Fire Prevention and Fighting Essentials

GEIMS: FPFF: COURSE MATERIAL
FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTING
PART I
-0-
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION, SAFETY AND PRINCIPLES
1 .1 The main aims of annex 2 of Resolution A.437 (XI) are:

- Instruction to officers and key personnel about organizational methods and the best use of
staff for combating Fires.
- Training them in the maintenance and inspection of Fire extinguishing Equipments.
- Safe methods for Fire Fighting
1.2 The principles of Survival in relation to Fire are:

- Knowledge of Fire Theory and Fire Precautions.
- Regular Training and Drills.
- Preparedness for any Fire Emergency.
- Knowledge of Dangers of Smoke and Toxic Fumes.
- Regular Inspection and Maintenance of:
• Fire Detection Equipments.
• Fixed Fire Extinguishing Equipments.
• Portable/Mobile Fire Extinguishers.
• Fireman’s Outfit (Including Breathing Apparatus).
• Emergency Escape Breathing Device (E.E.B.D)
OBJECTIVES
On completion of this course the Trainee will be able to: -
- Minimize the risk of Fire onboard.
- Action to be taken in case of Fires.
- Maintain & state of readiness onboard to respond to emergency situations involving Fires.
- Fight and Extinguish the Fire.
- Use all Fire Fighting Equipments correctly.
- Knowledge of Routes and Exits and Emergency escapes.
- Knowledge of Emergency Alarms.
-1-
INTRODUCTION “FIRE”_____ “FIRE”_________ “FIRE”
- SHOUT
- RAISE THE ALARM
- MUSTER THE CREW
- STOP SPREAD OF FIRE
- CONTROL & CONTAINEMENT
- FIGHT THE FIRE
It seems very simple but the frequency of serious Fires and the incidence of ship losses by Fire
is higher than any other cause.
The problems of Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting on board ships need more systematic and
organized approach to Fire Fighting techniques including the correct use of equipments and
more effective Fire Fighting drills.
There is a general need to enhance and upgrade the standards of training, to improve
management skills in organization of Fire Fighting and to enhance the understanding of Fire
prevention measures onboard.
Investigations in the causes of accidents have revealed that the great majority of accidents
results from Human weakness, even those which are attributed to technical failure usually reveal
some Lapse in the man supervision of the machine. Perhaps by inadequate design, maintenance
or operation. Major causes of accidents have been categorized as: -
Human Error 88% (Ignorance & Negligence)

Material/Machinery Fai1ure 10% (Human Factor to certain extent)
Act of God/Nature 2% (Weather, Lightening, Earthquakes etc)
-2-
Principles Of Survival In Fire

- Knowledge Of Fire Theory
- Regular Training
- Preparedness For Fire Emergency
- Knowledge Of Escape Routes
- Knowledge Of Dangers
- Regular Inspection And Maintenance
- Fire Alarm And Fire Detectors
- Fixed Extinguishing Equipments
- Portable / Mobile Extinguishing
- Breathing Apparatus
- Breathing Apparatus Sets
- Fireman’s Outfits
-3-
Chapter 2
THEORY OF FIRE
Conditions required for a Fire to occur are: -
- The presence of material, which act as a fuel.
- A source of Ignition, e.g. chemical, biological or physical.
- The presence of oxygen, in air or from oxidizing agents.
These three conditions can be represented as a triangle.
When three elements are together as per required ratio they produce .MCR.
2.1.2 FIRE SQUARE/ TETRAHEDRON
2.1.3 FIRE SQUARE IS HAVING FOUR SIDES/ELEMENTS.
-4-
MOLECULAR CHAIN REACTION
-5-
MCR (MOLECULAR CHAIN REACTION): -

1. It is a continuous process of burning substances
2. It is continuous process of burning vapors.
3. Exothermic chemical reaction generates heat.
FIRE:
Fire is a chemical reaction of burning substances with oxygen with emission of heat, light, and
flame. (It produces heat and light).
Full Form of Word “Fire”
F - Find/Feel
I - Inform/Investigate
R - Restrict/Rescue
E - Extinguishments/Evaluate
1. Find:
- Type of Fire
- Place of Fire
- How long
- Any Casualty/Trapped
2. Inform Control Station

- By Shouting “FIRE FIRE FIRE”
- By Fire Alarm
- By Telephone, Walkie/Talkie, Radioset
- By Messenger
3. Restrict
- By removing Oxygen — Smothering
- By removing Heat — Cooling
- By removing Fuel –Starving
- By cutting MCR - 1nhibiting (B.C.R)
4. Extinguishment
Use proper Extinguishing Media, (Must know reactivity of extinguishing media on burning
substances)
FIRE is divided in two groups
(A) Group (B) Group
- Wanted fire - Unwanted Fire

- Controlled Fire - Uncontrolled Fire
- Friend - Enemy
Always keep “A” Group Fire aboard this Fire can be ignited with switches on completion of
work Fire can be extinguish with switches. It is called wanted fire. This fire provides various
-6-
services to man such as Fire for cooking, for Power, Energy, and Locomotive. (For travel to
Moon and Back to Earth etc.).
UNWANTED FIRE:
This Fire must be prevented aboard as name is given unwanted, uncontrolled which burn down
dwelling of man, his work places, forest wealth and cause of death.
SOURCES OF HEAT/IGNITION
A source of ignition is required for combustion to occur Fire Prevention and extinguishments
depend on the control of heat or heat energy source. Heat energy can be produced: -
- Chemical Heat Energy: - Exothermic Reaction, Decomposition,
Combustion and Spontaneous Combustion.
- Mechanical Heat Energy: - Friction.
- Electrical Heat Energy: - Sparks, Heat Conductors.
- Nuclear Heat Energy: - Molecules, atoms and Ions.
Fire can be extinguished by removing of anyone of the elements. By removing heat (Cooling),
By removing Fuel (Starving), By removing Oxygen (Smothering), and By removing or Stopping
M.C.R (Inhibiting/Breaking Chain Reaction).
Heat/Temperature can be transferred by Radiation, Convection and Conduction. Fire can be

spread to other combustible materials in the vicinity or compartments, which receive heat.
Radiation is responsible for the spread of fire to lesser but significant degree due to its high
temperature leading to evolution of vapour from the other material in the vicinity thus increasing
the flame.
Convention Currents carry the Heat to Spaces far away from the flame, while Heat, in the course
of time, gets conducted within and through the material and raises its temperature.
Conduction transfer of Heat within substances from high temperature, by direct contact between
the particles of solid. By means of elastic waves, Heat energy is passed from one molecule to the
next.
When a fire occurs in an enclosed space the hot gases rise to the ceiling, where they spread out
to from a hot layer (Incipient Phase of Fire). As the fire proceeds, this layer increases in depth
and temperature keeps on increasing (Free Burning Speed). When all of the available oxygen
has been consumed the fire dies down to a smoldering mass with the atmosphere above
consisting of combustion gases and unburned vapours at or above their ignition temperature. If
fresh air finds its way to the compartment through any opening, the unburned vapour bursts into
flame with almost explosive force. This phenomenon is termed as flash over and it gives new
life to the dormant fire leading to a much greater catastrophe.
-7-
CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES
Fire classifications are generally A, B, C, and D. Their are currently two standards, defining
classes of fire according to the nature of the material undergoing combustion, as follows
International Organization for National Fire Protection Association

Standardization (ISO Standard 3941) (NFPA-10)
Class ‘A ‘- Fire involving solid Class ‘A‘- Fires in ordinary combustible

materials, usually of an organic nature, in materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber,
which combustion normally takes place and many plastics.
with the formation of glowing embers.
Class ‘B’- Fire involving liquids or Class ‘B‘- Fires in Flammable liquids. Oils,
liquefiable solids. greases, tars, oil based paints, lacquers and
flammable gases.
Class ‘C’- Fire involving Gases. Class ‘C’- Fires, which involve energized
electrical equipment where the electrical non-
conductivity of the extinguishing medium is
of importance. (When electrical equipments
are de-energized, extinguishers for class A or
B fires may be used safely.)
Class ‘D’-Fire Involving Metals Class ‘D’ –Fire in Combustible Metals such
as magnesium, Titanium, Zirconium, Sodium,
Lithium and Potassium
-8-
CLASSIFICATION:
Extinguishers are classified according to the type of extinguishing medium they contain. At
present the types of extinguishers and the uses of which they are recommended are as follows: -
Extinguishing medium Recommended for use on Fires involving
Water Wood, Paper, Textiles and similar materials
Foam Wood, Paper, Textiles and Flammable

Liquids.
Dry Powder/Dry Chemical Flammable Liquids, Electrical Equipments and
Flammable Gases.
Dry Powder/Dry Chemical Wood, Paper, Textiles, Flammable Liquids,
(Multiple or General purpose) Electrical Equipments and Flammable
Gases.
Ternary Eutectic Chloride Combustible Metals
(TEC) Metal
Carbon Dioxide - Flammable Liquids Electrical Equipments and
Flammable Gases.
FIRE FIGHTING AGENTS
Substances, which are used for extinguished fires, are termed as Fire Extinguishing Agents.
Substances, which is used for extinguishing fires on board and their effects/ process.
Substances Effects / process
- Water Cooling
- Foam Smothering / Cooling
- Carbon Dioxide Smothering
- Dry Chemical Powder Inhibiting (BCR)/ Smothering
- Sand Smothering
- Steam Smothering
- Fire Blanket Smothering
- Inert Gas Prevention of Fire
-9-
Factors to be considered in selecting an extinguishing medium for application in any situation

are listed below.
- Reactivity with the burning substances.

- Efficiency in a particular situation (Enclosed Space/Open Space).
- Electrical conductivity.
- Possibilities of Evolution of Toxic Vapours, effects on life.
Supporting Environment.
- Possibilities of undesirable physical phenomenon (Boil Over).
- Availabilities of Appropriate Appliances.
- Effects on the Stability of the vessel.
- Possibilities of damage to Cargo, equipments or other items.
WATER
Water is a coolant having a large capacity for absorbing heat far in excess of any other
commonly used medium. As it extracts heat from the burning substance it turns into steam,
which gives smothering effect. It may be applied in a solid jet on class ‘A’ fires involving solid
materials such as Wood, Paper and Fabrics achieving deep penetration to the seat of fire. A fine
spray can be used in extracting heat from the flames from the burning liquids without seriously
disturbing the surface of the liquid. Water spray curtains are used to protect the front of the
superstructures facing the cargo tanks from deck spillage fires. Water spray curtains generated at
nozzles of hand held hoses are also effective for protection of the fire fighters. Water is also
having some advantages and some disadvantages: -
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
- Cooling Effect - If conducts Electricity
- Available. - It can cause considerable damage to the

Cargo/Machinery and Electrical
- Smothering Action of Water after Equipments.
changing in Steam.
- It can cause loss of stability when used
in large quantities.
- Cheap - It can cause Corrosion
- It can cause Boil Over.
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PROPERTIES OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL
FLAMMABILITY: -
The ability of a substance to burn vapours given off by a flammable material can burn when
mixed with air in the right proportion in the presence of an ignition source.
BURNING SPEED: -
Low Speed— Combustion Process (Burn Slow)
Sub Sonic Speed — Deflagration (Flame)
Super Sonic Speed — Detonation (Explosion)
Speed of Sound — 332mtrs/Sec
FLASH POINT: -
The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapours to foam a flammable
mixture near surface of the liquid. (Fuel having flashpoint above 60°C are generally used on
board ships).
IGNITION POINT: -
The lowest temperature to which a flammable substance must be heated for it to ignite.
AUTO IGNITION: -
Ignition of flammable materials without the help of external heat. When the material has been
raised to a temperature at, which self sustained combustion occurs.
FLAMMABLE LIMITS: -
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (L.F.L)
Minimum concentration (% by volume) of a flammable gas in air to support and propagate

combustion.
UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (U.F.L.)

Maximum concentration (% by volume) of a flammable gas in air beyond which combustion
cannot be supported and propagated.
FLAMMABLE RANGE: -
The range of flammable concentration (% by volume) in air between the lower and upper
flammable limits.
BOIL OVER: -
A phenomenon produced when water falls on oil that is at temperature close to or higher than
the boiling temperature of water (100°C). Water gets converted into steam and rises with
particles of oil in the form of a cloud, which gets ignited instantaneously in an extremely
dangerous manner; such an occurrence can spread the fire and cause injuries to persons nearby.
- 11 -
BLEVE (BOILING LIQUID EXPANDING VAPOUR EXPLOSION): -

A phenomenon of bursting of container is having liquid under pressure, when the container gets
heated. Due to temperature liquid inside the container gets changed in steam giving rise to more
pressure which may lead to explosion, if the contents are flammable the condition gets worst.
PHASES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT: -

1. IGNITION (INCIPENT)
If fire occurs in an enclosed compartment, hot gases rise to the ceiling. Then they spread out to
form a hot layer.
2. DEVELOPING (SURFACE FIRES)
Material such as wood, paper are poor conductor of heat, only the surface of the fuel is hot.
Then surface fire is blown out.
3. ABSULATE FIRE (FIRE IN DEPTH IN SOLIDS) When the heat penetrates-the fuel, it
becomes deep-seated fire.
4. BURNING OUT When solid materials are decomposed or smolder due to lack of oxygen
called burning out.
- 12 -
CHAPTER 2 B
PORTABLE AND NON-PORTABLE FIRE APPLIANCES
A. EXTRACTS FROM ASSOCIATED RULES

A1 Fire Pumps, Fire Mains, Water Service Pipes, Hydrants, Hoses And Nozzles
A 1.1 Fire Pumps:
 Ships shall be provided with fire pumps operated by power, number of which shall
depend upon the type and size of the ship
 Each capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any
two fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles at specified pressures.
 Discharge capacity is dependent on the size of the ship but should not be less than
25m3/hr.
 Any fire pump shall, when discharging the specified quantity of water through adjacent
fire hydrants in any part of the ship from specified size nozzles, be capable of maintaining the
specified pressure at any hydrant.
 Relief valves to be provided if pumps are capable of developing pressure exceeding

design pressure of fire main and other fittings.
A 1.2 Emergency Fire Pump:
 Fixed, self-priming and independently driven and with a separate section line needs to
be provided if fire in one compartment could put all the fire pumps out of action.
 Pump capacity shall not be less than 40% of total capacity of all the fire pumps and in
any case not less than 25 m3/hr. (i. e. similar to that of fire pump) while maintaining a
minimum pressure of 2.5 bar.
 Total suction head shall not exceed 4.5 m under all likely service conditions.
 Any diesel driven power source for the pump shall be capable of starting with hand
cranking at O˚ C. Service fuel tank capacity for at least 3 hours on hull load and reserve fuel
for additional 15 hours. Hand cranking, or approved type of alternative means for starting at
least 6 times in 30 minutes, and at least twice in the first 10 minutes.
A 1.3 Fire Hoses:
 Not to exceed 18m. in length, or 27m for exterior use and cargo spaces for vessels of
moulded breadth of 27m. or more.
 Made of closely woven flax, canvas or other approved material.
- 13 -
 Provided with couplings and other fittings and with plain nozzles or dual-purpose
nozzles.
 Hose diameter should not be less than 64 mm if unlined or 45 mm if lined.
 To be located in conspicuous positions near the hydrants, or connections.
 Provision of interchangeable hose and nozzle for each hydrant.
- 14 -
 Other than those required for machinery spaces, one for each 30m. Ship length, or part
thereof; but in no case less than five in a ship above 1000 tons and over and not less
than three in a ship under 1000 tons.
 One spare Complete with coupling and nozzle.
A 1.4 Hydrants (Isolating Valve/Drain):
 Hydrant valves of screw lift type or cocks fitted to water service pipes.
 Located so that hoses can be easily coupled.
 Number and position of hydrants be such that at least two jets of water not emanating
from the same hydrant, one of which should be from a single length of hose, may reach
any part of the ship normally accessible to passengers or crew and any part of any cargo
space when empty.
 In machinery spaces, at least two hydrants, one on port side and one on the starboard
side.
 Isolating Valves to separate the section of fire main within the machinery space
containing the main fire pump or pumps from the rest of the fire main shall be fitted in
an easily accessible and tenable position outside the machinery spaces.
 Drain Valves or cocks to be provided on fire main for use in frosty weather, so that no
water remains inside and freezes, thereby blocking the water flow.
A 1.5 Nozzles:
 12mm, or 16mm, or 19mm diameter nozzles to supply quantity of water as required.
 Jets/spray type with a shut off facility.
 One for each hydrant.
 For ro /ro spaces at least three water fog applicators in addition to the required nozzles
A 2 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
A2.1 Portable Extinguishers:

 Fluid contents not more than 13.5 liters but not less than 9 liters.
 Capacity of carbon dioxide type- At least 5 kg of Carbon dioxide.
 Capacity of dry chemical powder type At least 5 Kg of dry powder.
 Not to exceed 23 kg in weight (as per I.M.O.) in fully charged condition. (25. 5 kg as
per Indian rules).
 As far as practicable to have uniform method of operation for ones used in
accommodation and service Spaces.
 Extinguishers with pressurized contents, or those containing extinguishers medium
which will be harmful to persons, are prohibited for use in accommodation.(CO 2 ) and
Halon type
 For Radio Rooms, switch Boards or similar spaces the volume of vapour released bye
the extinguisher has to be less than 5% of the net volume of the space.
 To be periodically inspected at intervals not exceeding two years.
 Required number to be kept fully charged at all times.
- 15 -
 Spare charge, or replacement for every portable extinguisher. (100%)
A 2.2 Non-portable FOAM Extinguishers:
 Body of welded construction with cylindrical ends.

 Made of tinned or lead coated sheet steel for protection against corrosion.
 Capable of withstanding, for a period of 5 min, an internal pressure of 1.5 times the
maximum working pressure, and in no Event less than 24.5 bar.
 Safeguard against inadvertent operation.
 Reinforced discharge hose with a nozzle, producing foam projection to a distance of 14m
for a period not less than 90 sec. for 135 liters capacity, and to a distance of 10m lasting 60
sec. for less than 135 liter capacity.
 Distinguishing marks for maker, capacity, test pressure, operating instructions, year of
manufacture, and level of solution at full capacity.
 Provided with a controllable device to enable the discharge to be interrupted.
A 2.3 Non-portable Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher:

 Provided with internal discharge tube, and a valve to release the gas.
 Discharge hose to withstand a pressure of 122 bar (bore of the discharge hose to be not
less than 9mm dia. for 16 kg or 12mm dia. for 45 kg) and provided with a horn of
electrical non-conducting material. Operating handle to be sheathed to protect the hand of
the operator from extreme cold.
 At temperatures between 15-18°C, 75% of capacity to be discharged in 30-45 sec. for 16
kg and in 60-90 sec. for 45 kg extinguisher.
 Distinctive marking for the maker, capacity, operating instruction, and weight of empty
and filled cylinder, year of manufacture and test pressure.
A 2.4 Non-portable Dry Powder Extinguisher:
 Constructed of suitable material and of sufficient strength.

 Provided with a nozzle and reinforced discharge hose constructed to withstand four times
four times the maximum working pressure (as specified)
 Gradual release of residual pressure when the cap/covers are being removed.
 Protection of all parts against corrosion.
 Provided with a suitable device to control discharge as required
 Actuating mechanism to be protected against inadvertent operation.
 Capable of discharging at least 85% of dry powder charge when operated under normal
conditions. Discharge rate not less than 1 kg/sec.
 Distinctive marking for the maker, capacity, operating instruction, year of manufacture
and test pressure.
Recharging: Only refills approved for the fire extinguishers in question shall be used for
recharging.
A.2.5 Portable Foam Applicator Unit
- 16 -
 Provided with an induction type of air foam nozzle capable of being connected to the fire
main.
 Portable tank containing 20 liters of foam concentrate with facility for connecting to
nozzle.
 Spare foam concentrate
 Foam expansion ratio not to exceed 12:1.
A 3 FIREMAN’S OUTFIT:
 Ships to be provided with the required number of fireman’s outfit depending upon
size and type.
 So stored as to be easily accessible and ready for use.
 If more than one such set is carried, they shall be stored in widely separated positions.
 A fireman’s outfit shall consist of: —
A 3.1 Personal Equipment, comprising.
(a) Protective clothing of material to protect the skin from the heat radiating from the fire
and from burns and scalding by steam. The outer surface shall be water-resistant.
(b) Boots and gloves made of electrically non-conducting material.
(c) Rigid helmet for protection against impacts.
(d) Electric safety lamp with a capacity to work for minimum three hours.
(e) An axe to the satisfaction of the administration.
A 3.2 Fire Proof Life and Signaling line made of copper or galvanized steel wire rope over
laid up to at least 32mm in circumference for firm grip when wet.
A 3.3 Breathing Apparatus (Air Hose Type):
 Smoke mask with connection for air supply from the outside atmosphere.
 Non-collapsing hose of sufficient length to enable reach any part of accommodation,

service, cargo and machinery spaces while keeping the air pump or bellows on the open
deck in clean air.
 Air pump or bellows for pumping air into the hose.
 If in order to comply with the above requirement, an air hose exceeding 36 meters in
length is necessary, a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be substituted or
provided in addition.
OR
- 17 -
Self-contained Breathing Apparatus:
 Approved type open circuit compressed air type unit.
 Be constructed of material having adequate mechanical strength and durability and be

resistant to deterioration by heat, contact with water or fire and shall not allow the
breathing circuit to be penetrated by smoke or chemical fumes likely to be encountered.
 Capable of working for at least 30 min. and provided with one face mask
 Cylinder capacity of at least 1200 liters for free air
 Provision for automatic regulation of air supply to the wearer (85 liters per min. when
the cylinder pressure is above 10.5 bar). Means to by-pass pressure regulating valve to
increase the volume of air available to the wearer, if required.
 Provided with a pressure gauge with an anti-bursting orifice in the high-pressure air
supply system to enable the wearer to read directly and easily the pressure of air in the
cylinder.
 Adjustable safety belt or harness made of shrink proof material (fabric), capable of
ecure attachment or detachment by the wearer by means of a snaphook.
 Legible instructions at each end of fire proof line for signals on a non-flammable plate.
 Maximum weight 16 kg excluding lifeline, safety belt or harness.
 Spare cylinders fully charged with capacity of at least 2400 liters of free air, except
here:
Ships carrying 5 or more sets the total spare capacity not to be required to exceed 9600
iters or if provided with suitable means of recharging, spare capacity per set to be at
east 1200 liters and total spare capacity not require to exceed 4800 liters.
 Provided with audible warning device when & 80% of usable capacity has been
onsumed.
 Markings of the maker or vendor and the year manufacture.
 Operating instruction in clear and permanent lettering.
A 4 INTERNATIONAL SHORE CONNECTION:
 To enable water to be supplied from another ship or from shore to the fire main.
 Every ship shall have at least one and stored together with a gasket, four bolts and eight
washers.
- 18 -
 Fixed provisions to be made to enable such a connection to be used on both sides of the
ship.
 Shall have a flat flange on one side, and to the other have a permanently attached
coupling that will fit the ship’s hydrant and hoses.
PORTABLE EXTINGUSHERS
C 1.1 GAS PRESSURISED WATER TYPE (9litre)
(CO2 /Water type)
A charge of plain water can be ejected by piercing the sealing disc of the container holding gas
charge, usually 63 gm of liquid C02, the extinguisher being used in upright position .Threaded
cap three 2 mm dia. holes to release pressure before the cap can be fully opened.
Range: minimum 6m for at least 30 sec., complete discharge in max. 90 sec.

Hydraulically tested to 24 bars initially, subsequent tests as per regulations/manufacturers
recommendations.
- 19 -
C 1.2 GAS PRESSURISED FOAM (9 LITERS)
(Mechanical Foam)
The construction and operation are similar to that of the gas pressurized water type. The foam
solution is directed through a hose to a special nozzle, which agitates the mixture and induces air
in to the stream, thus forming a mass of small air bubbles i.e. foam. Threaded cap has three 2
mm dia. holes to release pressure before the cap can be fully opened.
Charge: protein/fluoro protein/AFF foam compound solution
Hydraulically tested to 24 bar initially, subsequent tests as per regulations/manufacturers

recommendations.
- 20 -
C 1.3 CARBON DIOXIDE (5kg)
Carbon dioxide in liquid state at ambient temperature is stored in heavy-duty steel cylinder at a
high pressure. The means of operating fall into two classes, (a) piercing a disc and (b) opening
of a valve. Discharge from the piercing disc type, once initiated, cannot be stopped while that
from the valve type can be done at will. In a valve type there is a risk of a partially empty
extinguisher being returned to its stand and becoming a hazard to the next operator. In either
case, the liquid is discharged through a short flexible or swivel hose to a discharge horn, where
the liquid changes to gas and is spread evenly over the burning surface, thus excluding the air.
An internal pipe is fitted to ensure rapid release of liquid so that evaporation will not take place
in the bottle, as this would cause icing due to absorption of latent heat of the liquid causing the
formation of solid CO2.
Hydraulically tested to 207 bar or 236 bar.
- 21 -
DRY POWDER
Dry powder is expelled by means of pressure when CO 2 gas is released by piercing the gas
cartridge. The internal gas tube is arranged to give a violent motion inside the container to
induce the powder into the discharge hose, which usually has a controllable nozzle.
Duration of discharge: 10-l5sec.
Charge: sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate. Magnesium

stearate is added to avoid compacting powder.
Hydraulically tested to 24 bar, subsequent tests as per regulation manufactures

recommendation.
- 22 -
QUESTIONARY
1. What is said about the main cause of fire on board?
2. What is flash point?
Reponse: The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient vapours to foam a
flammable mixture near surface of the liquid. (Fuel having flashpoint above 60°C are
generally used on board ships).
3. What is ignition point?
4. What is LFL and UFL?
5. What is MCR?
6. What is smothering?
7. What is BLEVE?
8. Explain flash over.
9. What is the purpose of the fire proof life and signaling line on the fireman’s
outfit?
10. What is the minimum required diameter for fire hoses? Hose diameter should not
be less than 64 mm if unlined or 45 mm if lined.
11. Why is it said that water has a smothering effect?
12. What is the minimum discharge capacity required for fire pumps?
13. What is required in fire hydrants as protection against frosty weather?
14. What is the minimum required capacity for dry chemical powder fire
extinguishers?
15. What is the minimum required discharge rate for non-portable dry powder
extinguishers?
16. What is a Self-contained Breathing Apparatus?
- 23 -
17. What is an International Shore Connection?
18. How is powder expelled from Dry Powder Chemical Extinguishers?
- 24 -

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Fire Prevention and Fighting Essentials

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GEIMS: FPFF: COURSE MATERIAL

FIRE PREVENTION & FIRE FIGHTING

1 .1 The main aims of annex 2 of Resolution A.437 (XI) are:

1.2 The principles of Survival in relation to Fire are:

INTRODUCTION “FIRE”_____ “FIRE”_________ “FIRE”

Human Error 88% (Ignorance & Negligence)

Principles Of Survival In Fire

Conditions required for a Fire to occur are: -

- The presence of material, which act as a fuel.

- A source of Ignition, e.g. chemical, biological or physical.

- The presence of oxygen, in air or from oxidizing agents.

These three conditions can be represented as a triangle.

2.1.2 FIRE SQUARE/ TETRAHEDRON

2.1.3 FIRE SQUARE IS HAVING FOUR SIDES/ELEMENTS.

MOLECULAR CHAIN REACTION

MCR (MOLECULAR CHAIN REACTION): -

2. Inform Control Station

FIRE is divided in two groups

(A) Group (B) Group

- Wanted fire - Unwanted Fire

Heat/Temperature can be transferred by Radiation, Convection and Conduction. Fire can be

International Organization for National Fire Protection Association

Class ‘A ‘- Fire involving solid Class ‘A‘- Fires in ordinary combustible

Extinguishing medium Recommended for use on Fires involving

Water Wood, Paper, Textiles and similar materials

Foam Wood, Paper, Textiles and Flammable

FIRE FIGHTING AGENTS

Substances Effects / process

- Foam Smothering / Cooling

- Carbon Dioxide Smothering

- Dry Chemical Powder Inhibiting (BCR)/ Smothering

- Fire Blanket Smothering

- Inert Gas Prevention of Fire

Factors to be considered in selecting an extinguishing medium for application in any situation

- Reactivity with the burning substances.

- Cooling Effect - If conducts Electricity

- Available. - It can cause considerable damage to the

- Cheap - It can cause Corrosion

- It can cause Boil Over.

PROPERTIES OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (L.F.L)

Minimum concentration (% by volume) of a flammable gas in air to support and propagate

UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (U.F.L.)

BLEVE (BOILING LIQUID EXPANDING VAPOUR EXPLOSION): -

PHASES OF FIRE DEVELOPMENT: -

PORTABLE AND NON-PORTABLE FIRE APPLIANCES

A. EXTRACTS FROM ASSOCIATED RULES

 Relief valves to be provided if pumps are capable of developing pressure exceeding

A 1.2 Emergency Fire Pump:

A 1.3 Fire Hoses:

 Made of closely woven flax, canvas or other approved material.

 Hose diameter should not be less than 64 mm if unlined or 45 mm if lined.

 To be located in conspicuous positions near the hydrants, or connections.

 Provision of interchangeable hose and nozzle for each hydrant.

A 1.4 Hydrants (Isolating Valve/Drain):

A2.1 Portable Extinguishers:

 Spare charge, or replacement for every portable extinguisher. (100%)

A 2.2 Non-portable FOAM Extinguishers:

 Body of welded construction with cylindrical ends.

A 2.3 Non-portable Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher:

A 2.4 Non-portable Dry Powder Extinguisher:

 Constructed of suitable material and of sufficient strength.

A.2.5 Portable Foam Applicator Unit

INTRODUCTION “FIRE”_ “FIRE”_____ “FIRE”