=. proximity Rust 's 2 very slow oxidation reaction which can take months to occur, Fire is a rapid oxidation process An Explosion Is an instantaneous oxidation reaction S With those basic concepts understood we can now define what a fire actually is. Here are tw" different definitions of fire from different sources which basically say the same thing. Fire: The rapid, persistent chemical change that releases heat and light and is accompanied by flame, especially the exothermic oxidation of a combustible substance. Firs: is the whole of occurrences that accompany uncontrolled hazardous oxidation. It results from chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen and is usually accompanied by hee. and smoke generation and by emission of light or flames, Smoke is the teri used to describe the particles that are suspended in the gascous medium released by fire. Combustion- is a self-sustaining chemical reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind Proprietary & Confidertiah, Page 7 of 39 fen vs 00100?‘% proximity For many years, the fire triangle was used to teach the components of fire. While it is a ssimpie model which is halpful, itis not technically correct. For combustion to occurm four components are necessary, 1 Oxygen (oxidizing agent) 1 Fuel (reducing agent) DD Heat 1D Self sustained chemical reaction ‘These components can be graphically described as the fire tetrahedron. Each ‘component of the tetrahedron must be in place for combustion to occur. This concept is extremely important if not the most important in understanding fire suppression, fire prevention, and investigation. **Remove any one of the components and combustion will not occur ** le v/s Tetrahedron ‘Oxygen (Oxidizing Agents) are those materials that yield oxygen or other oxidizing ‘gases during the course of a chemical reaction, Oxidizers themselves are not combustible, but they support combustion when combined with a fuel. i nis the m n oxidizer, other substances also fall into this category. ary & Confidential Page 8 of 39 FEHV.10.110007% proximity Common Oxidizers Bromates Bromine Calorates Chlorire Fluorine lodine Nitrates Nitrie Acid Nitrites Perchlorates Permanganates Peroxides 21% Oxygen 18% Oxygen 14% Oxygen Wil a support combustion or respiration Q a é NM a Oxygen cont. When oxygen concentrations exceed 21 percent, the atmosphere is considered to be ‘oxygen enriched. Under these conditions materials exhibit very different burning characteristics. Materials that burn at normal oxygen levels burn more rapidly in oxygen-enriched atmospheres and may ignite much easier than normal, Some petroleum based materials will auto-ignite in ‘oxygen enriched atmospheres. Many materials that do not butn at normal oxygen levels burn readily in oxygen enriched atmospheres. EX. Nomex® is a fire resistant material which is used to construct the protective clothing worn by firefighters. At normal oxygen levels it does not burn. When placed in an atmosphere of approximately 61 percent oxygen it ignites and burns vigorously. Fuel (reducing agent) is the material or substance being oxidized or burned in the combustion process. Most common fuels contain carbon along with combinations of hydrogen and oxygen. ‘These fuels can be further broken down into hydrocarbon fuels (i.e. gasoline, fuel oil, and plastics) and cellulose-based materials (i.e. wood and paper). Other fuels that are less complex in their chemical makeup include hydrogen gas and combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium, Proprietary & Confidential Page 9 of 39 Fev3.0.110407‘Z proximity ‘The combustion process involves two key fuel-related actors: 1. The physical stete of the fuel 2. Distribution of the fuel Fuel cont. Fuel may be found in any of the three states uf matter: solid, liquid, or gas. To burn, hoviever, fuels must normally be in the gaseous state. For solids and liquids, energy must be expended to cause these changes. Proprietary & Confidetiah Page 10 of 38 Feav.10.110807~ proximity Gases Gaseous fuels can be the most dangerous of al fuel types because they are already in the natural state required for ignition. No pyrolysis or vaporization is needed to ready the fuel and less energy is required for ignition. For combustion to occur after a fucl has been converted into a gaseous state, it must be mixed with air (oxidizer) in the proper ratio. The range of concentrations of the fuel vapor and alr is called the Flammable Range. - is the minimum concentration of fuel vapor and air that supports combustion. Concentrations that are below the LFL are said to be too lean to burn. Upper Flammable Limit (UFL)- is the concentration above which combustion cannot take place. Concentrations that are above the UFL are said to be too rich to burn. HEAT Heat is the energy compunent of the fire tetrahedron. When heat comes Into contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion reactian in the following ways 1, Causes the pyrolysis or vaporization of solid and liquid fuels and the production of ignitable vapors or gases. Provides the energy necessary for ignition Causes the continuous production and ignition of fuel vapors or gases so that the combustion reaction can continue. Most of the energy types discussed earlier in the chapter produce heat. For discussion on fire behavior, chemical, electrical, and mechanical eneray are the most common sources of heat that result in the ignition of a fuel. Chemical Chemical heat energy is the most common source of heat in combustion reactions. When any combustible is in contact with oxygen, oxidation occurs. This process is almost always results in the production of heat. The heat generated when a common match burns is an example of chemical heat energy. ‘Self-heating (also know as spontaneous heating) is a form of chemical heat energy that ‘occurs when a material increases in temperature without the addition of external heat. In order for spontaneous ignition to occur, the material must be heated to its ignition temperature. An example of a situation that could lead to spontaneous ignition would be a number of oil-soaked rags rolled into a ball and thrown into a corner. If the heat generated by the natural oxidation of the oil and cloth is not allowed to dissipate, either by movement of air around the rags or some other method of heat transfer, the temperature of the doth will eventually become sufficient to cause ignition. Propnetary & Content Page 13 of 39 FeH.V.1.0.110907*S proximity Heat of combustion (burning) Spontaneous Heating (No External Heat Source) Mechanical heat energy is generated by friction and compression. ‘Heat of Friction- is created by the movement of two surfaces against each other. This movement results in heat and/or sparks being generated. Heat of Campression- is generated when a gas is compressed. Ciesel engines use this principle to ignite fue! vapor witheut a spark plug. The principle is also the reason that SCBA cylinders feel warm to the touch after they have been filled, Heat of Friction Heat of Compression Praprletary & Confidential Page 24 of 33 FeH.V.1.0.10807‘£ proximity Here is what happens when oxygen is introduced: Low Oxygen High Heat ‘Smoldering fire High fuel vapor ‘concentrations PB if ‘As a fuel burns, the chemical composition of the material changes. This change results in the production of new substances and the generation of energy. Burning also results in the generation of airborne fire gases, particles, and liquids. While the heat energy from a fire is a danger to anyone directly exposed to it, smoke causes most deaths in fires. The materials that make up smoke vary from fuel to fuel, but generally all smoke can be considered toxic. The smoke generated in a fire contains narcotic (asphyxiant) gases and irritants. These gases are those that cause central nervous system depression, which results in reduced awareness, intoxication, and can lead to loss of consciousness and death. The reduction in oxygen levels as a result ofa fire in a compartment will also cause a narcotic effect in humans. While someone may be killed or injured by breathing a variety of toxic substances in smoke, carbon monuxide is the one that is most easily detected in the blood of fire victims and thus most often reported (ay & Confidential Page 21 of 39 FeHv.10.110807% proximity Products of Combustion Carbon Particles) (2° 4.SMOKE {$5 -Carbon Monoxide in Ea po em ca heed Saree aaa eons chic ~n se 1, LIGHT ~~ Ger a EC g Neary Seen} Dak M xtine 1. Reduce temperature- Used most often. Cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature will cease the fire. Agent: Water is the most frequently used. It is also the most efficient on class “A” fires 2. Inhibiting chain reaction- every fire involves a chain reaction, in which a multitude of chemical reactions generate chemical compounds or elements, that sustain the process. Agent: Dry chem./powder or halon break chain of reaction 3. limination of oxygen- Most fires extinguish when the oxygen level drops below & Agent- Inert gases (CO2, Nitrogen) and foam suppression 4, Elimination of Fuel: Lack of fuel will extinguish any fire. However, it is often almost impossible to remove fuel from an ongoing fire. Proprietary & Confident Page 22 039 FEH.V.1.0.110807‘Z proximity EXTINGUISHING METHODS ex. Wood, paper, cloth, plastic, rubber “anything that leaves an ash” Onainaey ‘combust ies ex. Liquids such as oil, diesel, an grease ewes @ Energized electrical equipment Eauiomen D Combustible Metals (magnesium, titanium, zirconium, potassium, lithium, calcium, and zinc) & x Krchen Fine Proprietary & Confidential Page 23 of 39 FeH.v.1.0.10907X% proximity The British Standard uses a different lettering and picture system. Ordinary combustibles Flammable Liquids Flammable Gasses Combustible metals. Fat / Grease Fires Electrical Fires Proprietary & Confidential Page 24 of 39 Pen.v.s.0.110%072 proximity EXTINGUISHERS: There are basically four different types or classes of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire. Newer fire extinguishers use a pictureflabeling system to designate which types of fires they are to be used on. Older fire extinguishers are labeled with colored geometrical shapes with letter designations. Both of these types of labels are shown below with the description of the different classes of extinguishers. Additionally, Class A and Class B fire extinguishers have a numerical rating which Is based ‘on tests conducted by Underwriter’s Laboratories that are designed to determine the -extinguisning potential for each size and type of extinguisher. Fire Extinguisher Ratings Class A Extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds greinary and the amount cf fire it will extinguish, Combusies ‘Class B Extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C” indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Class D Extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. There is no D picture designator for Class D extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor are they given a multi-purpose rating os for use on other types of fires. “en Proprietary & Confidential Page 25 of 39 FeHv.1.0.110407XL proximity Multi-Class Ratings Many extinguishers available today can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than <3} one designator, e.g. A-B, B-C, or A-B-C. Make sure that if S you have a multi:purpose extinguisher it is properly labeled, Thils is the old style of labeling indicating suitability for use on A Class A, B, and C fires. - — Combuaties Ligue equipment This is the new style of ‘abeling that shows this extinguisher may be used on Ordinary Combustibles, Flammable Liquids, or Electrical Equipment fires. This is the new labeling style with @ diagonal red line drawn through the picture to indicate what type of fire this extinguisher is NOT suitable for. In this example, the fire extinguisher could be used on Ordinary Combustibles and Flammable Liquids fires, but not for Electrical Equipment fires. ‘Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple _purpose use. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compresséd, non-flammable gas as a propellant. Halon extinguishers contain a gas that interrupts the chemical yeaction that takes place when fuels-burn. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect valuable electrical equipment since them leave no residue to clean up, Halon extinguishers have a limited range, usually 4 to 6 feet. The initial application of Halon shouid be made at the base of the fire, even after the flames have been extinguished. Propnetery & Cantiential Page 26 of 39, FEHV.2.0.110407% proximity Water These extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should only be sed on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires Carbon Dioxide (C02) extinguishers are mast effective on Class B and C (Hiquids and electrical) fires, Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out. How to Use a Fire Extinauisher Even though extinguishers come in @ number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in 2 similar manner. Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use: PASS -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed, Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire. Stand aperomata fot away from the fire and squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop. ‘Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite! Proprietary & Confident Page 27 of 39 Fenvao.1i0407‘Z proximity 1. Sound the Alarm 2. Call emergency notification number 3. Move to the nearest exit 4. The last person in the room must close the door to prevent fire from spreading Report to designated assembly area Account for all personnel ‘apped: 1. Seal doors and vents to prevent smoke, heat and flame penetration. 2. If @ phone is available, call fire officials or internal emergency line to report your exact location. 3. Stay Low to avoid smoke and heat. Fire prevention is the safest way to prevent Injuries Flammable; a material that has a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Combustible: a material that has a flash point above 100 degrees Fahrenheit = Page 28.39 FeV. 0.110807