TECHNICAL DRAWING

Fire Fighting Equipment

Assignment #1

Members – Ella Sahai

Ashana Naraine

Kriston Amsterdam

Maria Yhann

Teacher: Miss Raven Rogers

Date finished : October 19, 2021.

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Fire Fighting Equipment

Introduction

Source: (Hesenmeir, 2008)

Firefighting is a profession that has a lot of dangers that come with it, and it is important to have

equipment that protects our firefighters. Firefighting equipment were first invented in the 1730’s

when Jacobus Turk, who was referred to as the “caretaker” of New York, created a fire helmet.

This helmet was used until 1836, when Henry T. Gratacap designed a helmet that was more

effective. Gratacap’ s helmet is what firefighters use today, and is referred to as the ‘traditional’

helmet. Firefighting uniforms were the next thing to be reinforced into firefighting. The uniforms

were starting to be made of wool which would protect them in cold and hot environments. The

pants and coats were also made of wool and the firefighters would wear a cotton shirt under it.

Leather boots were also included in the uniform. Masks are an important part in firefighting

because it protects them from the harmful smoke and debris from fires. Some other firefighting

equipment include: fire trucks, fire hoses, fire extinguishers and axes. It is important for people

to have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in their homes as well. Firefighting equipment can

be very useful in the case of emergencies in modern day society, where there has been an

increase in fires everywhere.

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What is a fire?

Sources: (Learning, 2009), (Harris, 2016)

A fire is a chemical reaction that has a visible effect due to it being a process of combustion. Fire

occurs due to reactions between oxygen and any other type of fuel. Heat, fuel and oxygen are

necessary for a fire to continue to stay alive. Fuel is heated to an extent where it starts to release

gas from the surface and form a fire due to oxygen reacting with it. The flames of a fire can vary

based on what you’re burning and how hot it is. This is cause by uneven temperature.

Types of Fires

Source: (Kidde, 2019)

There are five different types of fires that are divided into Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and

Class K. These classes allow people to understand the type of fire and how the best way to

extinguish it.

Class A

This type of fire involves combustible items such as paper, wood and plastics. This can be

extinguished with water. This is the most common type of fire. To put out a Class A fire, the heat

needs to be extinguished or you can eliminate the source of oxygen. Class A fires can be caused

by lighting a match or knocking over a candle.

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Source of Image: (Fire Class, 2012)

Class B

Sources: (Kidde, 2019) (Class B Fire, 2020)

These fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline and oils. These liquids have a high carbon

content. There compounds are highly combustible. This type of fire can be extinguished using by

creating a wall between fuel and oxygen. This is known as smothering. Foam is the best agent

against Class B fires. Class B fires can be started due to accidents with gas or oils such as spills

in a flammable area.
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Source of Image: (Fire Extinguishers, 2011)

Class C

Source: (Fire Class, 2012)

This type of fire involves electrical appliances and equipment such as wires, outlets and circuit

breakers. Carbon Dioxide is the best extinguisher for a Class C fire. Class C fires can be started

by faulty wiring, overcharged devices or frayed power cords.

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Source of Image: (Fire Safety, 2017)

Class D

Source: (Fire Class, 2012)

This type of fire is caused by metals that are combustible such as titanium and magnesium. A dry

powder fire extinguisher works best for these types of fires. These fires can be started during lab

experiments.
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Source of Image: (Fire Safety, 2017)

Class K

Source: (Fire Safety, 2017)

This type of fire involves cooking and involves the combustion of liquids used to prepare food.

These can be fueled by cooking fat, animal fat or vegetable fat. These fires can be very

dangerous and destructive. Wet chemical extinguishers are the best to use in this situation.

Source of Image: (Fire Safety, 2017)

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Colour Codes of Extinguishers

Source: (Hatton, 2018)

There are five different types of fire extinguisher colours.

 Blue

 Black

 Cream

 Red

 Yellow

Blue

The Blue code is a dry powder extinguisher. These can be used on Class A, B and C fires. It

cannot be used in enclosed places because it is very easy to inhale the powder. There is a

standard dry powder extinguisher that is used on electrical fires while the special one is used on

fires with flammable metals. This works by coating the fire with a thin layer. It can be used on

wood, coal, cardboard, paper and diesel. Blue code fire extinguishers can be found in welding

businesses and buildings that use flammable substances.

Black

The Black code is a Carbon Dioxide extinguisher. These are mostly used on electrical fires. It

works by suffocating the fire by displacing the oxygen with the carbon dioxide. It can be used on

diesel or petrol. You can find black code extinguishers in commercial kitchens or office blocks.

Cream
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The Cream code is a foam extinguisher. This is recommended for fires that occur due to

flammable liquids such as paint and oil. The foam in these types of extinguishers are non-toxic

and safe. It can be used on wood and paper. Places with foam extinguishers are schools and

warehouses.

Red

The Red code is a water extinguisher and is the most common to be found in buildings and

businesses. This extinguishes the fire by putting water on it so that it can die out. This type of

extinguisher is not to be used on electrical fires, kitchen fires involving cooking oils or gas fires.

Yellow

The Yellow code is a wet chemical extinguisher and it dispenses foam. The wet chemical is

soapy and works as a blanket to stop the fire. It can be used on cooking fires and wood or coal.

This can be found in canteens or kitchens.

Image of Colour Codes of Fire Extinguishers

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Class B Fire. (2020, September).

Fire Class. (2012).

Fire Extinguishers. (2011).

Fire Safety. (2017).

Hampton. (2020). Colour Codes of Fire Extinguishers.

Harris, T. (2016, May). How Fire Works.

Hatton. (2018). Fire Extinguisher Codes.

Hesenmeir, P. (2008, June). The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment. Fire Engineering.

Kidde. (2019, September). Types of Fires.

Learning, S. (2009, November). What is fire?

Ashana Naraine
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How to use a fire extinguisher

1: pull the pin to break the temper seal

2: Aim low, directing the nozzle or hose at the fire's source. Do not touch the horn because it is

very cold and you can get hurt.

3: squeeze the handle to release the extinguish substance.

4: sweep from side to side at the source of the fire until it is out.

Other fire equipment:

Smoke alarms

Sprinklers

Fire Blankets
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References

https://www.marsden-fire-safety.co.uk/resources/fire-extinguishers/using-a-fire-

extinguisherhttps://www.jimsfiresafety.com.au/types-fire-safety-equipment

Kriston Amsterdam

Safety guidelines and procedures for the various ranges of fires

Class A- Class A fires are extinguished by cooling the fuel to a temperature that is below the

ignition temperature. Water and other extinguishing agents are effective in putting out a Class A

fire. They can also be extinguished using the dry chemicals used for Class A, B and C fires.

Class B - This type of fire is best extinguished by creating a barrier between the fuel and the

oxygen, or a smothering effect. Dry chemical, foam, vaporizing liquids, carbon dioxide and

water fog can be used to extinguish a Class B fire, depending on the circumstances of the fire.

Class C- Remember, Class C fires can be extremely hazardous due to the explosive nature of the

gas. As such, only attempt to extinguish a Class C fire if it is safe to do so – if in any doubt call

your local fire station

Class D - The best and only recommended way to extinguish a Class D fire is to use a dry

powder fire extinguisher. This works by smothering the fire, and therefore the oxygen within it,

and also absorbing the heat contained within the fire, eventually leading to its extinction.
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Class K- No other type of fire extinguisher will be successful at putting out a Class K fire. Class

K fires can only be extinguished with Class K extinguishers, and should never be sprayed with

water as this can increase the spread of the cooking liquids.

Preparing and maintaining report of usage

Make sure the extinguishers are up to date and the instructions are in line with the Government’s.

Make sure that all extinguisher gauges are checked regularly to avoid a faulty extinguisher.

Make sure that the extinguishers are check monthly to avoid issues and to make sure that all are

working. Make sure that all extinguishers are recharged and placed back in original position so

that it is easy to access.

resources.impactfireservices.com

uwosh.edu

Maria Yhann

Storage and maintenance of the extinguishers

The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with

access in an emergency.

The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle

should be in the green zone

The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.

The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
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There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off any

corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.

fire-extinguisher101.com

Fire Escape Plan

Drawn by ella

Conclusion

Firefighting is a profession that has a lot of dangers that come with it, and it is important to have

equipment that protects our firefighters. A fire is a visible combustion that comes in many

different types. Each type of fire has a different way of being put out and each way fits the fire.
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All personal should be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher, and all personal should be aware

of the ways and rules that come with one, you should always have an escape plan that is

practiced every month in case of emergency. Everyone should have different types of equipment

to help put out a fire but to also warn you when I fire is near.

References

Class B Fire. (2020, September).

Fire Class. (2012).

Fire Extinguishers. (2011).

Fire Safety. (2017).

Hampton. (2020). Colour Codes of Fire Extinguishers.

Harris, T. (2016, May). How Fire Works.

Hatton. (2018). Fire Extinguisher Codes.

Hesenmeir, P. (2008, June). The History of Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment. Fire

Engineering.

Kidde. (2019, September). Types of Fires.

Learning, S. (2009, November). What is fire?

https://www.marsden-fire-safety.co.uk/resources/fire-extinguishers/using-a-fire-extinguisher

https://www.jimsfiresafety.com.au/types-fire-safety-equipment
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resources.impactfireservices.com

uwosh.edu

fire-extinguisher101.com