Page 17 - Shawl Weaving Artisan - TT

Textile & Handloom Related Theory for Exercise 1.1.03&04
Shawl Weaving Artisan - Textile Fibers and Safety

Fire fighting method and use of fire extinguishers

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• scientific principles of fire, including the fire triangle and fire tetrahedron
• classify different types of fires based on their fuel sources
• explain various firefighting methods such as cooling, smothering, starvation, and chemical inhibition
• identify the different types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate usage
• learn the correct method of operating fire extinguishers using the pass technique.

Introduction: Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid d Chemical flame inhibition
oxidation or burning of a fuel. While fire can be useful, • Interrupts the chemical reaction using dry chemical
it becomes dangerous and destructive if uncontrolled. agents.
Firefighting refers to the methods used to prevent,
control, and extinguish fires. Understanding the correct 3 Types of fire extinguishers and their uses
firefighting techniques and proper use of fire extinguishers
is essential for personal and workplace safety. Type of Extinguishing Used for
extinguisher agent
1 Classes of fire
Water Water (cooling) Class A only
Fires are categorized into different classes based on the Foam Aqueous Film- Class A & B
type of fuel involved: Forming Foam

Class Type of fire Examples (AFFF)
Class A Ordinary combustibles Wood, paper, CO 2 Carbon Dioxide Class B & C
(smothering)
cloth
Class B Flammable liquids Petrol, diesel, oil Dry Chemical Monoammonium Class A, B, and
C
Powder (DCP) phosphate
Class C Electrical fires Short circuits, or sodium
electric appliances bicarbonate
Class D Metal fires Magnesium, Wet Chemical Potassium Class K fires
aluminum acetate (kitchens)
Class K Cooking oils & fats Deep fryers, com- Important: Never use water-based extinguishers on
mercial kitchens
electrical or oil fires.
2 Basic methods of firefighting
4 How to use a fire extinguisher – The PASS
The basic methods of extinguishing fire are based technique
on the fire triangle: Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. Removing P – Pull the pin: This unlocks the extinguisher.
any one of these will extinguish the fire.
A – Aim the nozzle: Aim at the base of the fire.
a Cooling method
S – Squeeze the handle: Discharge the extinguisher.
• Involves lowering the temperature using water or
cooling agents. S – Sweep side to side: Cover the area evenly.
• Mostly used for Class A fires. 5 Importance of fire extinguisher maintenance
• Not suitable for electrical or oil fires. • Check pressure gauges regularly.

b Smothering method • Ensure extinguishers are accessible and not
blocked.
• Removes oxygen by covering the fire with foam,
CO , or fire blankets. • Conduct regular inspections and servicing.
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• Suitable for Class B and Class C fires. • Provide proper training to staff and family
members.
c Starvation method
• Cuts off the fuel supply, like shutting off gas valves
or moving combustible materials away.

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