Week 3

16 August, 2011

For homework we did some research in anticipation of today's lesson. We researched classes of fire and fire extinguishers.

I found the following two websites to be helpful:

FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA
www.fpaa.com.au

and

FIRE AND RESCUE NSW
www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au

 

This week was spent learning about fire safety and emergencies.

For a fire to continue burning, three components are required:

1. Oxygen
2. Fuel
3. Source of Ignition
 

Fires can be divided into five classes:

Class A - Fires involving common combustibles
Common combustibles include paper, wood, textiles and plastics. Water is the best means to fight a Class A fire.

Class B -Fires involving flammable liquids
Flammable liquids include petroleum products like oil, petrol, kerosene, alcohol, paints and paint thinners and solvents.  A CO2 foam extinguisher is best used to fight this type of fire.

Class C - Fires involving gases
Common combustibles include LPG, butane, acetylene, hydrogen, natural gas and methane. Dry chemical or vaporising extinguishers are used to fight Class C fires.

Class D - Fires involving combustibles chemicals/metals
Common chemicals/metals include potassium, sodium, lithium, aluminium and magnesium. Special dry extinguishers are used for this type of fire.

Class E - Electrical fires
Involves live electricity or electrical equipment. Can include motor, generators, computers, lights, plugs and switches or cables. Fight Class E fires with dry chemicals CO2 or vaporising extinguishers.

Class F - Fueled by cooking oil or fat
Often in the kitchen area. Use wet, dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers to fight this type of fire.

 

We also briefly discussed evacuation proceedures and what to do in the event of such.