NFPA1081 Standard
Inc ipie nt Indust ria l Fire B riga de M e mbe r
5.2 Manual Fi re Suppressi on. Thi s duty shall i nvol ve tasks rel ated to the manual
control of fi res and property conservati on acti viti es by the i nci pi ent i ndustri al fi re
bri gade member.
5.2.1 * Exti ngui sh i nci pi ent fi res, gi ven an i nci pi ent fi re and a sel ecti on of portabl e
fire exti ngui shers, so that the correct exti ngui sher i s chosen, the fi re i s compl etel y
extingui shed, proper extingui sher-handli ng techni ques are foll owed, and the area of
ori gin and fi re cause evi dence are preserved.
(A) Requi si te Knowl edge. The cl assi fi cations of fi re; ri sks associ ated with each
cl ass of fire; and the types, rati ng systems, operating methods, and li mi tati ons of
portabl e fi re exti ngui shers.
(B) Requi si te Skill s. The abili ty to sel ect, carry, and operate portabl e fi re exti n
gui shers, usi ng the appropri ate exti ngui sher based on the si ze and type of fi re.
A dv a nc ed Ext e rior Indust ria l Fire B riga de Me mbe r 6.3 .6* Extingui sh an
exteri or fi re using speci al exti ngui shi ng agents other than foam operati ng as a
member of a team, gi ven an assi gnment, a handli ne, personal protecti ve
equi pment, and an exti ngui shi ng agent suppl y, so that fi re i s exti ngui shed,
re-i gniti on i s prevented, and team protecti on i s mai ntai ned.
(A) Requi si te Knowl edge. Methods by whi ch speci al agents, such as dry chemi
cal , dry powder, and carbon di oxi de, prevent or control a hazard; pri nci pl es by
whi ch speci al agents are generated; the characteri sti cs, uses, and li mi tati ons of
firefighti ng speci al agents; the advantages and di sadvantages of usi ng speci al
agents; special agents a ppli cation techni ques; hazards associ ated with speci al
agents usage; and methods to reduce or avoid hazards.
(B) Requi si te Skill s. The abili ty to operate a speci al agent suppl y for use, master
vari ous speci al agents appli cati on techniques, and approach and ret reat from
hazardous areas as part of a coordi nated team.
Inte rior St ruc tural Indust ria l Fire B riga de M e mbe r
NFPA 1081 contai ns no Interi or Structural Industrial job performance requi re ments for
thi s chapter.
Additional NFPA Standards
NFPA 10 Standard for Portabl e Fire Exti ngui shers
NFPA 11 Standard for Low-, Medi um-, and Hi gh-Expansi on Foam Sy stems
NFPA 600 Standard on Industri al Fi re Bri gades
Knowledge Objectives
After compl eti ng thi s chapter, you will be abl e to:
State the pri mary purposes of fi re exti ngui shers.
Defi ne Cl ass A fires.
Defi ne Cl ass B fires.
Define Cl ass C fi res.
Defi ne Cl ass D fi res.
Defi ne Cl ass K fires.
Expl ai n the cl assifi cation and rati ng system for fi re exti ngui shers.
Descri be the types of agents used i n fi re exti ngui shers.
Descri be the types of operati ng systems i n fi re exti ngui shers.
Descri be the basi c steps of fi re exti ngui sher operati on.
Expl ai n the basi c steps of i nspecti ng, mai ntai ni ng, rechargi ng,
and hydrostati c testi ng of fi re exti ngui shers.
Skills Objectives
After compl eti ng thi s chapter, you will be abl e to perform the foll owi ng skill s:
• Transport the exti ngui sher to the l ocation of the fi re.
• Select and operate a portabl e fire exti ngui sher safel y to effecti vel y
exti ngui sh an i nci pi ent fi re.
• Attack a Cl ass A fi re wi th a stored -pressure water-type fi re exti ngui sher,
• Attack a Cl ass A fi re wi th a multi purpose dry chemi cal fi re exti ngui sher.
• Attack a Cl ass B fl ammabl e li qui d fi re wi th a dry chemi cal fi re
exti ngui sher.
• Attack a Cl ass B fl ammabl e li qui d fi re wi th a stored-pressure foam
fire exti ngui sher.
• Use a wet chemi cal fi re extingui sher.
• Use a hal ogenated agent -type exti ngui sher.
• Use dry powder fi re extingui shi ng agents.
 You are responding to a report of a vehicle fire in the plant parking lot. The fire is in the engine
compartment of a light truck. The brigade leader directs you to don your self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA), get the dry chemical extinguisher, and back up the other brigade members who
are pulling a 1 3A-inch hose line to fight the fire. As you follow orders, you wonder:
1. Are there any advantages to using a portab le fire extinguisher to initially attack a car fire?
2. Does it have to b e a dry chemical extinguisher, or would another type of extinguisher work
just a s well?
3. Are there instances when a dry chemical extinguisher should not b e used?

Introduction to a fire that involves expensive electronic equip ment is both

dangerous and costly. Using the co rrect fire ext inguisher
Portable fire ext inguishers are required in many types of could control the fire without causing additional damage to
occupancies, as well as in co mmercial vehicles, boats, air - the equip ment.
craft , and various other locations. Fire p revention effo rts
encourage citizens to keep fire ext inguishers in their homes,
particularly in their kitchens. Fire ext inguishers are used
successfully to put out hundreds of fires every day, preventing
millions of dollars in property damage as well as saving lives.
Most fire ext inguishers are easy to operate and can be used
effect ively by an ind ividu al with only basic t rain ing.
Fire ext inguishers range in size fro m models that can be
operated with one hand to large, wheeled models that contain
several hundred pounds of ext inguishing agent (a material
used to stop the combustion process) (► Figure 7 -1 ).
Ext inguishing agents include water, water with different addi-
tives, dry chemicals, dry powders, and gaseous agents. Each
agent is suitable for specific types of fires.
Fire extinguishers are designed for different purposes and
involve different operational methods. As a brigade member,
you must know wh ich is the most appropriate kind of ext in -
guisher to use for different types of fires, wh ich kinds must
not be used for certain fires, and how to use any fire ext in -
guisher you may encounter, especially those used by your
( Figure 7 -1) Portable fire extinguishers can be
brigade and carried on your apparatus. The select ion of the
large or small. A. A wheeled extinguisher. B. A
proper fire ext inguisher builds on the informat ion presented
one-hand fire extinguisher.
in Chapter 5, Fire Behavior.
Fire brigade members use fire extingu ishers to control
small fires that do not requ ire the use of a hose line. A
portable backpack-type fire ext inguisher can be used to con-
trol and overhaul a wild land fire located beyond the reach of
hoses. Special types of fire extinguishers are appropriate for
situations where the applicat ion o f water would be danger-
ous, ineffective, or undesirable. For examp le, apply ing water

This chapter also covers the operation and maintenance
of the most co mmon types of portab le fire ext ingu ishers.
These principles will enab le you to use fire ext inguishers
correctly and effectively to reduce the risk of personal injury
and property damage.
Purposes of Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire ext inguishers have two primary uses: to extin -
guish incip ient fires (those that have not spread beyond the
area o f origin ), and to control fires where t radit ional methods
of fire suppression are not reco mmended .
Fire ext inguishers are p laced in many locat ions so that
they will be available for immed iate use on small,
incipient-stage fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket. A t rained
individual with a suitab le fire ext inguisher could easily
control this type of fire ( Figure 7-2 ). As the flames spread
beyond the wastebas ket to other contents o f the roo m, the
fire beco mes increasingly d ifficult to control with on ly a
portable fire extinguisher.
Fire ext inguishers are also used to control fires where tra-
dit ional ext ingu ishing methods are not reco mmended. For
example, using water on fires that involve energized electrical
equip ment increases the risk of elect rocution to brigade
members. Applying water to a fire in a co mputer or elect rical
control roo m could cause extensive damage to the elec trical
equip ment. In these cases, it wou ld be better to use a fire
ext inguisher with the app ropriate ext ingu ishing agent.
Special ext inguishing agents are also required for fires that
involve flammab le liquids, cooking oils, and co mbustible
metals. The appropriate type of fire extinguisher should be
availab le in areas containing these hazards.
(Figure 7-2) A trained individual with a suitable fire extinguis her can
easily control an incipient fire.
P orta ble Fire Exti nguis hers 171
Brigade Member Safety Tips
Do not place y ours elf in a dangerous situation by trying to fight a
large fire wit h a sm all fire extinguis her. You can't fight a fire or
protect yourself with an empty extinguisher.
Brigade Member Safety Tips
Proper technique in using a portable fire extinguisher is important for
both saf ety and effectiveness. Practice using a port able fire
extinguisher under the caref ul supervision of a trained instructor.
Incipient Fir es
Most fire brigade vehicles carry at least one fire extinguisher;
many vehicles carry t wo or more extinguishers of different
types. Brigade members often use these portable extinguishers
to control incipient-stage fires quickly At times, a brigade
member may even use an extinguisher from the premises to
control an incipient fire.
One advantage of fire extinguishers is their portability. It
may take less time to control a fire with a portable ext in -
guisher than it would to advance and charge a hose line. Fire
brigade veh icles that are not equ ipped with wat er or fire
hoses usually carry at least one mult ipu rpose fire ext in -
guisher. If you arrive at an incipient-stage fire in one of these
vehicles, you might be able to control the flames with the
portable ext inguisher.
The primary disadvantage of fire ext inguishers is that they
are "one-shot" devices. Once the contents of a fire ext in-
guisher have been discharged, the extinguisher is no longer
effective in fighting fires until it is recharged. If the extin-
guisher does not control the fire, some other device or method
will have to be employed. This is a serious limitation when
compared to a fire hose with a continuous water supply.
Special Extinguishing Age nts
So me types of fires require special ext inguishing agents. As a
brigade member, you must know which fires requ ire special
ext inguishing agents, what type o f ext inguisher should be
used, and how to operate the different types of
special-purpose ext ingu ishers.
Special ext inguishing agents are used for kitchen fires
that involve co mbust ible coo king oils and fats, fo r co m-
bustible metal fires, and for fires in elect ronic equip ment.
Us ing water o r an unsu itab le fire -ext ingu ishing chemical
to fight th ese typ es o f fires can cause more d amage than
the fire.
172 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I GA D E :
(Figure 7-3) Portable extinguishers cont aining specific extinguishing agents
are sometimes helpful in overhauling a fire.
Portable ext inguishers are so met imes used in co mbina -
tion with other techniques. Fo r examp le, with a pressurized
gas fire, water may be used to cool hot surfaces and prevent
re-ignition, while a d ry chemical agent is used to ext inguish
the flames. Certain types of portable extinguishers can be
helpful in overhauling a fire ( Figure 7-3 ). The ext inguishing
agents contained in these devices break down the surface
tension of the water, so the water can penetrate the materials
and reach deep-seated fires.
Classes of Fires
It is essential to match the approp riate type o f ext inguisher
to the type of fire. Fires and fire ext inguishers are g rouped
into classes according to their characteristics. So me ext in -
guishing agents work mo re efficiently than others on certain
types of fires. In so me cases, select ing the proper ext in-
guishing agent will mean the difference between extinguish -
ing a fire and being unab le to contro l it .
More importantly , in so me cases it is dangerous to apply
the wrong ext inguish ing agent to a fire. Using a water
ext ingu isher on an elect rical fire can cause an electrical
shock as well as a short circu it in the equip ment. A water
ext inguisher should never be used to fight a grease fire.
Bu rning grease is generally hotter than 212°F (100°C), so
the water converts to steam, which expands very rap idly. If
the water penetrates the surface of the grease, the steam is
produced with in the grease. As the steam exp ands, the hot
grease erupts like a vo lcano and splatters over everyth ing
and everyone nearby , resu lting in burns or in ju ries to people
and spreading the fire.
P R I N C I PL E S AND PR A C T I C
( Figure 7-4) Most ordinary com bustible materials are included in the
definition of Class A fires.
Befo re select ing a fire ext inguisher, ask yourself, "What
class of fire am I fighting?" Remember, there are five classes
of fire and each will affect the choice o f ext ingu ishing
equip ment.
Class A Fires
Class A fires inv o lve o rd in ary co mb ust ib les su ch as
wo o d , p ap er, clot h , ru bb er, rub b ish , and s o me p last ics (
Figure 7 -4). Natural vegetation, such as grass and trees, is
also Class A material. Water is the most common ly used
extinguishing agent for Class A fires, although several other
agents can be used effectively.
Class B Fires
Class B fires invo lve flammab le or co mbustib le liqu ids,
such as gasoline, o il, grease, tar, lacquer, o il-based paints,
and some plastics (Figure 7-5). Fires involving flammable
gases, such as propane or natural gas, are also categorized as
Class B fires. Several different types of extinguishing agents
are approved for Class B fires.
Examp les of Class B fires inclu de a fire in a pot o f
mo lten roo fing tar, a fire involv ing splashed fuel, and bu rn-
ing natu ral gas that is escap ing fro m a gas meter struck by a
vehicle.
Class C Fires
Class C fires invo lve energ ized elect rical eq u ip ment ,
wh ich includes any dev ice that uses, p roduces, or delivers
electrical energy (Figure 7-6 ). A Class C fire could involve
building wiring and outlets, fuse bo xes, circu it b reakers,
trans- formers, generators, or electric motors. Power tools,
light ing fixtu res , househo ld app liances, and elect ron ic
devices such as televisions, radios, and co mputers could be
involved in Class C fires. The equip ment must be plugged in

( Figure 7-7-5) Class B fires involve flamm able liquids and gases.
(Figure 7-6) Class C fires inv olve energized electric al equipm ent or
appliances.
or connected to an electrical source, but not necessarily
operating.
Electricity does not burn, but electrical energy can gen -
erate tremendous heat that could ignite nearby Class A or B
materials. As long as the equipment is energized, it must be
treated as a Class C fire. Agents that will not conduct elec-
tricity, such as d ry chemicals or carbon d io xide, must be
used on Class C fires.
Clas s D Fires
Cl ass D fires invo lve co mbustib le metals such as magne -
siu m, t itan iu m, zircon iu m, sod iu m, lith iu m, and potas -
siu m. Sp ecial techn iq ues and ext ingu ish ing ag ents are
required to fight combustible metals fires ( Figure 7-7 ).
No rmal e xt in gu ish ing ag ents can react v io len t ly , ev en
Popta ble Fire Exti nguis hers 173
( Figure 7-7) Combustible metals in Class D fires require special extin guishing
agents.
exp losively, if they co me in contact with burning metals.
Vio lent react ions also can occu r wh en wat er strikes burn ing
co mbustible metals.
Class D fires are most often encountered in industrial
occupancies, such as machine shops and repair shops, as well
as in fires involving aircraft and automobiles. Magnesium and
titanium, both combustible metals, are used to produce auto-
motive and aircraft parts because they combine high strength
with light weight. Sparks fro m cutting, welding, or grinding
operations could ignite a Class D fire, or the metal items could
become involved in a fire that originated elsewhere.
Because o f the chemical react ions that cou ld occur dur ing
a Class D fire, it is important to select the proper extin -
guishing agent and app licat ion techn ique. Choosing the
correct fire ext inguisher for a Class D fire requires expert
knowledge and experience.
Class K Fires
Cl ass K fires invo lve co mbust ib le coo kin g o ils and fats (
Figure 7-8). This is a relatively new classification; cooking oil
fires were previously classified as Class B combustible liquid
fires. The use of high-efficiency modern cooking equipment
and the t rend to ward us ing vegetab le o ils instead o f
174 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
( Figure 7-8) C lass K fires inv olve cooking oils and fats.
animal fats to fry foods required the develop ment o f a new
class of extinguishing agents. Many restaurants are still using
ext ingu ishing agents that were app roved fo r Class B fires.
Classification of Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire ext inguishers are classified and rated based on
their characterist ics and capab ilities. Th is info rmat ion is
important for selecting the proper ext inguisher to fight a par-
ticular fire ( Table 7-1). It is also used to determine what type
or types of fire extinguishers should be placed in a given
location so that incip ient fires can be qu ickly controlled.
In the United States, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
(UL) is the organizat ion that developed the standards, clas -
sificat ion, and rating system for portable fire ext inguishers.
This system rates fire ext inguishers for both safety and effec-
tiveness. Each fire ext inguisher has a specific rat ing that
identifies the class or classes of fires for which it is both safe
and effective.
The classification system for fire ext inguishers uses letters
and numbers. The letters indicate the class or classes of fire
for which the ext inguisher can be used, and the nu mbers
indicate its effect iveness. Fire ext inguishers that are safe and
P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E
Brigade Member Tips
The safest and surest way to extinguish a Class C fire is to turn off the
pow er and treat it like a Class A or B fire. If you are unable to turn off
the pow er, you should be prepared for re-ignition. The electric ity could
re-ignite t he fire aft er it is ext inguis hed.
effective for more than one class will be rated with mult iple
letters. For example, an extinguisher that is safe and effective
for Class A fires will be rated with an "A;" one that is safe and
effect ive for Class B fires will be rated with a "B;" and one
that is safe and effective fo r both Class A and Class B fires
will be rated with both an "A" and a "B."
Class A and Class B fire ext inguishers also include a num-
ber, ind icating the relative effectiveness of the fire ext in -
guisher in the hands of a nonexpert user.
On Class A ext inguishers, the nu mber is related to an
amount of water. An ext inguisher that is rated 1-A contains
the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. A typical Class A
ext inguisher contains 2.5 gallons of water and has a 2 -A
rating. The h igher the number, the greater the ext inguishing
capability of the ext inguisher. An ext inguisher that is rated
4-A should be ab le to ext inguish appro ximately twice as
much fire as one that is rated 2-A.
The effect iveness of Class B extingu ishers is based on
the appro ximate area (measured in square feet ) o f burn ing
fuel they are capable of ext inguishing. A 10-B rating ind i-
cates that a nonexpert user shou ld be ab le to ext ingu ish a
fire in a pan o f flammab le liquid that is 10 square feet in
surface area. An ext inguisher rated 40-B should be ab le to
contro l a flammab le liqu id p an fire with a surface area of
40 square feet.
Nu mbers are used to rate an ext inguisher's effectiveness
only for Class A and Class B fires. If the fire ext inguisher
can also be used fo r Class C fires, it contains an agent
proven to b e nonconduct ive to elect ricity and safe for use
on energ ized electrical equ ip ment . For instance, a fire
ext ingu isher that carries a 2-A:10-B:C rat ing can be used
on Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. It has the ext in-
guishing capabilities of a 2-A ext inguisher when app lied to
Table 7-1 Types of Fifes
Class A Ordinary c ombustibles Class B
Flamm able or combustible liquids Class C
Energized electrical equipm ent Class D
Combustible met als Class K Combustible
cook ing m edia
 Por ta ble Fi r e Exti nguishers
175

Brigade Member Tips

Brigade members must understand both the U nderwriters
Laboratories classific ation and rating system and the labeling
system for fire extinguishers.

Class A fires, the cap ab ilit ies of a 10-B ext ingu isher fo r
Class B fires, and can be used safely on energized electrical
equip ment.
Standard test fires are used to rate the effectiveness of fire ( Figure 7-9 ) Traditional letter labels on fire extinguishers often inc orpo-
ext inguishers. The testing may invo lve d ifferent agents, rated a shape as well as a letter.
amounts, applicat ion rates, and applicat ion methods. Fire
extinguishers are rated for their ab ility to control a specific
type of fire as well as for the extinguishing agent's ability to
prevent rekindling. So me agents can successfully suppress a
fire but are unable to prevent the material fro m re -ignit ing. A
rating is given only if the extinguisher completely extin -
guishes the standard test fire and prevents rekindling .

Labeling of Fire Extinguishers

Fire ext inguishers that have been tested and approved by an
independent labo ratory are labeled to clearly designate the
class or classes of fire the unit is capable of ext inguishing
safely . The tradit ional lettering system has been used for
many years and is still found on many fire ext inguishers.
Recent ly , ho wever, a universal p ictograph system, wh ich
does not require the user to be familiar with the alphabetic
codes for the d ifferent classes of fires, has been developed.
Traditional Lettering System (Figure7-9)
The t rad it ional lettering system uses th e fo llo wing labels :
• Extinguishers suitable for use on Class A fires are
identified by the letter A on a solid green triangle.
• Ext inguishers suitable for use on Class B fires are identi
fied by the letter B on a solid red square.
• Extinguishers suitable for use on Class C fires are
identified by the letter C on a solid b lue circle.
• Ext inguishers suitable for use on Class D fires are iden
tified by the letter D on a solid yellow five-pointed star.
• Extinguishers suitable for use on Class K (co mbustible
cooking oil) fires are identified by a pictograph show
ing a fire in a fry ing pan. Because the Class K designa
tion is new, there is no trad itional-system alphabet
graphic fo r it.
Pictograph Labeling System
The pictograph system, such as described for Class K fire
extinguishers, uses symbols rather than letters on the labels.
This system also clearly indicates if an extinguisher is inap -
propriate for use on a particular class of fire. The pictographs
(Figure 7 -10) T he ic ons f or Classes A, B, C, and K fires.
are all square icons that are designed to represent each class
of fire (Figure 7-10). The icon for Class A fires is a burning
trash can beside a wood fire. The Class B fire ext in guisher
icon is a flame and a gasoline can; the Class C icon is a flame
and an electrical p lug and socket. There is no pictograph for
Class D extinguishers. Ext inguishers rated for fighting Class
K fires are labeled with an icon showing a fire in the frying
pan.
Under this pictograph labeling system, the presence of an
icon ind icates that the extingu isher has been rated for that
class of fire. A missing icon indicates that the extingu isher
has not been rated for that class of fire. A red slash across an
icon indicates that the extinguisher must not be used on that
type of fire, because do ing so wou ld creat e add it ional ris k.
An ext inguisher rated for Class A fires only would show
all three icons, but the icons for Class B and Class C would
have a red diagonal line through them. Th is three-icon array
signifies that the extinguisher uses a water-based extinguish-
ing agent, making it unsafe to use on flammable liquid or
electrical fires.
Certain ext ingu ishers labeled fo r Class B and Class C
fires do not include the Class A icon but may be used to put
 17 6 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
out s mall Class A fires. The fact that they have not been
rated for Class A fires indicates that they are less effective in
ext inguishing a co mmon co mbustib le fire than a co mpara -
ble Class A ext inguisher wou ld be.
Fire Extinguisher Placement
Fire codes and regulat ions require the installation of fire
ext inguishers in many areas so that they will be available to
fight incipient fires. NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire
Extinguishers lists the requirements for placing and mounting
portable fire ext inguishers as well as the appropriate mounting
heights.
The regulations for each type of occupancy specify the
maximu m floor area that can be protected by each ext in -
guisher, the maximu m travel d istance from the closest extin-
guisher to a potential fire, and the types of fire ext inguishers
that should be provided. Two key factors must be considered
when determin ing wh ich type o f ext ingu isher shou ld be
placed in each area: the class of fire that is likely to occur and
the potential magn itude of an incip ient fire.
Extinguishers should be mounted so they are readily vis -
ible and easily accessed ( Figure 7-11 ). Heavy extinguishers
should not be mounted high on a wall. If the ext inguisher is
mounted too h igh, a s maller person might be unab le to lift it
off its hook o r could be in jured in the attempt .
flgure 7-11 ) Ext inguis hers should be m ounted in locat ions with unob -
structed access and visibility.
P R I N C I P L E S A ND P R A C T I C E
Accord ing to NFPA 10, the reco mmended mount ing
heights for the placement of fire ext inguishers are:
• Fire ext inguishers weigh ing up to 40 lbs (18.14 kg )
should be mounted so that the top o f the
ext ingu isher is not mo re than 5' (1.53 m) above the
floor.
• Fire ext inguishers weigh ing mo re than 40 lbs (18.14
kg ) should be mounted so that the top of the ext in
guisher is not more than 3' (1.07 m) above the floo r.
• The bottom of an extingu isher should be at least 4"
(10.2 cm) above the floor.
Classifying Area Hazards
Areas are divided into three risk classifications —light, ord i-
nary, and extra hazard —accord ing to the amount and type of
combustibles that are present, including building materials,
contents, decorat ions, and furn itu re. The quantity of
combustible materials present is called a bu ild ings fire load
and is measured as the average weight of combustible materials
per square foot or per square meter o f floor area. The larger
the fire load, the larger the potential fire.
Occupancy use category does not necessarily determine
the approp riate hazard classificat ion. The reco mmended
hazard classificat ions for different types of occupancies are
guidelines based on typical situations. The hazard classifica-
tion for each area should be based on the actual amount and
type of co mbustibles that are p resent.
Li g ht or Low Hazard
Light (or low) hazard locations are areas where the majority
of materials are noncombustible or arranged so that a fire is
not likely to spread. Light hazard environments usually con-
tain limited amounts of Class A combustibles, such as wood,
paper products, cloth, and similar materials. A light hazard
environment might also contain some Class B combustibles
(flammable liquids and gases), such as copy machine chemi-
cals o r modest q uant it ies o f paints and so lv ents, but all
Class B materials must be kept in closed containers and stored
safely Examp les of co mmon light hazard environments are
most offices and meeting rooms. (Figure 7-12).
Ordi nary or Mo derate Hazard
The ordi nary (o r moderate) hazard l ocati ons cont ain
more Class A and Class B materials than light hazard loca-
tions. Examp les of ord inary hazard locations include light
manufacturing, light vehicle repair shops, research labs, and
electronic plants (Figure 7-13).
Ord inary hazard areas also include warehouses that con -
tain Class I and Class II commodities. Class I commod ities
include noncombustible p roducts stored on wooden pallets
o r in co rrug at ed carto ns t hat are sh rin k -wrapp ed o r
wrapped in paper. Class II co mmod ities include noncom-
bustible products stored in wooden crates or mu lt ilayered
corrugated cartons.

( Figure 7-12) Light hazard areas include offices, conferenc e rooms, and
training rooms.
( Figure 7-13) Light manufacturing, mobile equipment repair shops, and
electronic plants are classif ied as ordinary hazard areas.
Extra or High Hazard
Extra (or high) hazard locations contain more Class A com-
bustibles and/or Class B flammables than ordinary hazard
locations. Examples of extra hazard areas include woodwork-
ing shops, mobile equipment repair facilities, plastics process -
ing areas, and combustible fluid use areas (Figure 7-14). In
addition, areas used for manufacturing processes such as
painting, dipping, or coating, and facilit ies used for storing or
handling flammable liquids are classified as extra hazard envi-
ronments. Warehouses containing products that do not meet
the definitions of Class I and Class II commodities are also
considered extra hazard locations.
P orta ble Fire Exti nguis hers 177
( Figure 7-14T) M obile equipment repair f acilities, plastics proc essing
areas, and combustible fluid use areas are classif ied as extra hazard locations.
Deter mining the Appropriate Class of
Fire Extinguish er
Several facto rs must be considered when determin ing the
number and types of fire ext inguishers that should be placed
in each area o f an o ccup an cy . A mong t hese fact o rs are
the types o f fuels found in th e area and the qu ant it ies o f
those materials.
So me areas may need ext ingu ish ers wit h mo re th an
one rat ing o r mo re than one type o f fire ext ingu isher.
Environ ments that include Class A co mbustibles require an
extinguisher rated for Class A fires; those with Class B
combustibles require an ext inguisher rated for Class B fires;
and areas that have both Class A and Class B co mbustibles
require either an extinguisher that is rated for both types of
fires or a separate extinguisher for each class of fire.
Most build ings requ ire ext ingu ishers that are su itab le
for fight ing Class A fires because ord inary co mbustib le
materials, such as furniture, partit ions, interio r finish mate -
rials, paper, and packag ing products, are so co mmon . Even
wh ere oth er classes o f p roducts are used o r sto red , th ere is
still a need to defend the facility fro m a fire involving
common co mbustib les.
A sing le mu lt ipu rpose ext ingu isher is generally less
expensive than two indiv idual fire ext inguishers and elimi -
nates the problem of select ing the proper ext inguisher for a
particular fire. However, it is sometimes more appropriate to
install Class A extinguishers in general use areas and to place
ext inguishers that are especially effective in fighting Class B
or Class C fires near those hazards.
Some facilit ies present a variety of conditions. In these
occupancies, each area must be indiv idually evaluated so
that ext inguisher installation is tailored to the part icu lar
circu mstances.
 178 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
Methods of Fire Extinguishment
Understanding the nature of fire is key to understanding how
extinguishing agents work and how they differ from each other.
All fires require four elements: fuel, sufficient heat, oxygen, and
a chemical chain reaction. Scientifically, burning is called rapid
oxi dation. It is a chemical process that occurs when a fuel is
combined with o xygen, resulting in the formation of ash or
other waste products and the release of energy as heat and light.
The combustion process begins when the fuel is heated to
its ignition point—the temperature at which it begins to burn.
The energy that initiates the process can come from many dif-
ferent sources, including a spark or flame, friction, electrical
energy, or a chemical reaction. Once a substance begins to
burn, it will generally continue burning as long as there are
adequate supplies of oxygen and fuel to sustain the chemical
chain reaction, unless something interrupts the process.
Most ext inguishers stop the burning by cooling the fuel
below its ignition point or kindling temperature, by cutting off
the supply of oxygen, or by combin ing these two techniques.
Some ext inguishing agents interrupt the complex system of
mo lecular chain reactions that occur between the heated fuel
and the oxygen. Modern portable fire extinguishers contain
agents that use one or more of these methods.
Cooling the Fuel
If the temperature of the fuel falls below its kindling tem-
perature, the co mbustion p rocess will stop. Water ext in -
guishes a fire using this method.
Cutting Off the Supply of Oxygen
Creating a barrier that interrupts the flow of oxygen to the flames
will also extinguish a fire. Putting a lid on a pan of burning food
is an examp le of this technique ( Figure 7-15 ). Applying a
( Figure 7-15) Cov ering a pan of burning food wit h a lid will extinguis h a
fire by cutting off the supply of oxygen.
P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E
blanket of foam to the surface of a burning liquid is another
example. Surrounding the fuel with a layer of carbon dioxide
can also cut off the supply of oxygen necessary to sustain the
burning process.
Interrupting the Chemical Chain
Some extinguishing agents work by interrupting the reaction
required to sustain combustion. In some cases, a very small
quantity of the agent can acco mp lish the object ive.
Types of Extinguishing Agents
An ext ingu ishing agent is the substance contain ed in a
portable fire extinguisher that puts out a fire. The best extin-
guishing agent for a particular hazard depends on several
factors, including the types of materials involved and the
anticipated size o f the fire. Portable fire ext inguishers use
seven basic types of extinguishing agents:
• Water
• Dry chemicals
• Carbon dio xide
• Foam
• Wet chemicals
• Halogenated agents
• Dry powder
Water
Water is an efficient, p lentifu l, and inexpensive ext inguishing
agent. When water is applied to a fire, it quickly converts from
liquid into steam, absorbing great quantities of heat in the
process. As the heat is removed fro m the co mbustion process,
the fuel cools below its ignition temperature and the fire stops
burning.
Water is an excellent extinguishing agent for Class A fires.
Many Class A fuels will absorb water, which fu rther lo wers
the temperature of the fuel. Th is also pre -vents rekind ling.
Water is a much less effective ext ingu ishing agent fo r
other fire classes. Apply ing water to hot coo king o il can
cause splattering, wh ich can spread the fire and possibly
endanger the ext inguisher operator. Because water conducts
electricity, it is dangerous to apply a stream of water to any
fire that involves energized electrical equip ment. If water is
applied to a burn ing co mbustib le metal, a v iolent react ion
can occur. Because of these limitat ions, plain water is only
used in Class A fire ext inguishers.
One disadvantage of water is that it freezes at 32°F (0°C).
In areas that are subject to freezing, l oaded-stream exti n-
guishers can be used. These extinguishers combine an alkali
metal salt with water. The salt lowers the freezing point of
water, so the extinguisher can be used in much colder areas.
Wetting agents can also be added to the water in a fire
extinguisher. These agents reduce the surface tension of the
water, allowing it to penetrate mo re effect ively into many
fuels, such as baled cotton or fibrous materials.

Dry Che mical
Dry chemical fire extinguishers deliver a stream of very fine
particles onto a fire. Different chemical co mpounds are used
to produce extinguishers of varying capabilities and character-
istics. The dry chemicals interrupt the chemical chain reaction
that occurs within the co mbustion process.
Dry chemical extinguishing agents offer several advan -
tages over water ext inguishers:
• They are effective on Class B (flammable liquids and
gases) fires.
• They can be used on Class C (energized electrical equip
ment) fires, because the chemicals are nonconductive.
• They are not subject to freezing.
The first dry chemical ext ingu ishers were introduced
during the 1950s and were rated only for Class B and C fires.
The industry term for these B:C-rated units is "ordinary dry
chemical" ext inguishers.
During the 1960s mul ti purpose dry chemical exti n-
guishers were introduced. These extinguishers are rated for
Class A, B, and C fires. The chemicals in these extinguishers
form a crust over Class A co mbustible fuels to p revent
rekindling (Figure 1-16).
( Figure 7-16) Multipurpos e dry chem ical extinguis hers can be used for
Class A, B, and C fires.
P orta ble Fire E xti nguis her s 179
Mult ipurpose dry chemical ext ingu ishing agents are in
the form of fine part icles and are treated with other chemicals
to help maintain an even flo w when the ext inguisher is being
used. Additional additives prevent them fro m absorbing
mo isture, wh ich cou ld cause caking and interfere with the
discharge.
One disadvantage of dry chemical extinguishers is that the
chemicals, part icularly the mu ltipurpose dry chemicals, are
corrosive and can damage electronic equipment, such as com-
puters, telephones, and copy machines. The fine particles are
carried by the air and settle like a fine dust inside the equip -
ment. Over time, the residue can corrode metal parts, causing
considerable damage. If electronic equip ment is exposed to
mu ltipurpose dry chemical ext inguishing agents, it should be
cleaned professionally within 48 hours after exposure.
The five p rimary co mpounds used as d ry chemicals
extinguishing agents are:
1. Sodium b icarbonate (rated for Class B and C fires only)
2. Potassium bicarbonate (rated for Class B and C fires
only)
3. Urea-based potassium bicarbonate (rated for Class B
and C fires only)
4. Potassium chlo ride (rated for Class B and C fires only)
5. Ammonium phosphate (rated for Class A, B, and C fires)
Sod iu m b icarbo nate is o ft en used in s mall househo ld
ext inguishers. Potassiu m b icarbonate, potassium chlo ride,
and urea-based potassium b icarbonate all have g reater
fire-ext inguishing capabilities (per unit volume) for Class B
fires than sodiu m b icarbonate. Potassium ch loride is mo re
corrosive than the other dry chemical ext inguishing agents.
Ammoni um phosphate is the only d ry chemical ext in-
guishing agent rated as suitable for use on Class A fires.
Which dry chemical extinguisher to use depends on the
compatibility of different agents with each other and with
products they might contact. Some dry chemical extinguishing
agents can be used in combination with some types of foam.
Carbon Dio xide
Carbon dio xide (CO2 ) is a gas that is 1.5 times heavier than
air. When carbon dio xide is discharged on a fire, it forms a
dense cloud that d isplaces the air surrounding the fuel. Th is
interrupts the co mbustion process by reducing the amount
of o xygen that can reach the fuel.
In portable carbon di oxi de fire extinguis hers, carbon
dioxide is stored under pressure as a liquid. It is colorless and
odorless. It is discharged through a hose and expelled on the
fire through a horn. When it is released, the carbon dioxide is
very cold and forms a visible cloud of "dry ice" because mois-
ture in the air will freeze when it comes into contact with the
carbon dioxide.
Carbon dio xide is rated for Class B and C fires only . It
does not conduct electricity and has two significant advan -
tages over dry chemical agents: it is not corrosive and it does
not leave any residue.
180 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
( Figure 7-17) Carbon dioxide extinguishers are heavy due to the weight of
the container and the quantit y of agent needed. They also have a large
discharge nozzle, making them easily identif iable.
Carbon d io xide also h as several limitat ions and d isad -
vantages. These include:
• Weight: Carbon dio xide ext inguishers are heavier than
similarly rated ext inguishers that use other ext inguish
ing agents ( Figure 7-17).
• Range: Carbon dio xid e ext inguishers have a short
discharge range, wh ich requ ires the operato r to be
close to the fire, increasing the risk of personal injury.
• Weather: Carbon dioxide does not perform well at tem
peratures below 0°F (-18°C) or in windy or drafty con
ditions, because it dissipates before it reaches the fire.
• Confined spaces: When used in confined areas, carbon
dio xide d ilutes the oxygen in the air. If enough oxygen
is displaced, people in the space can begin to suffocate.
• Suitability: Carbon dio xide ext inguishers are not suit
able for use on fires involv ing pressurized fuel o r on
cooking grease fires.
Foam
Foam fire ext inguishers d ischarge a water -based solut ion
with a measured amount o f foam concentrate added. The
nozzles on foam extingu ishers are designed to int roduce air
P R I N C I P L E S AND P R A C T I C E
( Figure 7-18) An AFFF extinguisher produces an effective foam for use on
Class B fires.
into the discharge stream, thus producing a foam blan ket.
Foam extinguishing agents are formu lated fo r use on either
Class A or Class B fires.
Class A foam extinguishers for ordinary combustible fires
ext ingu ish fires in the same way that water ext ingu ishes
fires. The foam concent rate reduces the surface tension o f
the water, allowing for better penetrat ion into the burning
materials.
Class B foam ext inguishers discharge a foam solution that
floats across the surface of a burning liquid and prevents the
fuel fro m vapo rizing. The foam b lan ket fo rms a barrier
between the fuel and the o xygen, extingu ishing the flames
and preventing re-ignition. These agents are not suitable for
Class B fires that involve pressurized fuels or coo king oils.
The most common Class B additives are aqueous
film-forming foam (AFFF) and fil m-forming
fluoroprotein (FFFP) foam (Figure 7-18). Both concentrates
produce very effective foams. Which should be used depends
on the product's compat ibility with a particu lar flammab le
liquid and other extinguishing agents that could be used on the
same fire.
Some Class B foam extinguishing agents are approved for
use on polar sol vents, wh ich are water-solub le flammab le

liquids such as alcohols, acetone, esters, and ketones. On ly
extinguishers that are specifically labeled for use with polar
solvents should be used if these products are p resent.
Although they are not specifically intended for Class A
fires, most Class B foams can also be used on ordinary com-
bustibles. The reverse is not true, however; Class A foams are
not effective on Class B fires. Foam extinguishers are not suit-
able for use on Class C fires and cannot be stored or used at
freezing temperatures.
Wet C he mical
Wet chemical exti nguishers are the on ly type o f ext in -
guisher to qualify under the new Class K rating requirements.
They use wet chemical extinguishing agents , which are
chemicals applied as water solutions. Before Class K extin-
guishing agents were developed, most fire extinguishing sys -
tems for kitchens used dry chemicals.
All new fixed ext inguishing systems in restaurants and
commercial kitchens now use wet chemical ext inguishing
agents. These agents are specifically formu lated for use in
commercial kitchens and food-product manufacturing facil-
ities, especially where food is coo ked in a deep fryer. The
fixed systems discharge the agent direct ly over the cooking
surfaces. There is no numeric rating of their efficiency in
portable fire ext inguishers.
The Class K wet chemical agents include aqueous solutions
of potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, and potassium
citrate, either singly or in various combinations. The wet agents
convert the fatty acids in cooking oils or fats to a soap or foam, a
process known as saponification.
When wet chemical agents are applied to burning veg -
etable oils, they create a thick blanket of foam that quickly
smothers the fire and prevents it fro m re -ignit ing wh ile the
oil cools. The agents are d ischarged as a fine spray, which
reduces the risk o f splattering.
Halogenated Agents
Hal ogenated exti nguishi ng agents are produced fro m a
family of liquified gases, known as halogens, that includes
fluorine, b ro mine, iod ine, and ch lorine. Hundreds o f dif -
ferent fo rmu lat ions can be produced fro m these elements
with many different p roperties and potential uses. Although
several of these formu lations are very effect ive for ext in-
guishing fires, only a few of them are co mmon ly used as
extinguishing agents.
Halogenated extinguishing agents are called clean agents
because they leave no residue and are ideally suited for areas
that contain co mputers o r sensit ive elect ron ic equ ip ment.
Per pound, they are approximately twice as effective at extin-
guishing fires as carbon dio xide.
There are t wo categories of halogenated e xt inguishing
agents : halons and h alo carbons . A 1987 intern at ion al
agreement, kno wn as the Montreal Protoco l, limits halon
product ion because these agents damage the earths o zon e
P orta ble Fire Exti nguis hers 181
layer. Halons have been replaced by a new family o f ext in -
guishing agents, halocarbons.
The halogenated agents are stored as liquids and are d is -
charged under relatively high pressure. They release a mist of
vapor and liquid drop lets that interrupt the chemical chain
reaction of the co mbustion process to ext inguish the fire.
These agents dissipate rap id ly in windy condit ions, as
does carbon dioxide, so their effectiveness is limited in out-
door locations.
Hal on 1211 (b ro moch lo rodifluoro methane) should be
used judiciously and only in situations where its clean prop -
erties are essential. Small Halon 1211 ext inguishers are rated
for Class B and C fires, but are unsuited for use on fires
involving pressurized fuels or cooking grease. Larger halon
extinguishers are also rated fo r Class A fires.
Currently, four types of halocarbon agents are used in
portable ext ingu ishers: hyd rochlo rofluo rocarbon (HCFC),
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), perfluorocarbon (PFC), and
fluo-ro iodocarbon (FIC).
Dry Powder
Dry powder extinguishing agents are chemical com-
pounds used to ext inguish fires involv ing combustible metals
(Class D fires). These agents are stored in fine granular or
powdered fo rm and are app lied to s mother th e fire. They
form a solid crust over the burning metal to exclude o xygen
and absorb heat.
The most co mmo n ly used d ry po wd er ext ingu ish ing
agent is formu lated fro m finely g round sod iu m chlo ride
(table salt) p lus additives to help it flo w freely. A thermo -
plastic material mixed with the agent binds the sodium chlo -
ride part icles into a solid mass when they come into contact
with a burn ing metal.
Another dry powder agent is produced from a mixture of
finely granulated graph ite po wder and co mpounds contain -
ing phosphorus. This agent cannot be expelled fro m fire
ext inguishers; it is produced in bu lk form and app lied by
hand, us ing a scoop o r a shovel. When app lied to a metal
fire, the phosphorus co mpounds release gases that b lan ket
the fire and cut off its supp ly o f o xygen . The g raph ite
absorbs heat from the fire, allowing the metal to cool below
its ign ition po int. Other specialized dry po wder ext inguish-
ing agents are available fo r fighting specific types of metal
fires. For details, see NFPAs Fire Protection Handbook.
Class D agents must be applied very carefully so that the
mo lten metal does not splatter. No water should co me in
contact with the burn ing metal. Even a t race quantity of
mo isture can cause a v iolent react ion.
Fire Extinguisher Design
All portable fire ext inguishers use pressure to expel their con-
tents. Many portable fire ext inguishers rely on p ressurized
gas to expel the ext inguish ing agent. The gas can be stored
 182 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
with the extinguishing agent in the body of the ext inguisher,
or externally, in a separate cartridge. The extinguishing agent
is put under pressure only as it is used.
So me ext inguishing agents, such as carbon dioxide, are
called sel f-expelli ng agents. These ag ents are no rmally
gases, which are stored as liquids under pressure. When the
pressure is released, the agent rapidly expands, causing it to
self-discharge.
Portable Fire Extinguisher Components
There are two basic styles of hand-held portable fire extin-
guishers: stored-pressure and cartridge-operated. As the name
implies, the stored-pressure extinguisher shell holds both the
extinguishing agent and a pressurized gas to expel the agent. In a
cartridge-operated extinguisher, the extinguishing agent is
stored at atmospheric pressure. This kind of extinguisher does
not become pressurized until the gas cartridge is punctured,
which releases the charging gas into the extinguisher shell.
Stored-pressure hand-held portable fire ext inguishers have
seven basic parts (▼Figure 7-19):
• A cylinder o r shell that ho lds the ext ingu ishing agent
• A carry ing handle
• A nozzle or horn
• A discharge hose
• A trigger and discharge valve assemb ly
(Figure 7-19) The stored-pressure portable fir e extinguis her.
P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E
• A locking mechan is m (ring p in) to prevent accidental
discharge
• A pressure ind icator
A cart ridg e -o perated hand -h elp po rt ab le fire
ext in guisher has nine parts (Figure 7-20 ):
• A cylinder o r shell that ho lds the ext ingu ishing agent
• A fill cap
• A gas cartridge containing either CO2 or nitrogen
• A cartridge guard
• A carry handle
• A nozzle and discharge valve assemb ly
• A discharge hose
• A hose retainer to prevent accidental d ischarge
• A gas tube to distribute the p ressure into the ext in
guisher shell
Cylinder or Shell
The body of the extinguisher, known as the cylinder or shell,
holds the extinguishing agent. Nit rogen, co mpressed air, or
carbon dio xide are used to pressurize the cylinder to expel
the agent. Stored-pressure exti nguishers store both the
extinguishing agent, in wet o r d ry form, and the gas under
pressure in the cylinder. Cartri dge-operated extinguishers
rely on an external cartridge of pressurized gas, wh ich is
released only when the ext inguisher is charged.
( Figure 7-20) The cartridge-operated portable fire extinguisher.

Han dl e
The handle is used to carry a portable fire ext inguisher and,
in many cases, to hold it during use. The actual design of the
handle varies fro m mod el to model, but all ext ingu ishers
that weigh more than 3 lbs have handles. In many cases, the
handle is located just belo w the trigger mechan ism.
Nozzl e or Horn
The extinguishing agent is expelled through a nozzle or horn.
In some ext inguishers, the nozzle is attached direct ly to the
valve assembly at the top of the extinguisher. In other models,
the nozzle is at the end of a short hose.
Foam ext ingu ishers have a special aspirat ing no zzle that
int roduces air into the ext ingu ish ing agent , creat ing the
foam. Carb on d io xid e ext ing u ishers h ave a tubu lar or
conical ho rn, wh ich is o ften mounted at the end o f a short
hose.
Pump tank exting uishers , which are nonpressurized,
manually operated water extinguishers, usually have a nozzle
at the end of a short hose. The manually operated pump may
b e mo u n ted d irect ly on t he cy lin der o r it may b e p art of
the nozzle assembly.
Trigger
The trigger is the mechanis m that is squeezed or depressed to
discharge the ext inguishing agent. In so me models, the
trigger is a button positioned just above the handle. Most of
the time, the trigger is a lever located above the handle. The
operator lifts the ext inguisher by the handle and simu ltane-
ously squeezes down on the d ischarge lever.
Cart ridge-operated ext inguisher models usually have a
two -step operat ing sequence. First, a h and le o r lever is
pushed to pressurize the stored agent, then a trigger-type
mechanis m incorporated in the hose/nozzle assembly is used
to control the discharge.
Lock i ng Mechani s m
The locki ng mechanism is a simp le qu ick-release dev ice
that p rev ents accidental d ischarge o f th e ext ingu ish ing
agent. The simplest form of locking mechanis m is a stiff pin,
which is inserted through a hole in the t rigger to p revent it
fro m being depressed. The pin usually has a ring at the end
so that it can be removed quickly.
A special p last ic t ie, called a tamper seal, is used to
secure the pin . The tamper seal is designed to b reak easily
when the pin is pulled. Removing the pin and tamper seal is
best accomplished with a t wisting motion. The tamper seal
makes it easy to see whether the extinguisher has been used
and not recharged. The seal also discourages people fro m
playing o r t in kering with the ext inguisher.
Pressure Indi cator
The pressure i ndi cator o r gaug e shows that a
stored-p ressu re ext in gu ish er h as su fficien t p ressu re to
o perate
Por ta ble Fi r e E xti nguis hers 183
properly . Over time, the pressure in an ext inguisher may
dissipate. Checking the gauge first will tell you whether the
ext inguisher is ready for use.
Pressure ind icators vary in design . Most ext inguishers
use a needle gauge. Pressure may be shown in pounds per
square inch (psi) or on a three -part scale (too low, proper
range, too high). Pressure gauges are usually color -coded; a
green area ind icat es the p rop er p ressure zon e. Carbon
dio xide ext inguishers do not have p ressure ind icato rs or
gauges, but are weighed to determine the remain ing agent.
Wheel ed Fi re Exti ng ui s hers
Wheeled fire exting uishers are large un its mounted on
wheeled carriages. Wheeled extinguishers typically contain
bet ween 150 and 350 lbs o f ext ingu ish ing agent . Th e
wheeled design lets one person transport the extinguisher to
the fire. If a wheeled extinguisher is intended for indoor use,
doorways and aisles must be wide enough to allow passage to
every area where it could be needed.
Wheeled fire ext ingu ishers usually have long delivery
hos es, so th e u n it can st ay in on e spo t as th e op erato r
moves around to attack the fire. A separate cy linder con -
taining nit rogen o r so me other co mp ressed gas provides the
pressure necessary to operate the extinguisher.
Fire Extinguisher Characteristics
Portable fire ext inguishers vary accord ing to their ext in -
guishing agent, capacity, effective range, and the time it takes
to completely discharge their agent. They also have different
mechanical designs. This section describes the basic charac-
teristics of several types of extinguishers, organized by type
of ext inguishing agent.
The seven types of ext inguishers described include:
• Water ext inguishers
• Dry chemical ext inguishers
• Carbon dio xide extingu ishers
• Class B foam extinguishers
• Wet chemical ext inguishers
• Halogenated-agent ext inguishers
• Dry powder extingu ishing agents
Water Extinguish ers
Water extinguishers are used to cool the burning fuel below
its ignit ion temperature. Water ext inguishers are intended for
use primarily on Class A fires. Class B foam extinguishers are
intended for flammable liqu ids fires. Water extinguishers
include stored-pressure, loaded-stream, and wetting -agent
models.
S tored-Pressure Water -Type Exti ng uishers
The most co mmon stored-pressure water -type exti n-
g ui s her is t h e 2 .5 g a l lo n s mo d e l wit h a 2 -A rat in g (
Figure 7-21 ). Th is ext inguisher expels water in a solid
18 4 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S AND P R A C T I C E

Loa ded-S tream Water -Type Exti ng uishers

Loaded-stream water-type extinguishers discharge a solution
of water containing an alkali metal salt that prevents freezing
at temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). The most common
model is the 2.5 gallon unit, which is identical to a typical
stored-pressure water extingu isher. Hand-held models are
availab le with capacit ies of 1 to 2.5 gallons of water.

Wetti ng -Agent and Cl ass A Foam

Water -Type Exti ng uis hers
Wetting-agent water-type extinguishers expel water that
contains a solution to reduce its surface tension (the physical
property that causes water to bead or form a puddle on a flat
surface). Reducing the surface tension allows water to spread
over the fire and penetrate more efficiently into Class A fuels.
Class A foam ext inguishers contain a solut ion of water
and Class A foam concentrate. This agent has foaming prop -
erties as well as the ab ility to reduce surface tension.
Both wetting-agent and Class A foam ext inguishers are
available in the same configurations as water ext inguishers,
including hand -held stored-p ressure models and wheeled
units. These ext inguishers should not be exposed to tem-
peratures below 40°F (4°C).

Pump Tank Water -Type Exti ng uis hers

Pump tank water-type extinguishers come in sizes ranging
(Figure 7-21") Stored-pressure water-type extinguis her. fro m 1-A rated, 1.5 gallon units to 4-A rated, 5 gallon units.
The water in these units is not stored under pressure. The
p ressu re to exp el t h e water is p ro v id ed b y a
h an d -operated, double-acting, vertical p iston pump, wh ich
stream with a range of 35' to 40' th rough a no zzle at th e
moves water out through a short hose on both the up and the
end o f a short hose. Th e d ischarge t ime is appro xi mat ely
down strokes. This type of ext inguisher sits upright on the
55 seconds if the ext inguisher is used continuously. A full
ground during use. A small bracket at the bottom allo ws the
extinguisher weighs about 30 lbs.
operator to steady the extinguisher with one foot wh ile
Because the contents of these extinguishers can freeze,
pumping. Pump tank extinguishers can be used with
they should not be installed in areas where the temperature
antifreeze. The manufacturer should be consulted for details
is expected to drop below 32°F (0°C). Antifreeze models of
because some antifreezes (such as common salt) can corrode the
stored-p ressure water-type ext ingu ishers, called
extinguisher or damage the pump. Ext inguishers with steel
load ed-stream ext inguishers, are available.
shells corrode more easily than those with copper or
The reco mmended p rocedu re for operat ing a
nonmetallic shells.
stored-pressure water ext inguisher is to set it on the g round,
grasp the hand le with on e han d, and pu ll out the rin g p in Dry Chemical Extinguishers
or release the locking latch with the other hand. Now the
Dry chemical extinguishers contain a variety of chemical
extin guisher can be lifted and used to extinguish the fire. Use
ext ingu ish ing agents in g ranu lar fo rm. Hand -held d ry
one hand to aim the stream at the fire, and squeeze the
chemical extinguishers are available with capacit ies ranging
trigger with the other h and. The stream o f wat er can be
made into a spray by putting a thu mb at the end of the
nozzle; th is techn ique is often used after the flames have
been ext in guished to thoroughly soak the fuel.
Stored-pressure water-type extinguishers can be recharged
Fire M arks
Stored-pressure water extinguis hers have replac ed soda-acid
at any location that provides water and a source o f co m- extinguishers, whic h had to be inverted (turned upside dow n) to trigger
pressed air. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure their discharge. The soda-acid models are no longer manufactured and
proper and safe recharging. should have been replaced in all installations.

fro m 1 to 30 lbs of agent. Wheeled fire ext inguishers are
available with capacities up to 350 lbs of agent. Ord inary dry
chemical models can be used to ext inguish Class B and C
fires. Multipurpose dry chemical models are rated for use on
Class A, B, and C fires.
All dry chemical extinguishing agents can be used on Class
C fires that involve energized electrical equip ment; however,
the residue left by the dry chemical can be very damaging to
computers, electronic devices, and electrical equip ment.
Stored-pressure units expel the dry chemical agent in the
same manner as a stored -pressure water ext inguisher. The
dry chemical agent in a cartridge -operated ext ingu isher is
not sto red und er p ressu re. Th ese ext ingu ish ers have a
sealed, pressurized cartridge connected to the storage cylin -
der. They are activated by pushing down on a lever that
punctures the cartridge and pressurizes the cy linder.
Most small, hand-held dry chemical ext inguishers are
designed to discharge completely in 8 to 20 seconds. Larger
units may discharge for as long as 60 seconds. All hand-held
dry che mical extinguishers are designed to be carried and
operated simultaneously.
Depending on the extinguishers size, the range of the dis -
charge stream can be fro m 5' to 30'. So me models have special
nozzles that allow for a longer range. The long-range nozzles
are useful when the fire involves burning gas or a flammable
liquid under pressure or working in a strong wind.
The trigger allows the extinguisher to be discharged inter-
mittently, starting and stopping the agent flow. Releasing the
trigger stops the flow of agent; however, this does not mean
that the ext inguisher can be put aside and used again later.
These ext inguishers do not retain their internal pressure for
extended periods.
Anytime a d ry chemical ext inguisher has been activated
or partially used, the ext inguisher must be serviced and
recharged to rep len ish the ext inguishing agent and restore
the un it's p ressure. Disposab le models are not refillab le.
Lo w temperature rated, dry chemical fire ext ingu ishers can
b e st o red and used in areas with te mp erat u res belo w
freezing.
Ordinary Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Ord inary dry chemical ext inguishers are availab le in hand -
held models with rat ings up to 160-B:C. Larger, wheeled
units carry rat ings up to 640-B:C.
Brigade Member Safely Tips
Discharging a dry chemic al fire ext inguis her in a confined space can
create a cloud of very fine dust that can impair vision and cause
difficulty breathing. SC BA should be us ed to prot ect brigade m embers
from bot h toxic gas es from the fire and the dry chem ical dust
discharged from the fire extinguisher.
P orta ble Fire E xti nguis her s 185
Brigade Member Tips
A dry chemical extinguisher will oft en continue to los e pressure after a
partial discharge. Pressure loss can occur ev en when only a very small
amount of agent has been discharged and the pressure gauge still
indic ates that the extinguisher is properly charged. This occurs
becaus e the agent can leave residue in the valv e assem bly and allow
the stored pressure to leak out slowly.
Multipurpose Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Ammoniu m phosphate is co mmonly called a mu ltipu rpose
dry chemical agent because it can be used on Class A, B, and C
fires. When it is used on Class A fires, the chemical coats the
surface of the fuel to prevent continuing co mbustion.
Multipurpose dry chemical ext inguishers are available in
hand-held models with ratings ranging from 1-A to 20-A and
from 10-B:C to 120-B:C. Larger, wheeled models have ratings
ranging from 20-A to 40-A and fro m 60-B:C to 320-B:C.
Mult ipu rpose dry ch emical ext ingu ishers should never
be used on cooking oil (Class K) fires. The ammoniu m
phosphate-based extingu ishing agent is acid ic and will not
react with coo king o ils to produce the s mothering foam
needed to ext inguish the fire. The acid will counteract the
foam-forming properties of any alkaline ext inguishing agent
that is app lied to the same fire.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide ext inguishers are rated to fight Class B and C
fires. Carbon dioxide extinguishes a fire by enveloping the fuel
in a cloud of inert gas, which reduces the oxygen content of
the su rround ing at mosphere and s mothers the flames.
Because the carbon dioxide discharge is very cold, it also helps
to cool the burning materials and surrounding areas.
Carbon dioxide gas is 1.5 times heavier than air, colorless,
odorless, non-conductive, and inert. It is also noncorrosive
and does not leave any residue. These factors are important
where costly electronic co mponents or computer equip ment
must be protected. Carbon dio xide is also used around food
preparation areas and in laboratories.
Carbon dio xide is both an expelling agent and an ext in -
guishing agent. The agent is stored under a pressure of 823
psi, wh ich keeps the carbon d io xid e in liqu id fo rm. When
the pressure is released, the liquid carbon dio xide rapid ly
converts to a gas. The expanding gas forces the agent out of
the container.
The carbon d io xide is discharged through a siphon tube
that reach es t o the botto m o f th e cy lind er. It is fo rced
through a hose to a ho rn o r cone -shaped app licator that is
used to direct the flow of the agent. When d ischarged, the
agent is very cold and contains a mixture of carbon dio xide
gas and solid carbon dioxide, which quickly converts to gas.
 18G I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E :
Co mpared to other types of ext inguishers, carbon dio x ide
ext ingu ishers have relat ively short d ischarge ranges of 3' to
8'. Th is presents a safety issue because the operator must be
close to the fire. Depending on size, carbon dio xide
ext inguishers can discharge co mp letely in 8 to 30 seconds.
Carbon dio xide fire ext inguishers are not reco mmended for
outdoor use with strong air cu rrents. The carbon dio xide will
be rapidly dissipated and will not be effect ive in s moth ering
the flames.
Carbon d io xide ext inguishers have a trigger mechan ism
that can be operated intermittent ly to preserve the remain ing
agent. The pressurized carbon dio xide will remain in the
ext inguisher, but the ext ingu isher must be recharged after
use. The extinguisher is weighed to determine the amount of
agent left in the cylinder.
The smaller carbon dio xide ext inguishers contain fro m 2 to 5
lbs of agent. These units are designed to be operated with one
hand. The horn is attached directly to the discharge valve on the
top o f th e ext ingu isher by a h inged metal tub e. In larger
models, the horn is attached at the end of a short hose. The horns
of so me older carbon dio xide fire ext ingu ishers were
constructed o f met al, wh ich conducts elect ricity. These
ext inguishers do not carry a Class C rat ing and must not be
used around fires involving energized electrical equip ment.
Metal horns are no longer made for carbon dio xide fire
extinguishers, but some of these units may still be in service.
Class B Foam Extinguishers
Class B foam ext inguishers are very similar in appearance and
operation to water extinguishers. They discharge a solution of
water and either AFFF or FFFP foam concentrate. The agent is
discharged through an aspirating nozzle, which mixes air into
the stream. They create a foam blanket that will float over the
surface of a flammable liquid.
Class B foam agents are also very effect ive in fighting
Class A fires. They are not suitable for Class C fires or fires
involv ing flammab le liquids or gases under pressure. They
are not int ended fo r use on co o king o il fires, and on ly
alcohol resistant foam extinguishers can be used on fires
involving po lar solvents. Detailed in format ion on the use of
AFFF and FFFP is available in NFPA 11 Standard for Low-,
Medium -, and High-Expansion Foam.
Foam extinguishing agents are not effective at freezing tem-
peratures. Consult the extinguisher manufacturer for informa-
tion on using foam agents effectively at low temperatures.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
W et chemical ext in gu ish ers are used to p rotect Class K
installat ions, wh ich include coo king o ils, d eep fry ers , and g rills .
Many co mmercial coo king installat ions use fixed , au to mat ic
fire ext ingu ish ing systems as th eir first line o f defense.
Po rtab le Class K wet ch emical ext ingu ishers are cu rrent ly
available in t wo sizes, 1.5 gallons and 2.5 gallons. There are no
numerical ratings fo r these ext inguishers.
P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E
Brigade Member Safety Tips
Do not aim carbon dioxide extinguis her discharge at any one or allow it
to com e in c ontact w ith ex pos ed sk in. Frostbit e could result. Carbon
dioxide discharged into a confined space will reduc e the oxygen lev el in
that spac e. Self-c ont ained breathing apparatus must be used by
anyone ent ering the confined area.
Halogenated-Agent Extinguishers
Halogenated-agent extinguishers include both halon agents
and halocarbon agents. Because halon agents can destroy the
earths protective ozone layer, their use is strictly controlled.
The halocarbons are not subject to the same environmental
restrictions. Both types of agents are available in hand-held
extinguishers rated for Class B and C fires. Larger capacity
models are also rated for use on Class A fires.
The agent is discharged as a streaming liquid, wh ich can be
directed at the base of a fire. The discharges from these
ext ingu ishers have a horizontal stream range of 9' to 15'.
The halogenated agents are nonconductive and leave no
residue. These agents are relatively expensive but they perform
better than carbon dioxide models in most applications, partic-
ularly in windy conditions.
Halon 1211 (bro mochlo rod ifluo ro methane) is availab le
in hand-held stored-p ressure ext inguishers with capacit ies
that range fro m 1 lb , rated 1-B:C, to 22 lbs, rated
4-A:80-B:C. Wheeled Halon 1211 models are available with
capacities up t o 150 lbs with a rat ing o f 30-A :160-B:C. The
wheeled fire extinguishers use a nitrogen charge from an
au xiliary cy linder to expel the agent.
Dry Powder Extinguishing Agents
Dry powder extinguishing agents are intended for fighting
Class D fires involving combustible metals. The extinguishing
agents and the techniques required to extinguish Class D fires
vary greatly, and depend on the specific fuel, the quantity
involved, and the physical form of the fuel, such as grindings,
shavings, or solid objects. The agent and the app lication
method must be suited to the part icu lar situation.
Brigade Member Tips
Dry chemical agents and dry powder agents have very different
meanings in relation to fire extinguishers. Dry pow der fire extin-
guis hers are designed for use in s uppressing Class D fires. Dry
chemical fire extinguishers are rated for Class 6 and C fires or for
Class A, 8, and C fires. These two terms must not be confused.
188 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Table 7-2 Fire her Types

Extinguis Ho riz o ntal A p pr oxi mate Pr otectio n
Ext i n g ui s hi n g M et h o d o t Ra n g e Ti me R e q ui re d U L or U L C
A ge nt Op erat io n Ca pa city of St rea m of D isc ha r ge be l o w 40 °F (4 ° C) Clas sifi cati o ns'
W at er 6L 30 t o 40 ft 40 s ec Yes 1-A
StStored-pres
ored-press ure
s ure 2 % gal 30 t o 40 f t 1 m in Yes 2-A
or pum p
Pum p 4 gal 30 t o 40 f t 2 m in Yes 3-A
Pum p 5 gal 30 t o 40 ft 2 t o 3 m in Yes 4-A
W at er (w ett ing 17 2 gal 20 ft 30 s ec Yes 2-A
agent ) St ored-pres s ure 25 gal 35 ft 1V 2 m in Yes 10-A
(w45heeled)
gal 35 f t 2 m in Yes 30-A
60 gal
(w heeled) 35 ft 2 V 2 m in Yes 40-A
Loaded st ream (w2heeled)
V 2 gal 30 t o 40 ft 1 m in No 2 t o 3-A: 1-B
St ored-pres s ure 33 gal 50 ft 3 m in No
AF FF , F FF P Stored-press ure (w2heeled)V 2 gal 20 t o 25 f t 50 s ec Yes 3-A: 20 t o 40-B
St ored-pres s ure 6L 20 t o 25 ft 50 s ec Yes 2A: 10B
N it rogen c y linder 33 gal 30 ft 1 m in Yes 20-A: 160-B
1
C arbon diox ide" Self -ex pelling 2 /2 to 5 !b 3 to 8 ft 8 t o 30 s ec No 1 to 5-B:C
Self -ex pelling 10 t o 151b 3 to 8 ft 8 t o 30 s ec No 2 t o 10-B: C
Self -ex pelling 20 I b 3 to 8 ft 10 t o 30 s ec No 10-B: C
Self -ex pelling 50 t o 1001b 3 t o 10 f t 10 to 30 s ec No 10 t o 20-B:C
(wheeled)
R egular dry 1 to 2 V 2 lb 5 to 8 ft 8 t o 12 s ec No 2 t o 10-B: C
3
c hem ic al St ored-pres
C art ridges or
ure 2 / 4 to 5 I b 5 t o 20 f t 8 t o 25 s ec No 5 to 20-B:C
(s odium stored-pres sure
bic arbonat e) C art ridge or 6 t o 30 I b 5 t o 20 f t 10 to 25 s ec No 10 t o 160 -B: C
stored-pressure
St ored-press ure 50 I b 20 ft 35 s ec No 160-B:C
N it rogen 75 t o 350 I b
(w heeled) 15 t o 45 ft 20 t o 105 s ec No 40 t o 320 -B: C
cylinder or (w heeled)
stored-pressure
Purple K dry C art ridge or 2 to 5 Ib 5 t o 12 ft 8 t o 10 s ec No 5t o30-B: C
chem ic al stored-pres sure
(pot ass ium C art ridge or 5 V 2 t o 10 I b 5 t o 20 ft 8 t o 20 s ec No 10t o80-B:C
bic arbonat e) stored-pres sure
C art ridge or 16 t o 30 I b 10 t o 20 ft 8 t o 25 s ec No 40 t o 120 -B: C
stored-pressure
C art ridge or 48 t o 50 I b 20 ft 30 t o 35 s ec No 120 t o 160 -B: C
stored-press ure (wheeled)
N it rogen 125 t o 3151 b 15 t o 45 f t 30 to 80 s ec No 80 t o 640 -B: C
cylinder or (w heeled)
stored-pressure
Super K dry C art ridge or 2 to 5 Ib 5 to 8 ft 8 t o 10 s ec No 5 t o 10-B: C
chem ic al stored-pres sure
(pot ass ium C art ridge or 5 to 9 Ib 8 t o 12 ft 10 t o 15 s ec No 20 t o 40-B: C
chloride) stored-pres sure
Cart ridge or 9 V 2 t o 20 I b 10 t o 15 ft 15 t o 20 s ec No 40 t o 60-B:C
stored-pressure
Cart ridge or 19 V 2 t o 30 I b 5 t o 20 ft 10 t o 25 s ec No 60 t o 80-B:C
stored-pressure
C artridge or 125 t o 200 I b 15 t o 45 f t 30 to 40 s ec No 160-B:C
stored-press ure (wheeled)
 P orta ble Fire E xti nguis her s 189

Table 7-2—continued
4

Horizontal Appr oxi mate Protection

Extinguishing Meth od of Range Ti me Required ULorULC
Agent Operation Capacity of Stream of Discharge belo w 40 °F (4° C) Classifications"
Multipurpose/ABC Stored-pressure 1 to 51b 5 to 12 ft 8 to 10 sec No 1 to 3-Ac and 2
dry chemical to10-B:C
(ammonium Stored-pressure 2 7 2 to 9 1 b 5 to 12 ft 8 to 15 sec No 1 to 4-Aand 10
phosphate) or cartridge to 40-B:C
Stored-pressure 9 to 171b 5 to 20 ft 10 to 25 sec No 2t o2 0- Aa nd 10
or cartridge to 80-B:C
Stored-pressure 17 to 301b 5 to 20 ft 10 to 25 sec No 3 to 20-A and 30
or cartridge to 120-B:C
Stored-pressure 45 to 50 Ib 20 ft 25 to 35 sec No 20 to 30-A and
or cartridge (wheeled) 80 to 160-B:C
Nitrogen 110 to 315 Ib 15 to 45 ft 30 to 60 sec No 20 to 40-A and
cylinder or (wheeled) 60 to 320-B:C
stored-pressure
Dry chemical Cartridge or 4 74 to 9 Ib 5 to 20 ft 8 to 10 sec No 10 to 20-B:C
(foam stored-pressure
compatible) Cartridge or 9 to 27 Ib 5 to 20 ft 10 to 25 sec No 20 to 30-B:C
stored-pressure
Cartridge or 18 to 30 Ib 5 to 20 ft 10 to 25 sec No 40 to 60-B:C
stored-pressure
Nitrogen 150 to 350 Ib 15 to 45 ft 20 to 150 sec No 80 to 240-B:C
cylinder or (wheeled)
stored-pressure
Dry chemical Stored-pressure 5 to 11 Ib 11 to 22 ft 18 sec No 40 to 80-B:C
(potassium Stored-pressure 9 to 23 Ib 15 to 30 ft 17 to 33 sec No 60to160-B:C
bicarbonate 1751b 70 ft 62 sec No 480-B:C
urea based) (wheeled)
3L 8 to 12 ft 30 sec No K
Wet chemical Stored-pressure 6L(2V 2gal) 8 to 12 ft 35 to 45 sec No 2A:1-B:C:K
8 to 12 ft 75 to 85 sec No 2-A:1-B:C:K
Halon 1211 Stored-pressure 0.9 to 2 Ib 6 to 10 ft 8 to 10 sec No 1 to 2-B:C
(bromochlorodi- 2 to 31b 6 to 10 ft 8 to 10 sec No 5-B:C
fluoromethane) 5 V2 to 9 Ib 9 to 15 ft 8 to 15 sec No 1-A:10-B:C
13 to 22 1b 14 to 16 ft 10 to 18 sec No 2 to 4-A and 20
to 80-B:C
501b 35 ft 30 sec No 10-A:120-B:C
1501b 20 to 35 ft 30 to 44 sec No 30-A: 160 to
(wheeled) 240-B:C
Halon 1211/1301 Stored-pressure 0.9 to 5 1b 3 to 12 ft 8 to 10 sec No 1 to 10-B:C
(bromochlorodi- or
fluoromethane self-expelling
bromotrif luoro-
methane) mix tures Stored-pressure 9 to 20 Ib 10 to 18 ft 10 to 22 sec No 1-A:10-B:C to
4-A:80-B:C
Halocarbon type Stored-pressure 1.4 to 1501b 6 to 35 ft 9 to 23 sec No 1B:Ct o10A: 80-B: C

Note: Halon should be used only where its unique properties are deemed necessary.
a
UL and ULC ratings checked as of July 24,1987. Readers concerned with subsequent ratings should review the pertinent lists and supplements issued by these
laboratories: Underwriters' Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, or Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada, 7 Crouse Road, Scarborough,
Ontario, Canada M1R3A9.
:
Carbon dioxide extinguishers with metal horns do not carry a Cclassification.
:
Some small extinguishers containing ammoniumphosphate-based dry chemical do not carry an A classification.
Source: National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection Handbook W. 2,19th ed. Quincy, MA, 2003, pp 11-121-11-122.
190 I N DUS T R I AL F I RE B R I GADE :
the trigger and direct the agent easily. Ext inguishers that have a
hose between the trigger and the no zzle should be carried in
the weaker o r less-favored hand so that the favored hand can
grip and aim the no zzle.
Heavier ext inguishers may have to be carried as close as
possible to the fire and placed upright on the ground. The
operator can depress the trigger with one hand, wh ile hold -
ing th e no zzle and d irect ing the agent with the other hand .
Follow the steps in ( Skill Drill 7-1) to transport a fire
extinguisher:
1. Locate the ext inguisher and remove it fro m the
mounting bracket. (Step 1)
2. When lift ing an ext inguisher fro m a low bracket o r off
the floor, always lift with your legs and not your back.
(Step 2)
3. If the ext ingu isher is very heavy, use both hands to
carry it. Grasp the handle with your strong hand and
support the bottom of the ext ingu isher in your weak
hand. (Step 3)
4. Walk b riskly to ward thefire. Never run when carry ing
a fire ext inguisher.
5. If the extinguisher has a fixed nozzle, hold the extin
guisher at arm's length in your favored or stronger
hand.
6. If the ext inguisher has a hose with a no zzle, carry
the ext ingu isher in your less -favored hand and
grip the nozzle with your other hand. (S tep 4)
Basic Steps of Fire Extinguisher Operation
Activat ing a fire ext ingu isher to apply the ext ingu ishing
agent is a s ing le operat ion in fou r steps. The P-A -S-S
acrony m is a helpfu l way to remember these steps:
• Pull the safety pin.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames.
• Squeeze the trigger to d ischarge the agent.
• Sweep the no zzle across the base of the flames.
Pract ice d ischarg ing d ifferent types o f ext ingu ishers in
train ing situations to build confidence in your ability to use
them properly and effectively.
Ensure Your Personal Safety
When using a fire ext ingu isher, always app roach the fire
with an exit behind you. If the fire suddenly expands or the
ext ingu isher fails to contro l it, you must have a p lanned
escape route. Never let the fire get between you and a safe
exit . After suppressing a fire, do not turn your back on it.
Always watch and be p repared fo r a rekind le unt il the fire
has been fully overhau led.
If you must enter an enclosed area where an extinguisher
has been discharged, wear full PPE and use SCBA. The atmos-
phere within the enclosed area will probably contain a mixture
of combustion products and extinguishing agents. The
o xy gen content with in th e space may b e dan gerous ly
depleted.
P R I NC IPLE S AND P R AC T I C E
Fo llow the steps in (Skill Drill 7 -2 ) to operate a carbon
dio xid e ext ingu isher:
1. Size up the fire to determine what is burning, if there
is energized electrical equip ment involved or nearby,
and if there are any other hazards p resent. Select the
proper ext inguisher.
2. Be sure the rating of the ext inguisher matches the size
of the fire. If the fire is too large for a portable fire
ext inguisher, back away unt il other suppression
methods are availab le. If possible, close off the area
where the fire is located to limit the spread of s moke
and fire.
3. Pull the p in on the handle. (Step 1)
4. Remove the horn o r no zzle fro m the secured position
on the ext inguisher and aim in the d irection of your
approach. (Step 2)
5. Give the trigger a quick squeeze to ensure that the
extinguisher is operational and the agent discharges
properly. (Step 3)
6. Approach the fire up wind with an exit to your back.
Never let the fire get between you and the exit .
Always have a safe exit path in case you have to evac
uate. (Step 4)
7. Aim the no zzle of the fire ext inguisher at the base of
the fire and squeeze the trigger. (Step 5 )
8. Sweep the extinguishing agent fro m side to side, con
tinuing to aim at the base o f the flames. Continue to
use the ext ingu isher unt il the fire is out or the ext in
guisher is empty. (Step 6)
9. If the ext ingu isher empt ies befo re the fire is
comp letely suppressed, back away to a safe location
and wait for assistance.
10. Back away fro m the fire. Never turn your back on the
fire. Be prepared in case it re-ignites.
11. Overhaul the fire to ensure that it is comp letely ext in
guished. Have addit ional fire ext inguishers or a hose
line availab le in case the fire flares up again. (Step 7 )
Follow the steps of (Skill Drill 7-3) to attack a Class A fire
with a stored-pressure water-type fire ext inguisher.
1. Begin to attack the fire upwind fro m a safe d istance to
take advantage of the reach of the stream. (Step 1)
2. Aim the stream direct ly at the base of the flames.
3. Sweep the no zzle back and forth, moving closer as the
fire goes out. (Step 2)
4. After the flames are out, position your finger in front of
the nozzle to create a spray and soak the fuel. (Step 3)
5. If the fire is deep-seated (burning belo w the surface,
as in a t ightly packed t rash barrel or a b rush pile),
break the fuel apart with a long-handled tool. App ly
the extinguishing agent to any smolde ring, smo king,
or glowing surfaces. (Step 4)
6. Apply additional water spray to prevent the fire fro m
re-igniting. (Step 5)

Brigade Member Safely Tips
Always test a fire extinguisher bef ore using it. Activate the trigger long
enough to ensure that the agent disc harges properly.
Fo llow the steps of ( Skill Drill T^ to attack a Class A
fire with a mu lt ipurpose dry chemical fire ext inguisher.
1. Begin to attack the fire upwind fro m a safe d istance,
taking advantage of the reach o f the d ry chemical
discharge stream.
2. Aim the stream direct ly at the base of the flames.
3. Sweep the no zzle back and forth, moving closer as the
fire is extinguished.
4. After the flames are out, apply addit ional agent in
short bursts to ensure that all hot surfaces are coated
with dry chemical.
5. If the fire is deep-seated (burning belo w the surface,
as in a t ightly packed t rash barrel or a b rush pile),
break the fuel apart with a long-handled tool. App ly
additional ext inguishing agent to any s mo ldering,
smoking, or glo wing surfaces.
6. Watch for ind ications of re-ignit ion and apply addi
tional agent in short bursts as required. If necessary,
use a fine water spray to soak the fuel.
Follow the steps in (Skill Drill 7-5 ) to attack a Class B
flammable liquid spill or pool fire with a dry chemical extin-
guisher.
1. Check the pressure gauge to ensure that the
ext inguisher is properly charged (Step 1) and pull the
pin on the handle. (Step 2)
2. Begin fighting the fire upwind and uphill fro m a safe
distance, as specified on the ext inguisher's label.
(Step 3)
3. Do not aim the init ial discharge d irectly into the liq
uid fro m close range. The h igh-velocity stream o f
ext inguishing agent could splash and spread the burn
ing fuel. (Step 4)
4. Discharge the stream at the base of the flame, starting
at the near edge of the fire and wo rking to ward the
back. (Step 5)
5. Sweep the no zzle back and forth across the surface of
the flammable liquid. (Step 6)
6. After the flames are ext inguished, watch for ind ica
tions of re -ignit ion and be p repared to apply add i
tional agent. Loo k for hot objects that could provide a
source of re-ignition. (Step 7)
Follow the steps in (►Skill Drill 7-6 ) to attack a Class B
flammable liquid spill o r pool fire with a stored-pressure fire
extinguisher contain ing AFFF or FFFP extinguishing agent.
Por table F i r e Extinguis hers
191
1. Begin fighting the fire upwind and uphill fro m a safe
distance, as specified on the extinguisher's label.
(Step1)
2. Aim the d ischarge stream high over the top of the fire.
Aiming d irect ly into the liquid cou ld cause the burn
ing fuel to splash and spread the fire. (Step 2 )
3. Discharge the stream in an arc over the top of the fire,
so that the foam d rops gently onto the surface o f the
burning liqu id. Lob the foam to creat e a b lan ket that
floats on the surface. (Step 3)
4. Slo wly sweep the stream back and fo rth above the
flammab le liquid to widen the foam b lanket. Use the
stream to carefu lly push the foam blan ket to ward the
back o f the liquid surface.
5. If the fire is a spill on the ground, aim the stream at
the ground in front of the fire and let the foam
bounce onto the front part o f the fire. Let the foam
blanket flo w across the surface of the burn ing liquid .
6. After the flames are ext inguished, continue to apply
agent until the surface of the flammable liquid is fully
covered by a foam blan ket. Look for hot ob jects that
could re -ignite the liqu id and app ly the agent d irectly
on them. (Step 4)
7. Apply addit ional agent as needed to maintain the
foam blanket and control any re-ignit ion. (Step 5)
Fo llo w the steps in (Skill Drill 7-7 ) to app ly a wet
(Class K) ext inguishing agent on a fire in a deep fryer.
1. Begin to apply the agent fro m a safe distance.
(Step 1)
2. Do not d irect the agent stream direct ly into the burn
ing liquid. Avoid splashing the bu rning liqu id.
3. Lob the extinguishing agent, expelled as a fine spray,
lightly onto the burn ing surface. It will form a th ick
foam blanket to s mother the fire. (Step 2)
4. Continue d ischarg ing the ext ingu isher until the foam
blan ket has ext inguished all flames and secu red the
entire surface of the oil. (Step 3)
5. Do not d isturb the foam b lan ket after the flames die
down. The surrounding metal and other materials
may still be hot enough to re-ignite the o il if the foam
blanket is broken .
6. Be p repared fo r a possible flare-up until the coo king
oil and the surrounding area have adequately cooled.
If re-ignition occurs, repeat these steps. (Step 4)
Follow the steps in (Skill Drill 7-8) to apply a halogenated
ext inguishing agent to a fire in an electrical equipment roo m.
1. If possible, tu rn off or d isconnect the electrical po wer
fro m a remote location before attacking the fire.
2. Stand back at least 8' (2.4 m) when you begin to
discharge the agent.
3. Direct the strea m at the base of the flames, sweep ing
the agent slowly fro m side to side.
V OICES OF EXPERIENCE
"Many of the employees didn't know how to use an
extinguisher or which one to use."

O
n a brisk fall day in my previous employer's facility,
the plant shift supervisor was informed by radio of a
fire in a warehouse on the north end of the facility.
The plant fire alarms had not been pulled, and the building
did not have
an automatic system. The warehouse was an older building made of lightweight
metal bowstring construction with corrugated metal siding. It was used as a
carpentry shop and for lumber storage.
The supervisor called the dispatcher and had fire rescue activated. Upon my arrival
on scene, he notified me that smoke was showing and that several employees were
operating fire extinguishers inside and outside the building, including into open
windows. I assumed command and immediately sounded a general alarm, as fire was
issuing out of several windows and some whirlybird vents. Once all employees were
accounted for, the fire crew began our attack.
We laid several LD hose lines and began an aggressive attack with 2.5-inch hoses and
master streams to do a quick knockdown. Because the roof had self-ventilated, we
stayed in a defensive posture for quite some time. Once the major body of fire was
knocked down, we began an interior attack and secondary search. Only when the loss
was stopped and we determined the fire was out did we begin surveying the scene.
We soon discovered that the entire back shop—which occupied half of the
building—was a total loss, including a forklift that had been inside the facility. But
what amazed me the most was that at least 15 used fire extinguishers were piled up
by the front door.
When I spoke with the foreman, he told me that workers in the shop had tried to fight
the fire with ABC extinguishers for at least 10 minutes before they called for help. The
water extinguishers were still in their brackets on a post. Each person thought the
others had called for help. Many of the employees didn't know how to use an extin -
guisher or which one to use.
This experience provides some valuable lessons:

1. Call for help early, and any time you use an extinguisher. If the fire is out,
fire
fighters can always go home after checking for extension.
2. Don't bring a knife to a gun fight: If one extinguisher isn't effective, and two don't
solve the problem, then the third extinguisher probably won't help either.
3. What the employees do in the first five minutes of a fire determines what fire
fighters will be doing for the next five hours. Your brigade will benefit if you
implement a thorough fire extinguisher training program for all employees. You
never know—they may be able to use the training at home as well.

Ronal d K. Sommers
Chevron Phillips Chemical Co mpany
Pasadena Plastics Complex Fire and Rescue
Pasadena, Texas

4. Continue to apply the ext inguishing agent for a short
time after the flames have gone out. Th is allo ws the
fuel to cool, p reventing re-ign ition.
5. Watch the fire area for re -ign ition. Repeat the agent
application, if necessary.
Follow the steps in ( Skill Drill 7-9 ) to apply a dry powder
extinguishing agent to an incipient-stage fire involv ing
combustible metal filings or shavings (Class D fire).
1. If the fire is very hot, beg in to d ischarge the agent
with the no zzle fully opened at the maximu m range
of 6' to 7' (1.7 to 2.4 m) away fro m the fire. Direct
the agent so that it falls onto the top of the burn ing
material. (Step 1)
2. As the fire co mes under control, close the nozzle valve
to produce a soft, heavy flow. Move in closer and
cover the fire area comp letely. (Step 2)
3. If you are using a scoop or a shovel instead of an
extinguisher, apply a th ick, even coat of ext inguishing
agent over the entire fire to s mother it .
4. If the burn ing metal is on a co mbustible surface, first
cover the fire with the dry powder ext ingu ishing
agent. Then spread a 1" to 2" (2.5 to 5.0 cm) layer of
dry powder extingu ishing agent nearby. Carefu lly
shovel the burn ing metal onto this layer o f po wder
and top with mo re ext ingu ishing agent as needed.
5. If hot spots develop, apply mo re ext inguishing agent
to cover them.
6. Allo w the remains of the fire to cool undisturbed.
7. Do not d isturb the b lanket o f ext inguish ing agent
until the fire has cooled comp letely. (Step 3)
NOTE: Do not use water or any other agent to coo l
the fuel or the area around it ! Co mbustib le metals
react v iolent ly with water and many other agents.
The Care of Fire Extinguishers:
Inspection, Maintenance, Recharging,
and Hydrostatic Testing
Fire ext inguishers must be regularly inspected and properly
maintained so they are availab le for use in an emergency.
Records must be kept to ensure that the required inspections
and maintenance have been performed on schedule. The
indiv iduals assigned to perform these functions must be
properly trained and must always fo llow the manufacturers
reco mmendations for inspecting, maintain ing, recharg ing,
and testing the equ ip ment.
Inspection
According to NFPA 10, an inspection is a monthly "quick
check" to verify that a fire ext inguisher is available and ready
Portab le F in e Extingu ishers 193
fo r immed iate use. Fire ext ingu ishers on fire apparatus
should be inspected as part of the regu lar equip ment check
as mandated by your standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Monthly inspections reinforce a brigade members familiarity
with the equ ip ment and its location. The brigade member
charged with inspecting the ext inguishers should:
• Ensure that tamper seals are intact.
• Examine all parts for signs of physical damage,
corrosion, or leakage.
• Check the p ressure gauge to be sure it is in the
operable range.
• Ensure that the ext inguisher is p roperly identified
by type and rating .
• Check the no zzle for damage or obstruction by
foreign objects.
If an inspection reveals any prob lems, the ext inguisher
should be removed fro m serv ice until the requ ired mainte-
nance procedures are performed. Spare ext inguishers should
be used until the prob lem is co rrect ed.
The pressure gauge on a stored-pressure ext ingu isher
ind icates wh ether the p ressure is su fficient to expel the
entire agent . So me stored-p ressure ext inguishers use co m-
pressed air wh ile o thers use co mpressed n it rogen. Th e
weight of the ext ingu isher and the presence o f an intact
tamper seal should indicate that it is full of ext inguishing
agent.
Cart ridge-typ e ext ingu ishers contain a p redetermined
quantity of a p ressurizing gas that expels the agent. The gas
is released only when the cartridge is punctured. A properly
charged extinguisher will be full of ext inguishing agent and
will have a cart ridge that has not been punctured .
Self-expelling agents, such as carbon d io xide and so me
halogenated agents, do not require a separate gas cart ridge.
The only way to determine if a carbon dio xide ext inguisher
is properly charged is to weigh it . The proper we ight should
be ind icated on the ext ingu isher label.
Maintenance
The maintenan ce requ irements and intervals fo r various
types of fire extinguishers are outlined in NFPA 10. Main -
tenance includes an internal inspection as well as any repairs
that may be required. Maintenance procedures must be per-
formed periodically, depending on the type of ext inguisher.
An inspection may also reveal the need to perform mainte-
nance procedures.
Main tenance pro cedu res must always be p erfo rmed by
a qu alified person . So me p rocedu res can b e perfo rmed
only at a properly licensed facility. The specific qualifica-
tions and t rain ing requ irements are det ermin ed by the
manufacturer and the jurisd ict ional authority . Untrained
personnel should never be allo wed to perfo rm fire ext in -
guisher maintenance.
194 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Transporting a Fire Extinguisher

Locate the extinguisher and remov e it from its mounting bracket. When lifting an extinguis her, always lift with your legs and not your
back.

Grasp the handle with the strong hand and support the bottom of If the extinguisher has a fixed nozzle, hold the extinguis her at arm's
the extinguisher in the weak hand. length in your stronger hand. If the extinguis her has a hos e with a
nozzle, carry the extinguisher in your weak hand and use the other
hand to grip the nozzle.
 P orta ble Fire E xti nguis her s
195

Operating a Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

Pull the pin on the handle. Rem ove t he horn or nozzle from the secured posit ion on the extin -
guis her and aim in the direction of your approach.

Give the trigger a quick squeeze to ensure that the extinguisher is Approach the fire upwind with an ex it to your back. Never let the fire
operational and the agent disc harges properly. get between you and the exit.

Aim the nozzle of the fire extinguisher at the Sweep the extinguis hing agent from side to Back away from the fire. Overhaul the fire to
base of the fire and squeez e the trigger. side, c ontinuing to aim at the base of the ens ure that it is c omplet ely extinguis hed.
flames. Continue to us e the extinguisher until
the fire is out or t he extinguisher is empty.
196 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Attacking a Class A Fire with a Stored-Pressure

Water-Type Fire Extinguisher

Begin to attack the fire upwind from a safe distanc e. Aim the stream directly at the base of the flames. Sweep the nozzle
back and fort h, moving clos er as the fire goes out.

After the flames are out, position your finger in front of the nozzle t o Break apart the fuel with a tool and apply the extinguishing agent to
create a spray and soak the fuel. any sm oldering, smok ing, or glowing surfac es.

Apply additional water spray to prevent the fire from re -igniting.

 Por ta ble Fi r e Exti nguishers
197

Attacking a Class B Flammable Liquid Fire with a Dry

Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Check the pressure gauge to ens ure that the extinguisher is Pull the pin on the handle.
properly charged.

iting the fire upwind and uphill from a safe distance. Do not aim the initial discharge into the liquid at close range.

Discharge the stream at the base of the Sweep the nozzle back and forth across the Look for hot or smoldering objects that
flame, starting at the near edge of the fire surface of the flamm able liquid. could re-ignite the liquid.
and w orking tow ard the back.
198 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Attacking a Class B Flammable Liquid Fire with a

Stored-Pressure Foam Fire Extinguisher (AFFF or FFFP)

Begin fighting the f ire upwind and uphill from a safe distance. Do not discharge stream directly int o the liquid.

Lob the foam in an arc over the fire to create a blanket that floats on the
surface.
Slowly sweep the stream back and forth above the flam ing surface
to widen the foam blank et. Let the foam blank et flow across the
surfac e of the burning liquid. After the flames are extinguished,
continue to apply agent until the liquid s urfac e is fully cov ered by
the foam blanket.

Apply additional agent as needed to maintain the foam blanket and

cont rol any re-ignition.
 Por ta ble Fi r e Extinguis hers 199

Use of Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

gin to apply the agent from a safe distance. Do not direct the agent stream directly int o the burning liquid. Lob
the extinguis hing agent, ex pelled as a fine spray, light ly ont o the
burning surface to creat e a foam blanket.

Continue to discharge the extinguisher until the foam blanket has Do not disturb the foam blanket even after all flames hav e died
extinguished all flames. dow n. If re-ignition occurs, repeat these steps.

'Courtesy of Ansul Incorporated training materials.

200 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Use of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishing Agents

Open the nozzle completely and direct the agent so that it falls onto Close the nozzle valve to produce a soft, heavy flow and move closer to
the top of the burning m aterial. cover the fire area com plet ely.

Do not disturb the blanket of extinguishing agent until the fire has cooled
completely.
 P orta ble Fire E xti nguis hers 201

Co mmon indications that an ext inguisher needs mainte- Table 7-3 Hyd
nance include: Requirements
• The pressure gauge reading is outside the normal range.
Carbon diox ide extinguishers 7 3 serv ic e pres sure
• The inspection tag is out-of-date.
• The tamper seal is bro ken, especially in ext inguishers Carbon dioxide and nitrogen cy linders stamped on cylinder
with no pressure gauge. (used with wheeled extinguis hers)
• There is any indicat ion that the ext inguisher is not fu ll Carbon diox ide extinguishers wit h 3000 ps i (20 685 kPa)
of extinguishing agent. cylinder specification ICC3
• The hose and/or nozzle assembly is obstructed. All stored -pressure and bromo - Factory t est pressure not
• There are signs of physical damage, corrosion, o r rust. chlorodifluorom et hane (1211) to exceed 3 t im es the
• Signs of leakage around the discharge valve or nozzle service pressure
assembly can be seen. Carbon diox ide hose ass em blies 1,250 psi (8619 kPa)
Dry chem ical and dry powder hos e 300 ps i (2068 kPa) or at
Recharging
as s em blies s erv ic e
A fire extinguisher must be recharged after each use, even if it pres s ure, whichever is higher
was not comp letely d ischarged. The only exceptions are
non-rechargeab le extingu ishers, wh ich should be replaced Note: The factory test pressure i s the pressure at whi ch the shell was tested at ti me
after any use. All perfo rmance standards assume that an of manufacture. Thi s pressure i s shown on the namepl ate.
extinguisher will be fu lly charged when it is ready for use. The servi ce pressure i s the normal operati ng pressure as indi cated on the guage and
Immed iately after use, an ext ingu isher should be t aken out namepl ate.
of service until it has been properly recharged. Th is also
applies to any extinguisher that leaks or has a pressure gauge
read ing above or belo w the p roper ope rat ing rang e.
Ext inguishers must be recharged by qualified or licensed Table 7-4 Hydrostatic test Interval for
personnel. Extinguishers
When an ext ingu isher is recharged , th e ext ingu ish ing Extin g uis he r Ty pe Test I nterv al
agent is refilled and the system that is provided to expel the (Years)
agent is fully charged. Both the quantity of the agent and the St ored-press ure w at er-loaded st ream
pressurizat ion must be verified. A tamper seal is installed 5 and/or antifreez e
after recharging. The tamper seal provides assurance that the W et t ing agent
ext inguisher has not been charged. 5AF FF (aqueous f ilm-forming f oam) 5
Typical 2.5 gallon stored-p ressure water ext inguishers
FFF P (film -f orming f luoroprot ein f oam) 5
can be recharged by brigade members using water and a
source of compressed air. Before the ext inguisher is refilled, Dry chemical w it h st ainless -st eel s hells 5
all remain ing stored pressure must be discharged so that the C arbon diox id e
valve assembly can be safely removed. Water is added up to 5 et c hem ic al
W
the water-level indicator and the valve assembly is replaced. 5Dry chemic al, stored -press ure, wit h mild steel shells,
Co mpressed air is then introduced to raise the p ressure to braz ed brass shells, or alum inum s hells
the level ind icated on the gauge. 12

Hydrostatic Testing
Fire ext inguishers are pressure vessels, designed to hold a
steady internal pressure. The ability of an ext inguisher to
withstand this internal pressure is assured by periodic hydro-
static testing. The hydrostatic testing requirements for fire
ext inguishers are established by the U.S. Depart ment of
Transportation and can be found in NFPA 10 (Table 7-3). The
test is conducted in a special test facility and involves filling
the ext inguisher with water and apply ing a specified pressure.
Each extingu isher has an assigned maximu m interval
between hydrostatic tests, usually 5 or 12 years, depending
on the construction material and type (Table 7 -4 ). The date
of the most recent hydrostatic test must be indicated on
Dry chem ical, cart ridge- or cy linder-operat ed, w it h m ild
st eel s hells 12
H alogenat ed agent s 12
Dry pow der, stored -pressure, cartridge-or
cylinder-operat ed, w ith mild steel s hells 12
the outside of the ext inguisher. An ext inguisher may not be
refilled if the date of the most recent hydrostatic test is not
within the prescribed limit . Any ext inguisher that is out of
date should be removed fro m service and sent to the appro-
priate maintenance facility for hydrostatic testing.
• Portable f ire extinguishers are effective for fighting fires
only if t he ext inguis her is s uit able f or t he class of f ire.
• There are five c las ses of fire:
- Class A: ordinary c om bustibles s uch as w ood, paper,
and clot h.
- Class B: f lam m able or c om bustible liquids.
- Class C: energiz ed elect ric al equipm ent.
- Class D: c om bustible m et als s uc h as m agnesium.
- Class K: com bustible c ooking oils and f ats.
• Extinguishers are rated by independent testing laboratories
according to the class or class es of fire the units can
extinguis h.
• Port able fire extinguishers that are rat ed f or us e on Class A
and Class B fires are als o rated num eric ally acc ording to
the siz e of the fire t hey c an ext inguish.
• The environment w here a fire is lik ely t o tak e place is an
im port ant f act or in c hoosing the proper extinguis her.
• Environm ents are c las sified in t hree m ajor haz ard groups:
light, ordinary, and extra.
• The basic st eps of fire extinguisher operation are: locat e,
select, trans port, activat e, and apply.
• The c om m on types of fire extinguis hers are: w ater, dry
chemic al, c arbon dioxide, foam, halogenat ed agents, dry
powder, and wet c hemic al.
• Selecting t he best fire extinguis her depends on t he ty pe of
m aterial burning, the siz e of t he fire, t he loc at ion of t he
fire, the effect iv eness of t he ext inguis her, t he am bient
tem perat ure, and wind condit ions.
• Extinguis hers diff er in how their extinguis hing agent s are
stored and ex pelled.
• Fire extinguis hers m ust be regularly ins pect ed, m aint ained,
rec harged, and hydrostatic ally test ed.
A m mo n i u m p h os p h at e An ex t in guis hing ag ent us ed
in dry c hemic al fire extinguis hers that c an be us ed on Class
A, B, and C fires.
Aque ous film-forming foam (AFFF) A
wate r- based extinguis hing agent us ed on Class B fires that
forms a f oam lay er ov er t he liquid and st ops the product ion of
flam mable vapors.
C a rb o n d i o x i d e ( C O2) f ire e x t in g u is h e r A f i r e
extinguis her t hat us es c arbon dioxide gas as t he extinguishing
agent.
Cartridge-operated extinguisher A fire extinguisher
that has the ex pellant gas in a cartridge s eparate from the extin-
guis hing agent storage s hell. T he st orage s hell is press uriz ed by
a mec hanic al action that releas es the expellant gas.
Class A fires F ires inv olv ing ordinary c om bus tible m at e -
rials s uc h as w ood, cloth, paper, rubber, and m any plastic s.
Class B fires F ires inv olv ing flam m able and c om bustible
liquids, oils, greas es, t ars, oil -bas ed paint s, lac quers, and
flam mable gas es.
Class C fires F ires t hat inv olv e energiz ed elect ric al
equipm ent w here the electric al c onduct ivity of the extinguis h ing
media is of im port anc e.
Class D fires F ires inv olv ing c om bus tible m et als s uc h as
m agnes ium, t itanium, z irconium, s odium, and pot as sium.
Class K fir es F ires inv olving c om bust ible c ook ing m edia
suc h as v eget able oils, animal oils, and f ats.
Clean agent Gas eous f ire ext inguis hing agent t hat does
not leav e a residue w hen it evaporates. Also k nown as halo -
genat ed agents.
Cyli nde r T he body of t he fire extinguis her w here t he
extinguis hing agent is st ored.
Dry chemical fire extinguisher An e xtinguisher that
us es a mixt ure of f inely div ided solid part icles t o ext inguis h
fires. T he agent is us ually s odium bic arbonat e-, pot ass ium
bicarbonat e -, or amm onium phos phat e-bas ed, w ith additiv es to
provide res ist anc e to pac king and m oist ure absorption and t o
promot e prop er flow characteristics.
Dr y powder extinguis hing a ge nt Extinguishing
agent us ed in putting out C lass D f ires. T he c om m on dry
pow der extinguis hing agents include s odium c hloride and
graphite-bas ed pow ders.
Dr y powder fire extinguisher A fi re e xtinguisher
that us es an ext inguis hing agent in pow der or granular f orm,
designed to extinguis h C lass D c ombust ible met al fires by
crusting, s m othering, or heat-transf erring m eans.
Exti n gu is hi n g a ge nt M at erial us ed t o st op t he c om bus -
tion proc ess; extinguishing agents m ay include liquids, gas es,
dry c hem ic al c om pounds, and dry pow der c om pounds.
Ext ra h a za r d l ocat i o ns Oc c u pa nc ies w here t he t ot al
am ounts of Class A c om bustibles and Class B flam mables are
greater than ex pected in occ upanc ies class ed as ordinary
(moderat e) hazard.
Film-forming fluor opr ote in (FFFP) A wate r-based
extinguishing agent us ed on Clas s B f ires t hat f orms a f oam
lay er ov er t he liquid and st ops t he production of f lam m able
vapors.
Fire l oad T he am ount of c om bus tibles in a fire area or on a
floor in buildings and st ructures, including eit her c ont ents or
building part s, or bot h.
Halogenated-agent extinguisher An e xtinguisher
that us es halogenat ed extinguis hing agents.
Halogenate d extinguishing a gent A liquefied gas
extinguishing agent t hat puts out fires by int errupt ing t he
chemic al c hain reaction.
Halo n 1211 Brom oc hlorodifluorom et hane (C BrCIF 2 ), a
lalogenated agent that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires.
Han dle T he grip us ed f or holding and c arrying a port able
fire extinguis her.
Hor n T he tapered dis c harge noz zle of a c arbon dioxide-t y pe
fire extinguis her.
Hy dr ostatic testi ng Periodic t est ing of an ex tinguis her t o
verify it has sufficient strength t o wit hstand internal press ures.
Ig niti o n po i nt T he m inim um t em perat ure at w hic h a
s bs st anc e w ill burn.
Inci p ient T he initial st age of a fire.
Li g ht ha za rd l ocat io n s Oc c upa nc ies w here t he t ot al
amou nt of com bustible m aterials is less than ex pected in an
ordinary haz ard loc ation.
Loaded-stream extinguisher A water-based fire
extinguis her t hat uses an alkali m et al salt as a freezing point
deprepress ant.
Lob A m et hod of disc harging extinguis hing agent in an arc t o
av oid s plas hing or s preading t he burning f uel.
L o ck i n g me c h a ni s m A dev ic e t hat loc k s an
extinguis her's trigger to prev ent accident al disc harge.
Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers
Extinguis hers rat ed to fight C lass A, B, and C fires.
No zzle T he disc harge orific e of a port able f ire extinguis her.
Ordinary hazard locations Occupancies that contain
m ore Class A and C lass B m aterials than are f ound in light
haz ard locations.
P-A-S-S Ac rony m us ed f or operat ing a port able fire extin -
guis her: Pull pin, Aim nozz le, Squeez e trigger, Sw eep t he
nozzle ac ross burning fuel.
Pola r s olve nt A w at er-s oluble f lam m able liquid s uc h as
alc ohol, ac etone, ester, and ket one.
Press u re i n dicat or A gauge on a pres s uriz ed port able f ire
extinguisher t hat indic at es t he internal pres sure of the
expellant.
P u mp t a nk ext i n g u is he r s N on pres s uriz ed, m a nu ally
operated wat er extinguis hers, us ually hav e a nozzle at the end
of a s hort hos e.
Pum p ta nk water-type extinguis her A nonpres-
surized portable w ater fire extinguis her. Disc harge press ure is
provided by a hand-operat ed double -acting pist on pum p.
Ra pi d o xi dati o n C hem ic al proc ess t hat oc c urs w hen a
fuel is c om bined w it h oxy gen, res ulting in t he form ation of as h
or other wast e products and the release of energy as heat and
light.
Sap o nificati on T he proc es s of c onv erting t he f atty acids
in c ooking oils or f ats t o s oap or f oam.
Self-ex pell in g A fire ext inguis her in w hic h t he agents hav e
sufficient v apor pres sure at norm al operating tem pera tures to
ex pel thems elv es.
Stored-pressure extinguisher Afire extinguisher in
which both t he extinguishing agent and the ex pellant gas are
kept in a single container; generally equipped with a press ure
indic at or or gauge.
Store d-press ure water -type ex tinguis her A fi re
extinguisher in w hic h w at er or a w at er -bas ed extinguis hing
agent is st ored under press ure.
Ta mper seal A ret aining dev ic e t hat breaks w hen t he locking
m ec hanism is releas ed.
Trig ger T he butt on or lev er us ed t o disc harge t he agent f rom a
port able fire extinguisher.
Underwr ite rs La bora tor ies Inc . (UL) The U.S.
organiz ation that tests and c ert ifies that fire extinguis hers
(among m any ot her products ) m eet est ablis hed st andards.
Wet chemical extinguisher A fire extinguisher for
us e on Class K fires that c ont ains w et chem ic al ext inguis hing
agents.
Wet chemical extinguis hing age nt An e xtinguish-
ing agent for C lass K fires; c omm only us es s olutions of w at er
and potassium acet at e, pot assium c arbonat e, pot ass ium
citrate, or any c ombination t hereof.
Wetting-a gent water-type extinguis her An e xtin-
guis her that ex pels w ater com bined wit h a c hem ical or chem i-
cals to reduc e its s urf ac e t ension.
Wheeled fire extinguisher A portable fire e xtin-
guis her equipped wit h a c arriage and w heels intended t o be
trans port ed to t he fire by one pers on.
 Yo ur bri ga de i s di sp atche d t o res p o nd t o a r ep ort of a s mall fir e lo cated o n a s caffol d
in a c o nstru ctio n ar ea of th e facility. Up o n y o ur ar rival, t he fire bri ga de lea der i nf or ms
yo u that t he wo o de n scaffol di n g decki n g b oa rd s h ave bee n i g nite d by s pa rks fr o m a
wel di n g j o b i n th e ar ea. T he bri g ad e lea de r sa ys th at it a p pear s as if t her e is a ve ry
s mal l fire co ntai ne d t o t he s caffol d a rea b ut s o me active pi pi n g syste ms ar e als o
locate d i n the area. He re q uests that y o u a n d y o ur pa rtn er o btai n a n exti n g uis he r
fro m t he first- d ue p u mpi n g ap pa rat us a n d exti n g uis h t he fir e. Th e pu mp i n g
ap par atus car ries a 2. 5 -gal lo n wate r exti n g uis her , a 30 - p o u nd A B C dry ch e mical
extin g uis her, a 20 -p o u nd car b on di oxi de exti n g uis her, a n d a 30 - p ou n d cla ss D
extin gui sh er.

1. Bas ed on t he initial inf orm ation prov ided by t he fire
brigade leader, w hat w ould your first choice of fire ext in
guis her from the p um ping apparat us be?
A. The 30-pound class D extinguis her.
B. The 20-pound c arbon dioxide ext inguis her.
C. The 2.5-gallon w ater extinguis her.
D. The 30-pound ABC dry chemic al ext inguis her.
2. The fire brigade leader reminds y ou t o us e the P-A-S-S
met hod to plac e t he ext inguisher into operation. W hat
does P-A-S-S stand f or?
A. Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeez e the trigger, and
Sweep the nozzle.
B. Pull the pin, Activat e the agent, Sw eep the nozz le, and
Suff ocat e the fire.
C. Press the button, Aim the nozzle, Sw eep t he nozz le,
and Suffoc ate t he fire.
D. Press the plunger, Aerat e the agent, Squeeze t he trig
ger, and Sw eep the nozzle.
3. What is t he prim ary adv ant age of us ing a stored-pres sure
wat er ext inguis her rather than a ABC dry c hem ic al extin
guis her f or a ty pic al class A fire?
A. The wat er extinguisher low ers t he t em perat ure and
thus prev ent s rekindling.
B. The wat er extinguisher has a longer eff ective range
(35 t o 40 f eet ) t han t he dry c hem ic al ext inguis her
(5 t o 30 feet).
C. Bot h A and B.
D. There is no real advant age t o us ing a w ater extin
guis her ov er an ABC dry chemic al ext inguis her.
4. W hic h of the follow ing is an incorrect st at em ent regarding
the general us e of ext inguis hers?
A. Alw ays ensure that t he ext inguis her is operat ing c or
rect ly prior to att acking t he f ire.
B. Aim the stream at the bas e of t he fire.
C. Att ack t he f ire from uphill and upwind w henever
possible.
D. If the extinguis her empt ies prior t o f ull ext inguis hm ent
of the fire, turn and im m ediately run from the area.
5. What are the requirem ents for recharging the extinguis her
after y ou are finis hed us ing it ?
A. The extinguis her must be rec harged only if it is com
pletely em pty.
B. The extinguis her m ust be recharged after every us e,
ev en if it w as not c om plet ely disc harged.
C. The extinguis her c an be recharged by fire brigade
mem bers only aft er it is v erif ied t o be empt y by the fire
brigade leader.
D. Extinguishers cannot be recharged; they m ust be
replac ed w ith new ext inguis hers.