FIRE TECHNOLOGY

AND
ARSON
INVESTIGATION

Prepared by: Riechel M. Villarta,RCrim

Fire Technology- is the study of the organization and function of fire prevention and suppression techniques;
fire behavior, combustible materials, extinguishing agents, hazardous and toxic material; fire protection
techniques and systems; fire command and fire management.
Fire behavior- is the manner in which fuel ignites, flame develops, and fire spreads. It is sometimes used to
distinguish characteristics of one particular fire from typical fire characteristics.
Arson investigation- deals with the knowledge and study that guide the students in providing some of the
aspects, the cause and the point of origin of the fire.
FIRE - is the rapid oxidation of a substance often with the evolution of heat and light in varying degrees of
intensities.
-a reaction involving fuel and oxygen that produces heat and light energies

IMPORTANCE OF FIRE
 source of warmth and light
 protection against enemies
 cause chemical changes to foodstuffs to suit man’s body structure
 provides processes for modifying chemicals into medicines
 provides heat to convert wood, metals, and bones into domestic tools or instruments for aggression

The Fire Triangle – the graphical representation of the three elements of fire, namely: oxygen, heat and fuel.

ELEMENTS OF FIRE
1. HEAT- a form of energy generated by the transmission of some other form of energy, as in combustion or
burning.
Heat sources:
1. Open flame 4. Hot surfaces
2. Electrical circuit 5. friction
3. Sparks 6. All sources of ignition

2. OXYGEN- colorless, odorless gas one of the compositions of air which is approximately 21% by volume. It
is not combustible, but support combustion.
 Oxygen sources: oxygen requirements
1. 21% of normal oxygen 1. 12% - no fire
2. 78% of nitrogen 2. 14%- flashpoint
3. 1% of other gas 3. 21%- firepoint

Physiological Effects of Reduced Oxygen (HYPOXIA)

Oxygen in air present Symptoms
21% - normal condition
17% - same impairment of muscular coordination: increase in
respiratory rate to compensate for lower oxygen content.
12% - dizziness, headache, rapid fatigue
9% - unconsciousness
6% -from respiratory fatigue and concurrent heart failure.

FUEL- is the material or substance being burned in the combustion process. In scientific terms, the fuel in a
combustion reaction is known as the reducing agent.
Fuel sources:
1. Solid- molecules are closely packed together
2. Liquid- molecules are loosely packed with definite volume but no definite shape.
3. Gas- molecules are free to moved
Common types of solids:
1.Coal 5. Plastic 9. Saw dust
2. Wood 6. Paper 10. sugar
3. Wax 7. Cork 11. grain
4. Grease 8. Leather 12. Others
Common types of gases:
1. Natural gas 4. hydrogen
2. Propane 5. acetylene
3. Butane 6. Carbon monoxide and others
Common types of liquids
1.Gasoline 5. alcohol
2. Kerosene 6. oil
3. Turpentine 7. water
4. Cod liver oil 8. Milk or juice
• combustion that results is an example of a gas-to-solid reaction.
FIRE TETRAHEDRON- a flaming combustion, fuel and the oxidizing agent are both in the gaseous state;
hence this is referred to as GAS-TO GAS-REACTION.

For combustion to occur, four elements are necessary:

1. oxygen (oxidizing agent)
2. fuel (reducing agent)
3. heat (temperature)
4. sel-sustaining chemical reaction(the fourth element)
COMBUSTION - a self-sustaining chemical reaction producing energy or products that cause more reactions
of the same kind. Combustion is an exothermic reaction. Fire is a rapid, self-sustaining oxidization process
accompanied by the release of heat and light of different intensities. The time it takes a reaction to occur
determines the type of reaction that is observed.
Products of combustion
1. fire gases- are those that remain when other products of combustion cool to normal temperature. Common
combustibles contain carbon, which forms carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when burned. Other fire gases
include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, nitrous and nitric oxide, phosgene, and
hydrogen chloride.
- the records of fatal fires show that more people died from inhaling these super -heated and toxic fire gases
than any other cause.
-the complete combustion of fuels containing carbon will produced CO2, but seldom will there be enough
oxygen for complete combustion. When only part of the carbon is oxidized, carbon monoxide is formed. While
only part of the carbon is oxidized, carbon monoxide is formed. While carbon monoxide is not the most toxic
fire gas, it causes more deaths than any other because it robs the body of oxygen.
Types Of Poisonous Gases
 HYDROGEN SULFIDE (H2S)
– a fire gas formed during fires involving organic material containing sulfur, such as rubber, hair, wood,
meat, and hides. It is colorless, highly toxic gas with the strong odor of rotten eggs.
• HYDROGEN CYANIDE (HCN)- a toxic fire gas found in oxygen-starve fires involving nitrogen-
containing materials such as wool, silk, urethane, polyimides and acrylics. This gas also used as a
fumigant which can pose serious danger to firefighters working in recently fumigated buildings.
Hydrogen cyanide smells like bitter almonds which may not be easily detected.
• HYDROGEN CHLORIDE(HCL)- a gas which can be fatal after only a few breaths is produced in
fires involving chloride containing plastic. Plastics can be found anywhere from furnishings to electrical
insulation, conduit and pipings.

FLAME - The luminous body of a burning gas which gets hotter and less luminous when mixed with more
oxygen. Flames fades when carbon burns completely, so flame is considered a product of incomplete
combustion.
Types of flames
A. According to color and completeness of combustions
1. LUMINOUS FLAME- a reddish-orange in color; it deposits soot because it is a product of
incomplete combustion; it has lower temperature
2. NON -LUMINOUS FLAME -bluish in color; it does not deposit soot because it is a product of
complete combustion; it has a higher temperature than luminous flame.
B. According To Burning Fuel And Air Mixture
1. PREMIXED FLAME- example of a Bunsen burner
2. DIFFUSION FLAME -example of flame of the oxyacetylene torch.
C. Based On Smoothness
1. LAMINAR FLAME -(smooth flame) flame is laminar when a particle follows a smooth path
through a gaseous flame.
2. TURBULENT FLAME -(rough flame) those having unsteady, irregular swirls and eddies.

NATURE OF FIRE
Even the most flammable materials (capable of being easily ignited) do not actually burn. The vapor given off
by a material is the part that burns. When a piece of wood is ignited, the fire is not from the burning wood,
rather, from the vapors that are given off by the wood. The heat causes the substance in the wood to vaporize.
The heated vapors mix quickly with oxygen in the air and fire results. This process is known as pyrolysis.

PYROLYSIS – refers to the chemical process whereby fire consumes the most solid part of the fuel. It is the
thermal decomposition of solid fuel through the action of heat.

The process of pyrolysis involves the following:

1. The fuel is heated until its temperature reaches its fire point;
2. Decomposition takes place- moisture in the fuel is converted to vapor;
3. Decomposition produces combustibles vapors that rise to the surface of the fuel. These
combustible vapors are technically termed as free radicals;
4. free-radicals undergo combustion if proper amount of oxygen is present.
The common type of free-radicals (combustible vapors):
1. hydrogen gas
2. carbon monoxide
3. carbon dioxide
4. nitrogen

Heat - is the product of combustion that is responsible for the spread of fire. It is also the direct cause of burns,
dehydration, heat exhaustion and injury to the respiratory.
Methods Of Heat Transfer
• CONDUCTION- the transfer of heat from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower
temperature by increased kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is passed from molecule to molecule.
• CONVECTION- it is the transfer of heat through a circulating medium, usually air or liquid. Heat
transfer in convection is cheaply responsible for the spread of fire in the structure.
• RADIATION- the process of heat transfer by means of infrared radiation , a form of electromagnetic
wave.

TEMPERATURE UNIT
1. CELSIUS DEGREE -the melting point of ice is 0 ̊̊C and the boiling point of water is 100 ̊C
2. FAHRENHEIT DEGREE –the melting point of ice is 32 ̊F while the boiling point of water is 212 ̊F
3. KELVIN OR ABSOLUTE –is the same scale, the melting point of ice is 273 and boiling point of water is
373 ̊K
4. RANKINE –is another temperature scale employing absolute zero as its lowest point in which each degree of
temperature is equivalent to one degree on the Fahrenheit scale. The freezing point of water under this scale is
492 ̊R
 • Smoke - a visible product of incomplete combustion, a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, CO, CO 2 and finely
divided particles released from the burning material.
DANGER OF SMOKE
• Makes seeing difficult
• Curtails breathing
• Limit working ability of fire fighters
• The following are the suggested safety precautions
• Keep face as low as possible
• Always move with caution in a smoke-filled area
• Use breathing apparatus if smoke is too dense
Meaning of color of smoke and fire
1. Black smoke with deep red flames -Petroleum products, tar, rubber, plastics.
2. Heavy brown smoke with bright red flames - Nitrogen products
3. White smoke with bright white flames -Magnesium
4. Black smoke with red and blue green flames -asphalt shingles
5. Purple, violet or lavender flames - Potassium
6. Greenish yellow flames - Chlorine or manganese
7. Bright reddish yellow flames - Calcium
8. Smoke of the usual color found in most fires that change to yellow or grayish yellow - Usually
indicate a backdraft condition.
The smoke and flames observed just prior to the arrival at the fire scene may be utmost importance

PROPERTIES OF FIRE
A. Physical properties
1. Specific gravity- the ratio of the weight of a solid or substantive to the wight of an equal volume of
water
2. Vapor density- the weight of a volume of pure gas compared to the weight of a volume of dry air at
the same temperature and pressure.
3. Vapor pressure- the force exerted by the molecules on the surface of the liquid at equilibrium.
4. Temperature- the measure of thermal degree of the agitation of molecules of a given substance; the
measure of he molecular activity within a substance.
5. Boiling point- the constant temperature at which the vapor pressure of the liquid is equal to the
atmospheric pressure.
6. Ignition temperature or kindling temperature- the minimum temperature to which the substance in
the air must be heated in order to initiate or cause self-contained combustion
without the addition of heat from outside sources.
7. Fire point- the temperature at which the material will give off ample vapors to keep burning. There is
usually about 5 to 10 degrees difference between the flashpoint and the fire point
of most materials
8. Flashpoint- the temperature at which a material is not hot enough to keep burning, but still gives off
enough vapors to cause a flame to “flash” across the surface. The term
“flashpoint” is used to express the condition of a fuel vaporizing, whether or not it
is vaporizing fast enough to keep burning.
B. chemical properties:
1. endothermic reaction- are changes whereby energy (heat) is absorbed or is added before the reaction
takes place.
2. exothermic reaction- reactions or changes that release or give off energy (heat) thus they produce
substances with less energy than the reactants.
3. oxidation- a chemical change in which combustible material (fuel) and an oxidizing agent react.
4. combustion/flame- the manifestation of fire when the fire is in its gas-phased combustion. A matter
that is produced by fire.
Vapor density- the term used to explain the weight of vapors is” vapor density”. In order to measure the weight
of these vapors we usually compare them to air, which is considered to have a vapor density of 1.00. therefore,
if we say that a substance has a vapor density of 1.5, it means that it is on-and-a—half times as heavy as air
under the same conditions of pressure and temperature. If a substance has a vapor density of .7, it is lighter than
air weighing only 7/10 as much as an equal volume of air.
The following chart list the vapor density (air=1) for some of the more common flammable materials:

MATERIALS VAPOR DENSITY

Acetylene 0.9
Butane 2.0
Gasoline 3-4
Hydrogen 0.1
Kerosene 3.0

Phases of burning/ the three stages of fire:

1. incipient/ beginning phase- it is the initial stage of fire.
Characteristics:
a. Normal room temperature
b. Oxygen plentiful
c. Thermal updraft rise accumulates at higher point.
d. Flame temperature of 1000 degrees F.
e. Producing pyrolysis products: (CO2,CO, SO2 water vapor, &other gases)

2. free-burning phase- the second phase of burning in which materials or structures are burning in the presence
of adequate oxygen.
Characteristics:
a. Fire has involved more fuel
b. Oxygen supply is depleted
c. Heat accumulate at upper area
d. Temperature exceeds 1,300 degrees F (705 ̊C)
e. Area is fully involved
Smoldering phase- the final phase of burning wherein flame ceases but dense smoke and heat completely fill
the confined room.
Characteristics:
a. Flames may die and leave only glowing embers or super-heated fuel under pressure with little
oxygen
b. Intense heat will vaporize lighter fuel components, such as hydrogen and methane, increasing the
hazard
 c. Temperature throughout the building is very high and normal breathing is not possible
d. Oxygen deficiency may cause backdraft.

DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR OF FIRE

1. BACKDRAFT – sudden and rapid burning of

heated gasses in a confined area that occurs in the form
of explosion

2. FLASHOVER- sudden ignition of accumulated

radical gases produced when there is incomplete combustion
of fuels

3. FLASH FIRE-known as a dust explosion. this may

happen when the metal post that is completely covered with dust is going
to be hit by lightning. the dust particles covering the metal burn
simultaneously thus, creating a violent chemical reaction that produces
a very bright flash followed by explosion

4. ROLLOVER -the point at which gases

produced by pyrolysis ignites.

5. BITEBACK -a fatal condition that takes

place when the fire resists extinguishment operations and
become stronger and bigger instead.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE
A. based on cause
-the cause of a fire usually can be determined from a detailed inspection of the charred debris, combustibles,
devices and residues located at the point of (or with the area of) origin. Theoretically, the cause of a fire can be
categorized into three classifications:
• NATURAL – wildfire also called forest bush or vegetation fire, can be described as any uncontrolled
and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest grassland brush
land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels based on environmental condition (e,g; wind
topography.
 • ACCIDENTAL CAUSES OF FIRE-Is one of the fire investigator’s most difficult duties. Unless all
relevant accidental causes can be eliminated, the fire must be declared accidental, the presence of direct
evidence to the contrary notwithstanding.
Some typical accidental causes of a fire that may have to be eliminated are listed below:
1.Electrical malfunction
2. Gas or oil service malfunction
3. Building heating equipment
4. Improper installation or maintenance in the operation of the secondary heating equipment
(e.g, heaters, wood stoves)
5. Cooking- related accidents
6. Misuse or failure of appliances
7. Open flames (e.g, candles, burning leaves) sparks (e.g, statics electricity)
8. Children and pets
9. Improper storage of combustible/flammable
10. smoking
 INTENTIONAL FIRE-when all accidental and providential causes have been eliminated, the
investigator begins to look for an incendiary cause. this requires the answers to a series of questions
about the fire. a well trained fire investigator will automatically look for the unusual, the absence of
normal, and the presence of something different from what one would normally expect for the
occupancy. in mercantile occupancy where arson is commonly committed for insurance profit, it is
always for the investigator to check if there has been a substitution of junk or second-hand
merchandise, for the type that would normally be expected.

B. Based on burning fuel

1. CLASS “A” –It involves ordinary combustible materials, such as wood paper, plastic, textile etc.
Extinguishing agent- WATER

2. CLASS “B”- It involves flammable liquid or gas

Extinguishing agent- FOAM, DRY POWDER, CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

3. CLASS “C” – Electrical fires involving appliances or hard wares using electricity
Extinguishing agent- DRY POWDER, CARBON DIOXIDE, VAPORIZING LIQUID FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

4. CLASS “D” OR METAL FIRE- Examples of such metals include sodium, titanium, magnesium, potassium,
steel, uranium, lithium, plutonium, and calcium. Generally, metal fire risks exist when sawdust, machine
shavings and other metal ‘fines’ are present. Generally these fires can be ignited by the same types of ignition
sources that would start other common fires.
Extinguishing agent- water and other common firefighting materials can excite metal fires and make them
worse. The NFPA recommends that metal fires be fought with dry powder extinguishing agents. Dry powder
agents works by smothering and heat absorption.

5. CLASS “K” OR KITCHEN FIRE- Fires that involves cooking oils or fats. These kind of fires are usually
originating at the kitchen during cooking. Though such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable
liquid/gas class, the special characteristics of these types of fires are considered important enough to recognized
separately.
Extinguishing agent- FOAM, DRY POWDER, CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
INTENSITY OF FIRE- means simply “how hot the fire is burning” some types of fuels naturally burn hotter
(more intensely) than others. For example, a gasoline fire burns hotter than a wood fire, while an acetylene
flame is hotter than a gasoline flame.
Factors to determine the intensity of fire:
1. type of fuel
2. percentage of oxygen present

MAGNITUDE OF FIRE- means the size of a fire, and it is governed by the surface area of fuel exposed to the
air. The magnitude of fire is not always determined by the amount of fuel involved but more often buy the
amount of fuel exposed to the air.

IGNITION TEMPERATURE- is the degree of heat necessary to ignite flammable vapors. This temperature
can come from an external source (match, sparks, and friction): or if the fuel itself is raised to this temperature,
auto-ignition (self-ignition) will occur.
The following are the flashpoint and ignition temperatures for some of the more common fuels

FUEL FLASHPOINT IGNITION TEMPERATURE

Gasoline 60-80 octane -45 ̊F 536-700̊ F
JP-4 30̊ F 468̊ F
Kerosene 100̊ F 444̊ F
Cleaning solvents 100-110̊ F 450̊ F
Paper approx. 350-400F approx. 475 F

OXIDATION- in nearly all fires oxidation takes place by using the oxygen that is present in the atmosphere.
However, in some cases, certain chemical compounds known as oxidizing agents are involved. Though not
flammable themselves, when they are heated or when they come in contact with water, they give off oxygwn
which in turn, supports the burning of flammable materials.

EXTINGUISHING AGENT
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT THEORY
- fire is extinguished by limiting or interrupting one or more of the essential element’s in the combustion
process (fire tetrahedron).
 1. COOLING – the cooling process uses an extinguishing agent whose primary characteristic is heat
absorption. Water is the best general cooling agent for firefighting purposes. Used an class A fires, the
water absorbs the heat generated at the surface of the burning material, thus, reducing the temperature of
the material below its flashpoint. Water can be also used on Class B fires, which include flammable
petroleum products.

2. SMOTHERING- to separate the fuel from oxygen. This can be considered as an attack on the edge of
the fire tetrahedron where the fuel and oxygen meet.
3. SEPARATION- the removal of the fuel, as in the example of turning off a valve in a gas line prevents
the fuel and oxygen from coming together.

4. CHAIN BREAKING/INHIBITION OF CHEMICAL REACTION- to disrupt the chemical process

that sustains the fire (the chain reaction side of the tetrahedron). The sequence of events in suppressing or
extinguishing a fire with dry chemicals or vaporizing liquids includes some aspects of the first three methods

MOST COMMON EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

1. Water- used only on class A fires. Water is the most effective in cooling the burning material below its
ignition temperature. It is the most commonly used agent in firefighting due to its conductive properties, water
should not be used on electrical fires.
2. Carbon dioxide- a number of its properties make CO2 a desirable extinguishing agent. It is non-combustible
and non-reactive with most substances. CO2 provides its pressure for discharge from storage cylinders or
extinguishers. Being a gas, CO2 can penetrate and spread to all parts of fire.

3. Dry chemical –Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust,
separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire,
so these extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fire. These extinguishers will be found in a variety
of locations. New buildings will have them located in public hallways. They may also be found in laboratories,
mechanical rooms, break rooms, chemical storage areas, offices, university vehicles, etc. Dry chemical
extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires may be located in places such as commercial
kitchens or areas with flammable liquids.

4. Dry powder- generally extinguishes fires by excluding air from the combustible metal. To some extent, heat
is absorbed by the powder to lower the temperature of the metal to below ignition point
- Dry powder is used primarily on class D fires and should not be used on other types of fire, due to its
limited value on fires.
5. AFFF(aqueous film forming foam)- has replaced protein foam for all around firefighting purposes. The
quick knock-down and heat reduction properties of AFFF have proven it to be highly effective agent. These
properties combined with its ability to seal the surface of burning hydrocarbon fires to prevent flashback, make
it an outstanding and effective extinguishing agent with which to work. When AFFF is applied to the surface of
a flammable liquid fire , the surface active material (surfactant) provides a vapor sealing effect. This is not only
extinguishes the fire but also prevents the release of fuel vapors which could result in flashback. This vapor seal
is also very hard to breakup by walking, or moving some hose lines through it.

6. HALONS(halogenated agents)- these agents have been used for 50 years. Continuous research has brought
these agents to the present high degree of effectiveness in interrupting the chain reaction they possess along
with a decrease in life safety hazard. The older (better know) agents such as carbon tetra-chloride (halon104)
and chlorobromomethane (HALON 1011) are less effective and more toxic than the newer agents now in use.
Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane) is a gas at normal temperature, but with its relatively high boiling
point requires pressurization to expel it at a satisfactory rate for extinguishment. Halon 1211 as a gas.

Halon 1301 (bromotrifluoromethane) is treated as a liquified gas and like carbon dioxide, requires no
pressurizing agent for expulsion at normal temperature. Nitrogen may be added to storage containers when
temperature is below 0F, to ensure adequate discharge pressure. It is the least toxic of the halons. This low
toxicity allow for safe discharge from total flood systems in occupied spaces such as computer rooms.

Halons is a generic term for halogenated carbon hydrocarbons and is a chemical compound that contains carbon
plus one more elements from the halogens series (fluorine chlorine, bromine, or iodine). Halogenated vapor is a
non-conductor of electricity and is effective in fighting surface fires in such commodities as flammable liquids,
most solid combustible materials, and electrical fires it is effective in controlling or extinguishing surface fires
involving flammable liquid, solids, or gases, such as dip tanks quench tanks spray booths, oil-filled transformers
or vapor vents.

7. FOAM EXTINGUISHING AGENT- foam is blanket of bubbles that extinguishes fire mainly by
smothering. The bubbles are formed by mixing water and foam making agent (foam concentrate). The result is
called a foam solution. The various foam solutions are lighter than the lightest flammable oils. Consequently,
when applied to burning oils, they float on the surface of the oil.
-used to form a blanket prevents flammable vapors from reaching the fuel. Fire cannot exist when the fuel and
oxygen are separated. The water in the foam also has a cooling effect, which gives foam its class A
extinguishing capability. The ideal foam solution should flow freely enough to cover a surface rapidly yet stick
enough to provide a long lasting seal. Rapid loss of water would cause the foam to dry out and breakdown from
the high temperatures associated with fire the foam should be light enough to float on flammable liquids, yet
heavy enough to resists winds.
Limitations in the used of foam
- Because they are aqueous (water solutions) foams are electrically conductive, and should not be used on
live electrical equipment.
- Like water, foams should not be used on combustible-metal fires.
- Many types of foam must not be used with dry chemical extinguishing agents. AFFF is nan exception to
this rule and may be used in a joint attack with dry chemicals
- Foams are not suitable for fires involving gases and cryogenics (extremely low temperature) liquids.
However, high expansion foam is used on cryogenics liquid spills to rapidly warm the vapors to
minimize the hazards of such spills
- Sufficient foam must be on hand to ensure that the entire surface of the burning material can be covered.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- It is a mechanical device usually made of metal, Containing chemicals, fluids, or gases for stopping
fires, the means for application of its contents for the purpose of putting out fire (particularly small fires)
before it propagates, and is capable of being readily moved from place to place.
- It is portable device used to put out fires of limited size.

CLASSES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

Portable fire extinguisher-

-Portable fire extinguisher offer the greatest potential for immediately controlling workplace fires.
Their portability and relatively easy operation often make them ready for use within seconds. However,
training and education is critical to know more on the operations and use of an extinguisher. Users
 should know how to identify extinguishers, what types are available, where they are in the workplace,
and above all, how to use them.
Steps in using p
ortable fire extinguishers: 1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the
TSTEPS IN USING PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:
1. Pull the pin at the top of extinguisher. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed, breaking
the plastic or wire inspection band.
2. Point the nozzle or outlet toward the base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body, unclip it
first
3. Press the handle above the carrying handle to discharge the agent. To stop the discharge, release the handle.
4. Sweep the nozzle in side to side motion before the flames to spread the extinguishing agent. Direct the agent
at the base of the flames. After the fire is out, probe for smoldering hot spot or liquids that could reignite. Make
sure the fire is out. Back away from the fire area to protect yourself from possible danger or flashback.
e base of the fire. If the hose is clipped to the extinguisher body, unclip it first

Semi portable/ wheeled extinguisher

- These types of extinguisher provide a way of getting a sizeable amount of extinguishing agent to a fire
rapidly. These units are designed for in plant protection and offer a considerably longer agent discharge
period and greater firefighting power capacities range from 100 to 350 lbs. of dry chemical agent.
Generally, nitrogen in a separate tank releases the agent through a flexible hose tipped with a spray
nozzle.

Steps to operate a wheeled type extinguisher:

1. Open the compressed gas cylinder to pressurize the
agent;
2. Free the hose from its reel and move toward the fire;
3. Point the nozzle toward the base of the fire;
4. Squeeze the nozzle to discharge the agent. To stop
discharging nozzle action.
CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHERS(CO2)- mainly by smothering. It dilutes the air surrounding the fire
until the oxygen content is too low to support combustion. For this reason it is effective on class B fires, where
the main consideration is to keep the flammable vapors separated from oxygen in the air. CO2 has a very
limited cooling effect. It can be used on class A fires in confined spaces, where the atmosphere may be diluted
sufficiently to stop combustion. However, CO2 extinguishments take time. The concentration of carbon dioxide
must be maintained until all the fire is out. Constraint and patience are needed.
-carbon dioxide is sometimes used to protect areas containing valuable articles
- carbon dioxide is used to knock down on a class A fire. It is particularly effective on fire involving.
1. flammable oils and greases
2. electrical and electronic equipment, such as motors, generators and navigational devices.
3. hazardous and semi-hazardous solid materials such as plastics, except those that contain their own
oxygen (like nitrocellulose)
4. machinery spaces, engine rooms, and paint and tool lockers
5. cargo spaces where total flooding with carbon dioxide may be accomplished
6. galleys containing high value cargo, such as works of art delicate machinery and other material that
would be ruined by water or water-based extinguished agents.
7. spaces where after-fire clean up would be a problem

CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING AGENT

To be fully effective, the gas must be confined. For this
reason CO2 is not effective outside as it is in confined
space.
The CO2 should be directed low with a sweeping motion
for a spill fire, or down at the center of a confined fire. The
effective range for a portable CO2 fire extinguisher is about
1.5m (5ft).

DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER- are chemicals in powder form. Again this should not be
confused with dry powders, which are intended only for combustible metal fires.
Five different types of dry chemical:
1. Sodium bicarbonate- it is the original dry chemical extinguishing agent. It is generally
referred to as regular dry chemical and is widely used because it is most economical dry
chemical agent. It is particularly effective on animal fats and vegetable oils because it
change the substances into nonflammable soaps. Theres is one possible problem with
sodium bicarbonate. Fire has been known to flash back over the surface of oil when this
agent is used.
2. Potassium bicarbonate- this dry chemical was originally developed to be used with AFFF
in a twinned system. However it is commonly used alone, It has been found to be most
effective on liquid fuel fires in driving flames back and has a good reputation for
eliminating flashback is its tendency to cause corrosion after it has extinguished a fire.
3. Potassium chloride- was developed as dry chemical that would be compatible with protein
type foam. Its extinguishers properties are about equal to those of potassium bicarbonate.
One drawback is its tendency to cause corrosion after it has extinguished a fire.
 4. Urea potassium bicarbonate – this British development of which the NFPA says. “Urea
potassium bicarbonate exhibits the greatest effectiveness of all dry chemicals tested”. It is
not widely used because it is expensive
5. Monoammonium phosphate (ABC MULTIPURPOSE)- it is called a multipurpose dry
chemical because it can be effective on class A,B, and C fires. Ammonium salts interrupt
the chain reaction of flaming combustion. The phosphate changes into methaphosphoric
acid, a glassy fusible material at fire temperatures, the acid covers solid surfaces with a fire
temperatures, the acid covers solid surfaces with a fire retardant coating. Therefore this
agent can be used on fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wool and
paper, as well as on fires involving flammable oils, gases and electrical equipment.
However, it may only control but not fully extinguish a deep-seated fire. Complete
extinguishments may require the use of a hose line. In fact it is always prudent or run out a
hose line as a backup when any dry chemical extinguisher is used.
DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHING AGENT- dry powders were developed to control and extinguished fires
in combustible metal, i.e, Class D fires. As mentioned earlier dry chemical and dry powder are not the same.
Only dry powder is intended for combustible metal fires, i.e., those involving Magnesium, potassium, sodium,
and their alloys, titanium, zirconium, powdered or fine aluminum and some lesser-known metals. Dry powders
are the only extinguishing agents that can control and extinguish agents may accelerate or spread the fire, injure
personnel, cause explosions or create conditions more hazardous than the original fire. Dry powders act mainly
by smothering although some agents also provide cooling.
DAMAGE EXTINGUISHERS
Leaked, corroded or otherwise damaged extinguisher shells or cylinders should be discarded or returned to the
manufacturer for repair. CAUTION: never try to repair the shell or cylinder subjected to pressure. If an
extinguisher shows slight damaged or corrosion and it is questionable whether it is safe to use, it should be
given a hydrostatic test by the manufacturer or a qualified testing agency. Leaking hose, leaking gaskets,
nozzles, can be replaced by fire brigade personnel.
TESTING EXTINGUISHERS
1. Service Test - a service test of an extinguisher is an operational test of the extinguisher to see to it that it is
operating properly. This test is normally conducted at least once a year during the scheduled maintenance cycle.
2. Hydrostatic Test - hydrostatic test is an internal pressure check of an extinguisher cylinder or shell to detect
possible failure under pressure. Normally, during the testing the cylinder or shell is filled with water (hydro).
The test should be conducted immediately upon discovering of any indication of mechanical injury or corrosion
to those extinguishers which exert internal pressure.
The test indicates whether the extinguisher parts are capable of withstanding a designated pressure. In general,
the extinguisher if filled with water and liquid pressure is built up within the container or shell with a pump.
Distortion, leaking, or rupture is a sign of failure. Never use gas or air pressure for pressure testing because the
compressed air or gas would expand with destructive force in case of an extinguisher failure. Extinguishers due
for hydrostatic test are normally sent to a testing facility.
NFPA Standard No. 704, Fire Hazards of Materials
Visually illustrates the hazards to firefighters fighting fires infixed installations such as chemical processing
areas, storage and warehouse facilities, and laboratory entrances. The "704Diamond" colored numbers is used to
illustrate the degree of hazard in health and the flammability and reactivity of hazardous materials.
The higher the number (0-4), the greater the degree of hazard. These numbers and symbols are easily
recognized by a fire fighters and they can take immediate steps to protect themselves. Unfortunately, this
method has not been widely adopted by the general public or governmental units other than the fire
departments. Unfortunately, this method has not been widely adopted by the general public or governmental
units other than the fire departments

n of failure. Never use gas or air pressure for pressure testing because the compressed air or gas would expand with
destructive force in case of an extinguisher failure. Extinguishers due for hydrostatic test are normally sent to a
testing facility.
Distortion, leaking, or rupture is a sign of failure. Never use gas or air pressure for pressure test

inge

EMERGENCY ACTION GUIDE FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

IMMEDIATE ACTION
 Get help and notify local authorities
 If possible, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
 Keep upwind and estimate immediate danger area.
 Evacuate according to Evacuation Table

IMMEDIATE FOLLOW-UP ACTION

Fire:
 Move containers from fire area if without risk
 Cool containers with water from maximum distance until fire is out
 Do not get water inside containers
 Do not use water on leaking container
 Stay away from ends of tanks.

Spill or Leak:
 Do not touch spilled liquid
 Stop leak if without risk
 Use water spray to reduce vapors
 Isolate area until gas has dispersed
 Do not get water inside container
First Aid:
 Bring victim to fresh air and open area.
 Call for emergency medical care. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.
 If victim is not breathing, give artificial respiration If breathing difficult, give oxygen.
 If victim contacted the material, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 15
minutes.
 Remove contaminated clothes
 Keep victim warm and quiet.