CHAPTER 2 DAMAGE CONTROL AND FIREFIGHTING CHAPTER 2 DAMAGE CONTROL AND FIREFIGHTING MODULE: NAVAL SKILLS UNIT 1: SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND DAMAGE CONTROL MODULE: NAVAL SKILLS UNIT 1: SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND DAMAGE CONTROL

Introduction

What Damage Control Covers Firefighting Collision and grounding damage Explosion damage Battle damage Care of the injured Firefighting Collision and grounding damage Explosion damage Battle damage Care of the injured

The duties and responsibilities of the ship’s damage control organization are outlined and covered in the hip’s battle bill and Damage Control Manual. The duties and responsibilities of the ship’s damage control organization are outlined and covered in the hip’s battle bill and Damage Control Manual. DAMAGE CONTROL MANUAL USS UNDERWAY DAMAGE CONTROL CENTRAL

A department or group, as aboard a naval vessel, responsible for taking action to control damage caused by fire, collision, or other mishaps. Damage Control

Routine and emergency maintenance of damage control equipment and closures Control of damage and flooding caused by accidental or hostile action Defense against chemical, biological, and radiological attack Routine and emergency maintenance of damage control equipment and closures Control of damage and flooding caused by accidental or hostile action Defense against chemical, biological, and radiological attack Duties and Responsibilities of the DCO

Topic Review

Q. What does damage control include? Reference Study Guide Question #1A

Q. What does damage control include? A. Damage control includes firefighting, measures taken to control collision, grounding, explosion, and battle damage, and care of the injured. Reference Study Guide Question #1A

Q. What are the duties of a ship’s damage control organization? Reference Study Guide Question #1B

Q. What are the duties of a ship’s damage control organization? A. The duties include routine and emergency maintenance of damage control equipment and closures; control of damage and flooding caused by accident or hostile action; and defense against chemical, biological, and radiological attack. Reference Study Guide Question #1B

The Damage Control Organization

Damage Control Central (DCC) The headquarters for all damage control activities in the ship’s battle organization The headquarters for all damage control activities in the ship’s battle organization

Damage Control Officer The engineering officer is the damage control officer.

Preventing and repairing damage Training the crew in damage control Caring for assigned machinery, drainage, and piping Preventing and repairing damage Training the crew in damage control Caring for assigned machinery, drainage, and piping Damage Control Assistant (DCA) Responsibilities Damage Control Assistant (DCA) Responsibilities

Each department has a damage control petty officer, who coordinates the training of departmental personnel.

DCC coordinates all the repair parties for hull, propulsion, electronics, weapons, air operations, and battle dressing (first aid and emergency operating) stations.

Damage Control Central Receives reports from damage control parties Assesses the damage Decides which area is most in need of repairs Advises the CO on what must be done to keep the ship in fighting shape Receives reports from damage control parties Assesses the damage Decides which area is most in need of repairs Advises the CO on what must be done to keep the ship in fighting shape

DCA uses various visual aids to help coordinate plans to contain damage.

DCA coordinates decontamination stations, monitors teams to detect Chemical, biological, radiological (CBR) attacks, and routes casualties to battle dressing stations. DCA coordinates decontamination stations, monitors teams to detect Chemical, biological, radiological (CBR) attacks, and routes casualties to battle dressing stations.

Battle Dressing Station A place equipped to handle casualties, manned by medical department personnel. A place equipped to handle casualties, manned by medical department personnel.

Topic Review

Q. Which officer is the ship’s damage control officer? Reference Study Guide Question #2A

Q. Which officer is the ship’s damage control officer? A. The engineering officer is the ship’s damage control officer. Reference Study Guide Question #2A

Q. Who is the principal assistant to the damage control officer? Reference Study Guide Question #2B

Q. Who is the principal assistant to the damage control officer? A. The principal assistant is the Damage Control Assistant (DCA). Reference Study Guide Question #2B

Q. What is the name given to the control station for shipboard damage control? Reference Study Guide Question #3A

Q. What is the name given to the control station for shipboard damage control? A. The control station for shipboard damage control is called Damage Control Central (DCC). Reference Study Guide Question #3A

Q. What is the name given to the on-scene groups of people who are responsible for damage control in assigned sections of the ship? Reference Study Guide Question #3B

Q. What is the name given to the on-scene groups of people who are responsible for damage control in assigned sections of the ship? A. The on-scene groups responsible for damage control in assigned sectors of the ship are called repair parties. Reference Study Guide Question #3B

Repair Parties

Repair parties are the main components of the DCA’s damage control organization. Repair parties are the main components of the DCA’s damage control organization.

Personnel who attempt to make emergency repairs to any vital damaged equipment or ship’s structure. Repair Party

Officer or chief petty officer in charge Scene leader to supervise on-scene activities Phone talker Messengers Personnel equipped with special Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) Officer or chief petty officer in charge Scene leader to supervise on-scene activities Phone talker Messengers Personnel equipped with special Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) What a Repair Party Has

A self-contained unit designed to protect the wearer in a place lacking oxygen or containing harmful gases, vapors, smoke, or dust. Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA)

Investigation Hose Dewatering Plugging and patching Shoring Investigation Hose Dewatering Plugging and patching Shoring Repair Party Teams Repair Party Teams

Piping repair Structural repair Casualty power Interior communications repair Electrical repair Piping repair Structural repair Casualty power Interior communications repair Electrical repair Repair Party Teams Repair Party Teams

There are Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear warfare (CBR) teams and decontamination teams.

A Countermeasure Wash Down System (CMWDS) may be used on board ship for washing down CBR contamination. A Countermeasure Wash Down System (CMWDS) may be used on board ship for washing down CBR contamination.

Special repair teams handle aviation fuel repair, aviation crash and salvage, and ordnance disposal. Special repair teams handle aviation fuel repair, aviation crash and salvage, and ordnance disposal.

Repair parties are assigned to each major part of the ship – after, amidship, main deck, and forward.

Repair parties are assigned to repair: Propulsion Ordnance equipment Electronics Repair parties are assigned to repair: Propulsion Ordnance equipment Electronics

Evaluating and reporting correctly on the extent of damage in their areas Controlling and extinguishing all kinds of fires Giving first aid and transporting the injured to battle dressing stations Evaluating and reporting correctly on the extent of damage in their areas Controlling and extinguishing all kinds of fires Giving first aid and transporting the injured to battle dressing stations Repair Parties Must be Capable

Detecting, identifying, and measuring nuclear radiation and biological and chemical agents, and carrying out decontamination procedures Performing the special duties assigned to their parties, such as ordnance disposal, and propulsion and electronics repairs Maintaining watertight integrity, structural integrity, and ship’s maneuverability Detecting, identifying, and measuring nuclear radiation and biological and chemical agents, and carrying out decontamination procedures Performing the special duties assigned to their parties, such as ordnance disposal, and propulsion and electronics repairs Maintaining watertight integrity, structural integrity, and ship’s maneuverability Repair Parties Must be Capable

Each ship also has an auxiliary at-sea and in-port fire party organization with enough on-duty repair party personnel to handle moderate-size fires.

A large fire requires the crew to go to general quarters (GQ) and all repair parties to be fully manned to fight it. A large fire requires the crew to go to general quarters (GQ) and all repair parties to be fully manned to fight it.

134 Sailors killed or missing $72 million dollars damage (excluding aircraft) 134 Sailors killed or missing $72 million dollars damage (excluding aircraft) USS Forrestal (CVA 59) 29 July 1967 USS Forrestal (CVA 59) 29 July 1967

Stretcher cases may be brought directly to the station by the repair party stretcher- bearers.

Emergency supplies of medical equipment are placed in first aid boxes at various stations throughout the ship.

Topic Review

Q. What is the task of a repair party scene leader? Reference Study Guide Question #4A

Q. What is the task of a repair party scene leader? A. A repair party scene leader supervises all on-scene activities, under the overall direction of the officer or petty officer in charge of the repair party. Reference Study Guide Question #4A

Q. What are the special teams within a repair party? Reference Study Guide Question #4B

Q. What are the special teams within a repair party? A. Repair party personnel are assigned to various teams within each repair party, including investigation teams; hose teams; dewatering, plugging, and patching teams; and shoring, piping repair, structural repair, casualty power, interior communications repair, and electrical repair teams. There are also CBR monitoring teams and decontamination teams. Besides the general repair parties, on some ships there are special departmental teams to handle aviation fuel repair, aviation crash and salvage, and ordnance disposal. Reference Study Guide Question #4B

Q. What is a battle dressing station? Reference Study Guide Question #5A

Q. What is a battle dressing station? A. A battle dressing station is a first aid station manned by medical personnel. Reference Study Guide Question #5A

Q. Who brings stretcher cases to the battle dressing station? Reference Study Guide Question #5B

Q. Who brings stretcher cases to the battle dressing station? A. Stretcher cases are brought to the battle dressing stations by repair party stretcher bearers. Reference Study Guide Question #5B

Material Readiness Conditions

The success of damage control depends on the maintenance of watertight integrity.

The watertight integrity of a ship may be reduced or destroyed by: Enemy action Storms Collisions Negligence Accidents The watertight integrity of a ship may be reduced or destroyed by: Enemy action Storms Collisions Negligence Accidents

Basic material conditions of readiness, each representing a different degree of “tightness” and protection, include X-RAY, YOKE, and ZEBRA. X-RAY YOKE ZEBRA X-RAY YOKE ZEBRA

X Offers the least protection Set when no danger of attack Any closure with a black X is secured. X-RAY fittings are also closed for conditions YOKE and ZEBRA. Offers the least protection Set when no danger of attack Any closure with a black X is secured. X-RAY fittings are also closed for conditions YOKE and ZEBRA. Condition X-RAY Condition X-RAY

Condition YOKE: Provides more protection than X-RAY Set and maintained at sea and foreign ports Condition YOKE: Provides more protection than X-RAY Set and maintained at sea and foreign ports

Condition YOKE: In port, it is maintained at all times during war, and is set outside regular working hours during peacetime. Any closure with a black Y and X will be secured. Condition YOKE: In port, it is maintained at all times during war, and is set outside regular working hours during peacetime. Any closure with a black Y and X will be secured.

Condition Set before going to sea or when entering a port during war Set when GQ is sounded Condition Set before going to sea or when entering a port during war Set when GQ is sounded ZEBRA:

Condition These are set to localize and control fire and flooding when not at GQ. Any closure with a black X and Y and red Z are secured. Condition These are set to localize and control fire and flooding when not at GQ. Any closure with a black X and Y and red Z are secured. ZEBRA: Z

Once a material condition is set, no fitting marked with that or a lower condition symbol may be opened without permission from the CO.

However, access to critical spaces is temporarily allowed without prior permission if they have a circle around the basic marking.

Ventilation Fittings If marked with a W (WILLIAM), they are never closed.

If marked with a circle WILLIAM, they may be closed to limit air circulation during a CBR attack. Ventilation Fittings

D ZEBRA (Z) DOG-ZEBRA. fittings within a capital D are called fittings within a capital D are called

Topic Review

Q. What are the three basic material conditions of readiness? Reference Study Guide Question #6A

Q. What are the three basic material conditions of readiness? A. The three basic material conditions of readiness are X-RAY, YOKE, and ZEBRA. Reference Study Guide Question #6A

Q. What is the extent of protection for the ship in each material readiness condition? Reference Study Guide Question #6B

Q. What is the extent of protection for the ship in each material readiness condition? A. Condition X-RAY offers the least protection, being set when the ship is in no danger of attack, such as in homeport. YOKE provides for more protection: it is set and maintained at sea, at all times during war, and at times outside working hours during peacetime. ZEBRA, providing the most protection, is set before going to sea or when entering port during war. It is set automatically when general quarters is sounded, and when a fire or flooding situation is in progress. Reference Study Guide Question #6B

Damage Repairs

Battle-damage repair is emergency action taken to keep the ship afloat and fighting.

Drills and personal qualification training are continuously done to teach all how to use damage control equipment.

When the underwater hull is pierced, there are only two ways to control flooding.

1. Plug the holes. 2. Establish and maintain flood boundaries using the watertight compartmentation in the ship so flooding will not spread. 1. Plug the holes. 2. Establish and maintain flood boundaries using the watertight compartmentation in the ship so flooding will not spread.

Topic Review

Q. What are the two ways to control flooding? Reference Study Guide Question #7

Q. What are the two ways to control flooding? A. The two ways to control flooding are: 1) to plug holes and 2) to establish and maintain flood boundaries using the watertight compartmentalization in the ship, so flooding will not spread. Reference Study Guide Question #7

Communications

There are three main communication systems used in damage control organization.

1. General announcing system (called the 1MC) 2. Sound-powered telephones 3. Messengers 1. General announcing system (called the 1MC) 2. Sound-powered telephones 3. Messengers

General information, orders and alarms, the location of a bomb or shell hit, fire, or collision is announced over the 1MC.

These include the general alarm that is used to call the crew to GQ because of impending enemy attack, fire, collision, or CBR attack. Battle stations are manned for all emergency alarms. These include the general alarm that is used to call the crew to GQ because of impending enemy attack, fire, collision, or CBR attack. Battle stations are manned for all emergency alarms. Emergency Alarms

Principal means of communication Requires no external source of power Principal means of communication Requires no external source of power Sound-Powered Telephone Sound-Powered Telephone

A unit in which the operating power is derived from speech input only. There are no "outside" batteries or power source. A unit in which the operating power is derived from speech input only. There are no "outside" batteries or power source. Sound-Powered Telephone

All repair parties have their own circuit connecting to: Damage Control Central (DCC) Their roving patrols Other stations in the area All repair parties have their own circuit connecting to: Damage Control Central (DCC) Their roving patrols Other stations in the area

Messengers Relay orders and information when other methods of communication fail Must be very familiar with the ship Deliver both written and oral messages Relay orders and information when other methods of communication fail Must be very familiar with the ship Deliver both written and oral messages

Topic Review

Q. What are the emergency alarms used aboard ship and when are they used? Reference Study Guide Question #8A & 8B

Q. What are the emergency alarms used aboard ship and when are they used? A. The emergency alarms used aboard ship are the general alarm, used to call the crew to general quarters because of impending enemy attack, fire, collision, or CBR attack; the chemical alarm; and the collision alarm. The general alarm used for attack or fire is a series of single gong tones; the chemical alarm is a steady tone signal; and the collision alarm consists of a series of three pulses, with a short pause between each series. Reference Study Guide Question #8A & 8B

Q. What is the principal means of internal communication throughout a ship? Reference Study Guide Question #9A

Q. What is the principal means of internal communication throughout a ship? A. The principal means of communication throughout a ship is the sound-powered telephone system. Reference Study Guide Question #9A

Q. What is the particular advantage of the sound-powered telephone system? Reference Study Guide Question #9B

Q. What is the particular advantage of the sound-powered telephone system? A. These telephones require no external source of power other than the talker’s voice. Reference Study Guide Question #9B

Q. When internal phone and electrical systems fail, what method is used to relay messages? Reference Study Guide Question #9C

Q. When internal phone and electrical systems fail, what method is used to relay messages? A. When the phone and electrical systems fail, messengers are used to relay orders and information around the ship. Reference Study Guide Question #9C

Fire and Firefighting

Any person aboard ship who discovers a fire, no matter how small, must give the alarm, and then act promptly to contain or extinguish the fire.

DCC is the headquarters area for fighting any fire.

Fire is a constant threat aboard ship. All appropriate measures must continually be taken to prevent fires.

What Starts Fires Spontaneous combustion Carelessness Hits by enemy shells or missiles Explosion Collision Spontaneous combustion Carelessness Hits by enemy shells or missiles Explosion Collision

The ignition of a substance or body from the rapid oxidation of its own constituents without heat from any external source. Spontaneous Combustion

In order for a fire to occur, three physical requirements must be met: 1. A burnable fuel 2. Enough heat for the fuel to burn 3. Enough oxygen to keep it burning In order for a fire to occur, three physical requirements must be met: 1. A burnable fuel 2. Enough heat for the fuel to burn 3. Enough oxygen to keep it burning

FIRE TRIANGLE

Removing any side of the triangle will result in extinguishing the fire. FIRE TRIANGLE

Firefighters must determine the best way to put a fire out – which side to remove. This is not always an easy choice!

Removing the fuel is often not possible. It can be done, however, by closing the valves where gas or liquid fuel is being fed by a pipeline. Oxygen Heat Fuel

Sometimes combustible materials can be removed or soaked with water – another way of eliminating fuel. Oxygen Heat Fuel

Two Ways to Remove Oxygen 1. In a closed space, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can be pumped in to displace the oxygen and starve the fire.

2. The fire can be smothered with a blanket of chemical powders, foam, or sand. Two Ways to Remove Oxygen

A colorless, odorless, incombustible gas, present in the atmosphere and formed during respiration, usually obtained from coal, coke, or natural gas by combustion. Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 )

Removing the heat side of the triangle, or cooling the fire, is the method most often employed, usually by the rapid use of lots of water, both solid stream and fog (spray), to the burning surface.

Topic Review

Q. Who should be the first person to report a fire? Reference Study Guide Question #10

Q. Who should be the first person to report a fire? A. The first person to report a fire should be the first person who discovers it. Reference Study Guide Question #10

Q. What is the fire triangle? Reference Study Guide Question #11A

Q. What is the fire triangle? A. The fire triangle is a triangle whose sides represent the three requirements for any fire: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Reference Study Guide Question #11A

Q. How can a fire be put out? Reference Study Guide Question #11B

Q. How can a fire be put out? A. Taking away any of the three sides of the fire triangle will cause the fire to go out. Reference Study Guide Question #11B

Q. What is the method most often used to put out a fire? Reference Study Guide Question #11C

Q. What is the method most often used to put out a fire? A. Removing the heat side of the triangle, or cooling the fire, is the method most often used to extinguish a fire. Reference Study Guide Question #11C

Classes of Fire

Classes of Fires Class A (Alpha) – combustible materials such as wood, cloth, or paper; includes explosives. Water is the usual method for putting out Class A fires. CO 2 may be used on small Class A fires but not on explosives. Class A (Alpha) – combustible materials such as wood, cloth, or paper; includes explosives. Water is the usual method for putting out Class A fires. CO 2 may be used on small Class A fires but not on explosives.

Capable of catching fire and burning. Combustible

Initially, large Class A fires are cooled down with fog and then a solid stream of water is used to break up the burning materials.

Class B (Bravo) – flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, other fuels, cleaning agents, and paint. CO 2 is good for putting out small Class B fires, but for larger fires, light water (a mixture of water and chemicals) should be used. Class B (Bravo) – flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, other fuels, cleaning agents, and paint. CO 2 is good for putting out small Class B fires, but for larger fires, light water (a mixture of water and chemicals) should be used. Classes of Fires

A solid stream of water should never be used on this type of fire. It will only scatter the liquid fuel and spread the flames. A solid stream of water should never be used on this type of fire. It will only scatter the liquid fuel and spread the flames. Class B Fires

Class C (Charlie) – fires burning in electrical or electronic equipment, such as radios, radars, generators, and electric control panels. The main extinguishing agents are CO 2 and dry chemicals. Class C (Charlie) – fires burning in electrical or electronic equipment, such as radios, radars, generators, and electric control panels. The main extinguishing agents are CO 2 and dry chemicals. Classes of Fires

Class C Fires Liquids should never be used on these types of fires. They will damage the equipment and may be a shock hazard. Liquids should never be used on these types of fires. They will damage the equipment and may be a shock hazard.

Class C Fires If at all possible, you should deenergize all electronic gear before any firefighting attempt is taken. This will eliminate the potential shock hazard. If at all possible, you should deenergize all electronic gear before any firefighting attempt is taken. This will eliminate the potential shock hazard.

To deprive of electrical energy or exhaust the electrical energy. Deenergize

Class D (Delta) – Combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and titanium. These metals are often used in certain parts of aircraft, missiles, and electronic gear. Light water or low-velocity fog should be used on these types of fires. Class D (Delta) – Combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and titanium. These metals are often used in certain parts of aircraft, missiles, and electronic gear. Light water or low-velocity fog should be used on these types of fires. Classes of Fires

Magnesium flares can burn at over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit with a brilliancy greater than two trillion candlepower!

Class D Fires Firefighters should wear welders’ goggles with dark lenses to protect their eyes from the intense glare of this type of fire.

The lowest temperature at which a liquid in a specified apparatus will give off sufficient vapor to ignite momentarily on application of a flame. Flash Point

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) concentrates that are synthetic, foaming liquids designed for use with fresh, sea, or brackish water. Light Water

Finely divided water particles forming a screen of water droplets that dilute or absorb various vapors and wash fumes and smoke from the atmosphere. Low-Velocity Fog

Topic Review

Q. List the four classes of fires, fuels for each, and best method of extinguishing each. Reference Study Guide Question #12

Q. List the four classes of fires, fuels for each, and best method of extinguishing each. A. Fires are grouped into four classes according to the type of fuel or material burning and the methods required to extinguish them. These are: Class A: solid combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, and also explosives. Usual means of putting the fire out is with water. CO2 may be used on small fires, but not on explosives. Class B: flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, cleaning agents, and paints. CO2 is good for smaller fires, but for larger ones, water fog or spray and light water should be used. A solid stream of water should not be used. A. Fires are grouped into four classes according to the type of fuel or material burning and the methods required to extinguish them. These are: Class A: solid combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, and also explosives. Usual means of putting the fire out is with water. CO2 may be used on small fires, but not on explosives. Class B: flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, cleaning agents, and paints. CO2 is good for smaller fires, but for larger ones, water fog or spray and light water should be used. A solid stream of water should not be used. Reference Study Guide Question #12

Q. List the four classes of fires, fuels for each, and best method of extinguishing each. A. Class C: electrical or electronic equipment. Main extinguishing agents are CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers. Liquids should not be used. Class D: combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and titanium. Dry-powder extinguishing agents containing sodium chloride granules or copper powder are used on this type of fire. Water can excite these fires and make them worse. A. Class C: electrical or electronic equipment. Main extinguishing agents are CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers. Liquids should not be used. Class D: combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and titanium. Dry-powder extinguishing agents containing sodium chloride granules or copper powder are used on this type of fire. Water can excite these fires and make them worse. Reference Study Guide Question #12

Q. Why must a stream of water never be used to put out fires in electrical or electronic equipment before it is completely deenergized? Reference Study Guide Question #13

Q. Why must a stream of water never be used to put out fires in electrical or electronic equipment before it is completely deenergized? A. A stream of water should never be used to put out electrical fires before the power is shut off because electricity can travel along wet decks and electrocute the firefighters. Reference Study Guide Question #13

Fire Prevention

It is the main objective of all Sailors to prevent fires from ever starting. A fire at sea can ruin your entire day!

It is very important to use the correct type of firefighting agent to extinguish specific types of fires.

REMEMBER! – Special precautions must be taken aboard ships because of the concentration of flammable fuels and explosives.

The first rule is to keep things squared away – clean, in good order, and in their proper places.

Firefighting equipment must be well maintained

Lit cigarettes or matches Smoking in bunks Oily rags and papers Lit cigarettes or matches Smoking in bunks Oily rags and papers Common Causes of Class A Fires Common Causes of Class A Fires

Class B fires are very difficult to predict because fumes can leak into voids and tanks. Items like those above can cause sparks which may cause an explosion. The smoking lamp is out whenever handling fuels or explosives.

Term used to give permission to smoke in authorized spaces. Smoking Lamp

Common Fire Hazard Prevention Rules Common Fire Hazard Prevention Rules Paint and oils should be kept away from electric wires. Frayed or worn wires and insulation must be repaired or replaced immediately. Paint and oils should be kept away from electric wires. Frayed or worn wires and insulation must be repaired or replaced immediately.

Dust and dirt should not be allowed to accumulate around electrical equipment. Unauthorized electrical appliances and overloaded circuits – open invitations to overheating and fires – must not be allowed. Dust and dirt should not be allowed to accumulate around electrical equipment. Unauthorized electrical appliances and overloaded circuits – open invitations to overheating and fires – must not be allowed. Common Fire Hazard Prevention Rules Common Fire Hazard Prevention Rules

Topic Review

Q. Why must special precautions against fire be constantly observed aboard ship? Reference Study Guide Question #14A

Q. Why must special precautions against fire be constantly observed aboard ship? A. Special precautions against shipboard fires must constantly be taken because of the concentration of flammable fuels and explosives carried aboard ship. Reference Study Guide Question #14A

Q. What are some of the key rules for shipboard fire prevention? Reference Study Guide Question #14B

Q. What are some of the key rules for shipboard fire prevention? A. The first rule is to keep things shipshape and squared away. Flammable materials must be kept away from torches, cigarettes, and sparking equipment. Firefighting equipment must be well maintained. Reference Study Guide Question #14B

Q. Why do the rules for shipboard fire prevention make sense in your own home? Reference Study Guide Question #14C

Q. Why do the rules for shipboard fire prevention make sense in your own home? A. These rules are good anywhere, including the home. Reference Study Guide Question #14C

Firefighting Equipment

Fire Main System This system is designed to deliver seawater to fireplugs and sprinkler systems aboard ship.

Sprinkler Systems Installed in magazines, turrets, ammunition-handling rooms, spaces where flammable materials are stored, and hangar bays aboard aircraft carriers

Light water is used to fight Class B fires because it acts as a blanket that floats on top of the burning liquid and smothers the fire.

Two types of portable extinguishers are used to fight Class B and C fires – CO 2 and dry chemical. CO 2 Dry Chemical Dry Chemical

Both may appear similar, so be sure you know which is which. CO 2 Dry Chemical Dry Chemical

CO 2 Extinguisher This type is primarily used for putting out electrical fires but is effective on any small fire.

Dry Chemical Extinguisher This type uses potassium bicarbonate, which is almost like baking soda. It is called Purple-K Powder (PKP). This type uses potassium bicarbonate, which is almost like baking soda. It is called Purple-K Powder (PKP).

A white, crystalline, slightly alkaline, salty- tasting, water-soluble powder, produced by the passage of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) through an aqueous potassium carbonate solution. Purple-K Powder (PKP)

It can be used with light water to produce highly effective foam. When the water drains from the foam, a vapor-tight film is formed on top of the fuel, beating down the fire. The light water prevents a reflash. Purple-K Powder (PKP)

A fire that starts again from a smoldering fragment or through vapor ignition. Reflash

Dry powder extinguishers are used to combat Class D fires. Sodium chloride granules or copper powder are used in this type of extinguisher. They are often installed in spaces that have materials in them that can be involved in a Class D fire. Dry powder extinguishers are used to combat Class D fires. Sodium chloride granules or copper powder are used in this type of extinguisher. They are often installed in spaces that have materials in them that can be involved in a Class D fire. Dry Powder Extinguishers

Topic Review

Q. Where are shipboard sprinkler systems used? Reference Study Guide Question #15

Q. Where are shipboard sprinkler systems used? A. Shipboard sprinkler systems are installed in magazines, turrets, ammunition-handling rooms, spaces where flammable materials are stored, and in hangar bays aboard ships that operate aircraft. Reference Study Guide Question #15

Protective Fire Clothing

Any clothing that covers the skin will protect it from flash burns and other short- duration flames.

If clothing catches on fire, do not run, since this will fan the flames. Lie down and roll up in a blanket, coat, or anything that will smother the flames.

A proximity firefighting suit consists of coveralls, gloves, hood, and boots.

A self-contained unit designed to supply oxygen to the wearer by a chemical reaction. Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA)

The OBA is designed to protect the wearer in a place lacking oxygen or containing harmful gases, vapors, smoke, or dust. The OBA is designed to protect the wearer in a place lacking oxygen or containing harmful gases, vapors, smoke, or dust.

Topic Review

Q. What should you do if your clothes catch on fire? Reference Study Guide Question #16

Q. What should you do if your clothes catch on fire? A. If your clothing catches on fire, lie down and roll up in a blanket, coat, or anything that will smother the flames. If nothing is available, roll over slowly, beating out the flames with your hands. Reference Study Guide Question #16

Q. What is the purpose of the Navy’s oxygen breathing apparatus? Reference Study Guide Question #17

Q. What is the purpose of the Navy’s oxygen breathing apparatus? A. The Navy’s oxygen breathing apparatus is a self-contained unit designed to protect the wearer in a place lacking oxygen or containing harmful smoke, gases, vapors, or dust. Reference Study Guide Question #17

Fighting a Fire

The first job of a repair party or fire party is to locate the fire. This is done by investigators, who are the first people to respond to any damage or fire.

Investigators They check all areas for heat to see if the fire is in an adjoining compartment. They follow the trail of smoke. Once the fire is located, they check adjoining compartments to be sure fire has not spread to them. Once the extent of the fire is determined, a full report is made to DCC. Upgraded material readiness conditions are set around the entire area. They check all areas for heat to see if the fire is in an adjoining compartment. They follow the trail of smoke. Once the fire is located, they check adjoining compartments to be sure fire has not spread to them. Once the extent of the fire is determined, a full report is made to DCC. Upgraded material readiness conditions are set around the entire area.

Areas set up around a fire to isolate it and keep it from spreading. Fire Boundaries

Material condition ZEBRA is set throughout the ship. Combustible materials in adjoining areas are moved or cooled. Bulkheads, decks, and overheads are cooled by fog and sprinklers. Material condition ZEBRA is set throughout the ship. Combustible materials in adjoining areas are moved or cooled. Bulkheads, decks, and overheads are cooled by fog and sprinklers. Ways to Set Fire Boundaries

Ventilation systems in the area are secured to cut off the supply of oxygen. Fire watches are posted in surrounding compartments. Ventilation systems in the area are secured to cut off the supply of oxygen. Fire watches are posted in surrounding compartments. Ways to Set Fire Boundaries

When the Fire is Isolated Electrical circuits in the area should be deenergized to protect against shock. Doors should be opened carefully, checking for heat and gas pressure before removing all door dogs. Electrical circuits in the area should be deenergized to protect against shock. Doors should be opened carefully, checking for heat and gas pressure before removing all door dogs.

Door Dogs (heavy latches) Door Dogs (heavy latches)

Once the fire has been extinguished, the area must be overhauled to prevent reflash of the fire. Once the fire has been extinguished, the area must be overhauled to prevent reflash of the fire.

Preventing a Reflash of a Fire Saturate all smoldering or charred materials. Check compartments for explosive vapors or liquids that might remain. Saturate all smoldering or charred materials. Check compartments for explosive vapors or liquids that might remain.

Reflash Watch This is the final step in fighting the fire to ensure that the fire does not start again from smoldering fragments or through vapor ignition.

Topic Review

Q. What are the first steps a firefighting party must take in fighting a fire? Reference Study Guide Question #18A

Q. What are the first steps a firefighting party must take in fighting a fire? A. The first job of the fire party is to locate the fire. Once the party has located the fire, it must determine the extent the fire has spread to nearby compartments and then set fire boundaries so it will not spread farther. Reference Study Guide Question #18A

Q. Why do firefighting parties check bulkheads and decks for heat? Reference Study Guide Question #18B

Q. Why do firefighting parties check bulkheads and decks for heat? A. Decks and bulkheads around the fire must be carefully checked for heat to see if the fire is in an adjoining compartment. Reference Study Guide Question #18B

Q. What is the purpose of a fire boundary? Reference Study Guide Question #19

Q. What is the purpose of a fire boundary? A. Fire boundaries are intended to isolate the fire and prevent it from spreading. Ventilation systems must be secured in the area of a fire in order to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire and to limit the spread of smoke and gases to other compartments. Reference Study Guide Question #19

Q. What is dewatering? Reference Study Guide Question #20

Q. What is dewatering? A. Dewatering means removing the water that was used for the firefighting. Reference Study Guide Question #20