Fire Safety/SCBA Notes
The duration of the SCBA is dependent on what (4) factors?
1. The physical condition/fitness of the user. 2. The users anxiety level (use autogenic breathing). 3. The users exertion level (dragging someone to safety, length of search, etc.) 4. The face mask seal (proper seal ensures no escaping air.)
What are the (3) most common types of fire extinguishers?
1. Water [APW = Air-pressured Water] = Class A type fires. 2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) = These are effective on both Class B and A fire types. 3. Dry Chemical = ABC; BC; and DC types
How far should a portable fire extinguishing device user be from the base of a fire to effectively put it out?
8-10 feet.
What fire class has an icon represented by a trash bin?
A Class A fire.
Class C fires can change fire Class by doing what, if possible?
A Class C fire is eleCtrical, and once the eleCtric source is removed, if possible, it is no longer considered an eleCtrical fire.
Most common type of fire extinguisher?
A-B-C type (dry chemical), which are effective against Class A, Class B, and Class C fires.
T or F - A SCBA's tank offers breathable O2 to users to help fight fires.
False, a SCBA is simply a filtered air system, the tank contains 2216 lbs of "compressed air", not O2.
(2) Rules of fighting fires, upon discovery?
1. Assist any person in immediate danger to safety, without risk to yourself. 2. Call Central Control and activate the building fire alarm.
Of the (5) Fuel Classifications, what (4) need to be known for a correctional professional?
1. Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics - solids that are NOT metals. 2. Class B: Flammable Liquids - gasoline, oil, grease, acetone. Includes flammable gases. 3. Class C: Electrical - energized electrical equipment - as long as it is "plugged in" to an electrical source. 4. Class D: Metals, combustible - potassium; sodium; aluminum; magnesium, etc.
Three things that must be present at the same time to produce the CHEMICAL REACTION that is fire:
1. Enough OXYGEN to sustain combustion. 2. Enough HEAT to reach ignition temperature. 3. Some FUEL or combustible material.
The (3) stages of a fire are?
1. INCIPIENT = ignition, the point the 3 elements required chemically react to start a fire. 2. GROWTH = fire has sufficient fuel and O2 to grow, once at ceiling height it is rich and will produce more smoke. 3. FULLY DEVELOPED = MAX stage of the fire where "thermal layering" is established. The heat produced can act on flammable items such as paper or other materials to reach a "flash point", causing them to ignite even before the fire/flames have reached them. (4) DECAY = This is the longest stage of the "3", there is a significant decrease in O2 or fuel.
What are the (4) basic rules of SCBA searches?
1. When conducting a search, you will always be with a partner. 2. Communication between partners is vital, and do not lose physical contact. 3. Have a plan prior to conducting the search. 4. If at any time you or your partners low air alarm sounds, SCBA equipment problems arise, injury to you or your partner or any other factors that inhibit a "partner assisted search" arise, BOTH people should exit the area.
Do not fight a fire if (4)?
1. You don't have adequate or appropriate equipment. 2. You might inhale toxic smoke. 3. Your instincts tell you not to. 4. FINAL RULE: ALWAYS position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire. The safe use of a fire extinguisher is 8-10 feet from the base of the fire.
What are the least commonly found fire extinguishers and why?
Air-pressured water are the least common type of fire extinguishers, as they are only effective against CLASS A fires, as they can smother the fuel source (wood, paper, plastic, etc) and slightly cool it. Using these on a flammable liquid (CLASS B) fires could actually cause the fire to spread rather than decay, and using these on electrical fires (CLASS C) is not safe without removing the electrical source.
What does PASS stand for? An acronym for fire extinguisher use, this stands for:
An acronym for fire extinguisher use, this stands for: P - Pull the pin - it is wise to twist and then pull the pin to break the seal. A - Aim at the base of the fire - hit the FUEL, don't aim too high and don't be too close (8-10'). S - Squeeze the trigger - one hand on trigger (top) and one hand on the hose, aimed at fire. S - Sweep across the base of the fire - until completely out. Start at 8-10' away.
What icon represents a 'Class C' fire on fire extinguishers?
An electrical outlet with a cord represents an electrical fire on fire extinguishing devices.
What do Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers do?
CO2 extinguishers expell the non-flammable gas CO2, which is very cold, and COOLS a fire's heat source. *Note not to hold a CO2 extinguisher canister, as it can freeze and harm you. CO2 extinguishers also temporarily replace the O2 in the air with CO2, which can act to smother the fire. These qualities (Cooling/temporarily replacing O2) makes them effective at extinguishing flammable liquids (Class B) and electrical (Class C) fires. Because CO2 does not remove the O2 in the air, Class A fires may reignite with this type.
Prior to fighting a fire with a portable fire extinguisher, what should you do?
Check the gauge on the fire extinguisher, especially if the seal on the pin is absent.
What fire class is also known as "Common Combustibles" and is the MOST COMMON type of fire?
Class A fires: Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics.
What must be on fire to be considered a 'Class A' fire?
Common combustible material: Wood, cloth, plastics, trash, paper, etc... Class A fires create "ash" when they burn. [Class A = Ash]
What do Dry Chemical extinguishers do, and why are they so effective?
Dry chemical extinguishers are also known as ABC, BC, or DC extinguishers, and should only be used on the correct fire indicated class on the extinguisher. These act by inhibiting the chemical reaction of the fire by coating the fuel source in a thin layer of powder - separating it from the air. This is an irritant to breathe in (monoammonium phosphate) and breathing it should be avoided.
T or F - It is not important if you have a good seal on the facepiece of the SCBA, since it has enough air for a quick search.
False, it is important to check the face mask seal when doning the SCBA and before entering the emergency site.
T or F - When using the SCBA in a search, it is not necessary to stay low to the ground or to feel around with one hand with the other hand on a wall/vertical surface, because you are immune to smoke.
False. You always maintain one hand on a wall/vertical surface, or on the outside ankle of your partner ahead of you, feel any door with the back of your hand to check the heat prior to entering, and always stay in a kneeling/"table top" position while conducting a room/basic search.
T or F - It is okay to leave your partner during a SCBA use search if you both know where you are and it is an emergency.
False. You never enter or exit a search area without your partner.
What must be on fire to be considered a 'Class B' fire?
Flammable liquids and gases - Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone, hydrogen, propane, ammonia, butane, etc. [Class B = Butane]
When checking the gauge on a fire extinguisher, what does green indicate?
Green means it is "good" to use, though you do want to check the seal on the pin to see if it has been previously used - the weight may not indicate how much use may be left so it is best when responding to send one additional staff/partner to retrieve a second portable extinguisher.
What must be on fire to be considered a 'Class D' fire?
Metal combustible - magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminum. (**Requires Metal-X, Foam, and other special extinguishing agents.)
Portable Fire Extinguishers work by doing what?
Removing O2, smothering (reducing O2/removing fuel source) and/or reducing heat.
When you use a portable fire extinguisher, what should you do afterward?
Report (IR/DOC 2466) and ensure the fire extinguisher is refilled by appropriate personnel.
How much air time is a SCBA air filter system rated for, and how long is the actual user time estimated?
SCBA is rated for 30 minute use, but actual user time is closer to 15 minutes. You can check the tank using the remote pressure gauge located on the shoulder strap.
SCBA stands for what concerning fire safety?
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Some things that produce HEAT are:
Static electricity; friction; chemicals that react with one another; etc.
Once you have 3-5 minutes left on the SCBA, what happens?
The Low Air Alarm (2.2 Vibralert) in the regulator will go off, which results in a loud clicking/vibrating bell sound. If this happens, immediately notify your partner and you BOTH exit the area together safely.
The SCBA/Scott Air Pack is primarily used for what purpose?
The SCBA air packs are found in pairs for two people to work as partners during basic searches where the air in the area being searched is compromised, typically for smoke filled air, but is not designed to help in fighting fires.
Class K fire is what fire type?
These fires are not required for correctional professionals to know, but are known as 'Kitchen' fires - TCI does have 'Class K' extinguishers in the kitchen area for use - are particularly helpful for fryer fires with intense, smoldering heat.
T or F - If the SCBA malfunctions, for example, if it is too cold, it will fail to open, but you will still have air access. If the regulator fails, you will still be able to breathe using the red Purge Valve.
True.
T or F - The Scott 2.2 SCBA is a positive pressure system that acts, when properly sealed, to keep smoke filled air out of the user's lungs.
True. The face mask, when properly sealed to the user's face, along with the regulator, will deliver filtered air for 30 (actual 15) minutes when the gauge measures full.
If the regulator of a SCBA fails, what can you do?
You can access air by using the red Purge Valve.
When entering a smoke filled area with your partner with a SCBA, how do you enter?
You enter on your knees and hands, remain tight to the wall or your partners ankle and do not lose physical contact. Remain with partner even in case of rescuing/dragging someone to safety.
What must be on fire to be considered a 'Class C' fire?
Anything energized by an electrical current, that is "plugged in". If removed from electrical source, ("unplugged") this fire type can change its class.
(5) Rules before deciding your plan to fight a fire?
1. Know what is burning. 2. Know what kind of extinguisher to use. *Ask for backup to get back up fire extinguisher.* 3. Is the fire spreading rapidly beyond the point where it started? 4. The time to use an extinguisher is at the beginning stages of the fire. 5. If the fire is already spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building. *Close doors and windows before leaving if possible to slow spread of fire.*
Basic steps (9) of "donning" the SCBA system?
1. Open/unzip yellow cover. 2. Loosen the wall strap. 3. Locate the shoulder straps and step into the SCBA while on the wall. 4. Lean forward while pulling downward on the tightening strand of the shoulder strap, adjust until the pack is snug against your back. 5. Wrap the waist belt around you and click the straps together, then pull foward on the tightening strand until snug. 6. "Don" the face mask piece by pulling it over your head and positioning the clear portion over your face. Pull back the chin straps to tighten. Pull back the temple straps to tighten, ensuring no hair or other items are in the way that could interfere with the seal along your mask. 7. Make sure the mask is airtight by placing your palm over the front seal and take a deep, sucking breath. 8. Retrieve the regulator line and place it against the face mask seal with the red PURGE valve facing upward, push the knob in and then turn to the left for a quarter turn. 9. Using your partner's help, turn the bottom valve of the tank all the way open to the left to begin airflow.
The fire "triangle" requires what three parts to cause the CHEMICAL REACTION that is FIRE?
1. Oxygen (O2) [air]. 2. Heat source. 3. Fuel source.
