1. Portable Extinguishers
Module III

2. Use of Fire Extinguishers7
Use of Fire Extinguishers
Simple to operate with basic training
Six basic steps for extinguishing fires
Locate the fire
Select the proper extinguisher
Transport the extinguisher to the fire
Activate the extinguisher to release the agent
Apply the extinguishing agent
Ensure personal safety
Practice and training are essential.

3. SELECTING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
TS 5–24
Factors to consider when selecting a portable extinguisher.
Classification of the burning fuel
Rating of the extinguisher
Hazards to be protected
Severity of the fire
Atmospheric conditions
Availability of trained personnel
Ease of handling extinguisher
Any life hazard or operational concerns 37

4. Extinguisher Selection Considerations
Select those that minimize risk to life/ property and are effective in extinguishing the fire type
Dry chemical extinguishers should not be selected for use in areas where highly sensitive computer equipment is located

5. GUIDELINES FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISER USE
TS 5–25
Carry extinguisher by handle in upright position.
Do not run.
Make sure that you are within stream reach before discharging agent.
Be familiar with specific operating instructions.
Watch for hot spots, particularly flammable liquid hot spots, that might reflash.
Always back away from an extinguished fire . 38

6. Locating a Fire Extinguisher7
Locating a Fire Extinguisher
Know the types and locations of extinguisher on apparatus.
Know where extinguishers are located in and around the fire station.
Have at least one extinguisher in your home and another in your personal vehicle.

7. Selecting the Proper Extinguisher7
Selecting the Proper Extinguisher
Requires an understanding of the classification and rating system
Requires understanding the different types of agents
Fire fighters must quickly determine if a fire can be controlled by an extinguisher.
Fire fighters should also determine the appropriate type of extinguisher to place in a given area.

8. Transporting a Fire Extinguisher7
Transporting a Fire Extinguisher
Best method depends on size, weight, and design of extinguisher.
Carry fixed nozzle units in stronger hand.
Use weaker hand for units with a hose between trigger and nozzle.
Place heavier extinguishers on ground near fire; one hand to depress trigger, one hand to hold nozzle and direct stream.

9. Basic Steps of Fire Extinguisher Operation7
Basic Steps of Fire Extinguisher Operation
P-A-S-S acronym:
Pull the safety pin.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames.
Squeeze the trigger to discharge agent.
Sweep the nozzle across the base of the flames.
Practice discharging different types of extinguishers.

10. Fire Extinguisher Operation
Be sure agent reaches fire
Apply agent from point where stream reaches but does not disturb fuel
After fire knocked down, move closer for final extinguishment
(Continued)

11. Ensure Your Personal Safety7
Ensure Your Personal Safety
Approach fire with an exit behind you.
Have a planned escape route in case of extinguisher failure.
Never let fire get between you and a safe exit.
After suppression, back away; never turn your back on the fire.
Watch fire for rekindle.
Wear appropriate PPE and SCBA (if needed).

12. Fire Extinguisher Operation
If extinguishment not achieved after entire extinguisher discharged, withdraw/reassess
If fire is in solid fuel reduced to smoldering phase, may be overhauled using appropriate tool
(Continued)

13. Fire Extinguisher Operation
If fire in liquid fuel, it may be necessary to apply foam through hoseline or simultaneously attack with more than one extinguisher
If more than one extinguisher used simultaneously, work in unison and maintain constant awareness

14. The Care of Fire Extinguishers7
The Care of Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers must be regularly inspected and properly maintained.
Records keep inspections and maintenance on schedule.
Proper training required for inspection and maintenance.
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

15. Fire Extinguisher Inspections
NFPA® 10 and most fire codes require portable extinguishers inspected at least once/year
Verify that extinguishers
Are in designated locations
Not tampered with or activated
No obvious damage/other condition
(Continued)

16. 7
Inspection (1 of 2)
“Quick check” verifies availability for immediate use.
Check extinguishers on apparatus regularly.
Check tamper seals.
Weigh or “heft” to determine fullness.
Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, or leaks.

17. Inspection (2 of 2) 7 Check pressure gauge.
Confirm proper identification by type and rating.
Shake dry chemicals to mix or redistribute agent.
Check nozzle for damage or obstructions.
Take problem units out of service and replace with spares.

18. Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Servicing responsibility of property owner/building occupant
Firefighters should include inspections in building inspection program
(Continued)

19. Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Three factors determine value
Serviceability
Accessibility
Simplicity of operation
NFPA® 10 describes procedures for hydrostatic testing of cylinders

20. Parts of Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Ensure extinguisher in proper location/accessible
Inspect discharge nozzle
Inspect extinguisher shell
Check for legible operating instructions on nameplate
INACCESSIBLE
(Continued)

21. Parts of Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Check locking pin, tamper seal
Determine whether full of agent, fully pressurized
Check for date of previous inspection
Examine condition of hose/fittings
If any items deficient, remove from service

22. Damaged Fire Extinguishers
Can fail at any time; could result in serious injury
Leaking, corroded, otherwise damaged shells/cylinders should be discarded or returned to manufacturer for repair
(Continued)

23. Damaged Fire Extinguishers
Only slight damage/corrosion and uncertain whether safe — Should be hydrostatically tested
If allowed by SOP, leaking hoses, gaskets, nozzles, and loose labels can be replaced by firefighters

24. OBSOLETE EXTINGUISHER FACTS
Extinguishers made of copper or brass with soft-soldered or riveted cylinders were ruled out by NFPA in 1969.
Jan., OSHA deadline for permanent removal of all obsolete extinguishers from workplace; some still found in old buildings.
Carbon tetrachloride and chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents prohibited in workplace because of their toxicity. 43

25. Halon Fire Extinguishers
Included in Montreal Protocol
U.S. stopped producing halogens at end of 1993
Units may still be in service

26. OBSOLETE INVERTING-TYPE EXTINGUISHERS
TS 5–31
Soda-acid
Foam
Internal Cartridge-Operated Water & Loaded Stream
Internal Cartridge-Operated Dry Chemical 44

27. Hydrostatic Testing (1 of 3)7
Hydrostatic Testing (1 of 3)
Measures extinguisher’s ability to withstand internal pressure
Special test facility required
Above-normal pressure applied to water-filled cylinder

28. Hydrostatic Testing (2 of 3)7
Hydrostatic Testing (2 of 3)

29. Hydrostatic Testing (3 of 3)7
Hydrostatic Testing (3 of 3)
Assigned maximum interval usually 5 or 12 years, depending on vessel type
Must indicate most recent test on the outside of the extinguisher
Extinguisher may not be refilled if most recent test date is not within prescribed limit.
All out of date extinguishers must be tested at an appropriate facility.

30. Summary (1 of 3) 7 Two main uses of fire extinguishers:
To control incipient-stage fires
To apply special extinguishing agents
Fires and fire extinguishers are grouped by their characteristics.
Fire extinguishers are classified and rated based on their characteristics and capabilities.
Fire extinguishers are tested and approved.

31. 7
Summary (2 of 3)
Two key factors to determine type of extinguisher to place in each area:
Class of fire that is likely to occur
Magnitude of an incipient fire
Best agent for a hazard based on several factors
Seven basic types of extinguishing agents
Most portable extinguishers have six basic parts.

32. Summary (3 of 3) Extinguishers vary by7
Summary (3 of 3)
Extinguishers vary by
Extinguishing agent
Capacity
Effective range
Time it takes to discharge the agent
Six basic steps to using an extinguisher
Extinguishers require regular inspection and maintenance.

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