Print this page Overview of Portable Fire Extinguishers
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
Shall I be using
a stored water extinguisher on energized electrical fires?
It is important, to equip your home and workplace with the proper fire extinguishers
as part of your safety plan but it is equally important to be aware of the proper
identification, proper selection and proper use of fire extinguishers.
This 3-hour course is designed to provide basic information on the portable
fire extinguishers and is intended for everyone.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be able to identify the different classes of fires
- Be able to select and properly use the appropriate fire extinguisher
- Be aware of
the requirements of statutory codes
Portable fire extinguishers
are valuable fire fighting tools in putting out small fires. Extinguishers are
classified by the types of fire that they can extinguish. Some extinguishers
are suitable for extinguishing only one type of fire, while others can be effective
on multiple types.
For fire extinguishing to be effective, the most important thing is to identify
the type of fire and use an appropriate extinguisher. Care must also be taken
in their operation and use.
This course discusses fire extinguishing methods, types of extinguishers and
their proper selection, location, identification, maintenance and use.
The course covers the following:
o Description & Classification
o Type of Extinguishers & Effective Ratings
o Selection, Location, Identification & Distribution
o Application, Operation, Inspection, Maintenance and Training
Course
Content
The the course content is in a PDF file Overview of Portable Fire Extinguishers . You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Course Summary
A portable fire
extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing
it until the fire department arrives.
Portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly,
the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.
To help in choosing the proper extinguishers, fires are classed A, B, C, or
D, according to the type of fuel (e.g., paper, grease, oil) that is involved
in the fire. Extinguishers are available for use on one or more classes of fire,
depending on the extinguishing agent they contain (e.g., water, dry chemicals,
CO2 or foam).
Location and accessibility of fire extinguishers are vital considerations. Extinguishers
are more likely be used when they are readily available in sufficient number
and type to persons familiar with their operation.
Related Reading
National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), Fire Protection Handbook, 17th edition. Quincy, MA:
NFPA, 1991. Check section 5, chapters 23 & 24.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Fire Code 10 - "Portable
Fire Extinguishers".
Once
you finish studying the
above course content,
you need to
take a quiz
to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
