TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODULE 1

Concept of Fire
CHAPTER 1 Chemistry of Fire
1.1 Triangle of Fire
1.2 Fire Tetrahedron
CHAPTER 2 Classes of Fire
2.1 Class “A” Fire
2.2 Class “B” Fire
2.3 Class “C” Fire
2.4 Class “D” Fire
2.5 Class “K” Fire

CHAPTER 3 Sources of Fire

CHAPTER 4 Causes of Fire

4.1 Electrical Appliances and Installations
4.2 Cookers, Associated Cooking Equipment and Installations
4.3 Naked Lights and Flames
4.4 Heaters and Heating Systems
4.5 Children Playing with Fire
4.6 Flammable Liquids
MODULE 2
Firefighting Tools and Equipment
CHAPTER 1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1.1 Helmet
1.2 Protective Hood
1.3 Protective Coat and Trousers
1.4 Gloves
1.5 Safety Shoes or Boots
1.6 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
1.7 Personal Alert Safety System (PASS)
CHAPTER 2 Firefighting Equipment
2.1 Fighting Apparatus
2.2 Aerial Fire Apparatus
2.3 Fire Hose
2.4 Nozzle
2.5 Spanner Wrench
2.6 Fire Hose Assembly
2.6 Forcible Entry Tools
2.7 Ladders
CHAPTER 3 Fire Protection System
3.1 How Does a Fire Protection System Function
3.2 Classification of Fire
3.3 Fire Extinguishers
Types of Fire Extinguishers
MODULE 3
Fire Operation Strategy
CHAPTER 1 Fire Behavior Indicators
1.1 Building
1.2 Smoke and Air Track
1.3 Flame
CHAPTER 2 Stages of Fire
2.1 Ignition / Incipient Stage
2.2 Growth Stage
2.3 Fully Developed/Flashover Phase
2.4 Decay Phase
CHAPTER 3 Phases of Fire Operation
3.1 Pre- Fire Planning
3.2 Size up
3.3 Rescue
3.4 Exposure
3.5 Confinement
3.6 Ventilation
3.7 Extinguishment
3.8 Salvaging
3.9 Overhaul
3.10 Post Fire Analysis
CHAPTER 4 Fire Response Capabilities
4.1 Total Response Time Components
4.2 Staffing/Crew
4.3 First Unit Arrival
4.4 Initial Alarm Arrival
(Assemmbly of Effective Response Force)
4.5 Intervention Time
4.6 Challenges to Response Capability
4.7 Assessing System Resilience
CHAPTER 5 School-Based Disaster Risk Management
5.1 Terminology
5.2 Comprehensive School Safety Framework(CSSF)
MODULE 4
Basic Life Support
CHAPTER 1 First Aid
CHAPTER 2 First Aid Kit
CHAPTER 3 How to Do First Aid
3.1 Basic First Aid for Cardiac Arrest
3.2 Burns
3.3 Choking
3.4 Fracture
3.5 Wound
CHAPTER 4 Safe Lifting and Carrying Techniques
4.1 Victim Drag and Carry Techniques

MODULE 5
School Emergency Response Team
CHAPTER 1 Emergency Action Plan
1.1 Emergency Action Plan
1.2 Emergency Evacuation Instructions
CHAPTER 2 Constitution of SERT
CHAPTER 3 Members of SERT
3.1 SERT Chief
3.2 Assistant SERT Chief
3.3 Firefighting Team
3.4 Rescue / First Aid Team
3.5 Communication / Security Team
3.6 Evacuation Team
Monitoring and Evaluation
Notes
References
Module 1:

Concept of Fire
The Goals and Objectives
GOALS :
1. An in-depth understanding on the concept of fire.
2. A comprehensive knowledge of the principles of identifying how a fire will
start and spread.
OBJECTIVES :
1. Explain the chemistry of fire
2. Differentiate the classes of fire
3. Identify the sources of fire
4. Explain the causes of fire

Chapter 1:
Chemistry of Fire

Fire is the active principle of burning, characterized by heat and light of

combustion. It is a rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical
processes of combustion, releasing heat , light and various reaction products. It is
neither solid nor liquid. Fire is a chemical reaction which results in light and heat and
it is usually occurs only in the gas phase. Solids must be heated first, to decay and
produce gases a process called pyrolysis. Liquids must be heated to produce
ignitable mixtures in air (vaporization).
For a fire (combustion) to occur, four components must be present: fuel,
oxidizing agent, heat, chemical chain reaction.

Fire - is the active principle of burning characterized by the heat and light of
combustion.
 Instructions for Facilitator:

Presentation of set of pictures will be done by the facilitator through power

point presentation. The learners will analyze and write three important observations
they have. Questions will be asked to make meaning out of them:
1. How did you compare the set of pictures?
2. Which of them can cause fire? Why?
3. How will you describe a fire?
4. The topic about the chemistry of fire, classes, sources, and causes of
fires will be explained to learners. ( Power point Presentation will be
provided )
5. Self-Evaluation will be given to the teachers and learners

Self- Evaluation
Direction: How much did you learn about the following?
Put a check (√) in the appropriate box.
3– learned but need some clarifications
2- learned but need some clarifications
1- Learned little

For Delegates

3 2 1
I can distinguish fire from explosion
I can now easily classify the types of fire in our
community-home, school.
I can explain the fire triangle focusing on the factors
essential for a fire to start and once started to remain
to burn.
I can recognize the sources of fire
I understand the causes of fire in the community
I can explain the main elements of the fire process.
 I am now ready to share my knowledge to my
students and people in the community.

Combustion – is a rapid chemical combination of a substance with oxygen,

involving the production of heat and light. It is a complete complex reaction that
requires a fuel (in the gaseous or vapor state), an oxidizer, and heat energy to come
together in a very specific way.

Fuel – Initially, the fuel may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas at the
ambient temperature.

Heat – is the energy component of the fire tetrahedron. When heat comes
into contact with a fuel, the energy supports the combustion reaction.

Oxygen – is the oxidizing agent to the combustion process. With a

diminished amount of oxygen, the combustion process is slowed (Eg. Rusting) .
With abundance amount of oxygen, the chemical reaction is accelerated.

1.1 TRIANGLE OF FIRE

The ‘ fire triangle ‘ is a simple representation of the three factors

necessary for a fire to start and once started continues to burn. All
materials have the ability to burn if supplied with sufficient heat to
cause the molecules to break down and give off vapor. Once the
vapor or gas is released it is that which ignites, causing more heat to
be released, propagating further reactions - the fire process has
begun. As the material that is involved with the combustion or fire
decomposes the material that is involved with the combustion or fire
decomposes the material that is left has less ability to react, ultimately
causing the fire to die down and go out (Furness, 2007).
*Always present in the air *Hot Surfaces

*Additional sources from * Electrical

equipments

Oxidizing agents * Static

electricity

*Smoking /
Naked flames

*Flammable gases
* Flammable Liquids

* Flammable Solid

The decomposition of the material in this way is known as pyrolysis and the
smoke that can be seen when a fire occurs is in fact unburnt products of pyrolysis
included in the vapors given off.

FUEL SMOKE
FIRE
OXYGEN
HEAT
IGNITION/HEAT
 1.2 FIRE TETRAHEDRON
For many years the concept of fire was symbolized by the
Triangle of Combustion and represented, fuel, heat, and oxygen.
Further fire research determined that a fourth element, a chemical
chain reaction, was a necessary component of fire. A tetrahedron
can be described as a pyramid which is a solid having four plane
faces. Essentially all four elements must be present for fire to occur,
fuel, heat, oxygen, and a chemical chain reaction.

The four sides represent HEAT, FUEL, OXYGEN, and uninhibited CHAIN
REACTIONS.

A. Chemical Chain Reaction

Is a series of where the products of the reaction contribute to another
reactions. This transformation of products to reactants allows a reaction to
continue with minimal or no outside influence. These chain reactions are
generally triggered by a single initial reaction where an unstable product from
the first reaction becomes the reactant CO2. This is how fire spreads (heat
transfer).
There are three “phases” to a chemical chain reaction: first being the initiation
or the initial spark, the next being the propagation, and the final state being the
termination where the system reaches a stable state.

B. Heat Transfer
• Conduction – is the transfer of heat from one body to another by direct
contact of the two bodies or by an intervening heat-conducting medium.
 • Convection – is the transfer of heat energy by the movement of heated
liquids or gases from the source of heat to a cooler part of the environment.
It is the most common method of heat transfer; when liquids o gases are
heated they become less dense and will expand and rise.

• Radiation – is the transfer of heat by infrared radiation (heat waves, e.g., the
sun) which generally is not visible to the naked eye.

CHAPTER 2:

Classes of Fire
2.1 CLASS “A” FIRE
- Solid combustible materials of organic nature such as wood, cardboard, paper,
hardboard, rubber, soft furnishings such as carpets and curtains, in which
combustion normally takes places with the formation of glowing embers.

2.2 CLASS “B” FIRE

- Flammable gases and liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paint, lacquers, tars, and
other synthetic or oil-based products. This type often spread rapidly and,
unless properly secured, can rekindle after the flames are extinguished.

2.3 CLASS “C” FIRE

- Involves energized electrical equipment, such as wiring, controls, motors, data
processing, panels or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, power
surge or short circuit and typically occur in locations that are difficult to reach
and see.

2.4 CLASS “D” FIRE

- Combustible metals, such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
Combustible metal fires are unique industrial hazards which require special dry
powder agents.

2.5 CLASS “K” FIRE

- Involve combustible cooking oils and fats, special extinguishers are
available to handle.
Chapter 3:
Sources of Fire

In order for a fire to start, there has to be sufficient heat from an initiator or
ignition source. Sources of ignition can be found everywhere such as in workplace,
school, and home. These sources of ignition could be open flames, hot surfaces,
electrical sparks (internal or external), electrically generated arcs, friction (machinery),
chemical reactions, or even the compression of gases.
The following are sources of ignition that have been considered to start a fire:

• Smokers’ materials
• Matches
• Cooking appliances
• Central and water heating devices
• Blowlamps, welding and cutting equipment
• Electrical distribution
• Other electrical appliances
• Candles

In addition to those sources identified above, other common sources of heat

in the workplace include:
• Electrostatic discharges
• Ovens, kilns, furnaces, incinerators or open hearths
• Boilers, internal combustion engines or oil burning equipment
• Lightning.
Chapter 4:

Causes of Fire
The common causes of major accidental fires in the workplace, school, and
home fall under the broad headings of:

• Electrical appliances and installations

• Cookers, associated cooking equipment and installations
• Naked lights and flames
• Heaters and heating systems
 • Chemical and LPG (hazardous materials)
• Smokers and smokers’ materials
• Waste and waste management systems
• Other significant causes.

4.1 Electrical appliances and installations

Fires that are caused by electrical appliances and installations are the most
common cause of fires in both industry and the home. There are a variety of
different ways that electricity flowing through equipment and installations can
cause a fire.

Overloaded wiring
Where the electric current flowing in the wires exceeds the rating of the
cables, the wiring heats up and melts the insulation and can set fire to flammable
material nearby. These are commonly found in flexible cables or cords, or
consumer panel/power board leads. There have also been a number of fires
involving electrical extension leads, where the cable has remained fully wound on
the cable drum. The flow of electricity and the tightness of the fully wound cable
prevent heat dissipation causing overheating and a fire to start. Loose wiring
connections – the current flowing through the wiring encounters resistance at the
connection and generates heat.

4.2COOKERS, ASSOCIATED COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATIONS

Cookers, cooking equipment or other equipment or installations used for the
heating of food, provide range of sources of ignition and fuel have the potential
to initiate and exacerbate a fire. Electrical fires associated with cooking fall
under the category already covered in the previous paragraph. However, failing
thermocouples and other heat controlling devices can also causes fires. These
generally occur due to a fault and a lack of preventive maintenance.

4.3Naked lights and flames

By their nature lightning units emit heat; the amount of heat will generally
depend upon two factors, the wattage or energy consumption and the type of
light, such as halogen lamps, incandescent units or fluorescent trip lighting. As in
the case of all fires, the lights themselves will need to be positioned close to or
touching a combustible material, or in the case of flammable mixtures in air,
provide sufficient heat or an ignition source to ignite the vapors. Halogen lighting
(high heat output) is becoming more popular within industry and it used to light
 both internal and external signage. If the signage itself is combustible and the
halogen unit has been installed incorrectly or poorly maintained the lighting unit
may come into contact with the signage starting a fire.

4.4Heaters and heating systems

Fires caused by heaters and heating systems can be divided into two key
areas; those that are caused by faulty system including poor design,
inappropriate installation or lack of planned preventive maintenance; and those
that are caused by inappropriate use or misuse. Poor design and installation can
allow the heat produced from the system to come into direct contact with
combustible materials, perhaps such as wall linings through which the system’s
ducting is routed.
Inappropriate positioning of combustible or flammable items in close
proximity to heaters and parts of heating systems may prevent air circulation,
causing a heat build-up, or if these materials are in direct contact or within range
of any radiated heat a fire may start.

4.5Playing with a Fire

Children causes fire out of curiosity (what happens when something burns)
or mischief (they’re angry, upset or destructive, and fire is a major taboo to
break). Kids may be involved in fire play if you find matches or lighters in their
room/possession, smell Sulphur in their room, and /or find toys or other personal
effects that appear melted.

4.6Flammable Liquids
Vapor from flammable liquids – fuels, solvents, cleaning agents, thinner,
adhesives, paints, and other raw materials – can ignite or explode if used or
stored improperly. The vapor can easily ignite from even just high temperatures
or weak ignition sources (one spark of static electricity). Vapor being heavier
than air, may travel some distance to an ignition source and then flash back.
Don’t store flammable liquids near a heating source but ideally, outside the room
in a cool ventilated area, in approved flammable liquid container.

Important Notes
As stated before, Supreme Court recognizes three(3) basic causes of fire:
1. Act of God or Providential fires –
Are caused by act of God, like lightning and erupting volcanoes. They cannot
be controlled or prevented by man (i.e.lightning, spontaneous heating, rays
of sun).
2. Accidental fires –
Are caused mostly by human negligence and human errors, such as
smoking in bed, leaving, plugged electrical appliances like flat irons, air
conditioning units, and defective LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) containers.

3. Intentional fires –
Are those set on purpose with a motive, legally classified as arson or
incendiarism, such as burning a structure for insurance or to cover up
another crime.
 Module 2:

Firefighting Tools and

Equipment

The Goals and Objectives

GOALS :
1. Recognition of the firefighting tools and equipment and know their importance.
2. The proper use of firefighting tools and equipment properly during an emergency.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Enumerate the different personal protective equipment and their importance.

2. Identify the different firefighting tools and equipment essential for use during an
emergency and explain their proper usage.
3. Differentiate the classes of fire protective system Instructions for Facilitator:

The facilitator will start the session by asking the learners to complete the ABC’s of Firefighting Tools
and Equipment. The learners will provide possible answers.

A B C D E F G
Air tanker Breathing Coat Fire truck
apparatus
Conventional fire
apparatus
Extinguisher Gloves
Booster hose
Aerial Fire Fire hose
Apparatus

H I J K L M N
Helmet

Ladder Nozzle

Helitack

O P Q R S T U
Protective hood Sprinkler System
 Trousers

PASS Relay hose Suction hose

Turntable ladder

Safety hose

V W X Y Z

Water Tender

The facilitator will also present his own ABC’s of Firefighting Tools and Equipment. The following
processing questions will be asked to the learners:

1. Are you familiar with these tools and equipment?

2. How important are these in case of emergency?

The facilitator will discuss thoroughly the following topics using a powerpoint presentation with
videos:

1. Personal protective equipment

2. Firefighting equipment
3. Fire protection system
3.1 two classes of fire protection systems
3.2 fire protection system function
4. Fire extinguisher to be used for different classes of fire.
5. Self- Evaluation will be given to the teachers and learners.

Self – Evaluation

Direction: Complete the statement below to assess the things that you have learned today.

• Now, I can easily identify the

• I know these are very important to/for
• I really appreciate the fire protection system because

Chapter 1:

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment is a general term for the equipment worn by fire emergency service
responders. This covers a variety of devices and garments designed to protect firefighters from
serious injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical,
mechanical or other hazards (firerescue 1.com). This include helmet, coats, trousers, boots,
protective gloves, protective hood, SCBA, and PASS devices (cram.com).

1.1 HELMET
For centuries, firefighters have worn helmets to protect them from heat, cinders and falling
objects. Although the shape of most fire helmets has changed little over the years, their
composition has evolved from traditional leather to meatls (including brass, nickel and
aluminum), to composite helmets constructed of lightweight polymers and other plastics.

1.2 PROTECTIVE HOOD

It is provided to protect the head, ears, neck and face, except the eyes, from heat and short
duration flash.
1.3 PROTECTIVE COAT AND TROUSERS

Provides most of the thermal protection from ambient heat – the more thermal protection, the longer
it will take for the firefighter to feel the heat. Fire suit overtrouser have been designed for structural
and external firefighting to protect firefighters from extreme heat.

1.4 GLOVES

Protect hands from burn injuries, cuts, and wounds.

1.5 SAFETY SHOES OR BOOTS

Protective footwear that protect feet and lower legs from burn injuries and puncture wounds during
emergency operations.
1.6 Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Protects the face and lungs from toxic smoke and products of combustion.

1.6 PERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEM (PASS)

Provides life safety protection by emitting a loud shriek if the firefighter collapses or remain
motionless for approx. 30 seconds.
Chapter 2:

Firefighting Equipment
Fire fighting equipment is designed to extinguish fires to protect the user from fire. This may
be used by trained fire fighters, untrained users at the scene of fire, or built into a building such as
sprinkler’s system.

Is generally equipped with pump, water tank, hoses, nozzle and other tools. It contains water,
water enhancers to fight fires.

2.1 FIGHTING APPARATUS

These are vehicles that have been customized for use during firefighting operations to assist in
fighting fires by transporting firefighters to the scene and providing them with access to the fire,
along with water or other equipment.

A. Conventional Fire Apparatus

The standard fire engine is an apparatus designed primarily for firefighting operations. The
primary purpose of the engine is transporting firefighters to the scene, providing a limited
supply of water with which to fight the fire, and carrying tools, equipment and hoses needed
by the firefighters. The tools carried on the fire engine will vary greatly based on many
factors including the size of the department and what sort of terrain the department must
handle.
B. Turntable Ladder Firetruck (aerial)

Is perhaps the best-known form of special purpose aerial apparatus, and is used for forcible
entry, ventilation, search and rescue, and to gain access to fires occurring at height using a
large telescopic ladder, where conventional ladders carried on conventional appliances
might not reach. The name is derived from the fact that the large ladder is mounted on a
turntable on the back of chassis, allowing it to pivot around a stable base. To increase its
length, the ladder is telescoping. Modern telescopic ladders are either hydraulic or
pneumatic. These mechanical features allow the use of ladder which are longer, sturdier,
and more stable. They may also have pre-attached hoses or other equipment.

C. Heavy Rescue Vehicle

Is a type of specialty firefighting or emergency medical services apparatus. They are

primarily designed to provide the specialized equipment necessary for technical rescue
situations such as traffic collisions requiring vehicle extrication, building collapses, confined
space rescue, rope rescues and swiftwater rescue. They carry an array of special equipment
such as the Jaws of life, wooden cribbing, generators, winches, hi-lift jacks, cranes, cutting
torches, circular saws and other forms of heavy equipment unavailable on standard trucks.
D. Hazardous materials apparatus

Vehicle used for investigations of potentially dangerous goods

E. Airport Crash Tender

Are extremely powerful machines. They offer relatively good acceleration (for such large,
heavy vehicles), are able to negotiate rough terrain outside the airport area, carry large
capacities of water, and firefighting foam, are fitted with powerful high-capacity pumps, and
water/foam cannons and capable of delivering firefighting media over long distances.
 F. Water tender

Is a water truck with a watertank carrying from 2000 to 5000 gallons of water, high capacity
volume water pumps and possibly secondary high pressure fire pumps, soft suction and
hard suction hoses and connections, fire hose connections, and a fast drafting capability.

2.2 AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS

The types of aircraft used and helicopters to fight fires. It may use chemical to include water, water
enhancers such as foams, gels and specially formulated fire retardants such as Phos-check.

A. Air tanker
Fixed-wing aircraft fitted with tanks for dropping water aka Phos-Check

B. Helitack
Helicopters used in aerial fighting
2.3 FIRE HOSE
Is a high-pressure hose that carries water or other fire retardant (such as foam) to extinguish
a fire.

A. Attack Hose
Hose is a fabric-covered, flexible hose used to bring water from the fire pumper to the
nozzle.

B. Jacketed hose: Single (200 psi) / double (300 psi)

Very durable with excellent kink, snag and abrasion resistant.

C. Relay Supply Hose

 Large-diameter, fabric-covered, flexible hoses used to bring water from a distant
hydrant to the fire pumper or to relay water from one pumper to another over a long
distance.

D. Booster Hose
Rubber-coated, thick walled, flexible hose used to fight small fires and usually attached
permanently at the side of fire engine.

E. Suction Hose
Sometimes called hard suction, is usually a rubber-covered, semi-rigid hose with
internal metal reinforcements.

2.4 NOZZLE
 - Device designed to control the direction or characteristics of a fluid flow (especially
to increase velocity) as it exits (or enters) an enclosed chamber or pipe.

A. Turbojet Nozzle
Is a constant gallonage nozzle (flow remains the same in all patterns) with
multiple flow settings for operator flow control.

B. Industrial/spray Nozzle
Industrial combination nozzle has the option of either a fog stream or a straight
stream.

C. Straight Nozzle
Deliver water at higher GPM and over greater distances in a concentrated
stream.

2.5 SPANNER WRENCH

 - Tightens and loosens rocker lug and pin lug hose connection.

2.6 FIRE HOSE ASSEMBLY

- Expansively used in firefighting applications, usually these are complete set of
firefighting accessories installed in a cabinet.

FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS

A. Pike Pole
Industrial combination nozzle has the option of either a fog stream or a straight stream.

B. Fire Axe
Is use for chopping, battering door stop.

C. Crowbar
 Removing nails, prying apart boards, and generally breaking things.

2.7 LADDERS
One of the basic and effective tools for rescue funtion in the fire ground is the ground ladder.
It can also be used for many functions when called upon. One of the basic functions is to
gain access to elevated areas of the building.

A. Roof ladders
Easy accessing the window and provide hook and safety steps in working on the
roof.

B. Extension ladders
Spring load locks operate smoothly. Pivoting shoe with slip resistant pad.

C. Combination ladders
 May be used as a self-supported stepladder and as a single or extension ladder.

D. Pampier ladders
Aka scaling ladder; single-beam ladder with rungs projecting from both sides.

E. Silo Ladder
Provided with cage for safety.

Chapter 3:
 Fire Protection System

The lives of those in school or in any establishment would be at risk in case of an

emergency if there is no fire protection system. The fire protection system should be an
important component of any building’s safety plan. This system has been designed to
help the building and its occupants during a fire
(http://news.lifesafetyservices.com/blog/building-fire-protection-system, 2017). Fire
protection systems help with fire detection and help reduce damage to the building,
expensive equipment, documents, and inventory.

There are two classes of fire protection systems. Passive Fire Protection system use
system that do not require any motion or action in order to work like fire and smoke
dampers, fire walls/barriers, and fire doors. Active Fire Protection system used some
amount of actions to notify of the fire and smoke conditions, help slow the growth of the
fire or to help put out the fire altogether. Examples of these are fire alarm system,
sprinkler system, and fire extinguisher/hydrant. Fire protection system play a crucial role
in providing protection to the building and its occupants; hence, to ensure the complete
safety of both the building and all its occupants, there should be both passive and active
protection system which are maintained and kept up-to-date.

3.1 HOW DOES A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM FUNCTION?

Fire protection system work in different ways, but all have common goal to detect a
fire and protect the building, its occupants, and valuables. If a fire sparks, a common
protection system like a smoke detector and a sprinkler works in such a way that the
smoke sets off the detector causing the sprinkler system to activate. The water protects
against the spread of fire. These systems detect and suppress fire making the
occupants safe and protected.
3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE
The effectivity of putting out a certain fire depends on two main factors:
• The right kind of extinguishing agent
• The correct method of applying that agent.
3.3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle specific types of fire. There are different
types of fire extinguishers used for different classes of fire. Each type of
extinguisher is ergonomically designed for the safe and effective discharge of its
contents. Extinguishers contain different materials that make them suitable for
fighting certain types of fires. For them to be effective, they should be used
appropriately or they may prove ineffective or in fact aggravate the fire if not used
properly (Burton, 2015).

TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

A. HCFC (HYDROCHLOROFLUOROCARBON) 123 Fire Extinguishers.

HCFC 123 is a clean extinguishing agent that removes heat and displaces oxygen from
the combustion zone. It effectively extinguishes Class A, B and C fires by cooling and
smothering.
B. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher.
It is a multipurpose fire extinguisher suitable for class A, B and C fires.

Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical
reaction of the fire triangle. This is most widely used type of fire extinguisher today and the
multipurpose dry chemical is effective on class A, B , and C fires. This agent also works by creating a
barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires. Ordinary dry chemical is
for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the
incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.

C. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguisher.

This type of extinguisher is primarily intended for use on Class B and C fires.

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for places with a lot of electrical equipment such offices or
server rooms because they are safe to use on fires involving electrical apparatus. Carbon dioxide
extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a foam extinguisher. They can also be used on Class B
fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffin or petrol. CO2 extinguishers work by
smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air.

D. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Fire Extinguisher.

It is suitable for class A and B fires only. Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and
B fires. They are most suited to extinguishing liquid fires such petrol or diesel and are more
versatile than water jet extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as wood and
paper. The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing
flammable vapour reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel.

E. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher.

It is a fire extinguisher suitable for class A, and K fires.

Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for use in Class K fires involving cooking oils and
fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter. They are extremely effective
when used correctly. The wet chemical rapidly knocks the flames out, cools the burning oil
and chemically reacts to form a soap-like solution, sealing the surface and preventing
re-ignition. Although they are primarily designed for use on Class K fires, cooing oils and
deep fat fryers, they can also be used on Class A fires (wood, paper and fabrics) and Class B
fires (flammable liquids).

F. Dry Powder extinguishers.

Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical except that they extinguish the fire by
separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element of the fire
triangle. However, dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal fires only.
They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.

WHEN USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, REMEMBER TO PASS:

• Pull the pin while holding the nozzle away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly, and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side.