Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents/ Fire

Republic of the Philippines
NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

VICTORINO SALCEDO CAMPUS
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783
Course Code : CDI 6

Descriptive Title : FIRE TECHNOLOGY AND ARSON INVESTIGATION
Term and Academic Year : 1st Semester, AY 2020-2021
Department and Year Level : BSCRIM 4
Professor : MR. ARNOLD B. MAGPANTAY
Module 2, Lesson 1
Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents/ Fire
Extinguishers
I. Introduction
In this lesson you shall be introduced to the proper selection of an agent or method of control or extinguishment
is the most important factor in determining the degree of success of a firefighting operation. The fire extinguisher as a
first aid of the fire as soon as possible after the start and before the fire get to long.
In order to gain thorough understanding of this lesson, you have to read the discussion and supplemental note.
You are tasked to answer the assessment and submit requirement found in the “Assessment” section.
Time Frame: 12 hours Date of Submission:
II. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, you must have;
1. defined the different terminology’s of Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents;
2. understood the method of extinguishment and how it works; and
3. discussed the different kind of extinguishing agents.
4. defined the word fire extinguisher;
5. enumerated the different classes of fire extinguishers; and
6. demonstrated the operation of the fire extinguisher.
III. Learning Contents

Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents
Fire suppression- means slowing down the rate of burning, whereas, control means keeping the fire from
spreading or holding the fire to one area. Extinguishment is putting the fire completely out.
Four Method Of Fire To Extinguishment And How It Works:

Extinguishing a fire is somewhat comparable to the elimination of life. For example; the cooling of the fire may
be compared to asphyxiation (elimination of the oxygen supply), and the separation may be compared with
malnutrition and starvation. The tetrahedron concept adds a fourth element- chemical reaction.
Under the triangle of fire concept, there are three (3) way suppressing, controlling, and extinguishing a fire,
namely:
1. Cooling- the cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is heat absorption.
Water is the best general cooling agent for firefighting purpose. Used on Class A fire, the water absorbs the
heat generated at the surface of the burning material, thus, reducing the temperature of the material below in
flash point. Water can be also used on Class B fires, which include flammable petroleum products. As with a
Class A fire, the water absorbs much of heat, reducing the evaporation rate of the liquid fuel. This is the most
noticeable in a fire involving lubricating oil, whose flash pint is between 300 to 450 degrees F. it is of less value
in a fire involving gasoline, with its flashpoint at -45 degrees F. water could never cool gasoline below its
flashpoint. The extinguishing ability of the water is broken into fine particle to accelerate heat absorption.
2. Smothering- excludes the oxygen from the fuel so that the gases or vapors of the fuel cannot ignite and
continue the combustion. Co2 and AFFF are used for this purpose.
3. Separation- the removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a value in a gas line together. If fuel is not
available, then heat regardless of the temperature, cannot affect the fuel, therefore, there is no fire.
These three methods of extinguishment explain how fires are extinguishing with used of water, CO 2, and foam.
They do not entirely account for the results obtained by vaporizing liquid or dry chemical.
Vaporizing liquid could not possibly absorb enough heat to have the same affect as water, and dry chemical do
not exclude suffocation oxygen to smother a fire in the same manner as carbon dioxide.
The next paragraph will explain the fourth method of extinguishment, the chemistry of fire in term of the theory of
Module 1, Lesson 2 Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents Page | 10
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Reg. No. 97Q19783
reactivity.
4. Chemical Chain Reaction – the fourth method of extinguishment I known as inhibition or the interruption of
chemical reaction.
The sequence of events in suppressing or extinguishing a fire with dry chemical or vaporizing liquid includes some
aspects of the first three methods
Using the potassium bicarbonate (dry chemical) as an example, you can follow the process of the fourth method of
extinguishment. Remember this is a rapid reaction and does not necessary happed one step at a time.
First, the heat of the fire vaporizes the potassium bicarbonate thereby producing water, carbon dioxide, and
potassium dioxide. In the process of vaporization and the change of these compounds, a substantial amount of heat is
absorbed by the water and some smothering occurs due to the release of CO 2.
Second, the chemical reaction resulting when the potassium dioxide unites with the water formed by the fire
creates an amount of potassium hydroxide.
Third, some potassium hydroxide reacts with certain products released from the fuel, thus forming water and
potassium monoxide. Other potassium hydroxide molecules react with the free hydrogen of the combustion to form a
potassium atom and molecules react with the free hydrogen of the combustion to form a potassium atom and
molecules of water.
Finally, this combination of reaction alts the process of fuel uniting with oxygen of the air, thereby breaking the
chemical chain reaction and stopping the fire.
Extinguishing agents:
The effectiveness of an extinguisher on a particular fire depends on the amount and type agent in the
extinguisher. Different on the amount can be used to put out a certain class of fire by one or more methods.
1. Removing oxygen;
2. Removing the fuel;
3. Removing heat; and
4. Interrupting the chemical chain reaction.
Some extinguishing agents may be able to extinguish more than more class of fire, they are marked with
multiple letters or multiple numerical-letter ratings.
The following are the most common extinguishing agents, the class of fire they are used, and the extinguishing
methods used:
1. Water- used only on Class A fire. Water is most effective in cooling the burning material below its ignition
temperature. It is the most commonly used agent I firefighter.
In its natural state, it is highly stable and may be used to extinguish most types of fire if properly applied.
Due to its conductive properties. Water should not be used on electrical fire.
Additives
There are many additives for water used in fire-fighting. Each of these has a specific purpose and effect on the
water.
Ways Or Methods Water Extinguishes Fires
Cooling- the outstanding heat adsorbing qualities of water make it an excellent cooling agent. In the cooling
process, water is applied in large enough amount to reduce he temperature of the surface of the burning materials to
below its flashpoint. The amount of water required depend on the burning material (temperature) and the manner in
which water is applied (straight or fog stream).
Smothering- when water is used to smother a fire, stream must be generated in sufficient amount is exclude of
displaced air. If the stream generated is confide in combustion zone, the smothering action well be enhanced.in
ordinary combustibles, the cooling effect of the water not the smother normally causes extinguishment. The
smothering effect does not completely extinguish the fire; rather, it has a tendency to suppress flaming.
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Reg. No. 97Q19783
Usage- water is generally used on Class A fire. Fires involving high flashpoint liquids (such as heaving foil oil,
and asphalt) may be extinguished when water is effectively applied in spray form. Water may also be used to extinguish
Class C and Class D fires in some cases. And these cases use extreme caution to avoid injury to personnel and /or
damage to equipment.
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – A number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent that it is
not - combustible and non – reactive with most substance. CO 2 provides its pressure for discharge storage cylinder or
extinguisher. Being a gas, CO2 can penetrate and spread to all part of fire.
Effect:
Extinguisher with CO2 is primarily by smothering. It covers or blankets the burning material and reduces the
oxygen content to below level needed for combustion. Even though it is very cold, it has a little cooling effect on a fire
when compared with equal amounts water. This is the reason when fires that haven apparently extinguish with CO 2 re-
ignite form hot surface of embers as the CO 2 despite.
Usage:
Due to its non-conductive, CO2 is very effective for use on Class C fires. It is also used on Class B fires, but
another agent is needed in blanketing or smothering on large is fire to prevent re-ignition.
Co2 can cause unconsciousness s and death connection needed for extinguishment, a 9% concentration is
about all most people can take without becoming unconscious within just a few minutes.
3. Dry chemical- the dry chemical extinguishing agent in use today are mixture of powders and various additive that
Improve the storage, flow, and water repellency of the powders. Sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and
mono ammonium phosphate are some of the powders commonly used today, dry chemical is stable at low
temperatures, but it has an upper storage temperature of 140°F. At temperatures above 140°F some caking or sticking
if the powder occurs. These agents are sad to be non-toxic, but in discharging large amount they may cause some
breathing and visibility problems.
Effects:
Flames banish almost at once when dry chemical is applied directly to the fire area. But the exact chemistry
and mechanism of the extinguishing agent are not fully known. It has been suggested that the dry chemical agents
inhibit the chain reaction in the combustion zone has a greater effect in the extinguishment than the smothering or
cooling actions and radiation shielding have.
Usage:
There are two basic types of dry chemical:
a). ordinary and regular dry chemical generally refer to those powders that are intended for use on class B or class C
fires.
d). multipurpose Dry chemical - refers to powders listed for use on class A, B, C, fires.
Be careful not to confuse orderly, regular, or multipurpose dry chemical “dry powder”.
4. Dry powder- dry powder is a generally term for agents use to extinguish combustible metal fires. No one dry
powder has been found to be effective on all types of combustible metals.
Effect:
Dry powder generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible metal. To some extent, heat is
absorbed by the powder to lower the temperature of the metal to below ignition poi(as with G.I. powder).
Usage:
Dry powder is used primarily on Class D fires and should not be used on other type of fire, due to its limited
value on these fires.
5. AFFF- Aqueous Film Forming Foam has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purpose. Protein base foam
is now used primarily for runway foaming operations and for some training purpose.
Effect:
The quick “knock-down” and “heat reduction” properties of AFFF have proven it to be a highly effective agent.
These properties, combined with its ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent “flashback”,
make it an outstanding and effective extinguishing agent with which to work. When AFFF is applied to the surface of a
flammable liquid fire, the surface active material (surfactant) provides a vapor sealing effect. This is not only
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Reg. No. 97Q19783
extinguishes the fire but also prevent the release of fuel vapor which could result in flashbacks. This vapor seal is also
very hard to beak-up by walking, or moving some hose lines through it.
Usage:
As with any other extinguishing agent, its effectiveness depends on the proper application. The AFFF is
designed to be applied at a 6% mixture (94 parts water to 6 parts AFFF concentrate). This mixture should be applied in a
rainfall manner, or lobbing effect to allow rapid spreading over the surface. It is used primarily to extinguish on Class B
fires. It may be used on Class A fires but may be less effective than plain water. Foam spray (fog) is more conductive
than plain water fog, because the material contained contained in the foam allows the water to conduct electricity.
6. Halons (halogenated Agents)- these agent have been used for over 50 years. Continuous research has brought this
agent to the present high degree of effective in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along with a decrease in life
safety hazard.
The older (better known) agent such as carbon tetra-chloride (Halon 104) and chlorobromomethane (Halon 1011) are
less effective and more toxic than the newer agent now in use.
Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoremethane) is a gas at normal temperature, but with its relatively high boiling
point (+25 F ), requires pressurization to expel it at a satisfactory rate for extinguishment. Holon 1211 s discharge both
party as a liquid spray and partly as a gas.
Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane) I treated as a liquefies gas and, like carbon dioxide, requires no
pressurizing agent for expulsion at normal temperature. Nitrogen may be added to storage container when
temperature is below 0f, to ensure adequate discharge pressure.
Halon 1301 is the least toxic of the Halos. This low toxicity allow for safe discharge from total flood systems in
occupied space such as computer rooms.
Halon is a generic term for halogenated hydrocarbons and is a chemical compound that contain carbon plus
one more element from the halogens series (fluorine chloride, bromine, or iodine).
Although a very large number of halogenated compound exist, only a few are used to a significant extent as
fire extinguish agents. Halogenated vapor is a non-conductor of electricity and as flammable liquid, most solid
combustible materials, and electrical.
Effects:
Halogenated agent work chemically to extinguish fir. They stop combustion process by breaking the fire chain
reaction and prevent father fire propagation. This chemical fire-stopping action happens with only a low concentration
of halogenated agent used. Application of the agent may be applied locally by using a compressed bottle of non-
combustible gas similar to a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. This type of application is effective in controlling liquid,
solid, or gases, such as dip tank, quench tank, spray booths, oil-filled transformers, or vapor vents
Usage:
Halogenated agent are very effective on Class B and Class C fires and have some effects or success on Class A
fire.
Fire Extinguisher
First aid is the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or sick person before or until the arrival of
qualified personnel/doctor. When the term first aid is used to describe a piece of equipment, the same general meaning
applies.
Portable (first-aid) fire extinguishers are designed to be use on fires as soon as possible after they start and
before the fire gets too far along. These extinguishers may be able to extinguish the fire or hold it in check until large
firefighting equipment arrives.
Extinguishers are designed primarily for use by people other than firefighters. The skill and knowledge In their
operation may mean the difference between using one small fire extinguisher or a big operation involving many fire
trucks and dozens of people to extinguish fire.
Fire Extinguisher defined
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It is mechanical device usually made of metal, containing chemicals, fluids or gasses for stopping fires, the
means for application of its contains for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fire) before it propagates, and
is capable readily moved from place to place. It is a portable device used to put out fires of limited size.
Classes of fire extinguishers:

1. Portable fire extinguisher
Portable fire extinguishers offer the greatest potential for immediately controlling workplace fires.
Their portability and relatively easy operation often make them ready for use within seconds. However, training
and education is critical to kwon more on the operation and use of an extinguisher. User should know how to identify
extinguisher, what types are available, where they are in the work place, and above all how to use them.
Types of Fire Extinguisher:

1. Water portable extinguisher
2. Water Mist Class K Fire Extinguisher
3. Halotron Fire Extinguisher
4. Dry chemical Extinguisher
Classification and rating:

Different type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fire involving different type of fuel. Extinguisher is
classified as Class A, B, C, ad D or combustion depending on the fire against their agent is effective.
The class of extinguisher should be on the extinguisher shell. The “picture symbol” labeling system now I use is
design to make operation of fire extinguisher more effective and safe to use though the use of less confusing pictorial
label. The system also emphases when not to use extinguisher on certain types of fires.
Class A type extinguisher is used on fires involving an ordinary type of combustible material such as wood,
clothes and paper.
Class B extinguisher is use on fires involving liquid, grease and gases.
Class C extinguisher is use on fires involving energized electrical equipment.
Class D extinguisher is use on fires involving combustible metals such as titanium, magnesium, zirconium,
sodium, and potassium.
Information Indicated on the Extinguisher:

1. Date of original Filling;
2. Chemical contents;
3. Type of extinguisher;
4. Operating instruction and safety procedure in usage;
5. Name and Address of manufacture;
6. Name and address of the dealer.
Fire Extinguisher Rating:

Class A and Class B extinguisher carry a numerical rating to indicate how large the fire an experienced person
can put out with the use of an extinguisher.
The rating are based on reproducible physical test conducted by underwriter’s laboratories that are designed
to determine the extinguishing capability for each size and type of extinguisher.
Class C extinguisher have a letter rating because there is no readily measurable quantity for Class C fires which
are essential Class A or fires involving energized electrical equipment. Class D extinguisher likewise do not have a
numerical rating. There effectives is described on the faceplate.
Class A Ratings
An extinguisher for Class A fires could have any one of the following rating. The numerical rating for this class
of fire extinguisher hold and the amount of fire it will extinguisher.
1-A
2-A
3-A
4-A
5-A
6-A
10- A
20-A
30-A
40- A
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A 4-A extinguisher, for example, should extinguish about twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher.
Class B Ratings
An extinguisher for Class B fires could have any one of the following rating. The numerical rating for this type of
extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of flammable liquid fire that a non-expert individual can
expect to extinguish.
1-B
2-B
5-B
10-B
20-B
30-B
40-B
And up to 640-B
Class C Ratings
Extinguisher rated for Class C fires are tested only foe electrical conductivity. However, no extinguisher gets
Class C ratings without a Class A and Class B rating. This Class of fire extinguisher does not have a numerical rating. The
letter “C” indicate that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
Class D Ratings
Class D extinguisher are teat on metal fires. The agent used on the metal for which the extinguisher was
design. Check the extinguisher faceplate for the unit’s effectiveness on specific metals. There is no picture designator
for Class D extinguishers. This type of extinguisher generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating
for use on other type of Class D fires.
The Most Common Extinguisher Agent Used

1. Water- used only on Class A Fires. These extinguisher contain water and compressed gas and should only be used
on Class A fires.
Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. Under certain
condition, the steam converted from the water will exclude oxygen and smother the fire.
Anti-freeze solutions added to the water in some of these extinguisher prevent freezing but add nothing to the
effectiveness. Most of the extinguisher are21/2 gallon in capacity and it will deliver a stream up to 40 feet
horizontally contain water and compressed das.
2. Dry Chemical- dry chemical extinguisher are usually rated multi-purpose use. It certain an extinguishing agent and
used a compressed non-flammable gas as a propellant.
Types:
a. Regular or ordinary (sodium and potassium bicarbonate respectively) used only in Class B or Class C fires.
b. Multi-purpose dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) used on Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Dry chemicals inhibit the chain reaction and, to a certain degree, cool and smother the fire these agent are chemically
treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing. This also help prevent packing of the chemical
while stored inside the extinguisher. These dry chemical extinguisher may found in size which range from 2 1/2 to 30
pounds.
3. Carbon dioxide- used on Cass B and Class C fires. Co2 extinguisher fire by smothering, reducing the oxygen level
below that which support combustion. These extinguisher are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. Under certain
condition, the coldness of the gas also help put out the fire. It is an insert gas. When CO2 is stored under pressure
in a cylinder or tank such a fire extinguisher, it changes from a vapor to a liquid.
a. When it passed through the discharge valve of a fire extinguisher, it charges from a liquid to a gas and the
expansion chill it to low temperature so that approximate 30% of the liquid CO2 is converted into solid dioxide
“snow” of “dry ice.’ The cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from
the extinguisher. Since there is the possibility that the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even
after the fire appears to be out.
4. Foam- used only on Class A and b fires. Foam removes fuel by forming a layer over a burning liquid and preventing
flammable vapor from escaping. Foam will also smother by keeping oxygen from mixing with vapors and cool with
a constant layer of water bearing foam.
5. Halons- used on Class B and C fires. This liquefied gases are most effective in interrupting the chain reaction, but
they also have slight smothering and cooling effects. These are made up of carbon and one more halogen elements
like fluorine, chlorine, iodine, and bromine. These types of extinguisher are often used to protect valuable electrical
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equipment since they leave no residue to clean up. Halon extinguisher have a limited range, usually from 4-6 feet.
The initial application should be made at the base of the fire, even after the fire have been put out.
6. Metal/Sand Extinguisher- these type of extinguisher are primarily used from flammable metal (Class D) and have
the characteristics of a blanking effect (smothering ) on the fire. The most common extinguishing agent used is
sodium chloride.
The following type of Metal/Sand Extinguishing Agents

 Sodium chloride- used for metal fire involving magnesium, sodium (spills and in depth), potassium,
sodium/potassium alloys, uranium and powdered aluminum. Heat from the fire cause the agent to
harden and form a crust that excludes air and dissipates heat.
 Powder Copper Metal (Cu Metal)- used for fire involving lithium and lithium alloys. It is the only know
lithium firefighting agent which will cling to a vertical surface thus making in he preferred agent used on
three dimensional and flowing fires.
 Graphite-based powders- there are designed for used on lithium fire. It is also effective on the fire
involving high melting metal such as zirconium and titanium.
 Specially-designed sodium bicarbonate based dry agent use to suppress fire with the most metal alkyls,
pyrophoric liquid which ignite on contact with air, such as triethylaluminum .
 Sodium carbonate- based dry powder- can be used with most Class D fires involving sodium, potassium
or sodium/ potassium alloys. This agent is recommending where stress corrosion of stainless steel must
be kept to an absolute minimum.
7. Halontron I Extinguishers- these extinguishers are intended for use on Class B and C fires. Halotron I is and ozone-
friendly replacement for halon 1211. (Which was banned by international agreement starting 1994). This “clean”
agent discharge as a liquid, has a high visibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or static shock, leaves no
residue and is non-conducting these properties make it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunication
equipment, and electronics, and it is expensive.
8. FE-36 – (hydrofluorocarbon-236a or known as HFC-236fa) – it is a DuPont-manufactured Halon 1211 replacement.
This agent is less toxic than both Halon 1211 and Halotron I. it has a zero ozone-depleting effect or potential. FE-36
is not scheduled for phase-out whereas Halotron I production is slated to cease in 2015.
9. Water Mist Extinguishers- ideal used for Class A fire where a potential Class C hazard exists. Unlike an ordinary
water extinguisher, the misting nozzle provides safety from electronic shock and reduces scattering of burning
materials. In non-magnetic versions, water mist extinguishers are the preferred choice for MRI or NMR facilities or
for deployment on mine sweepers.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
NMR’s (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer)
Portable fire extinguisher are no substitute for sprinkler systems, hose streams, or other firefighting
devices. They contain a limited supply of extinguisher agent, and their discharge range and time is limited. But
they are necessary even when property is protected by an automatic fire protection device.
Steps in using portable fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the handle form being pressed, breaking
the plastic or wire inspection band,
2. Point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body, unclip it
first.
3. Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the handle.
4. Sweep the nozzle in side to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. Direct the agent
at the base of the flames. After the fire is out, probe for shouldering hot spot of liquids that could reignite.
Make sure the fire is out. Back away from the fire area protect yourself from possible danger of flashback.
OR:
REMEMBER THE ACRONYM. “P.A.S.S.”
 P……. Pull the pin
 A…….Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flame.
 S…….Sweep trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
 S…….Sweep the extinguisher nozzle from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing
agent.
1. Semi-Portable/Wheeled Extinguisher
These types of extinguisher provide a way of getting a sizeable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire
rapidly. These units are designed for in plant protection and offer a considerably longer agent discharge period
and greater firefighting power Capacities range from 100 to 350lbs. of dry chemical agent. Generally, nitrogen
in a separate tank release the agent through a flexible hose tipped with a spray nozzle. The unit typically have a
50foot (15m) hose that allows considerable maneuverability while combating fires.
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Step to operate a wheeled type extinguisher:

1. Open the compressed gas cylinder to pressurized the agent.
2. Free the hose from its reel and move toward the fire.
3. Point the nozzle toward the base of the fire.
4. Squeeze the nozzle to discharge the agent. To stop discharging, release the nozzle action.
Inspection and Maintenance of Extinguisher:

Once a fire extinguisher is purchased and installed, it becomes the responsibility of the owner to maintain the
extinguisher so that it remains fully operable. To fulfill this responsibility, there should be a program to provide for the
periodic inspection of each extinguisher and an effective extinguisher maintenance program.
Fire extinguisher maintenance is a specialized activity and should be performed by competent person.
Fire extinguishers are provided to protect life and property and there should be no doubt as to their reliability in time of
emergency.
The more common types of extinguisher that you may come in contact with are the following:
1. Water
2. Carbon dioxide
3. Dry chemical
4. Dry powder
Procedure For Inspecting Various Types Of Extinguishers:

1. Check accessibility and proper location;
2. Check for tag for date last recharge or inspection;
3. Check nozzle for obstruction and operations;
4. Examine for corrosion (leak at seams) or mechanical damage;
5. Check lock pin and seal;
6. Determine if full (water level, pressure gauge, weight);
7. Examine condition of hose and hose coupling;
8. Check horns for cracks, dirt, or grease accumulations;
9. Date of inspection and initial of inspector.
Pressurized and Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher

Most of these extinguisher are 21/2 gallon in capacity.
The different parts of the extinguisher are the following:

1. Shell
2. Discharge valve
3. pick up tube
4. hose
5. nozzle
6. pressure gauge
7. CO2 cartridge
Inspection:
1. Check the seal attached to the safety pin for damage;
2. Check the air pressure gauge for correct pressure reading of 100psi and condition of pressure gauge;
3. Examine hose and nozzle for foreign objects and damage, and the overall condition of the extinguisher.
No semi-annual inspection is required fore these type of extinguisher except for the CO 2 cartridge-operated type.
With this type, weigh the cartridge every 6 months to check for any leakage. At the annual inspection, agent must be
discharge, clean the extinguisher completely, and recharge it with the proper agents.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers- is an insert gas that extinguishes fire by smothering rather that by cooling. The
heat absorbing capacity of CO2 is limited, being only 10% that f water.
When CO2 is stored under pressure in a cylinder or fire extinguisher, through the discharge valve of a fire
extinguisher, the charge takes place from liquid to a gas and the expansion chill it to low temperature.
Internal pressure generated by CO2 stored in a tank or cylinder is proportional to the temperature; therefore
These extinguisher should not be place in location where heat is intense and they must be protected from the direct
rays of the sun during hot weather. At room temperature, the CO2 gas exerts a pressure of more than 800 psi in the
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extinguishers. The high internal pressure at normal temperature requires that container must be made of heavy
materials.
An empty 15-pound capacity extinguisher weighs approximately 35 pounds the 15-pound hand extinguisher
and the 50-pound hand-drawn wheel-type extinguisher are the most commonly used in firefighting operation.
All CO2 extinguisher must be provided with the following seals:

1. A seal attached to the valve handle or wheel to hold the valve locking pin in place;
2. A plastic hood or cap placed over the safety valve to cover the frangible pressure release disk.
To insure the proper operation of CO2 extinguisher, the seal must be stand replacement item, as designed by the
manufacturers.
Inspection:
1. Check pin seal on the extinguisher to insure that it is intact;
2. Check the plastic seal to make sure that the seal is I place over the safety disk;
3. Check the extinguisher location to make sure that it in not subjected to high temperatures or in the direct
exposure to the ray of the sun;
4. Check the hose for deterioration or weakness
5. Check the horn for damage.
A missing plastic seal may indicate a ruptured safety disk and empty extinguisher. If either the pin seal of the plastic
seal is missing, weigh, recharge (if necessary), and reseal the extinguisher.
The annual inspection of CO2 extinguishers should include weighing the shell to insure a full charge. Lubricate also
the running gears on wheel-type extinguishers. It should be recharged if less than 90% of its capacity is present. (This is
the same as a greater that 10% loss of the net capacity).
Dry Chemical Extinguishers:

Various compounds of dry chemical agent are used. Some of the more common one are sodium bicarbonate,
potassium bicarbonate, and an ammonium phosphate which is a multi-purpose agent. These agents are chemically
treated with a substance to keep them water resistant and free flowing.
This also helps prevent packing of the chemical while stored inside the extinguisher. This dry chemical extinguisher
may be found in different size which range from 2 1/2 to 30 pounds. The 30 pound size is the common size used.
The extinguisher may be cartridge-operated or may be of stored pressure type. The design of the stored pressure
type is similar to the pressurized water type.
The inspection include checking of the hose, nozzle, and shell for leaks, cracks, and corrosion. Check cartridge if
screwed tightly in position and that the seal is firmly attached and in place.
Semi-annual inspection, the cartridge must be weighed to determine if there has been a loss of not more than 10%
of the excellent gas from cartridge. If more than 10% loss as occurred, the cartridge must be replaced and recharged.
Annual inspection include all of the previous check and inspection, plus a complete operational test, cleaning and
checking.
Dry Powder Extinguishers:

This type of extinguisher are designed for use on Class D fires. Their size may vary form the small 1lb., to the 350
pound wheeled type extinguisher. The 30 pound type is the most common type used in the U.S. Air Force. The agent
used is the extinguishers may be in powder or in granule form.
Using this agent on the wrong type of metal fire may result in a serious explosion release of toxic gases, or both.
Thus endangering the user and the others. One agent can be used on several type of metal fire, while another agent can
used only one specific type of metal fire. These agent are also traded to remain water-resistive and free-flowing under
stored condition.
Inspection:
The inspection procedures for these extinguishers are identical to those for dry chemical extinguishers. One
exception to this is certain dry powder agents have no “extinguisher” but are always stored in the container used for
shipping.
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783
These containers should be inspected for damage or exposure to water, as moisture may affect them. When these
agents are needed for extinguishment, the lid is simply removed and the agent is scooped, shoveled, or thrown by onto
the burning metal.
Damage Extinguisher:
Leaked, corroded, or otherwise damaged extinguisher shell or cylinder should be discarded or returned to the
manufacturer for repair. CAUTION: Never Try to Repair The Shell or Cylinder Subjected To Pressure. If an extinguisher
show slight damage or corrosion and it is questionable whether it is safe to use, it should be given a hydrostatic test
manufacturer or a qualified testing agency. Leaking hole, leaking gaskets, nozzles, can be replaced by fire brigade
personnel.
Testing Extinguisher:
State when, how, and by whom extinguisher are service tested and hydrostatically tested:
Extinguishers, fire hose and other fire safety equipment (alarm, exit sign, emergency light) need to be checked on a
regular basis to ensure they are I working condition. A quick visual check is to be done at least monthly by the
monitoring personnel in the area. Under OSHA regulation extinguisher and hoses must be checked and documented at
least once a year by a qualified inspector.
A sign off tag should be present for documentation purpose, to verify that the extinguisher have been inspected.
1. Service Text- a service test of an extinguisher is an operation test of the extinguisher to see to it that it is
operating properly. This test is normally conducted at least once a year during the scheduled maintenance cycle.
2. Hydrostatic Test-hydrostatic test is an internal pressure check of an extinguisher cylinder or shell to detect
possible failure under pressure. Normally, during the testing the cylinder or a shell is filled with water (hydro). The test
should be conducted immediately upon discovering of any indication of mechanical injury or corrosion to those
extinguisher which exert internal pressure.
The test indicates whether the extinguisher parts are capable if withstand a designated pressure. In general, the
extinguisher if filled with water and liquid pressure is built up within the container or shell with a pump.
Distortion, leaking, or rupture is a sign of failure. Never use gas or air pressure for pressure testing because the
compressed air or gas would expand with destruction force in case of extinguisher failure. Extinguishers due for
hydrostatic test are normally sent to a testing facility.
The Following are extinguishers recommended for testing every 5 years:

1. Cartridge operated water extinguisher;
2. Stored pressure water extinguisher;
3. Dry chemical with soldered brass or stainless-steel shell;
4. Carbon dioxide – NOTE: CO2 extinguisher with a cylinder made not to DOT specification should be tested
according to DOT requirements.
Types of extinguisher to be tested every 12 years:

1. Halon1211
2. Halon1311
3. Cartridge operated dry powder
4. Stored pressure dry chemical with aluminum, brazed brass or mold steel shells.
5. Cartridge operated dry chemical with mild steel shell.
When an extinguisher fails a hydrostatic test, it must be destroyed.
Condition which allow the distraction of an extinguisher. When the shell or cylinder threads are damage:
1. When the extinguisher has been burnt in a fire;
2. Pitting exists due to correction.
Basic Step for Repair and Replacement of Parts on Extinguisher:

In most cases, repair of extinguisher will be limited to the replacement of part or subassemblies. Before
starting any work on an extinguisher be sure you have the TO (technical order) for the types and model, or try to locate
the manufacturer literature for that extinguisher.
Never try to work on an extinguisher without some guidance, you may do more damage that good or perhaps
cause serious injury to yourself or other.
Be sure that the pressure has been relieved from the shell before trying to disassemble the extinguisher. Do
not trust the pressure gage either, they have been known to lie because of some discrepancies. If there is no bleed off
valve. (this does not apply to CO2 extinguisher).once all pressure has been relieved, remove he cap form the
extinguisher. E sure that you use all the safety equipment and clothing during all phase of operation.
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783
As you remove each piece, inspect it for damage and check its operation, if you can inspect all gaskets and
seals and replace any parts that are defective. For the most part, try not to repair gages, hoses, or heads/cap
assemblies, you may replace rupture safety disks in heads or operating levers. When more needed to be done, the
extinguisher is normally replaced. Never try to beat dents out of an extinguisher shell. When the shell is damage to such
degree, it should be replaced. Nozzles and chassis parts of an extinguisher should be repaired as much as possible. Be
sure to make a full operational test of ant part before installing it on an extinguisher.
Care and Maintain of Fire Extinguisher:

At least once a month a fire extinguisher should be inspected on the following factors/reasons:
a. The extinguisher is not block by the equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an
emergency;
b. The pressure is at the recommend level. On extinguisher equipped with a gauge the needle should be in the
green zone not too high and not to low;
c. The nozzle or other part are not obstructed;
d. The pin and temper seal (if it has one) are intact;
e. There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and other sign of abuse/wear. Wipe off any corrosive
chemicals, oil, gunk, etc. that may have landed on the extinguisher;
f. Some manufactures recommended the shaking of dry chemical extinguisher once a month to prevent powder
from packing/caking;
g. Hydrostatic testing is recommended to ensure that cylinder id safe to use (pressure testing).
IV. Learning Assessment

Answer the following questions:
1. What is your own definition of Fire Suppression, Control, Extinguishment, and Extinguishing Agents?
2. What are the methods of extinguishment and how do they work?
3. What determine the amount of water needed to extinguished fire?
4. In your own understanding, what is fire extinguisher and how can it help you?
5. What are the different classes of fire extinguisher?
6. How do you operate a fire extinguisher?
Scoring Guide:
Each answer shall be evaluated using these criteria:
Content 10 pts.
Organization of ideas 5 pts.
Language facility 5 pts.
Total score: 20 pts.
V. Enrichment Activities/Outputs
1. Different Extinguishing Agents.
Instructions:
• Enumerate and discuss the different extinguishing agents.
• Use 1 whole bond paper
• Deadline of submission on
2. Fire extinguisher
Instructions:
• Gave an example or picture of the parts fire extinguisher
• Use 1 whole bond paper
• Deadline of submission on
Scoring Guide:
Impact of the content---------------- 30 %
Relevance to the topic ------------- 40 %
Neatness and Creativity ------------ 30 %
Total: 100%
Sara, Iloilo
Reg. No. 97Q19783
VI. References
Bustria, L. (2013). Fire behavior and arson investigation. Manila Philippines: Wiseman’s books trading, Inc.
----End of Module 2, Lesson 1----

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Republic of the Philippines

NORTHERN ILOILO POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Course Code : CDI 6

Time Frame: 12 hours Date of Submission:

III. Learning Contents

Four Method Of Fire To Extinguishment And How It Works:

Ways Or Methods Water Extinguishes Fires

Fire Extinguisher defined

Classes of fire extinguishers:

Types of Fire Extinguisher:

Classification and rating:

Information Indicated on the Extinguisher:

Fire Extinguisher Rating:

The Most Common Extinguisher Agent Used

The following type of Metal/Sand Extinguishing Agents

Steps in using portable fire extinguisher:

Step to operate a wheeled type extinguisher:

Inspection and Maintenance of Extinguisher:

Procedure For Inspecting Various Types Of Extinguishers:

Pressurized and Stored-Pressure Water Extinguisher

The different parts of the extinguisher are the following:

All CO2 extinguisher must be provided with the following seals:

Dry Chemical Extinguishers:

Dry Powder Extinguishers:

The Following are extinguishers recommended for testing every 5 years:

Types of extinguisher to be tested every 12 years:

Basic Step for Repair and Replacement of Parts on Extinguisher:

Care and Maintain of Fire Extinguisher:

IV. Learning Assessment

----End of Module 2, Lesson 1----

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