FIRE SAFETY & FIRE EXTINGUISHER USE

• What is fire / The combustion process.

Fire is a chemical chain reaction between fuel and heat in the presence of oxygen.

◦ Three components O2 HEAT

◦ Need all three components to start a fire
◦ Fire extinguishers remove one or more of the components

• Fourth elements of fire. FUEL

◦ Again these atoms react with the oxygen atoms or molecules of air. Because of reaction the heat is
produced. This heat raise the temperature of fuel by radiation and release more reactive and unstable
atoms of carbon and hydrogen. These again react with oxygen of air.

• Fire tetrahedron
◦ Heat – heat is the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat come into contact with a fuel
the energy support the combustion reaction

• Common source of heat.

◦ Chemical energy, Electrical energy, Mechanical energy, Nuclear energy.

• Types of fuels.
◦ Solid fuels
◦ Liquid fuels
◦ Gaseous fuels

• Principles of heat transmission

◦ Conduction
◦ Convection
◦ Radiation

• Types of fuels
◦ Solid fuels – When heated to a certain temperature will produce combustible vapour the actual
position also affect the way it burns

◦ Liquid fuels – Flammable gases are generated by vaporization.

◦ Gaseous fuels – The most dangerous of all fuel types because they are already in the natural state
required for ignition.

➢ Fire classes
 Class – A (‘A’ – stands for ash)
◦ Ordinary solid
▫ Wood
▫ Paper
▫ Plastic
▫ Rubber
▫ Coal

 How to extinguish a Class A fire

◦ Adding water – Class A fire only
◦ Limit material burning – Shovel away material, Add rock dust to remaining fuel.
◦ Pit a lid on it – Usually oily rags or paper in a waste container.
◦ Use a fire extinguisher – Usually class A, B&C fire
  Class- B (‘B’ – Stands for boil)
◦ Liquid
▫ Gasoline; oil, Diesel fuel
▫ Greases; Hydraulic fluid
▫ Gases; Acetylene, Propane
e.g.- motor spirit paints

 How to extinguish a Class B fire

◦ Not recommended – water can cause the fire to spread.
◦ Remove excess liquids fuel or shut of bottled gas cylinders
◦ Put a lid on it – No oxygen no fire
◦ Use a BC or ABC fire extinguisher.

 Class – C (‘C’ stands for circuit)

◦ Energized electrical equipment & cables.
◦ Always treat “C” fires as through power is still on.

 How to extinguish a class C fire

◦ Not recommended – Water can conduct electricity.
◦ Shut off the power – May still have A or B fire remaining.
◦ May not work because of the high temperature of the electric arc.
◦ Use a BC or ABC fire extinguisher.

 Class – D (‘D’ stands for circuit)

◦ Combustible metals
▫ Magnesium
▫ Titanium
▫ Zirconium
▫ Sodium
▫ Potassium
▫ Lithium
▫ Calcium
▫ Zinc

 How to extinguish a class D fire.

◦ They are usually started by a class – A, B, C fire, and will burn at extremely high temperatures.
▫ Not recommended – The O2 and H2 in the water will accelerate the fire.
▫ Shovel away all materials that cab be ignite by the high heat generated.
▫ Attempt to isolate the fire by covering with sand or rock dust.
▫ Not recommended – ABC fire extinguishers. (Super D or sodium chloride or G-plus
(graphite).

 Class – K
◦ Cooking media
▫ Animal & Plant oil (coconut mustard oil Lard fat ghee)

 How to extinguish a class K fire.

◦ Recently recognized by NFPA 10
◦ Fires involving combustible oils, lards and fats in commercial cooking.
◦ Problem – ABC type fire extinguishers may not work on these fires, a special class K
extinguisher may be needed!

What are the fire extinguishing methods?

Cooling – Removal of heat from the scene of fire is called as cooling.

By water, foam extinguisher.
Starvation – Removal of fuel from the scene of fire is called as starvation.
By cutting fuel supply.

Smothering – Removal of oxygen from the scene of fire is called as smothering.

By using CO2 , DCP fire extinguisher.

Chain breaking – Brake the chain.

By DCP, blanketing.
Applying agents to interfere with chemical chain reaction of breaking down the products of
combustion thought heat & oxidation.

Fire classification / Fire types

US/OSHA UK INDIA
A – Wood clothes coal rubber A – Wood clothes coal rubber A – Wood clothes coal rubber
plastic etc. plastic etc. plastic etc.
B – kerosene, petrol, diesel, B – Kerosene, Petrol Diesel B – Kerosene, Petrol Diesel
alcohol, paint, CNG, LPG, Alcohol Paint (only liquid) Alcohol Paint (only liquid)
acetylene
C – Live electrical fire C – CNG, LPG, Acetylene (only C – CNG, LPG, Acetylene (only
gas) gas)
D – Aluminium, Iron, steel, D – Aluminium, Iron, Steel, D – Aluminium, Iron, Steel,
uranium copper uranium, Copper uranium, Copper
K – Animal & plant oil coconut E – Kitchen fire E – Electrical fire
mustard oil lard fat ghee
F – Kitchen fire

• Properties of flammable liquids

◦ Flash point – The minimum temperature to which a liquid fuel gives of sufficient vapour that can be
ignited momentarily by a flame.

◦ Fire point – The minimum temperature to which a liquid fuel gives of sufficient vapour to support
continuous combustion.

◦ Auto Ignition temperature – The minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel will ignite without
the presence of a pilot flame or spark.

◦ Flammability limit – A flammable gas or vapour will only form in atmosphere if the flammable
vapour and oxygen in air lies within certain limits, These limits are referred to us the lower and
upper flammable or explosive limits.

• Fire tetrahedron

◦ Self sustained chemical reaction

▪ Combustible is a complex reaction that requires a fuel, an oxidizer and heat energy to come
together in a very specific way fire can only continue when enough heat is produced to cause the
continued development of flammable vapour or gases.

• Fire extinguisher installation height.

◦ For fire extinguishers having a gross weight < 18.14 kg. H < 1.53m.
◦ For fire extinguishers having a gross weight > 18.14 kg. (except wheeled types); H < 1.07m.
◦ In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the hand portable fire extinguisher and the floor
be less than 102mm.
• Fire extinguisher types
◦ Pressurized water
▪ Class “A” fires only
▪ 2.5 gal water (up to 1min discharge time)
▪ Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity check.
▪ 30-40 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Can be started and stopped as necessary.
▪ Extinguishes by cooling burning material below the ignition point.
▪ Label colour Bright RED

◦ Carbon dioxide (CO2)

▪ Class “B” or “C” fires.
▪ 2.5-100 lb of CO2 (8-30 seconds discharge time)
▪ Has NO pressure gauge – capacity verified by weight.
▪ 3-8 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Extinguishes by smothering burning materials.
▪ Effectiveness decreases as temperature of burning materials increases.
▪ Label colour – BLACK.

◦ Multi-purpose dry chemical

▪ Class “A, B, C” Fires.
▪ 2.5 – 20 lb dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) 8-25 seconds discharge time).
▪ Has pressure gauge to allow visual capacity check.
▪ 5 – 20 ft maximum effective range.
▪ Extinguishes by smothering burning materials.
▪ Label colour BLUE.

◦ Halon fire extinguisher.

Halon fire extinguisher is important device to have, especially for emergency situations. It
contains a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn. Halon fire
extinguisher is often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since they leave no residue.

◦ Such on expensive computers server rooms etc.

◦ Since halon manufacturing was banned.

◦ Foam extinguishers
▪ Overview – Foam extinguishers are most common type of fire extinguisher for Class B fire but
also work on Class A fires as they are water based.
▪ Label colour – CREAM
▪ Use for – Organic materials. Ex – paper, cardboard wood also.
- Flammable liquids. Ex – Paint and petrol.

◦ Wet chemical extinguishers

▪ Overview – Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for use or Class F fires involving cooking
oils and fats.
▪ Label colour – YELLOW.
▪ Use for – cooking oil / Fat fires
▪ Chemical – Potassium salt.

• Fire safety rules

◦ Stop drop and roll.
◦ Get out and Stay out.
◦ Fall and Crawl.
◦ Feel the Door before opening.
◦ Call – 101.
◦ Plan and practice an escape.
• Firefighting decision criteria.
◦ Know emergency procedures and evacuation routes.
◦ Know locations of extinguishers in your area and how to use them.
◦ Always sound the alarm regardless of fire size.
◦ Avoid Smoky conditions.
◦ Ensure area is evacuated.
◦ Don’t attempt to fight fire unless.
▪ Alarm is sounded
▪ Fire is small and contained.
▪ You have safe egress route. (can be reached without exposure to fire).
▪ Available extinguishers are rated for size and type of fire.”
▪ If in doubt evacuate. “DON’T ATTEMPT TO FIGHT UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED”.

• When faced with a fire you must make some split second decisions.
◦ Do i want to put out this fire?
◦ How do you operate this things anyway?
◦ Do i need help?
◦ Is the extinguisher the proper type for this type of fire?
◦ Are the capabilities of this extinguisher sufficient for the size of the fire?
◦ Does the fuel source make the fire too hazardous for this extinguisher?
◦ Is there a safe way to turn off or remove the fuel source?
◦ Do environmental conditions indicate that fighting this type of fire would endanger other or me?

• Extinguisher types
The fire equipment manufactures refer to three basic types of hand portable fire extinguishers:
◦ Stored pressure.
◦ Cartridge operated.
◦ Sealed pressure.
The difference lies mainly in the sealing method and the means by which the container is pressurized

• Classification of fire extinguishers.

Classified as either stored pressure or cartridge operated, they are additionally classified by under
writers laboratory (UL) as:
◦ ABC - (Ammonium phosphate)
◦ BC – (Sodium bicarbonate; purple K). or
◦ C – (Carbon dioxide).
◦ D – (Super D or sodium chloride), copper, or G – plus (Graphite).

• Fire extinguisher monthly visual inspection.

Instruction – See related numbers in the picture
1. Check the tag and make sure the annual inspection date is current.
2. The date that is punched is the last date serviced. A year from that date is is due.
3. Check to make sure there is a seal through the pull pin.
4. Check the pull pin. It should be in place through the handle.
5. Read the gauge the yellow arrow should be in the green zone.
6. Look at the hose or nozzle tip and check for cracks or damages. Some extinguishers do not have
hoses or nozzles.
7. Look at the cylinder to check for dents or rust etc.
8. Check the wall hanger. Make sure it is secure in the wall and the proper bracket.
9. Make sure there is an arrow sign for each fire extinguisher. Some may be located outside the room
where the extinguisher is mounted.
10. It is very important to make sure there is a 3 – foot clearance in front of and around the fire
extinguisher.
11. When the visual inspection has been completed put your initials on the line next to the month you
inspected the extinguisher (on the tag).
 MONTHLY INSPECTION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Sl No. Fire extinguisher Type of fire Date of monthly Date of annual Status Place of fire Signature Remark (if any)
No. extinguisher inspection inspection extinguishers

• Fire marshal role and responsibilities.

Introduction
Fire incident commander has ultimate responsibility.
◦ Site fire marshal, and
◦ Health and safety officer

◦ Duties of the fire marshal officer.

▪ Monitor conditions hazards and risks.
▪ Personnel accountability.
▪ Ensure understanding of the IAP
▪ Risk assessment
▪ Identify safe assemble area / collapse / hot zones.
▪ Monitor vehicle traffic.
▪ Monitor radio communications.
▪ Identify need for additional fire marshal.

◦ Knowledge of the fire marshal

▪ Firefighting strategy and tactics.
▪ Building construction
▪ Fire behaviour and fire loads.
▪ Forcible entry.
▪ Ventilation.
▪ Evacuation procedures.
▪ SCBA and PPE usage.
▪ Climatic conditions.
▪ Ladder operations.
▪ Establishing control zones.

◦ Scene considerations.
▪ Fire loads
• Maximum heat production.
• Target hazards and fire load potential.
• Knowledge aids operation.

▪ Forcible entry
• Understand techniques.
• Understand hazards.

▪ Ventilation
• Understand ventilation principals.
• Effects of improper ventilation.
• Understand negative and positive ventilation.

▪ Evacuation procedures
• Essential at all types of incidents.
• Understand policy.
◦ Ordering and evacuation
 ◦ Notifying and using personnel effectively.
◦ Establishing a relocation area.

▪ SCBA and PPE

• Understand standards and policy.
• Enforce use as appropriate.

▪ Climatic conditions
• Weather can have an adverse effect.
• Maintain constant awareness.
• Adverse conditions include.
◦ Extreme temperature and humidity.
◦ Freezing rain and snow.
◦ High wind.

▪ Ladder operations.
• Understand ground and aerial ladders.
• Ensure sufficient ground ladders area in place.

▪ Establishing control zones

• Allow for personnel accountability.
• Collapse zone based on
◦ Building height and
◦ Construction type
• Control zones aid in scene management.

◦ Special operations.
▪ Types of incidents.
• Hazardous material
• Emergency medical and mass casualty.
• Technical rescues.

◦ Fire marshal roles.

▪ Identify high hazard and risk locations.
▪ Review and develop pre – incident plans.
▪ Review and develop standard operating procedures.
▪ Ensure adoption and implementation of the IMS.

◦ Conduct research and development relating to

▪ Firefighting strategy and tactics.
▪ Safety best management practices
▪ Other technologies.

◦ Roles of fire marshal at scene

▪ Coordinate with the IC, understand the IAP.
▪ Report size up information to the IC.
▪ Conduct incident safety size – up.
▪ Establish control zones.
▪ Establish rapid intervention teams.
▪ Provide advice on challenging conditions.
▪ Monitor communications.
▪ Monitor vehicle traffic.
▪ Continually assess risks.
 ◦ Radio size – up 360
▪ Location(address/ intersection) – Active or potential flow paths?
▪ Products of combustion – Structural stability such as class – ABC types of building.
▪ Numerical floor height & Occupancy type – locations and extent of the fire?
▪ Special instruction (exposures, location of fire related to structure operational mode) – other
hazards (electrical exposures, access) – size, age and construction type of building?

◦ Other factors to consider during size up.

▪ Time of day – e.g. – Night
▪ Weather e.g. - Wind, Rain
▪ Savable live and / or property?
▪ Resources on scene or in route? e.g. – water supply

◦ Challenges for the fire marshal

▪ Reorganization of fire type.
▪ Manage the risk.
▪ Effectively use interpersonal skills.
▪ Enforce accountability.
▪ Effectively support operations.
▪ Plan for additional resources.

◦ Role following the incident

▪ Post incident analysis and reports.
▪ Injury or death reports.
▪ Identification of corrective action for.

◦ Future accidents
▪ To develop SOP’s for violations of department.
▪ Remove poorly defined procedures.
▪ Train the department for unforeseen conditions.
▪ Find out training deficiencies.

• Responsibility of fire watcher

◦ Fire watcher.
▪ An employee responsible for ensuring that fires are not started while others are performing the
hot work.
▪ Should a fire start the fire watch will attempt to extinguish, or sound the alarm.
▪ In the presence of combustibles the fire watcher will remain on duty for 30 min after hot work is
finished.

◦ General requirement
▪ The fire watch shall remain within 20 feet of the fire extinguisher and keep constant watch while
work continues.
▪ No other hazardous work will be performed in the hot work area.
Example – Include pulling blinds, bleeding lines, taking product samples etc.

◦ A fire watcher must have

▪ A vest
▪ A whistle
▪ A fire extinguisher
▪ A stem or water hose
▪ A hot work permit
 ◦ A fire watcher must be trained
▪ In fire extinguishing techniques
• Extinguisher capabilities
• Safe activation
• Approach
• Application technique
• Retreat

◦ Fire watcher responsibilities

▪ Ensure all hot work area is free of ignition sources before leaving the work area (special
attention to scaffolding)
• Must inspect area before leaving
▪ A fire watcher must know where to locate alarms and safety showers
▪ A fire watcher must be able to read and understand the hot work permit.
▪ Be familiar with the emergency alarm points in the hot work permit.
▪ Be familiar with the emergency alarm points in the facility for sounding alarm in the event of a
fire.

This must be covered by permit issuers as part of the PTW discussions before jobs are started (TBT)
▪ Assemble point
▪ Evacuation routes
▪ Jobs going on in the vicinity
▪ Emergency equipment locations

▪ Should know how to communicate in case of emergency.

▪ Ensure fire box integrity if sparks from grinding and welding observed to be coming out from
the fire box. Stop the work and inform lead worker for fire box modification.
▪ Watch for unplanned fires in all the vicinity of the activity if fire is observed stop the work and
attempt to extinguish only those within the capacity of equipment available otherwise sound
alarm.
▪ Have no other responsibility than to fill the duties of fire watch & will remain on the job site at
all times during the activities and will not assist in any other task.
▪ Ensure all sewer openings in the area remain covered and wetted down.
▪ Fire blankets could be used to cover opening.
▪ All fire watch personnel shall be in direct communication with each other in adjacent space.
▪ They must have clear view of the space and access to all the other areas.
▪ Barricade area and ensure non-essential personnel remain outside barricades at all times.
▪ The authority must rest with the fire watch to stop any conditions deemed hazardous or at risk
for the safety of all workers.
▪ Must understand the basic fire behaviour and how fires begin.
▪ Recognize the health hazards of fire and the need for protection from smoke, heat and toxins.
▪ Remain on-site for 30 minutes after the completion of the open flame hot work to avoid the
potential of fire due to falling of hot slug come in contact with any combustible materials.

• How to escape from fire in high rise building

Remember your safety is your responsibility
◦ You can increases your chance of surviving a fire by being prepared and doing the right thing in an
emergency.
◦ Take the time to become familiar with your surroundings and to plan your escape in the event of
fire. Stay calm!

If you work or line in a high rise building.

◦ EXITS: Find the location of your two closest exits and be familiar with the path of travel.
◦ ALARM: Identify the location of the nearest fire alarm know what the fire alarm sounds like, and
how to call 112 for help.
◦ EVACUATION PLAN: Be familiar with the emergency evacuation plan for your building.
 ◦ Evacuation
▪ Use your nearest available fire exit.
▪ Do not go back for personnel belongings.
▪ Do not use lifts.
▪ Do not re-enter building till advised to do so.

◦ Fire extinguishers: Know where to find them know how to and when to use them.
◦ Fire drills: Practice them as a matter of habit. You may not realize that a real emergency exit

If you discover fire

◦ Fire alarm: Pull the nearest fire alarm to warm other of the fire danger, NEVER IGNORE AN
ALARM.

◦ Call 112: Reporting the fire immediately or call from a nearby phone. Know your building address
and speak calmly and clearly.

◦ Extinguishment: If the fire is small, extinguish it. If it is spreading GET OUT and close the door
behind you.

◦ Evacuate: If there is no smoke, walk quickly to the nearest exit. If there is light smoke, stay low and
crawl to the nearest exit. Remember alternate exits and never evacuate to the roof; go down and out
of the building.

◦ Elevator: NEVER use an elevator in a fire emergency. An elevator might stop at the fire Floor or
malfunction. Always use the stairs.

• Means of scape.
◦ Keep all exit routes free from obstruction.
◦ There is emergency escape lighting in the corridor as well as the staircase.

If you decide not to evacuate or you are trapped. Create an area of refuge.
◦ Seal the room: Use wet clothing or towels to stuff around cracks in doors and seal up vents. Close
doors and protect yourself against smoke.

◦ Use water: Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth, breath through your nose only. Wet down
walls, doors and windows.

◦ Signal for help: Call 112 or building management for help; If you have no phone, signal at the
window for help.

◦ Do not brake windows: Flames and smoke can travel back to you from the outside. If you need air,
open the window a crack; be ready to close it immediately.

◦ Don’t Jump: Wait to be rescued, If you are above the 2nd floor. By remaining calm, you increases
your chances of survival!
FIRE HYDRANT SYSTEMS (FH SYSTEMS)

Fire possible industries

Light hazards Moderate (or) ordinary High hazards A & B Storage hazards
hazards
Eg: Hospital, Hotels, Eg: Textile, Paper-mills, Eg: Paint factories, Oil Eg: Warehouses
Institutions, Libraries, Chemical units, mills, Petrochemicals and
Laundries, Museums and Engineering work shop, Refineries
Nursing homes, Office, Laboratories, Wax,
Building Prisons, School Vermicelli and Printing
and Collage etc. press etc.

Introduction

Large quantity of water is required for control the major and large fire in the industries is shortest possible time
and fire hydrant system is designed to serve these requirements.

Standard / codes followed for fire fighting system.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

Tariff Advisory Committee.
OISD (Oil Industries Safety Directorate – 1986)

• Fire hydrant
◦ Fire hydrant is advice used to extract water from a pressurized net work. You may call this as fire
plug, Fire pumps, Hydrants boosters.
◦ A fire hydrant is a connection point by which fire fighters can tap into a water supply. It is a
component of active fire protection.
◦ Underground fire hydrant have been used in Europe and Asia since at least the 18th century. Above
ground pillar type hydrants are a 19th century invention.

• Main component of a well designed hydrant system are as follows

◦ Sufficiently large water reservoir
◦ Fire main pump sets (Main and Standby)
◦ Jockey pump set (Main and Standby)
◦ Hydrants valves.
◦ Fire fighting hoses with coupling.
◦ Branch pipe with nozzles.
◦ Ring main.
◦ Riser main.
◦ Single hydrant
◦ Double hydrant etc.
• Fire water reservoir – Tanks of adequate capacity depending upon the risk to be covered. These should
be located between 60 to 200 meters from the hazardous area. Arrangement should be made to divide
these tanks in two compartments such that one compartment is always available for service while the
other can be taken out for cleaning or maintenance purpose.

• Main pumps – Minimum two pumps required one electric and the other diesel driven (stand by) should
be installed to provide water to the installation at a required pressure. It is preferable to start
automatically. The capacity of the pump shall be according to the nature of hazard.

• Jockey pumps – As when the pressure drops this pump starts automatically to raise the pressure to
preset pressure and then stopping by itself. Minimum two pumps required. One electric and the other
diesel driven (stand by).
◦ The size of mains is decided such that desired pressure is available.
◦ Material of construction of mains is normally cast iron or Ms with good quality of anti-corrosion.

• Raiser mains – These are provided where the hydrants are provided on upper floors of the building.
◦ These have one main isolation valve at the ground level.
◦ The diameter of such mains is 150mm reduced to 100mm at the top

• Fire hydrants – The hydrant are located between 2 to 15 meters from the building to be protected in
non hazardous areas and 30 meters from the edge of the building. Hydrants are installed in such a way
that the risk is protected from vehicle. The fire appliances such as a hoses & Branches etc. Should be
available close to the hydrants.

• Single hydrant – These are the points from where fire hoses are connected for drawing water single
outlet is fixed with 63mm diameter direct female coupling with a wheel type control valve called the
landing valve coupled to 80mm diameter stand pipe through a bend. It is erected 1meter above the
ground level.

• Double hydrant – In this case stand post diameter is 100mm provided with a “T” at the top. To each a
landing valve is fixed.

• Valves and pipes – Size of valves and pipes should be according to the requirements of hydrant area
hydraulic analysis should be taken placed to determine flow of water.

• Fire hoses – is the required equipment that should be placed near effected area according to the design
and structure of building.

• Block plan – The block plan diagram properly illustrate the location of booster pump set, pump room
and fire control room comprising installation year, contractor names and other things.
 • Installation & Protection
◦ Fire hydrant should not be installed with their openings towards explosive store houses, in
accessible locations etc.
◦ The fire appliances such as hoses & branches etc. Should be available close to hydrants.
◦ These should not obstruct movement of other emergency services like, fire engines or ambulance
etc.

• Inspection, Maintenance and Training.

◦ These should be inspected, maintained and tested periodically.
◦ Information regarding the layout of hydrant points, other appliances availability etc. Should be
available for ready references.
◦ The names of the contact persons should be displayed.
◦ Adequate number of persons shall be trained in the maintenance and testing of equipment installed.
◦ Training and retraining should be carried out to ensure competence of the personnel.
◦ Mock drills should be held at least twice a year.

• Types of hydrants
◦ Dry barrel fire hydrants
▪ Under ground fire hydrant
▪ Above ground fire hydrant

◦ Wet barrel fire hydrant

▪ Under ground fire hydrant
▪ Above ground fire hydrant

◦ Dry barrel – The dry barrel hydrants get drained after the source of water is closed. These types of
fire hydrants systems are used most of the time.

◦ Wet barrel – It is use only in those areas where temperature doesn’t fall below 32 degrees ever.
▪ This is because these types of fire hydrant systems are always loaded with water.

Fire hose appliances.

• Fire hose – is identified as a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from
the source of supply to a point where it is fire occurred (discharged).

• Hose construction – Depending on its intended use, fire hose is manufactured in different
configurations such as single-jacket, double-jacket, rubber single-jacket, hard-rubber non-collapsing
types.

• Materials used in construction.

◦ Cotton, nylon, Bayon vinyl, Poly-mired vinyl, Polyester.

• Types of hose hazard

◦ Mechanical damage.
◦ Thermal damage.
◦ Mildew and Mold damage.
◦ Chemical damage.

• Fire hose mechanical hazard.

Examples
◦ Worn places
◦ Rips
◦ Abrasions
◦ Cracked inner linings
◦ Crushed or damaged couplings.
 Prevention
◦ Avoid laying or pulling over sharp corners.
◦ Provide warning devices in traffic lanes.
◦ Prevent vehicles from running over.
◦ Close nozzles slowly.
◦ Change positions of bends in hose when reloading.
◦ Provide chafing blocks.
◦ Avoid excessive pump pressure on hose lines.

• Fire hose thermal hazard.

◦ Excessive heat/direct flame contact can char, melt, weaken outer jacket and dehydrate rubber lining.
◦ Inner linings can be dehydrate when hose hangs to dry too long.

Prevention
◦ Protect hose from heat or fine.
◦ Do not allow hose to remain in heated area after drying.
◦ Use moderate temperature for drying.
◦ Keep the outside jacket dry.
◦ Rotate hose in and out of service.
◦ Avoid drying hose on hot pavement.
◦ Prevent hose from coming in contact with or close to vehicle exhaust.
◦ Use hose bed covers to shields hose from sun.

• Fire hose organic (Mildew & Mold) hazard

◦ Rubber-jacket hose not subject to damage caused by living organism, but this is a problem on hose
with woven jacket of natural fibre if stored wet.
◦ Mildew, Mold rot fibres of hose jacket, causing hose. To rupture under pressure.
◦ If outer jacket made of synthetic fibres, will resist organic damage.
◦ Outer jacket of some natural-fibre hose has been chemically treated to resist mildew, Mold, not
always 100 percent effective.

• Mildew and Mold damage.

◦ Examples
▪ Decay
▪ Deterioration.

Prevention
◦ All wet hose should be removed from the apparatus, replaced and dried.
◦ Hose should be removed, inspected, swept and reloaded if not used every 30 days.
◦ Run water through it every 30 days
◦ Exercise hose every 30 days.
◦ Run water through it every 30 days.

• Fire hose chemical hazard.

◦ Chemical; chemical vapours can damage outer jacket on hose or cause rubber lining to separate
from inner jacket.
◦ When hose exposed to petroleum products, paints, acids, alkalis, may be weakened.

Prevention
◦ Thoroughly scrub al traces of acid contacts with baking soda and water.
◦ Periodically remove hose from the apparatus, wash is and run water through it.
◦ Properly test hose if any suspicion of damage.
◦ Avoid laying hose in the gutter.
◦ Properly dispose of hose that has been exposed to hazardous materials and cannot be
decontaminated.
 ◦ Use caution when storing equipment in the same compartment as hose leaking fluids can cause
chemical damage to the hose.

• Washing hose.
◦ Lay the hose straight out.
◦ Brush off dust and dirt.
◦ Wash and scrub with clean water.
◦ Scrub spots with mild soap or detergent.
◦ Rinse properly and completely.

• Drying hose
◦ Use hose tower
◦ Place on inclined rack
◦ Place in a cabinet hose dryer.
◦ Synthetic fibre do not need drying.

Woven jacket must be thoroughly dried before being reloaded on apparatus.

Should be in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations

• Storing hose
After hose has been brushed, washed, dried, should be rolled and stored in suitable racks unless it is
to be placed back on apparatus.

◦ Hose racks
▪ Located in clean, well-ventilated room or close to apparatus.
▪ Can be free-standing on floor or mounted permanently on wall.

• Types of hose.
◦ Attack hose- 400ft of 1 1/2, 1 3/4, or 2 inch.
◦ Supply hose – 1200 ft of 2 1/2 - inch or larger.
◦ Intake hose – 15ft, larger diameter or hard suction intake hose 20ft, 2 1/2 to 6-inch.

◦ Intake hose
▪ There are two groups within this category: Soft sleeve and hard suction.
▪ Soft sleeve (closed water source such as FH).
▪ Hard suction hose (open water source such as river, well lake).

◦ Supply line
▪ Supply line is identified as the hose between the water source and the attack pumper to provide
large.

◦ Attack line
▪ Attack line is defined as hose between the attack pumper and the nozzle used to control and
extinguish fire.

• Construction feature of fire hose couplings.

Materials
◦ Brass alloy
◦ Aluminium alloy
◦ Magnesium

• Fire hose coupling

◦ Couplings are used to connect fire hose with appliances, other fire hose and fire department
apparatus.
◦ There are several different types of fire hose couplings used in the fire service.
 ◦ The most commonly used fire hose coupling are the threaded and storz type.

• Storz couplings

◦ Referred to as sexless couplings.

◦ No distinct male/female components.
◦ Identical to may be connected to other storz couplings of same size.
◦ Designed to be connected/disconnected with quarter turn.
◦ Have lugs, slots built into swivel rings of each coupling for locking.
◦ Most have locking devices if attached to large – diameter hose.

• Roles for care of fire hose couplings.

◦ Avoid dropping/dragging.
◦ Do not permit vehicles to run over hose
◦ Inspect couplings when hose washed/dried.
◦ Remove gasket, twist swivel in warm, soapy water.

• Hose appliances
◦ Valves
Control flow of water in hose lines, at hydrants, at Pumpers.
▪ Ball valves
▪ Gate valves
▪ Butterfly valves
▪ Clapper valves

◦ Clapper
▪ Wye
▪ Divides one hose-line into two or more.
▪ Double gated reducing leader Wye. (required)

◦ Hydrants valve (required)

▪ Allows an additional engine to connect to the hydrant without shutting the hydrant down.

◦ Fittings
▪ Adapter – Change one type of hose thread to another.
▪ Reduce – Connect a large hose to a smaller one.
▪ Double – Male or female threads on both ends (required)

• Hose tools
◦ Hose roller
▪ Prevents damage to hose that can occur when dragged over sharp corners.
▪ Consists of metal frame with two or more rollers

◦ Hydrant wrench
▪ Used to remove caps from hydrant outlets, open hydrants valves.

◦ Hose jacket
▪ Can be installed on ruptured section on hose line to temporarily close rupture.
▪ Consists of hinged two – piece metal cylinders
▪ Made in two sizes.
▪ Can be used to connect hose with mismatched couplings

◦ Hose clamp
▪ Can be used to stop flow of water in hose line.
▪ Three types – screw down, Press – down, Hydraulic press.
 ▪ The function of hose clamp are.
▪ To Prevent charging a hose bed during a forward lay to a hydrant.
▪ To allow replacement of a burst section of hose without shutting down the water supply.
▪ To allow extension of a hose line without shutting down the water supply.
▪ To allow advancement of a charged hose-line upstairs.
▪ Apply the clamp 3-5 feet behind coupling

◦ Chafing blocks.
▪ Used to protect fire hose where subjected to rubbing from vibrations
▪ May be wood, leather, old truck tires.

◦ Hose bridge / Ramp

▪ Helps prevent damage to hose.
▪ Should be used where hose laid across street.

◦ Hose strap, hose rope, hose chain.

▪ Used to carry, pull fire hoes.

• Appliances
◦ Strainer
▪ Placed over the end of a suction to block debris.

• Types and uses of hose rolls.

◦ Straight roll
▪ Simplest
▪ Starts at one end, usually male coupling to complete roll hose toward other end.
▪ When complete female end exposed and male protected in centre of roll.

◦ Donut
▪ Situations when it is going to be deployed directly from a roll for use.
▪ Used when both ends need to be together on the outside.
▪ Hose is less likely to spiral or kink when unrolled.

◦ Twin donut
▪ For a compact roll which may be transported and used for high-rise or special operations.

◦ Self locking twin donut

▪ Same as twin donut, only a carrying strap is formed.

• An effective hose stretch starts with your morning check off.

◦ Adequate hose
◦ Properly loaded
◦ Correct nozzle pre-connected
◦ Fog nozzles on straight stream “Right to fight”
◦ Commonly used fittings within reach.

• Hose loading guidelines

◦ Check gaskets swivel before connecting couplings.
◦ Keep flat sides of hose in same plane when two sections connected.
◦ Tighten couplings hand tight.
◦ Remove kinks, twists when bent to form loop in hose bed.
◦ Bleed air from changed hose lines before entering
◦ Position nozzle operator, all members of hose team on same side of hose line.
◦ Check doors for heat before opening.
 • Hose selection considerations (hose size) Required gpm?
◦ Existing fire conditions
◦ Potential fire conditions
◦ Commercial vs residential?

◦ Where is the fire (hose length)?

▪ Where is the fire now?
▪ Where is the fire going?
▪ Obstacles, above ground?

◦ Who will make the hose selection can be based on several factors.
▪ Fire fighter experience level
▪ Crew standard operating guidelines(SOGs)
▪ Crew cohesion
▪ Training tempo of crew
▪ IAP

Hose size
• Length Considerations
◦ Street to building
◦ Obstacles
◦ Elevation changes
◦ Multi-story
◦ Size of fire area
◦ Potential fire path

• Pre connect
◦ Quickly deployed
◦ Minimal personnel needed
◦ Manoeuvrable
◦ May lack gpm needed

• Large diameter
◦ Increased gpm
◦ Length not predetermined
◦ Additional personnel my be needed to deploy.
When deploying pre-connects, ensure hose bed is cleared.
Kinks in your hose can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your stream/flow rate.
Consider additional personnel at pinch points.

• Exterior fire fighting of buildings.

◦ Firefighting operation where water is applied from an exterior position to the interior of a structure
to reduce the thermal threat and cool the environment just prior to initiating interior operations.

◦ Transitional fire attack is an offensive mode.

▪ With the help of exterior fire fighting.
▪ You are slowing the fire’s growth and reducing temperatures to allow for interior fire attack.

• Exterior water application

◦ Straight stream (right to fight)
◦ close to window sill
▪ Allows gases and smoke to escape form top of window
◦ Steep angle to ceiling
◦ Avoid moving the nozzle
▪ Moving nozzle or fog pattern will entrain air and not allow gases/smoke to escape
Crash fire tender (CFT)

Certain vital areas require very prompt attention such as air crash fire fighting, petroleum fire, Where a
slight delay in commencement of fire fighting operations, result in loss of precious lives and heavy materials
losses. The CFT finds maximum use at Air force & Navy establishment besides some petrochemical point.

• Component
◦ Mounted on vehicle chassis, CFT has water tank capacity of 6500 litters with a foam tank of 800
litters.
◦ It carries 2 BCF extinguishers of 50 kg capacity each connected with a hose reel. Besides this kept
spacious lockers and can carry 5 persons.

• Operation
There are five steps
◦ Step-1
▪ Placement – Take the fire tender to the scene of fire keeping the pump side facing the scene of
fire.

◦ Step-2
▪ Power take off- Change the position of the lever provided at the back of driver seat to take
power of the vehicle engine and to driver the same to the pump.

◦ Step-3
▪ Priming – Open the suction valve of the pump, next simply open the priming valve and allow all
air present in the pump casing to come out the waste pipe followed by continuous stream of
water, the close the priming valve.

◦ Step-4
▪ Line out
• Connect fire hoses and other required fitting as per drill procedure.
• Rise the throttle to get the required pressure.
• Open water for engine cooling.

◦ Step-5
▪ Knock off and make up
• Take off the power from Pump and give it back to vehicle engine.
• Keep all equipments in their respective places.

• Aerial ladder – Power operated (usually hydraulically) ladder mounted on a special truck chassis.
• Auxiliary hydraulic power – A back up hydraulic system on an aerial device used in the event that the
main hydraulic pump fails.
• Boom – Telescoping or articulating arm portions of an elevating platform aerial device.
• Elevating platform – Work platform attached to the end of an articulating or telescoping aerial device.
• Fire pump – Water pump on a piece of fire apparatus.
• Intake relief valve – A safety device used to control excess pressures on the intake side of the pump.
• Load limit indicator – An electrical monitoring system that protects the electrical system from
overloads.
• Stabilizer – Devices that transfer the centre of gravity of the apparatus and prevent it from tipping as
the aerial device is extended away form the centre line of the chassis.

One thing to always remember when operating pumps, nozzles, hydrants or any valve on the fire truck is
to always open and close then slowly to prevent water hammer.
• Fire alarm & Detection system

• Introduction of fire alarm.

◦ Fire detection systems are designed to discover fire in their early stage so that occupant can evacuate safely.
◦ Fire alarm system has a number of devices working together to detect and warn people through visual and
audio appliances when smoke fire, carbon monoxide or heat are present these alarms may be activated
automatically or manually such as manual call point or pull stations.
◦ Alarms can be either bells or wall mountable horns. They can also be speaker which sound an alarm,
followed by a voice evacuation message which warns people.
◦ Fire alarm sounders can be set to certain frequencies and different tones including low, medium and high
depending on the country and manufacturer of the device.

• Importance of alarm systems

◦ Time saving in scene of fire
◦ Notification to occupier.
◦ Type A manual Alarm
◦ Type B automatic Alarm

• Type of detectors
◦ Detectors are available in a wide variety of types. The major categories are heat, smoke and flame detectors
whit in each category are numerous additional specific system.
▪ Heat
▪ Smoke
▪ Flame detectors

• Classification of heat detection

◦ Heat detectors respond to the excess heat generated in a fire.

• Two sub-classifications based on operation

1. Fixed temperature which operate at predetermined.
2. Rate to rise operate based on a specified rate of temperature rise (degree/min)

• Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors respond to the presence of smoke.
◦ Classification of smoke detectors
1. Photo electric smoke detectors.
2. Ionization smoke detectors.
3. Combination ionization & Photoelectric.

• Flame detectors.
Flame detectors respond to the presence of a flame there are three types of flame detectors currently
available.
1. Infrared (IR)
2. Ultraviolet (UV)
3. Combination of UV and IR

• Placement of fir detectors.

◦ In general fire detectors are normally placed on the centre of ceiling but not more than close to 4 inch, for
wall install no more than 12” from ceiling
◦ Where possible the detectors should be located throughout entire building.

• Component to a fire alarm system

◦ Detectors & Manual pull boxes signal supervisor.
◦ Local alarms.
◦ Fire alarm control panel(FACP)
◦ Primary and backup power supply.
◦ Alarm initiating device.
◦ Remote control and display panels.
◦ Building safely interface.
 • Fire sprinkler or fire suppression
• Sprinkler system
◦ A sprinkler system consists of a water supply and on or more sprinkler installation, each installation
consist of a set of installation control valves and pipe fitted with sprinkler heads.
◦ The sprinkler heads are fitted at specified locations at the roof or ceiling and where necessary
betweens racks, below shelves, inside ovens or stoves or below obstructions.
◦ A sprinkler has three functions to performs. It must first sense the heat, make a sound and must then
provide an adequate distribution of water to control or extinguish the fire. Each function is
performed separately and on is independent of the other.

• There are four major classification of sprinkler systems.

1. Dry pipe system
In this type of sprinkler water available all the time in piping system, when sprinkler head breaks then
water supply automatically comes out.

2. Pre activated systems

In this types of sprinkler water does not available in the piping system because water suppress by
nitrogen gas or air in the water pipe.
When sprinkler head breaks then first nitrogen gas comes out the water comes out later on. It is use in
cold places or country.

3. Pre activated systems

It is combination of wet and dry sprinkler system pre-action fire sprinkler systems are filled with air and
water is allowed to pass through when the smoke alarm or detector goes off.

4. Deluge sprinkler system

A special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable source of fire protection water supply and equipped
With water spray nozzles for specific water discharge and distribution water.

There are two types of systems namely

1. High velocity water spray system – flash points of 65o C (150o F) or higher.
2. Medium velocity water spray system – less than 65o C

• Glass bulb size

◦ 5mm for standard response
◦ 3mm for Quick response

• Thread type
◦ 1/2” to 1” NPT thread type

• Common finishes
◦ Bronze brass chrome, white coated

Temperatures and Identification colours of sprinklers

o
Operating temperature C Identification colour Target area
o
57 C Orange Living homes & offices
o
68 C Red Living homes & offices
o
79 C Yellow Commonly use in kitchen & small workshop
o
93 C Green Commonly use in kitchen of hotel & large workshop
141oC Blue Commonly use in oil industry & chemical plant
182oC Mauve Commonly use in oil industry & metal molten
204-206oC Black For casting in different shapes & sizes
• Location & spacing of sprinklers.
◦ Spacing depends on the class of hazard of occupancy and the type of ceiling construction

1. Light hazard – 15’ maximum between sprinklers.

2. Ordinary hazard – 12-15ft. Depending on use of area.
3. Extra hazard – 12’ maximum.

• Sprinklers must also be spaced.

1. Light hazard occupancy – floor area/sprinkler maximum of 130-200 square feet, depending on type
of ceiling
2. Ordinary hazard occupancy – max area per sprinkler 100 – 130 square feet, depending on use of
space.
3. Extra hazard occupancy – 90 square feet sprinkler maximum