyright: IFSTA, Essentials of Fire Fighting and Fire Department Operations, 6th Edition
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Define the ratings
Explain portable in a portable fire
fire extinguisher extinguisher rating
classifications. system.
Describe types of Explain the
portable fire considerations
extinguishers. taken when
selecting and using
portable fire
extinguishers.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Identify
procedures used
for the inspection,
care, and
maintenance of Operate a dry
portable fire chemical (ABC)
extinguishers. extinguisher.
Operate a stored- Operate a carbon
pressure water dioxide (CO2)
extinguisher. extinguisher.
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PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE CHOSEN
BASED ON THE TYPE OF FUEL BURNING.
Class A
Class K Class B
Class D Class C
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CLASS A FIRES INVOLVE ORDINARY
COMBUSTIBLES.
Extinguished
with: Fuel
• Water • Textiles
• Water-based
agents (Class A
• Paper
foam) • Plastics
• Dry Chemicals • Rubber
• Wood
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CLASS B FIRES INVOLVE FLAMMABLE,
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS AND GASES.
Extinguished
with: Fuel
• Carbon • Alcohol
Dioxide • Gasoline
• Dry • Lubricating Oils
Chemicals • Liquefied petroleum
• Class B gas (LPG)
Foam
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CLASS C FIRE INVOLVES ENERGIZED
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
Treat as
Class A or B
once power
is off
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CLASS D FIRES INVOLVE COMBUSTIBLE
METALS AND ALLOYS.
Lithium
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
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CAUTION
The use of water or
water-based agents
on Class D fires will
cause the fire to react
violently, emit bits of
molten metal, and
possibly injure
firefighters close by.
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USE DRY POWDER, NOT DRY CHEMICAL,
EXTINGUISHERS ON CLASS D FIRES.
Dry Dry
powder chemical
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CAUTION
Do not use a dry
chemical
extinguisher on
Class D fire. The dry
chemical often
reacts violently with
burning metals.
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CLASS K FIRES INVOLVE COMBUSTIBLE
COOKING OILS.
Controlled by
wet chemical
systems,
portable
extinguishers
• Vegetable or animal fats
• Burn at extreme
temperatures
• Found at commercial,
institutional, industrial,
home
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE ORGANIZED BY TYPE OF
EXTINGUISHING AGENT AND THE METHOD USED TO
EXPEL THEIR CONTENTS.
Extinguishing agent
Smothering – Excludes oxygen
Cooling – Reduces temperature
Chain breaking – Interrupts chemical chain
reaction
Saponification – Forms oxygen-excluding foam
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FIRE EXTINGUISHES ARE ORGANIZED BY TYPE OF
EXTINGUISHING AGENT AND THE METHOD USED TO
EXPEL THEIR CONTENTS.
Mechanisms to expel
Manual pump – Physical pressure forces agent
out nozzle
Stored pressure – Compressed air or inert gas
forces agent out nozzle
Pressure cartridge – External expellant forces
agent out nozzle when introduced to container
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USE PUMP-TYPE WATER EXTINGUISHERS ON
SMALL CLASS A FIRES, GROUND COVER FIRES.
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USE STORED-PRESSURE WATER
EXTINGUISHERS ON SMALL CLASS A FIRES.
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USE WET CHEMICAL STORED-PRESSURE
EXTINGUISHERS ON CLASS K FIRES.
Courtesy of Ron Moore/McKinney (TX) FD
Potassium based,
low pH
Saponification
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USE AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM (AFFF)
EXTINGUISHERS ON CLASS B FIRES, SMALL FUEL
SPILLS.
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CLEAN AGENT EXTINGUISHERS REPLACED
HALOGENATED AGENTS.
Rapidly evaporating liquid that
leaves no residue
Cools, smothers Class A and B
fires
Nonconductive, safe on
energized electrical equipment
Courtesy of Ansul Corp.
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CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EXTINGUISHERS DISCHARGE AS A
GAS AND ARE MOST EFFECTIVE ON CLASS B AND C FIRES.
Have limited reach
Easily dispersed by wind
No freeze protection required
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CO2 IS STORED UNDER ITS OWN PRESSURE AND IS
DISCHARGED THROUGH A PLASTIC OR RUBBER HORN.
CO2
• Smothers fire
• Little cooling effect
• Reignition possible
Dry ice crystals
O2
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CAUTION
When carbon dioxide
is discharged, a static
electrical charge builds
up on the discharge
horn. Touching the
horn before the charge
has dissipated can
result in a shock.
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OPERATE WHEELED (CO2) EXTINGUISHERS IN THE
SAME MANNER AS HANDHELDS.
Courtesy of Badger Fire Protection
Commonly found in
airports and
industrial facilities
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DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS USE ADDITIVES TO KEEP
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS READY FOR USE, EVEN AFTER
LONG STORAGE PERIODS.
Regular Multipurpose
A:B:C
B:C rated
rated
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DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS MAY REACT CHEMICALLY
WITH OTHER TYPES OF EXTINGUISHING AGENTS.
Dry Other
chemical agents
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WARNING
Never mix or
contaminate
dry chemicals
with any other
type of agent.
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DRY CHEMICAL AGENTS ARE CONSIDERED
NONTOXIC AND SAFE FOR USE.
May create May not be
May reduce
respiratory compatible
visibility
problems with foam
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN USING DRY
CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS ON CLASS A FIRES.
2. After flames
1. Direct discharge to
knocked down, apply
cover with chemical
to smoldering area
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HANDHELD DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS
COME IN TWO BASIC DESIGNS.
Cartridge- Stored
operated pressure
Pressure cartridge Similar to air-
connected pressurized water
Tank not Constant pressure
pressurized until around 200 psi (1
plunger pushed 400 kPa)
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CAUTION
When pressurizing a
cartridge-type extinguisher,
do not place your head or
any other part of your body
above the top of the
extinguisher. If the fill cap
was not properly screwed
back on, the cap and/or a
cloud of agent can be
forcibly discharged.
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WHEELED DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHERS
OPERATE IN A SIMILAR MANNER AS HANDHELD
CARTRIDGE-TYPES.
Stretch out hose completely;
powder can clog
Pressurizing gas
Agent
Prepare for significant
nozzle reaction
Allow few seconds to pressurize
after introducing gas
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CAUTION
The top of the
extinguisher should
be pointed away from
the operator and any
other nearby
personnel when
pressurizing the unit.
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USE DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHERS ON FIRES
FOR CLASS D METALS.
No single agent
Comes in
works on all
several models
metals
Apply with Consult
extinguisher or manufacturer’s
scoop guide
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DRY POWDER CREATES A SMOTHERING
BLANKET OVER BURNING AREA.
Apply sufficient depth
Apply gently; do not
break crust
Avoid scattering
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CAUTION
Water applied to a
combustible metal fire
results in a violent
reaction that intensifies
the combustion and
causes bits of molten
material to spatter in
every direction.
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS IF BURNING METAL IS
ON A COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE.
1. Cover fire with powder
2. Create layer of powder nearby, 1-2
inches (25-50 mm) deep
3. Spread nearby – Add more as needed
4. Leave undisturbed until completely cool
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE RATED ACCORDING
TO PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE RATED ACCORDING
TO PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY.
• Based on amount of agent, duration, and
A range of discharge
• Based on approximate area that nonexpert can
B extinguish with full extinguisher
• No specific capability testing except for
C nonconductivity
D • Based on type of combustible metal
• Based on capability of saponifying cooking
K oils
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS RATED FOR MULTIPLE CLASSES
OF FIRE ARE IDENTIFIED BY A COMBINATION OF
LETTERS.
Class A-B-C Ratings for each
Class A-B class do not affect
Class B-C each other
Use for intended
purpose only
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE IDENTIFIED BY
COLORED GEOMETRIC SHAPES OR
PICTOGRAPHS.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE CHOSEN TO
ACHIEVE TWO MAIN GOALS.
Minimize risk
Effectively
to life and
extinguish fire
property
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CONSIDER SEVERAL FACTORS WHEN SELECTING
THE PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
Fuel Ease of
Training
classification handling
Atmospheric
Rating Life hazards
conditions
Fire size, Operational
Hazards
intensity concerns
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USE CLEAN AGENT OR CO2 EXTINGUISHERS
IN AREAS WITH COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
Dry chemicals can
be damaging
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OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
ARE SIMILAR, BUT BE FAMILIAR WITH LABEL
INSTRUCTIONS.
Courtesy of Ansul Corp.
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NOTE
Wear full structural or wildland fire
fighting personal protective
equipment including appropriate
respiratory protection when operating
any portable fire extinguisher. Even
small incipient fires will produce toxic
gases that can injure you.
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AFTER YOU SELECT THE EXTINGUISHER MAKE A
QUICK VISUAL INSPECTION.
External Pressure
Hose/nozzle Weight
condition gauge
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL STEPS FOR USING
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
Approach with wind at back
Pick up and carry by handles
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL STEPS FOR USING
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
Be sure agent reaches fire
Apply from appropriate distance
After fire reduces in size
• If not extinguished after full discharge, withdraw and
reassess
• If solid fuel, use appropriate tool to overhaul
• If liquid fuel, appropriate foam may be necessary
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REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING CONSIDERATIONS
WHEN USING EXTINGUISHERS.
Extinguishers Work in unison
are first-aid if more than
appliances one
Lay empty
extinguishers
on their side
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INSPECTION, CARE, AND MAINTENANCE OF
EXTINGUISHERS ARE MANDATED BY A NUMBER OF
ORGANIZATIONS.
Fire Privately
departments owned
Regulated by
Based on
locally
NFPA® 10
adopted codes
Specified by
local SOPs
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NFPA® 10 REQUIRES AT LEAST AN ANNUAL
INSPECTION; LOCAL SOPS ESTABLISH POLICY.
Factors determining
value
Serviceability Simplicity
Accessibility
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR
EVERY EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION.
In proper location, accessible
Nozzle/horn unobstructed
Hose free of cracks, dirt, grease
Shell free of damage
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR
EVERY EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION.
Instructions are legible
Seal and pin not tampered with
Filled and fully pressurized; if deficient by 10% weight,
remove from service
Check inspection tag
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FOLLOW THESE STEPS IF ANY EXTINGUISHERS
ARE FOUND TO BE DEFICIENT.
• 1. Remove from service
• 2. Replace with operational extinguisher
• 3. Report need for service
• Only trained personnel should repair or refill
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL GUIDELINES WHEN
CARING FOR EXTINGUISHERS.
Carry
Never drop or
according to
throw
size and weight
Remove pin
only when Store securely
ready to use
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FOLLOW THESE GENERAL GUIDELINES WHEN
CARING FOR EXTINGUISHERS.
Do not store/stack
Lay on side
items in front of
when empty
wall- mounted
Shake dry
chemical monthly
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CLEAN EXTINGUISHERS PERIODICALLY AND
AFTER EVERY USE.
Warm water, Avoid
soap to solvents that
remove dirt, damage
grease plastic parts
Use steel
Only trained
wool or sand
personnel
paper to
should repair
remove
or refill
corrosion
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EXTINGUISHERS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM
SERVICE FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.
Includes thorough inspection, disassembly
Pressurized units must be hydrostatically tested
• NFPA® 10
• Required by U.S. DOT and Transport Canada
• Test results affixed to shell
Dry chemical units emptied, refilled every six years
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CAUTION
Never attempt to repair
the shell or cylinder of
a defective fire
extinguisher. Contact
the manufacturer for
instructions on where
to have it repaired or
replaced.
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SUMMARY
Portable fire extinguishers can control or extinguish small incipient or early
growth stage fires quickly in the hands of trained personnel; you must be
familiar with their characteristics and be able to select and use them
properly.
Not only should you be familiar with their characteristics and
be able to select and use them properly, you must also be able
to educate the public.
Inspecting, caring for, maintaining extinguishers assigned to your
apparatus and facility are also important skills for you to have.
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