Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers

NFPA 10, 2002 Edition ,

IFC 2008
Lafayette Fire Department
Inspector Dave Thomas
Fire Extinguisher Overview Fire Extinguisher Overview
1. Fire Extinguisher Classification 3. Extinguisher Size & Placement
& UL Ratings
Class A
Class B
Hazard / Hazard Area
Rating & Coverage Area
Allowable Travel Distance
Class C
Class D
Class K
Allowable Travel Distance
4 M i t &I ti
Class K
2. Hazard Classification
4. Maintenance & Inspection
Monthly Inspection
Annual Maintenance
Light
Moderate
High
6 Year Maintenance
Hydrostatic Test
g
Tetrahedron
How Fires Start
Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation
or burning of a fuel. It needs four elements to occur: g
FUEL - Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas. Most solids and
liquids become a vapor or gas before they will burn.
OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21% oxygen. Fire only needs an
atmosphere with at least 16%oxygen atmosphere with at least 16% oxygen.
HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a
point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.
CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when the three
elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs
whenthis rapid oxidation or burning takes place Take any of these factors away and when this rapid oxidation or burning takes place. Take any of these factors away and
the fire cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.
Extinguisher Ratings
The UL rating is broken down into Class A and Class B:C ratings.
These numerical ratings allow you to compare the relative extinguishing
effectiveness of various fire extinguishers. For example, an g p ,
extinguisher that is rated 4A:20B:C indicates the following:
The A rating is a water equivalency rating. Each A is equivalent to 1.25
gallons of water. 4A=5 gal. of water.
The B:C rating is equivalent to the amount of square footage that
related to the degree of training and experience of the operator, the
extinguisher can cover. 20 B:C=20 sq. ft. of coverage.
C i di t it i it bl f l t i ll i d i t C indicates it is suitable for use on electrically energized equipment.
When analyzing these ratings, note that there is not a numerical rating
for Class C or Class D fires. Class C fires are essentially either a Class
A or Class B fire involving energized electrical equipment where the fire A or Class B fire involving energized electrical equipment where the fire
extinguishing media must be non-conductive. The fire extinguisher for a
Class C fire should be based on the amount of the Class A or Class B
component. For extinguisher use on a Class D fire, the relative
ff ti i d t il d th ti i h l t f th ifi effectiveness is detailed on the extinguisher nameplate for the specific
combustible metal fire for which it is recommended.
UL Classification
The A rating is a water equivalency
rating. Each A is equivalent to 1.25
ll f t 4A 5 l f t gallons of water. 4A=5 gal. of water.
The B:C rating is equivalent to the
amount of square footage that related
to the degree of training and
experience of the operator, the
ti i h extinguisher can cover.
20 B:C=20 sq. ft. of coverage.
C indicates it is suitable for use on
electrically energized equipment.
The UL rating is found on the
extinguisher label or nameplate band.
Types of Extinguishers
Extinguisher Type Agent Class Sample Applications
Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Monoammonium Phosphate ABC Offices, Hotels, Schools and Warehouses
R l D Ch i l S di Bi b BC V hi l T i i dL b i Regular Dry Chemical Sodium Bicarbonate BC Vehicles, Training and Laboratories
Purple K Dry Chemical Potassium Bicarbonate BC Oil Industry, Airport Ramps, Military and Fuel Services
CO2 Carbon Dioxide BC Factories and Food Processing Plants
Halotron Halotron I ABC & BC Military, Computer Rooms, Aircraft and Museums
Water H2O A Storerooms, Barns and Attics ,
Foam AFFF / FFFP AB Fueling Areas, Manufacturing and Construction Sites
ABC Dry Chemical
Stored-
ABC-rated multipurpose dry
powder extinguishers are the
Pressure
Extinguisher
powder extinguishers are the
most common. They are almost
always RED in color and have y
either a long narrow hose or no
hose (just a short nozzle). Pale
ll i l yellow in color.
Monoammonium Phosphate powder with dry nitrogen
propellant propellant.
Nitrogen may leak out leaving the unit full of powder,
but with no propellant.
BC Dry Chemical
Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or
"ordinary" used on class B and C
fires was the first of the dry fires, was the first of the dry
chemical agents developed. It
interrupts the fire's chemical
reaction and was very common reaction, and was very common
in commercial kitchens before
the advent of wet chemical
agents but nowis falling out of agents, but now is falling out of
favor, as it is much less effective
than wet chemical agents for
class K fires less effective than class K fires, less effective than
Purple-K for class B fires, and is
ineffective on class A fires. White
or blue in color or blue in color.
Dry Chemical
C id U i Cartridge Units
Cartridge extinguishers g g
differ from stored pressure
units by utilizing a gas
cartridge to pressurize the g p
extinguisher. The unit can
be exposed to an impact or
puncture without discharging p g g
the contents.
Discharge hose and nozzle must be
completely free of agent after use. p y g
Classes: ABC
BC (S di Bi b &PKP) BC (Sodium Bicarb & PKP)
D
Water Extinguishers
APW (Air pressurized water) cools
burning material by absorbing heat g y g
from burning material. Effective on
Class A fires, it has the advantage of
being inexpensive, harmless, and
l ti l t l W t relatively easy to clean up. Water
extinguishes fires by cooling the heat
and fuel to below its kindling
temperature One of the temperature. One of the
disadvantages of water is its
susceptibility to freezing. In
potentially freezing climates the p y g
extinguisher must be outfitted with an
anti-freeze charge (known as a
loaded-stream). Air pressurized
water units contain 2 5 gallons of water units contain 2.5 gallons of
water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder.
Carbon Dioxide
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
extinguishers are
generally red have a generally red, have a
LARGE "tapered"
nozzle (horn) and are
VERY HEAVY (15-85 (
lbs). These are all high-
pressure cylinders.
CO2 cylinders do not have
th a pressure gauge - they
must be weighed to
determine the amount
of contents of contents.
Weight is stamped on side of valve
head.
Class K Extinguisher
Class K fire extinguishers are wet chemical
extinguishers that contain a potassium acetate based,
low PH agent that was originally developed for use in g g y p
pre-engineered cooking equipment fire extinguishing
systems. The Class K extinguishers are tested on
commercial deep fat fryers using the same type of fire
test as UL300 pre engineered restaurant fire test as UL300 pre-engineered restaurant fire
extinguishing systems. The agent discharges as a fine
mist which helps prevent grease splash and fire reflash
while cooling the appliance. g pp
IFC 904.11.5.2
When hazard areas include deep fat fryers, listed Class p y ,
K portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as
follows: 1. For up to four fryers having a maximum
cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each:
One Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum One Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum
1.5 gallon ( 6 L) capacity.
Water Mist
Water Mist uses a fine misting
nozzle to break up a streamof nozzle to break up a stream of
deionized water to the point of not
conducting electricity back to the
operator. Class A and C rated. It is
used widely in hospitals for the
reason that, unlike other clean- ,
agent suppressants, it is harmless
and non-contaminant. These
extinguishers come in 1 75 and 2 5 extinguishers come in 1.75 and 2.5
gallon units, painted white.
Halon & Replacement
AAgents
Halon (including Halon 1211 and Halon
1301) a gaseous agent that inhibits the 1301), a gaseous agent that inhibits the
chemical reaction of the fire. Classes B:C for
lower weight fire extinguishers (2.3 kg ; under
9 lbs) and A:B:C for heavier weights (4.1-
7.7 kg ; 9-17 lbs). Banned from new g ; )
production, except for military use, as of
J anuary 1, 1994 as its properties contribute to
ozone depletion and long atmospheric
lifetime, usually 400 years. Halon was
completely banned in Europe resulting in completely banned in Europe resulting in
stockpiles being sent to the United States for
reuse. Although production has been banned,
the reuse is still permitted. Halon 1301 and
1211 are being replaced with new halocarbon g p
agents which have no ozone depletion
properties and low atmospheric lifetimes, but
are less effective. Currently Halotron I,
Halotron II, FE-36 Cleanguard and FM-200
are meant to be replacements with are meant to be replacements with
significantly reduced ozone depletion
potential.
Class D Extinguisher
There are several Class D fire extinguisher
agents available, some will handle multiple
types of metals, others will not.
Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or
METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) -contains sodium
chloride salt and thermoplastic additive.
Plastic melts to forman oxygen-excluding Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding
crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates
heat. Useful on most alkali metals including
sodium and potassium, and other metals
including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, g g
and zirconium.
Most Class D extinguishers will have a
special low velocity nozzle or discharge p y g
wand to gently apply the agent in large
volumes to avoid disrupting any finely
divided burning materials. Agents are also
available in bulk and can be applied with a
scoop or shovel scoop or shovel.
Foam Extinguishers
Synthetic foams
Synthetic foams are based on synthetic surfactants. Synthetic foams
provide better flow, faster knockdown of flames, but limited post-fire p p
security.
Aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are water-based and frequently
contain hydrocarbon-based surfactant such as sodium alkyl sulfate, and
fluorsurfactantsuch as fluorotelomers, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), or
fl t lf i id(PFOS) Th h th bilit t d perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). They have the ability to spread over
the surface of hydrocarbon-based liquids. Alcohol-resistant aqueous
film forming foams (AR-AFFF) are foams resistant to the action of
alcohols, able to form a protective film when they are present.
Protein foams
Protein foams (FFFP) contain natural proteins as the foaming agents.
Unlike other synthetic foams, proteinfoams are bio-degradable. Theyflow Unlike other synthetic foams, protein foams are bio degradable. They flow
and spread slower, but provide a foam blanket that is more heat resistant
and more durable.
Protein foams include regular protein foam (P), fluoroprotein foam
(FP), alcohol resistant fluoroprotein foam (AR-FP), film forming
fluoroprotein (FFFP), and alcohol-resistant film forming fluoroprotein
(AR-FFFP).
Size & Placement
There are four topics to review when installing portable fire extinguishers.
Identifythe hazards that are present Identify the hazards that are present.
Determine the size of the fire extinguisher.
Establish the quantity by the coverage that is allowed by the adopted
NFPA 10 standard.
Distribute the portable fire extinguishers per the allowable travel
distance to each fire extinguisher.
Size & Placement
Indiana Fire Code
906.9 Height above floor
Portable fire extinguishers having a gross
weight not exceeding40 pounds (18kg)
Indiana Fire Code
906.5 Conspicuous location
Portable fire extinguishers shall be located
in conspicuous locations where they will be weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg)
shall be installed so that its top is not more
than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor.
Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having
a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg)
in conspicuous locations where they will be
readily accessible and immediately available
for use. These locations shall be along
normal paths of travel, unless the fire code
official determines that the hazard posed
g g g p ( g)
shall be installed so that its top is not more
than 3.5 feet (1067 mm) above the floor.
The clearance between the floor and the
bottom of installed hand-held extinguishers
h ll t b l th 4 i h (102 )
indicates the need for placement away from
normal paths of travel.
906.7 Hangers and brackets
shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm).
Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not
housed in cabinets, shall be installed on the
hangers or brackets supplied. Hangers or
brackets shall be securely anchored to the
mountingsurface in accordance with the mounting surface in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
Classification of Hazards NFPA 10: 1.4
Light (Low) Hazard. Light hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class A
combustible materials including furnishings decorations and contents is of minor quantity. This
can include some buildings or rooms occupied as offices classrooms churches assembly halls
guest roomareas of hotels/motels and so forth This classificationanticipates that the majority guest room areas of hotels/motels and so forth. This classification anticipates that the majority
of content items are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread
rapidly Small amount of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines art departments and
so forth are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.
O di (M d t ) H d O di h d i l ti h th t t l Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Ordinary hazard occupancies are locations where the total
amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than
expected under light low hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of dining areas
mercantile shops and allied storage light manufacturing research operations auto showrooms
parking garages workshop or support service areas of light low hazard occupancies and
h t i i Cl 1 Cl II diti d fi d b NFPA13 St d d f th warehouses containing Class 1 or Class II commodities as defined by NFPA13 Standard for the
installation of Sprinkler Systems.
Extra (High) Hazard. Extra hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class
A combustibles and Class B flammables present in storage production use finished product or A combustibles and Class B flammables present in storage production use finished product or
combination thereof is over and above those expected in occupancies classed as ordinary
(moderate) hazard. These occupancies could consist of; woodworking; vehicle repair; aircraft
and boat servicing; cooking areas; individual product display showrooms; product convention
center displays; and storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping and
coating includingflammable liquid handling Also included is warehousing of or in-process coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also included is warehousing of or in process
storage of other than Class I and Class II commodities.
Size &Placement Size & Placement
Class A Locations
So rce NFPA 10 2002editionTable 5 2 1 Fire E ting isher Si e andPlacement for Class A Ha ards
Criteria
Light (Low) Hazard
Occupancy
Ordinary (Moderate)
Hazard Occupancy
Extra (High) Hazard
Occupancy
Source: NFPA 10, 2002 edition Table 5.2.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards
Minimum Rated single extinguisher 2-A 2-A 4-A
Maximum floor area per unit of A 3,000 ft2 1,500 ft2 1,000 ft2
Maximumfloor area for extinguisher 11 250 ft2 11 250 ft2 11 250 ft2 Maximum floor area for extinguisher 11,250 ft2 11,250 ft2 11, 250 ft2
Maximum travel distance to
extinguisher
75 ft. 75 ft. 75 ft.
extinguisher
Size & Placement
Class B Locations
Source: NFPA 10, 2002 edition Table 5.3.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Hazards
Type of
Hazard
Basic Minimum Extinguisher
Rating
Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguisher
Light
(Low)
5-B 30 ft.
( )
10-B 50 ft.
Ordinary
(Moderate)
10-B 30 ft.
( )
20-B 50 ft.
Extra
(High)
40-B 30 ft.
( g )
80-B 50 ft.
Size & Placement
Class C Locations
Class C extinguishers are required where energized electrical equipment
is potentially directly involved in or surrounds electrical equipment is potentially directly involved in or surrounds electrical equipment.
Normally Class C fires are in direct location of Class A and/or B fires, the
extinguisher shall be sized per the Class A or B hazard.
Class D Locations
Fire extinguishers for Class D locations shall not be located more than 75
ft fromthe hazard Size determination for Class Dlocations is based on ft. from the hazard. Size determination for Class D locations is based on
the specific combustible metal, particle size, area to be covered, and
manufacturer recommendations.
Class K Locations
Class K hazards shall have a fire extinguisher located where there is a
potential for a fire involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or potential for a fire involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or
animal oils and fats). The extinguisher shall be located no more than 30
ft. from the hazard.
Travel Distance for A Rating
Example:
NFPA 10 edition 2002 Appendix
E.3.6: This placement along outside walls would not be acceptable
because the travel distance is clearly violated.
In Figure E.3.6 relocation or additional fire extinguishers or both are g g
needed. The shaded areas indicate voids that are farther than 75 ft
(227 m) to the nearest extinguisher. The dots represent extinguishers
FIGURE E.3.6
A Diagrammatic Representation of
Extinguishers Located along the
O t id W ll f 450 ft 150 ft
FIGURE E.3.8
Configuration Representing 12 Fire
Extinguishers mounted on building
Outside Walls of a 450 ft x 150 ft
(137 m x 46 m) Building.
g g
columns or interior walls in which
requirements for both travel distance and
fire extinguisher distribution are met.
Maintenance & Inspection p
There are four inspection/test intervals
required.
Monthly Inspection NFPA 10: 6.2.1
Annual Maintenance NFPA 10: 6 3 1 Annual Maintenance NFPA 10: 6.3.1
6 year Internal Inspection NFPA 10: 6.3.3
Hydrostatic Test NFPA 10: 7.1
The procedure for inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers varies considerably. p p g y
Minimal knowledge is necessary to perform a monthly quick check or inspection in order to follow the
inspection procedure as outlined in Section 6.2.
A trained person shall service the fire extinguishers once every year, as outlined in section 6.3.
Monthly Visual Quick Check
NFPA 10 2002 edition
6.2.1 Inspection Frequency
Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when
f
6.2.2 Inspection Procedures
Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers shall
include a check of at least the following items:
(1) Locationin designatedplace
initially placed in service and thereafter at
approximately 30- day intervals. Fire
extinguishers shall be inspected, manually or by
electronic monitoring, at more frequent intervals
whencircumstances require.
(1) Location in designated place
(2) No obstruction to access or visibility
(3) Operating instructions on nameplate legible
and facing outward
(4)*Safety seals and tamper indicators not
when circumstances require.
6.2.4.3 Inspection Recordkeeping
Records shall be kept on a tag or label attached
to the fire extinguisher, on an inspection
checklist maintained on file or by an electronic
broken or missing
(5) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting
(6) Examination for obvious physical damage,
corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
(7) Pressure gauge readingor indicator in the
y
method that provides a permanent record.
(7) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the
operable range or position
(8) Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose,
and nozzle checked (for wheeled units)
(9) HMIS label in place.
No Tag
Electronic Fire Extinguisher
Monitoring Monitoring
NFPA 10 2002 requirements allow electronic
monitoring of fire extinguishers in lieu of manual monitoring of fire extinguishers in lieu of manual
monthly inspections.
Fi E ti i h M it i S t Fire Extinguisher Monitoring Systems are
designed to monitor three critical aspects of Fire
Extinguisher Integrity.
Pressure An Electronic Signal notes a
pressure drop on Extinguishers.
Removal A monitored tether notifies of
extinguisher removal.
Obstruction A specially designed sensor
notifies of blockages.
Annual Maintenance
NFPA 10 edition 2002
6.1.4 Inspection, maintenance and
Recharging
A trained person shall service the fire
extinguishers once every year, as
outlined in section 6 3
Maintenance, servicing, and recharging
shall be performed by trained persons
having available the appropriate servicing
manual(s), the proper types of tools,
outlined in section 6.3.
This maintenance is completed by a
trained emplo ee of a contracted
recharge materials, lubricants, and
manufacturers recommended replacement
parts or parts specifically listed for use in
the fire extinguisher.
trained employee of a contracted
company.
There are few exceptions to this.
6.3.1 Frequency
Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to
maintenance at intervals of not more than maintenance at intervals of not more than
1 year, at the time of hydrostatic test, or
when specifically indicated by an
inspection or electronic notification.
6 year Maintenance
SIX YEAR MAINTENANCE
NFPA 10: 2002 6.3.3
Every six years, stored-pressure
extinguishers requiring a 12 year
hydro test shall be emptied and hydro test shall be emptied and
subject to thorough examination
of: mechanical parts,
extinguishing agent and expelling extinguishing agent and expelling
means. When applicable
maintenance procedures are done
during periodic recharging or
hydro testing, the six-year
requirement will begin from that q g
date.
Hydrostatic Testing
NFPA 10 2002
Table 7.2 Hydrostatic Test Interval for Extinguishers
NFPA 10 2002
7.2 Frequency
At intervals not exceeding those
specified in Table 7 2 fire
Extinguisher Type Test Interval (years)
Stored-pressure water, water mist,
loaded stream, and/or anti-freeze
5
Wetting agent 5
specified in Table 7.2 fire
extinguishers shall be hydrostatically
retested. The hydrostatic retest shall
be conducted within the calendar
AFFF (Aqueous film-forming
foam)
5
FFFP (Film-forming fluoroprotein
foam)
5
be conducted within the calendar
year of the specified test interval In
no case shall an extinguisher be
recharged if it is beyond its specified
Dry chemical with stainless steel
shells
5
Carbon Dioxide 5
Wet chemical 5
retest date.
6.3.1 Nonrechargeable fire
Wet chemical 5
Dry chemical, stored-pressure,
with mild steel shells, brazed brass
shells, or aluminum shells
12
Dry chemical cartridge or 12
extinguishers shall not be
hydrostatically tested but shall be
removed from service at a maximum
interval of 12 years from the date of
f N h bl h l
Dry chemical, cartridge- or
cylinder operated, with mild steel
shells
12
Halogenated agents 12
Dry powder, stored pressure, 12
manufacture. Nonrechargeable halon
agent fire extinguishers shall be
disposed of in accordance with 6.2.3.
Dry powder, stored pressure,
cartridge or cylinder operated,
with mild steel shells
12
7.6 Recording of Hydrostatic Test
7.6.2 Pressure Cylinders and Cartridges Cylinders or cartridges that
pass the hydrostatic test shall be stamped with the retester
identification number and month and year of the retest per TC/DOT
requirements requirements.
7.6.2.1 Stamping shall be placed only on the shoulder, top head,
neck or foot ring (where provided) of the cylinder neck, or foot ring (where provided) of the cylinder.
4.6.7 Low Pressure Cylinders
Fire extinguisher cylinders of the lowpressure type that pass a Fire extinguisher cylinders of the low pressure type that pass a
pressure hydrostatic test shall have the information recorded on a
suitable metallic label with a minimum size of 2 in x 3 1/2 in (5cm
x89cm). The label shall be affixed by a heatless process. These ) y p
labels shall be of the type that self-destructs when removal from a
fire extinguisher cylinder shell is attempted.
High Pressure Cylinders High Pressure Cylinders
5. Retest Markings: 5. Retest Markings:
The format for a retest
marking is:
Month Facility Year
Month
Facility
CO2 Extinguishers
Year
Capacity
Nitrogen cylinders
CO2 cartridges
Verification of
Service Service
NFPA 10: 2002
6 3 4 2 V ifi ti f S i (M i t 6.3.4.2 Verification of Service (Maintenance
or Recharging)
Each extinguisher that has undergone
i t th t i l d i t l maintenance that includes internal
examination or that has been recharged
(see 6.4.5) shall have a Verification of
Service collar located around the neck of
the container The collar shall contain a the container. The collar shall contain a
single circular piece of uninterrupted
material forming a hole of a size that will
not permit the collar assembly to move
over the neck of the container unless the
l i l t l d Th ll valve is completely removed. The collar
shall not interfere with the operation of the
fire extinguisher. The Verification of
Service collar shall include the month and
year the service was performed indicated year the service was performed indicated
by a perforation such as is done by a hand
punch.
Conclusion Questions Conclusion Questions
Correct Extinguisher for the hazard? Correct Extinguisher for the hazard?
Correct size (Rating) for the hazard?
C t t l di t d l ti ? Correct travel distance and location?
Correct installation?
Visible and Accessible?
All Inspection Maintenance &Testing All Inspection, Maintenance & Testing
performed?
Proper recordkeeping? Proper recordkeeping?