Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls
Extinguishers that are appropriate for Class B fires have a rating from __B to __B.
1B to 640B
What are some common electrical hazards?
"electrical octopus," cords under carpets, frayed or broken cords, malfunctioning appliances
A well-prepared home/workplace will have AT LEAST ___________ of the appropriate type for the locations
2 portable fire extinguishers
What is the standard capacity for a water extinguisher?
2.5 gallons
Most fire will burn vigorously in any atmosphere of AT LEAST _________
20% oxygen
What is the standard range for a water extinguisher?
30-40 feet
What is the highly used placecard for hazardous materials?
704 Diamond by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
What is the standard range for a dry chemical extinguisher?
8-12 feet
An effective fire sizeup will answer what questions?
Do my buddy and I have the right equipment? Are there any other hazards? Is the building structurally damaged? Can my buddy and I escape? Can my buddy and I fight the fire safely?
What is the CERT goal?
Do the greatest good for the greatest number
Step 6 for proper fire suppression procedure:
Member 2 should guide Member 1 from the area with their hands as Member 1 continues to face the fire and looking for other hazards. Member 1 NEVER turns their back
P.A.S.S
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
What type of extinguisher is most common?
dry chemical extinguishers
What will happen to the hose when it is being used and for how long?
due to the dryness of the fabric, water will seep through the fabric until it is saturated; it will last for approx. 1 minute
What are the three categories of fire/utility hazards?
electrical, natural gas, flammable or combustible liquids
How do you fix common electrical hazards?
eliminate tangles of electrical cords, don't overload electrical outlets, don't plug power strips into other power strips, replace broken/frayed cords, maintain electrical appliances properly
Class C Fires:
energized electrical equipment (wiring, motors)
What should you do to a fire extinguisher before approaching any fire?
ensure that it is working properly by testing it before approaching
Examples of hazardous meterials:
explosives, flammable gases/liquids, poisons or poisonous gas, corrosives, nonflammable gas, oxidizers, radioactive material
What is the role of CERT with fire and utility safety?
extinguishing small fires, preventing additional fires by removing fuel sources, shutting off utilities, assisting with evacuations
If there is a _______ that you cannot extinguish, call _____ and turn off gas if safe to do so
fire, 911
Class B Fires:
flammable liquids (oils, gasoline, etc) and combustible liquids (charcoal lighter fluid, kerosene, etc); these fuels only burn at the surface (oxygen cannot penetrate the depth of the fluid, only the vapor burns when lit)
You should NOT enter a _______ basement or ________ to shut off the electrical supply because water __________
flooded, standing water, conducts
A natural gas detector should be installed near the _____,_____, and _____.
furnace, hot water tank, and gas appliances (clothing dryer or stove)
What are the DON'Ts when suppressing a fire
get too close (if you feel the heat, too close), try to fight the fire alone, try to suppress large fires, enter smoke-filled areas (CERTs don't have proper equipment)
Step 9 of sizeup may require you to ______ and gather _______
go back, more facts
What does the blue quadrant of the 704 Diamond tell?
health hazard
What three elements are required for fire to exist:
heat, fuel, oxygen
What are the components of a portable fire extinguisher?
hose, carrying handle and trigger, pressure gauge, cylinder
What is overhaul?
how to ensure that a fire, once extinguished, is completely extinguished and stays extinguished
What does P.A.S.S tell you?
how to operate a fire extinguisher
During a fire, why do you look at the door first?
if air is being sucked under the door or smoke coming out the top, DO NOT touch the door
What do you do once a fire is extiguished?
if the area is safe, stay and overhaul the fire
What is the general rule when putting out fires?
if you can't put it out in 5 seconds, it is too big and you should leave
What do you do if there is a gas leak and your gas meter is in your home?
if you smell gas or see the dials on your meter showing gas flowing even with appliances turned off, evacuate the premises and call 911. DO NOT attempt to shut off the gas from inside your home if gas may be in the air
What are some home and workplace hazards?
incompatible materials stored in close proximity to each other-flammables/combustibles, corrosive, compressed gases, and explosives
Class A Fires:
ordinary combustibles-paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics
Which element of the fire triangle is the easiest to eliminate?
oxygen
What are the two most common firefighting resources?
portable fire extinguishers and interior wet standpipes
What does the white quadrant of the 704 Diamond tell?
special precautions
How do Class K Fire extinguishers work?
they are designed to supplement fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens; they spray an Alkaline Mixture that, when combined with the fatty acid from the burning cooking oil/fat, creates a Soapy Foam to hold in the vapors and extinguish the fire
During a fire, why should you have a backup team?
they can support your efforts and provide help
Where can hazardous materials be found?
throughout every community, they are used in many commercial processes and sold in retail outlets Common places: industrial locations, dry cleaners, funeral home, home supply store, big box store, delivery van
What will a sizeup for a situation involving a fire dictate?
whether to attempt fire suppression and you plan for extinguishing the fire
What do CERT members always do when deployed?
work with a buddy and wear safety equipment
Do CERT members help in fire/utility related emergencies before professional responders arrive?
yes as long as you follow some guidelines
What do you do if you answer "YES" to all of the questions asked before attempting to put out a fire?
you can attempt to put it out, but leave immediately if unable to put out
What is a requirement for using an interior wet standpipe?
you must work in two-person teams
If you have a shutoff device that is closed, what should you do?
you should have a qualified professional restore it
How are fires categorized?
based on the type of fuel that is burning
Never enter the ________ of a structure that is on ______ to turn off any utility.
basement, fire
Extinguishers that are appropriate for Class A fires have a rating from __A to __A, with a ________ number indicating a higher ________of extinguishing agent.
1A to 40A, higher, volume
No placecard is required for less than ________pounds for many hazardous materials
1,000 lb
What is the number range for the 704 Diamond?
1-4, higher the number the higher the risk
What are some simple fire prevention steps?
1. locate potential sources of ignition 2. do what you can to reduce or eliminate the hazards
What should you do for a household electrical emergency?
1. locate the circuit breaker/fuses, and know how to shut off the power (post shutoff instructions next to it) 2. unscrew individual fuses or switch off SMALLER breakers first....then pull the main one
What is the standard capacity for a dry chemical extinguisher?
10-20 seconds discharge time
What does an interior wet standpipe consist of?
100 feet of 1.5 inch jacket hose with adjustable spray nozzle
What is the standard pressure for a water extinguisher?
110 pounds per square inch
Interior wet standpipes delever up to __________ of water per _____
125 gallons, minute
Carbon monoxide detectors should not be placed within_____ft of ________ appliances or in/near very _____ areas such as bathrooms
15 feet, heating or cooking, humid
What is the standard pressure for a dry chemical extinguisher?
175-250 psi (pounds per square inch)
What are other possible symbols for a FNPA 704 Diamond?
ACID-material is an acid ALK-material is a base COR-material is corrosive RADIOACTIVE symbol-material is radioactive
What is Team Member 2's job while using an interior wet standpipe?
After your partner gives the go ahead, open the water valve Then backup your partner at the nozzle
What questions to ask before attempting to fight a fire with an extinguisher?
Are there TWO ways to exit the area quickly and safely if I attempt to extinguish the fire? Do I have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire? Is the extinguisher large enough for the fire? Is the area free from other dangers (like hazardous materials and falling debris)
Step 2 of Sizeup
Assess and communicate the damage-try to determine what happened, what is happening now, how bad things can get
Step 4 of Sizeup
Assess your own situation-are you in immediate danger, have you been trained to handle the situation, do you have the equipment needed
Step 1 for proper fire suppression procedure:
Assume the ready position, pull the pin, Team Member 1 holds the extinguisher aimed and upright (20 to 25 feet from the fire if small)
Step 4 for proper fire suppression procedure:
Both members walk towards the fire, Member 1 should watch the fire and Member 2 should stay close to Member 1 (keep your hand on Member 1's shoulder, your job is to protect Member 1)
No _______ accompanies an extinguisher rated for Classes....
C, D, K
The __ on the label indicated ONLY that the extinguisher is safe to use on _________ fires
C, electrical
What extinguishers can be used for a fire of electrical equipment (Class C)?
CO2-removes air Dry chemical-breaks chain reaction
What extinguishers can be used for a fire of kitchen oils (Class K)?
Chemical-usually removes air
Only extinguish flammable liquids using a portable fire extinguisher rated for Class ___ Fires
Class B
Step 3 of Sizeup
Consider probabilities-what is likely to happen, what could happen through cascading events
Extinguishers for Class __ fires must match the type of _______ that is burning and are labeled with a _____ detailing the ________ that match the unit's extinguishing agent
D, metal, list, metals
How are hazardous materials marked and identified while in transit?
Department of Transport (DOT) placecard The United Nations (UN) system The North American (NA) warning placecards
Step 7 of Sizeup
Develop a plan of action-develop a plan that will help you accomplish your priorities; simple plans can be verbal, but more complex plans should ALWAYS be written
Step 5 of Sizeup
Establish priorities-are lives at risk, can you help (remember life safety is the FIRST PRIORITY)
Step 9 of Sizeup
Evaluate progress-at intervals, evaluate your progress in accomplishing the objectives in the plan of action to determine what is working and what need yo be changed to stabilize the situation
What extinguishers can be used for a fire of flammable liquids (Class B)?
Foam-removes air CO2-removes air Foam dry chemical-breaks chain reaction
Step 1 of Sizeup
Gather facts-what has happened, how many people appear to be involved, what is the current situation
During a fire, what do you do if you do not have all need PPE?
Leave the building
Step 6 of Sizeup
Make decisions-base your decision on answers to Steps 1-5 and in accordance with priorities that you established
How can gas be restored after it was shut off?
Only by a trained technician
What is Team Member 1's job while using an interior wet standpipe?
Remove the hose from cabinet ad make sure the hose is free of kinks and bends in the line When ready, they give the go-ahead to your partner to open the water valve
What extinguishers can be used for a fire of combustible metals (Class D)?
Special agents-usually removes air
Step 8 of Sizeup
Take action-execute your plan, documenting deviations and status changes so that you can report the situation accurately to first responders
Step 3 for proper fire suppression procedure:
Team Member 1 moves forward, say "Going in," Team Member 2 should repeat and stay within reach of Member 1
Step 2 for proper fire suppression procedure:
Team Member 1 says "Ready," Team member 2 should repeat
Explain the roles of each buddy while using a fire extinguisher
Team Member 1-put out a fire with an extinguisher Team Member 2-watch for hazards and ensure the safety of both members
Fire Suppression Safety Rules:
Use safety equipment at all times Work with a buddy Have a backup team if possible ALWAYS have TWO ways to exit the fire area Look at the door Feel closed doors with the back of the hand Confine the fire Stay low to the ground Maintain a safe distance NEVER turn your back on a fire when leaving Overhaul the fire
What are the two symbols from the National Fire Code? (section 704)
W OX
What extinguishers can be used for a fire of ordinary solid materials (Class A)?
Water-removes heat Foam-removes air and heat Dry chemical-breaks chain reaction
Step 5 for proper fire suppression procedure:
When Member 1 is exiting the fire, say "Backing out," Member 2 should repeat
How a portable fire extinguishers rated?
according to their effectiveness on different classes of fire
What is Underwriters Laboratories?
an organization that sets safety standards for manufactured good
Certain hazardous materials (like ___________, it is flamable) are placecarded as nonflammable for _________ transport but as flammable for ___________ transport
anhydrous ammonia, domestic, international
How should the DOT, UN, and NA placecards be treated?
as a stop sign for CERT, treat any unknown situations as a hazardous materials incident
Where should you aim a fire extinguisher?
at the base of the fire
Some gas meters have ______________ valves that restrict the _________ during an ____________ or other emergency
automatic shutoff, earthquakes
For class B fires, oxygen _____ penetrate the depth of the fluid, only the ____burns when lit
cannot, vapor
What type of dry chemical extinguisher is becoming less common?
carbon dioxide and other specialized extinguishers
What kind of reaction is fire?
chemical and exothermic
What fire class is non-energized electrical equipment considered?
class a fire
Class D Fires:
combustible metals (aluminum, magnesium, titanium)
Where are interior wet standpipes common?
commercial and apartment buildings
In interior spaces, it is possible to _______ a fire and _____ the spread of _______ and______ by ______________, both interior and exterior
confine, restrict, smoke and heat, closing doors
Other firefighting resources include __________ and "____________"
confinement, "creative resources"
What should CERT do if they come across a 704 Diamond?
consider it as a "STOP SIGN;" only action that should be take is evacuate people who are downwind if necessary to an uphill/upwind location; DO NOT enter the building
Sizeup is a ________ process that enables professional responders to _____________and ________________ in the areas of ______need
continual, make decisions, respond appropriately, greatest
Class K Fires:
cooking oils (vegetable oils, animal oils, fats)
Characteristics of hazardous materials (only need one to be considered)
corrodes other materials, explode or are easily ignited, react strongly with water, are unstable when exposed to heat or shock, are otherwise toxic to living things through absorption, inhalation, injection, or ingestion
What chemicals do most dry chemical extinguishers use as a base? What fires are they most effective on?
sodium bicarbonate, Class B and C
How do you monitor natural gases in the house?
install a natural gas detector (test monthly), install a carbon monoxide detector near the sleeping areas (also test monthly), locate and label the gas shutoff valves (may be multiple valves inside a home including the main shutoff) and know how to shut off the gas and have the proper non-sparking tool for shutting it off
If the gas meter is located inside your home, only shut off gas flow when....
instructed to by local authorities
What are the two types of hazards natural gas presents?
it is an asphyxiant and an explosive that can easily ignite
How does the 704 Diamond work?
it is divided into four colored quadrants, each with a rating number (it indicates the degree of risk associated with the material)
What does heat do in the fire triangle?
it is required to elevate the temperature of a material to its ignition point
What is overhauling and what is the saying you should remember?
it is the process of searching a fire scene for hidden fire of sparks in an effort to prevent the fire from rekindling. "COOL, SOAK, and SEPARATE"
What does fuel do in the fire triangle?
it may be a solid, liquid, or gas; the type and quantity will determine which method should be used to extinguish the fire
What is an asphyxiant?
it robs the body of oxygen
What do you do with an empty extinguisher?
laid down and stored on their side so no attempts will be made to use them again before recharged
What do you do if you answer "NO" to any of the questions asked before attempting to put out a fire? (or you can't put it out in 5 seconds or less)
leave the building immediately, shut all doors as you leave
L.I.E.S.
limit, isolate, eliminate, separate
When turning power back on, turn on the ___________first, then screw in the fuses or switch one the smaller breakers, _____ at a time
main switch or breaker, one
What is the other type of dry chemical extinguisher base used for multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers? What fires are they effective on?
monoammonium phosphate, Class A, B, C
Where can you find transit hazard placecards?
on any vehicle, not just tankers
When a fire is beyond the ability of CERTs to extinguish, what should CERt members do?
protect lives by evacuating the area and establishing a perimeter
Portable fire extinguishers must be ______ and _________ by ______________ and _________________
rated, approved, State fire marshal, Underwriters Laboratories
What does the yellow quadrant of the 704 Diamond tell?
reactivity
How can you reduce hazards from flammable liquids?
read labels to identify flammable products; store them properly using L.I.E.S method
What is ALWAYS the number one priority?
rescuer safety
What will help reduce the likelihood of fires?
simple fire prevention
A portable fire extinguisher must also have their _______and __________ labeled by the ___________
strength and capability, manufacturer
How can you identify where hazardous materials are stored or used?
the location and type of occupancy; placecards; sights, sounds, and smells
What does the W mean for a 704 Diamond?
the material has unusual reactivity with water, so don't mix with water (like magnesium metal)
What does the OX mean for a 704 Diamond?
the material possesses oxidizing properties, these materials increase the potential for explosion/fires (like ammonium nitrate)
What does the red quadrant of the 704 Diamond tell?
the material's flammability
What does they class of the fire tell you?
to select the correct method and agent for extinguishing the fire
During a fire, what do you do after you look at the door?
touch the door with the back of your hand, work from the bottom of the door up, do not touch handle before feeling door; opening door will provide more oxygen
You should ______ the meter from ______ the building if you smell gas or see dials on the meter showing gas
turn off, outside
Without oxygen, most fuels could be heated until entirely ________, BUT wouldn't ____
vaporized, burn
What does a portable fire extinguisher's label contain?
vital information about the type(s) of fire for which the extinguisher is appropriate for
What are the four types of fire extinguishers?
water, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, specialized fire extinguishers
Use extreme caution when using a _______ extinguisher to ensure that the ______, which is under ______, do not _______ lightweight materials and spread the ______
water, water, pressure, scatter, fire
