Dos and Don’ts of fire fighting
MODULE 1 BASIC FIRE FIGHTING
1. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES
On completion of this module you must be able to:
1. List the dos and “don’ts’ of general principles be adopted when conducting basic firefighting.
2. Identify the various types of extinguishers and fire hose systems to be used for various classifications of fires.
3. List elements necessary for combustion to take place.
4. List the elementary elements to starve the fire of oxygen and combustible material.
2. AIM
The aim of this module is to ensure that the security officer knows how a fire starts and what extinguisher to use for a specific fire.
Dos and Don’ts of fire fighting
The general principles to be adopted when conducting basic firefighting.
2.1 Do’s
Ensure that back-up assistance is available before tackling a fire.
Ensure that an escape route is available before committing yourself to tackling the fire.
Follow instructions on the extinguishers label
Break the seal remove the safety device,
Check operation of the unit by briefly activating the control mechanism before approaching the fire.
Apply extinguisher medium to base of the flames and moving the nozzle with rapid side-to-side action.
Drive the flames away from you.
For vertical fires start at the base of the flames and move upwards.
If the tire is outdoors approach the tire from the windward side.
When approaching fire adopt a crouching attitude, which provides some protection against heat and smoke –
Keep alert for any changes in the fire pattern.
When tackling a fire involving electrical equipment isolate the power as soon as possible to prevent re-ignition
Ensure that the fire has been completely extinguished and no sparks remain.
2.2 Don’ts
Do not place yourself at risk; if the fire is too big or begins to spread evacuate the area immediately.
Never tilt or invert any extinguisher during operation unless it is turnover type.
When extinguishing the fire of a flammable spillage, never walk on the spillage area in case the flames flashback.
When tackling flammable liquid fires, use a controllable discharge typo extinguisher medium until the fire is completely extinguished.
When the fire has been extinguished, back off slowly and never turn your back on it.
3. TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
There are 3 types of portable extinguishers commonly in use:
3.1 Water Extinguishers. These extinguishers are most suitable for class A fires.
It is used for its cooling, quenching effect.
3.2 Carbondioxide Extinguishers. These types of extinguishers are most suitable for class C fires. It displaces oxygen around the fire and is non-conductive.
3.3 Dry Chemical Powder Extinguisher. These groups of extinguishers contain dry chemical powders, which have a wide application on class A.B.C.D and E. fires.
4. ELEMENTS OF FIRE
All fires involve 3 common elements
4.1 Fuel (found in 3 forms)
a) Solids – Such as wood, paper and even certain metals,
b) Liquids – Such as petrol, oil, thinners and acetone.
c) Gasses – Such as home gas, hydrogen and methane.
Most substances can burn and it is not always possible to eliminate this element.
4.2 Oxygen
With oxygen all fires will continue to burn Oxygen will not burn, but it supports and maintains combustion, Oxygen is ever in and around fuels and cannot be eliminated.
4.3 Heat
Heat is probably the element over which most control can be exercised in order to prevent fires, Open flames, frictional heat, chemical reaction, Mechanical such as sparks from grinders. Electric current producing a heat buildup.
4.4 Chain Reaction
This element is only relevant to firefighting as it is only present during combustion. It is a chemical reaction during which light and heat are involved. The main factors affecting the chain reaction:
5. METHOD OF STARVING A FIRE
On discovering the fire, you must do everything possible to starve the fire by removing the oxygen or / and Combustible Material.
Close doors and windows to cut the oxygen flow.
Place a fire blanket (Asbestos blanket) over the fire to cut the oxygen
Throw sand on the fire.
Hose down hot walls and floors or the fire itself to cool down
Saturate fire with appropriate extinguisher
Drag combustible articles away or cool them with water.
Turn off all electric mains.
Keep bystanders away.
Clear gates and paths for fire brigade to arrive.
When Fire Brigade arrives indicate location of fire.
Give any assistance possible and protect the property.