volunteer fire brigade training module 3 firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment

FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Fire Brigade Mandatory Training – Version 1.0 August 2012 Training Course provided by the Pre-Fire Planning, Training and Community Relations Section (PFPT-CRS), Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD), Bureau of Fire Protection – 9 (BFP-9) of 31

MODULE 3

FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS, TOOLS

AND EQUIPMENT Trainee Guide



Introduction Welcome, in this module we will discuss about the different firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment used by the modern fire service. Knowing their functions and limitations are important to effectively use them.

Purpose: The purpose of this module is to provide you basic information on the different designs and functions of firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment.

Scope: This module will focus on subjects; firefighting apparatus and equipment; personal protective equipment; fire hose and nozzles; and portable fire extinguisher and ladder with one-hour duration each.

Objectives: By the end of this module, you will:

1. Know the different designs and functions of firefighting apparatus. 2. Know the different equipment used in firefighting. 3. Know the different personal protective equipment and their functions. 4. Know the different kinds of portable fire extinguishers and their functions. 5. Know the different designs and uses of ladders. 6. Be familiar with your own firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment.

Conditions: The instructions you receive in this module is intended for fire brigade members, both old and new ones, with the assumption that you already have knowledge on the general fire subjects but may or may not have knowledge at all about the firefighting tools and equipment needed. Instructions will take place in a classroom environment. Pictures, slideshows and actual fire hoses, nozzles and equipment will be used when necessary and upon availability.



Firefighting Apparatus and Equipment FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS

1. Command Service Vehicle – refers to the vehicle where the fire chief usually ride and use as command post during the firefighting operation. Equipped with radio and other command equipment.

2. Pumper Truck/Fire Engine – a kind of firefighting apparatus designed to use diverse water supply sources as hydrants usually equipped with a water tank and a centrifugal pump. They are effective even at fire sites where water supply is limited or non-existent. Usually equipped with 4,000 liter tank.

3. Water Tanker – this apparatus enables to secure water in scarce areas for speedy firefighting operations. Usually equipped with 10,000 to 25,000 liters capacity of tanks.

4. Chemical Truck – capable of discharging foams which is the most effective means to extinguish not only ordinary Class A, but also Class B fires due to chemicals and flammable liquids. It is equipped with 2,500 liters water tank and the pump proportioning system.

5. Aerial Platform – a firefighting apparatus usually used in firefighting operations of high-rise structures. Used also in rescue operations. It has a working height of 27 meters (90 feet) from the ground.

6. Break Squirt (Water Tower) – a firefighting apparatus equipped with breaking device and monitor nozzle which can reach a height of 23 meters, provide massive fire extinguishing capability especially in close quarters where extra maneuverability is essential.

7. Squirt – sometimes known as Squrt, is a firefighting apparatus equipped with monitor nozzle, which can be rotated 90 degrees horizontally, and 240 degrees vertically with stream pattern ranges from straight to full fog.

8. Rescue and Utility Truck – usually equipped with a winch, loaded with rescue equipment such as bas, rotary saws, hydraulic rescue tools, floodlights and power generators. This apparatus can perform rescue operations in case of fire, earthquake and other disasters.

9. Aerial Ladder – this firefighting apparatus is designed mainly for firefighting high-rise fires and can be used to rescue trapped people as well as to shoot water at high locations. Equipped with a lift and a basket. The rising angle covers from 10 to 25 degrees.

10. Lighting Tower Truck – this apparatus are essential to throw light on firefighting and rescue operations. It has a wide lighting range of 220 degrees. It is so powerful that a newspaper can be read at 100 feet or 32 meters from the light source.

Equipment – those portable tools or appliance carried on fire apparatus but not permanently attached to or part of the apparatus.



FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT

1. Straight Ladder – non-adjustable in length and consist only of one section. Sometimes it is called “wall ladder” and is used for quick access to windows and roofs of one and two-storey buildings. (12’, 14’, 16’, 18’, and 24’).

2. Extension Ladder – is adjustable in length. It consists of two or more sections, which travel in guides or brackets to permit length adjustments.

3. Portable Pumps – usually used during firefighting operations and equipped with fire hose. This is used if fighting fires in forests inaccessible by vehicle or areas with narrow roads.

4. Nozzle–a piece of firefighting equipment used to direct or control a stream of water. The characteristic of the stream of water or fire stream is determined mainly by the nozzle.

5. Variable Nozzle – this nozzle has a mechanism for changing 3 stages, stop, straight stream and fog. 6. Fog Gun – used to fight fire inside a building or underground by straight spot water application or fine

fog application. 7. Straight Nozzle – used to fight fire and it is possible to speed up water stream rectified in the play pipe. 8. Fog Nozzle – it is possible to shoot fine water particles and change fog cones. 9. Revolving Nozzle – the nozzle tip revolves to speed water stream and extinguishes fire in attic or other

confined places. 10. Monitor Nozzles/Deck Guns – these nozzles are used against large fires that need high pressure

master streams. Located in the center of a pumper and can shoot water upon arrival at the scene. 11. Expansion Nozzles – used by mixing foam solution with water at adequate rates to discharge foam.

Depending on the characteristic of fire, low, medium, and high expansion of foams are used properly. 12. Line Proportioner – usually installed in a hose line to suck in and mix foam solution to discharge foam.

It is used to receive the supply of water from a pumper without a foam-mixing device. 13. Fire Hose – a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source of

supply to a point where it is discharged to extinguish fire. 14. Hose Hoist – a device over which rope or hose may be pulled to raise or lower equipment when

firefighters are operating in buildings above the ground level. 15. Hose Clamp – is a tool to shut off the water in hose lines when other control valves are not applicable. 16. Hose Jacket – is used to seal small cuts or breaks, which may occur in fire hose, or to connect

mismatched or damaged coupling of the same size. 17. Hose Spanner Wrench – used to tighten or loosen hose couplings, but this versatile tool can also be

used to close utility cocks, pry and hammer.



RESCUE EQUIPMENT

1. Hydraulic Rescue Equipment – used to rescue victims by hydraulically removing, pulling, bending or cutting obstacles.

2. Hydraulic Cutter and Spreader – cutting operation used hydraulic cutters in narrow space being spread by spreaders in rescue operations.

3. Pneumatic Rescue Equipment – are used to rescue victims by pneumatically removing, moving, pulling, bending or cutting obstacles.

4. Pneumatic Cutter and Spreader – these cutting and spreading tool uses air pressure to operate. 5. Portable Generator – can be carried as a simple power source for light and to power other equipment. 6. Air Blower – is used to remove toxic smokes or send fresh air into an oxygen deficient disaster scene. 7. Oxygen Cutter – special torch supplies oxygen and electricity to a cutting rod to heat it up and cut

metal, non-metal and plastics. 8. Acetylene Cutter – mixes acetylene and oxygen to burn the mixture at the nozzle tip to cut metal. 9. Air Chisel – cuts thin steel plates such as in vehicular or heavy metal plates by the motive of power of

compressed air in non-rotating method. 10. Air Saw – this saw cuts metals by reciprocating a saw-tooth attached to a piston. 11. Rotary Saw – powered by small engine, this saw cuts concrete or wood by speedily rotating a disc

blade. It can be operated by any angle by means of a diaphragm-type carburetor. 12. Hammer Drill – powered by a series wound commutator motor, it drills and crushes rock or brick. 13. Rock Drill – powered by a small engine, crushes concrete, rock or brick by rotating or reciprocating a

drill. 14. Portable Radio – used to communicate commands or information at the scene of fire or any other

situations.

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

1. Oxygen Inhalator – used to mechanically supply a certain amount of oxygen to a victim who needs oxygen inhalation.

2. Artificial Respirator – used to apply an artificial respiration to a breathless patient after maintaining the airway, assist in breathing of or give oxygen to a self-breathing patient.

3. Pulse Oxymeter – designed to measure the pulse frequency and oxygen saturation in arterial blood of a patient. This can also measure electro-cardiac wave pattern or blood pressure.

4. Semiautomatic Defibrillator – designed to electrically remove fibrillation of the cardiac ventricle. This device can automatically analyze the electro-cardiac wave pattern of a patient.

5. Quick Thermometer – detecting the infrared energy emitted from the patient’s eardrum. This thermometer measures the temperature of one’s brain in a short time (about 3 seconds).



Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment – refers to the proper clothing and equipment to provide a firefighter protection on hostile environments where they perform their duties. Inherited limitations must be recognized to avoid overextending its range of protection. This equipment does not necessarily mean guarantee the firefighter’s safety but can reduce and prevented if properly used.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN STRUCTURAL FIREFIGHTING

1. Helmet – protects the head from impact and puncture as well as scalding water.

Functions of Helmets

a. Shed water b. Protect the head from impact c. Protect the head from heat and cold d. Provide face-shield for secondary protection of the face and eyes when SCBA is not required

2. Eye Protection – provides protection against flying particles or splashes especially chemical splashes.

Kinds of Eye Protection

a. Safety Glasses b. Safety Goggles c. Helmet Face-shields d. SCBA Mask

3. Hearing Protection – limits noise-induced damage to the firefighter’s ears when loud noise situations cannot be avoided. Examples

a. Intercom/ear protection b. Earmuffs/ear plugs

4. Protective Hoods – protects the portions of the firefighter’s face, ears and neck not covered by the helmet or coat.

5. Protective Coats and Trousers – protect the trunks and limbs against cuts, abrasions and burn injuries and provide limited protection from corrosive liquids.

a. Firefighter’s Protective Coat 3 components of a protective coat 1. Outer Shell 2. Moisture Barrier 3. Thermal Barrier



The Moisture and Thermal Barrier serves to trap insulating air that inhibits the transfer of heat from the outside to the firefighter’s body. These components protects the firefighter from direct flame contact, hot waters and vapors, cold temperatures and any number of environmental hazards.

b. Firefighter’s Protective Trousers – same as the principle of protective coats except for lower extremities.

6. Hand Protection – protects the hands from cuts, wounds and burn injuries. 7. Safety Shoes and Boots – protect the feet from burn injuries, punctures, wounds and insulated

materials/environment. Kinds of Protective Boots

a. For firefighting and emergency activities b. Safety shoes for fire station wear that includes inspection, emergency responses and similar

activities. 8. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) – protects the face and lungs from toxic smoke and

products of combustion. Four common hazardous atmospheres associated with fires and other emergencies.

a. Oxygen Deficiency – the combustion process consumes oxygen while producing gases that either physically displaces or dilutes its concentration. Physiological Effects of Reduced Oxygen (Hypoxia) Oxygen Percentage Symptoms 21 None; normal conditions 17 Some impairment on the muscular coordination, increase in respiratory

rate to compensate for lower oxygen content 12 Dizziness, headache and rapid fatigue 9 Unconsciousness 6 Death within a few minutes from respiratory failure and concurrent heart failure

b. Elevated Temperature– if air is moist, respiratory tract damage can be much worse; can cause serious decrease in blood pressure and circulatory system failure; inhaled heating gases can cause pulmonary edema.

c. Smoke – suspension of small particles of carbon, tar and dust floating in a combination of heated gases.

d. Toxic Atmosphere Toxic atmosphere associated with fire Factors that particular gases give off:

• Nature of combustible • Rate of heating



• Temperature of the evolved gases • Oxygen concentration

Toxic atmosphere not associated with fire

• Industrial processes • Confined spaces

Breathing Apparatus Limitations

a. Limitations of wearer 1. Physical

• Physical • Agility • Facial Features

2. Medical • Neurological Functioning • Muscular/Skeletal Condition • Cardiovascular Condition • Respiratory Functioning

3. Mental • Adequate training in equipment use • Self Confidence • Emotional Stability

b. Limitations to wearer • Limited visibility • Decreased ability to communicate • Increase weight (additional 11-16 pounds depending on the design) • Decreased mobility

c. Limitations of air supply • Physical condition of user • Degree of physical exertion • Cylinder pressure before use • Training and experience of user



Types of Breathing Apparatus

1. Open-circuit – most commonly used in the fire service, uses compressed air. 2. Closed-circuit – uses compressed air or liquid oxygen, also known as Rebreather Apparatus because

the user’s exhaled air stage within the system reuse.

SCBA Assemblies

• Backpack and harness assembly • Air cylinder assembly • Regulator assembly • Face-piece assembly

2 methods of donning the SCBA

1. Over-the-head method 2. Coat method/Backpack method Note: Donning means how to place your SCBA for use. Doffing, on the other hand refers to the removal of the SCBA after use.

9. PASS (Personal Alert Safety Systems) – provides life-safety protection by emitting a loud shriek if the firefighter should collapse or remain motionless for approximately 30 seconds. This is also called Personal Alert Device (PAD).

National Fire Protection Association 1971 Standards on the requirement for the protective ensembles

• Manufacturer’s name, identification, origination, lot number, serial number and ID number • Manufacturer’s address • Country of manufacturer • Month and year of manufacture • Model name, number and design • Size or size range • Garments material (coats/trousers/coveralls/hoods) • Footwear size and width • Cleaning precautions



Fire Hoses and Nozzles Fire Hose – a type of flexible tube used by firefighters to carry water under pressure from the source of supply to a point where it is discharged. It is the most used item in the fire service. It is used for a number of functions during firefighting operations.

Major Fibers or Materials Used in the Construction of the Outer Jacket of Fire Hose:

a. Cotton b. Nylon c. Rayon d. Vinyl e. Rubber blends f. Polyester fibers

Fire Hose Length

• 50 ft or 15 meters • 100 ft or 30 meters

Dimensions of Hose

• (1925) – 2 ½”, 3”, 3 ½”, 4 ½” • (1935) – ¾”, 1”, 1 ½” • (1955) – 4”, 5”, 6”

Hose Classification by Use

1. Attack Hose – any hose that is used directly to control and extinguish fire. a. Fire department hose – fabric-jacket or rubber-covered construction b. Forestry hose – single-jacket hose c. Standpipe hose – single-jacket hose d. Booster hose – rubber-covered hose

2. Supply Hose – designed to move large volume of water at low pressures, larger than attack hose a. Medium diameter hose – 2 ½” or 3” both for attack and supply hose b. Large diameter hose – 3 ½”, 4”, 4 ½”, 5”, 6”, woven-jacket or rubber-covered

3. Intake Hose – used to connect a fire department pumper or a portable pump to a nearby water source. a. Soft-sleeve hose b. Hard suction hose



4. Fire Extinguisher Hose – used on large extinguisher units that may be stationary, wheeled or vehicle mounted.

a. Conventional extinguisher hose – discharge at pressure no greater than 400 psi b. High pressure extinguisher hose – can withstand pressure up to 1,250 psi

Hose Classification by Construction

1. Woven-Jacket a. Unlined fire hose - no inner tube or liner. Used for forestry and standpipe. b. Lined fire hose – consists of one or more woven-fabric seamless jackets into which a rubber

tube has been inserted or vulcanized; leak-proof and reduces friction at high velocity; which can withstand higher internal pressure and more resistant to damage by abrasion.

2. Rubber-Covered – the hose has a rubberized cover that is mildew-proof and resist damage by abrasion and contact with chemicals; a woven-tube made of polyester, nylon or a combination of synthetic fibers coated with nitrite rubber.

3. Braided Hose – used in manufacture of booster hose and fire extinguisher hose; a rubber liner is covered with several alternate layers of braided yarn and rubber then vulcanized.

4. Wrapped Hose – for hard suction hose. Constructed by wrapping several layers of diagonally cut fabric around an extruded rubber tube.

Fire Hose Damages and Prevention:

1. Mechanical Damage a. Worn spots b. Rips c. Abrasions in the coverings d. Cracked inner linings e. Crushed or damaged couplings

Mechanical Damage Prevention

a. Avoid laying or pulling hoses over rough, sharp edges, objects or corners. b. Provide warning devices to divert traffic. c. Prevent vehicles from running over hoses and couplings. Use hose ramps or bridges. d. Open and close nozzles, valves and hydrants slowly to prevent water hammer. e. Change position of bends in hose when reloading hose on apparatus. f. Provide chaffing blocks to prevent abrasions to hose when it vibrates near the pumper. g. Avoid excessive pump pressures on hose lines.



2. Thermal Damage a. Charring due to exposure to excessive heat b. Melting c. Weakening of the fabric covering d. Drying out of rubber lining e. Dried in intense sunlight for longer period than necessary

Thermal Damage Prevention

a. Protect hose from excessive heat/fire when possible. b. Do not allow hose to remain in heated area after drying. c. Use a moderate temperature for drying. Warm air is better than hot air. d. Keep the outside of woven-jacket fire hose dry. e. Run water through hose that has not been used for some time to prolong its life. f. Avoid drying hose on hot pavement and/or direct sunlight. g. Prevent hose from being laid too close or form coming in contact with vehicle exhaust. h. Use hose bed covers to shield hose from the sun and also from freezing temperature.

3. Organic Damage

a. Decay b. Mold c. Mildew d. Deterioration

Organic Damage Prevention

a. All wet woven-jacket hose should be removed from apparatus, and replaced with dry hose. b. Hose should be removed, inspected, swept, and reloaded every thirty days if not used. c. Exercise woven-jacket fire hose every thirty days. d. Run water through all hose every 90 days to prevent drying and cracking of the rubber lining.

4. Chemical Damage

a. Exposure to petroleum products b. Exposure to run off c. Exposure to alkali and acids d. Exposure to paints, chemical materials and vapors



Chemical Damage Prevention

a. Thoroughly scrub and brush all traces of acid contacts with baking soda and water. b. Periodically remove hose from the apparatus, wash it, and run water through it. Then dry it

thoroughly. c. Properly test hose if any suspicion of damage. d. Avoid laying hose in the gutter or next to the curb where vehicles have been parked because

they can drop oil from their mechanical components and acid from batteries. e. Properly dispose of hose that has been exposed to hazardous materials and cannot be

decontaminated.

General Care and Maintenance of Hose

Brush of loose dirt and such

– broom

Washing hose

– Several different ways

Wash with warm water and a mild soap

Commercial or generic hose washers

Rinse hose with water is different than are washed

Drying hose

– Rubber jacket hose can be re-bedded wet, woven jacket and such cannot!

– Use commercial hose dryer

– Hang in hose tower

Storing

– Should be stored rolled

– On acceptable racks

– Well ventilated room



Fire Hose Couplings–are made of durable materials and designed so that it is possible to couple and uncouple them with little effort in a short time.

Materials Used for Fire Hose Coupling

Brass alloy Aluminum alloy Magnesium

Manufacturing Techniques

Drop forged: hardest Extruded: somewhat weaker than drop forged Cast: weakest

Types of Fire Hose Couplings

1. Threaded Couplings – designed by casting or machining of a spiral thread into the face of two distinctly different coupling, a male and a female.

a. Male – cut on the exterior surface b. Female – cut on the interior surface

2. Sexless Coupling – no distinct male and female components, so both couplings are identical. a. Quarter-Turn – has two hook-like lugs on each coupling; mated and rotates 90 degrees

clockwise to lock. b. Storz – similar to Quarter-turn couplings in that they are connected by joining and rotating until

locked into place. Locking components consists of grooved lugs and inset rings built into the face of each coupling swivels.

3. Snap Coupling – have both male and female components. The female coupling has a shallow bowl that fits over the end of the male coupling. When a connection is made, two spring-loaded hooks on the female coupling engaged a raised ring around the shank of the male coupling.

Parts of a Coupling

1. Swivel – permits connecting two sections of hose without twisting the entire hose. 2. Higbee cut – a flattened angle at the end of the thread to prevent cross-threading when couplings are

connected. 3. Higbee cut indicator – scalloped with a shallow indentation to aid in matching the male coupling thread

to the female coupling. 4. Shank – the portion that serves as a point of attachment to hose (sometimes called tailpiece or shell) 5. Lugs – a handle, to aid in tightening and loosening connections. Located on the shank of male and

swivel at female.



Types of Coupling Lugs

1. Rocker lug – usually found on couplings of older hose designs. Tendency to hang up when hose is dragged over objects.

2. Recessed lug – shallow holes drilled into the coupling. 3. Pin lug – a protruding round-shaped lug.

Care of Fire Hose Couplings

1. All parts of couplings are susceptible to damage. 2. Male threads can be damaged if not protected. 3. Female threads are not exposed, but the swivel is subject to bending damage. 4. Avoid dropping and/or dragging. 5. Do not permit vehicles to ride over them. 6. Examine couplings when washing and drying of hose. 7. Clean threads to remove tar, dirt, gravel, and oil. 8. Inspect gasket, and replace if cracked or creased. 9. Remove the gasket and twist the swivel in warm, soapy water. 10. Swivel gaskets and expansion gaskets should be tested after use and/or cleaning of the hose. 11. Swivel gasket- used to make the connection water tight. 12. Expansion Ring Gasket- used at the end of the hose where it is expanded into the shank of the

coupling. 13. Pinch the gasket together between the thumb and index finger. This usually shows any defects or signs

of deterioration.

Coupling Hose (Connection Methods/Techniques) • One-firefighter foot-tilt method • One-firefighter between-the-knees method • One-firefighter free-hand method • Two firefighter method



Hose Appliances – any piece of hardware used in conjunction with fire hose for the purpose of delivering water.

1. Valves

• Ball valves • Gate valves • Butterfly valves • Clapper valves

2. Valve devices

• Wye appliances • Siamese appliances • Water thief appliances • Large diameter hose appliances • Hydrant valves

3. Fittings

• Adapter • Reducer

4. Intake devices

• Suction hose strainer

Hose Tools – is also a hardware used for the purpose of delivering water but do not have water flowing through them

1. Hose Jacket

2. Hose Clamp

3. Spanner, Hydrant wrench and Rubber Mallet

4. Hose Bridge or Ramp

5. Chaffing Block

6. Hose Strap, Hose Rope and Hose Chain



Functions, Use or Application of Hose

1. Hose for Fire Attack

a. Extinguishment

b. Fire Control-Confinement/Exposure

2. Hose for Water Supply

a. Relay

b. Transfer

c. Suction

d. Drafting

3. Hose for Rescue

a. protects rescuer from products of combustion

b. hose as a guide

c. hose as a rope

4. Hose for Salvage as Dike

Hose Rolls

1. Straight Roll

2. Donut Roll (method 1, 2,3)

3. Twin Donut Roll

4. Self-locking Twin Donut Roll

Hose Carries

1. Shoulder Loop Carry

2. Accordion Shoulder Carry

a. from hose on the ground

b. from hose in an accordion – loaded hose beds



c. from hose in other hose bed loads

3. Modified Accordion Shoulder Carry

4. Horseshoe Shoulder Carry

Hose Drags

1. Single Section

a. Street-drag

b. Interconnected section

2. Multiple Section

Basic Hose Loads and Finishes

Hose Bed – a fire hose compartment. It varies in size and shape and they are sometimes built for specific needs.

Finishes – are arrangements of hose that are usually placed on top of a hose load and connected to the end of the load.

Common Hose Loads for Supply Lines

1. Accordion

2. Horseshoe

3. Flat

Hose Load Finishes

1. Straight Finish (forward lays)

2. Reverse Horseshoe (reverse lays)

Pre-connected Hose Loads for Attack Lines

1. Pre-connected Flat Load

2. Triple Layer Load

3. Minuteman Load



4. Booster Hose Reels

Supply Hose Lays

1. Forward lay – female off first, male load first. This method is often used when the water source is a fire hydrant and the pumper must stay at the fire location.

2. Reverse lay – male off first, female load first. This method is used when a pumper must go to the fire location so that a size-up can be made before laying a supply.

3. Split lay – any one of a number of ways to lay multiple supply hoses.

Nozzles – a device that directs water from the hose to the fire. It forms the water into a fire stream and controls the stream so that fire is extinguished in the most efficient manner.

Two Parts of a Nozzle

1. Shut-off valve – controls the amount of water that flows through the tip. 2. Tip – the component that forms the streams.

Kinds of Nozzles

1. Solid-stream nozzle – its streams can penetrate a mass of burning material when a fire is deep-seated. 2. Fog nozzle – it produces a fire stream made of small droplets of water that leave the tip in a spray or

‘fog’ pattern. 3. Exposure nozzle – designed to protect a building or object from the heat generated by nearby burning

building. It produces fan-shaped stream, called a water curtain. 4. Applicator nozzle – designed to direct a water stream directly over the surface of a burning object. 5. Master stream devices – this larger device to include monitor, deluges, turret pipes, and ladder pipes.

Breaking a Tight Screw-Thread Connection

1. Knee-pressed method (one-person) – the principle of this method is the compression of the hose gasket permits the swivel to turn more easily.

2. Stiff-arm method (two-persons) – this method uses the principle of leverage. 3. Spanner-wrench method – spanner wrenches can be used to break tight connections.

Attaching a Nozzle to a Hose

1. Method 1 – hold the nozzle firmly in one hand and the male coupling in the opposite hand. Bend the knee on the nozzle side slightly and rest the coupling on the thigh. Place the nozzle threads in alignment against the coupling threads, and then turn the nozzle clockwise to complete the connection.



2. Method 2 – Place one foot on the hose directly behind the male coupling and apply pressure to tilt the coupling upward. Holding the nozzle in both hands, place it against the upturned male coupling and turn the nozzle clockwise to make the connection.

Special Hose Operations

1. Connecting hard suction hose 2. Connecting soft-sleeve hose 3. Connecting hose to a portable monitor 4. Kinking hose to shut down a charged line 5. Retrieving a charged ‘wild line’ 6. Securing a hose line to a ground ladder 7. Hoisting a hose line 8. Passing a hose line upward



Portable Fire Extinguisher and Ladders

Portable Fire Extinguisher – is a device that contains chemicals, fluids and gasses for extinguishing and used for small area of fire. It is designed to fight small incipient or unusual ones that is not easily put out by water.

Types of Extinguishing Agents

1. Dry Chemical a. Monoammonium phosphate – also known as “tri-class”, “multipurpose” or “ABC” dry chemical,

used on class A, B and C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent’s ability to melt and flow at 177°C (350 °F) to smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents. Pale yellow in color.

b. Sodium bicarbonate– "regular" or "ordinary" used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry chemical agents developed. In the heat of a fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical reaction.

c. Potassium bicarbonate – (aka Purple-K), used on class B and C fires. About two times as effective on class B fires as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical agent of the oil and gas industry. Violet in color.

d. Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex (aka Monnex/Powerex) – used on Class B and C fires. More effective than all other powders due to its ability to decrepitate (where the powder breaks up into smaller particles) in the flame zone creating a larger surface area for free radical inhibition. Grey in color.

e. Potassium Chloride – or Super-K dry chemical was developed in an effort to create a high efficiency, protein-foam compatible dry chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to Purple-K, it was never as popular as other agents since, being a salt, it was quite corrosive. For B and C fires, white in color.

f. MET-L-KYL / PYROKYL – is a specialty variation of sodium bicarbonate for fighting pyrophoric liquid fires (ignite on contact with air). In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it also contains silica gel particles. The sodium bicarbonate interrupts the chain reaction of the fuel and the silica soaks up any unburned fuel, preventing contact with air. It is effective on other class B fuels as well. Blue/Red in color.

2. Foams a. AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) – used on A and B fires and for vapor suppression. The most

common type in portable foam extinguishers. It contains fluoro tensides which can be accumulated in the human body. The long-term effects of this on the human body and environment are unclear at this time.



b. AR-AFFF (Alcohol-resistant aqueous film forming foams) – used on fuel fires containing alcohol. Forms a membrane between the fuel and the foam preventing the alcohol from breaking down the foam blanket.

c. FFFP (film forming fluoroprotein) – contains naturally occurring proteins from animal by-products and synthetic film-forming agents to create a foam blanket that is more heat resistant than the strictly synthetic AFFF foams. FFFP works well on alcohol-based liquids and is used widely in motorsports.

d. CAFS (compressed air foam system) – Any APW style extinguisher that is charged with a foam solution and pressurized with compressed air. Generally used to extend a water supply in wildland operations. Used on class A fires and with very dry foam on class B for vapor suppression.

e. Arctic Fire – is a liquid fire extinguishing agent that emulsifies and cools heated materials more quickly than water or ordinary foam. It is used extensively in the steel industry. Effective on classes A, B, and D.

f. FireAde – foaming agent that emulsifies burning liquids and renders them non-flammable. It is able to cool heated material and surfaces similar to CAFS. Used on A and B (said to be effective on some class D hazards, although not recommended due to the fact that fireade still contains amounts of water which will react with some metal fires).

3. Water a. APW (Air pressurized water) – a cools burning material by absorbing heat from burning material.

Effective on Class A fires, it has the advantage of being inexpensive, harmless, and relatively easy to clean up. In the United States, APW units contain 2.5 gallons (9 liters) of water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder. In Europe, they are typically mild steel lined with polyethylene, painted red, containing 6–9 liters (1.75–2.5 gallons) of water.

b. Water Mist – uses a fine misting nozzle to break up a stream of deionized water to the point of not conducting electricity back to the operator. Class A and C rated. It is used widely in hospitals for the reason that, unlike other clean-agent suppressants, it is harmless and non-contaminant. These extinguishers come in 1.75 and 2.5 gallon units, painted white in the United States and red in Europe.

4. Wet Chemical and Water Additives a. Wet Chemical (potassium acetate, carbonate, or citrate) – extinguishes the fire by forming a soapy

foam blanket over the burning oil and by cooling the oil below its ignition temperature. Generally class A and K (F in Europe) only, although newer models are outfitted with misting nozzles as those used on water mist units to give these extinguishers class B and C firefighting capability.

b. Wetting Agents– Detergent based additives used to break the surface tension of water and improve penetration of Class A fires.

c. Antifreeze– Chemicals added to water to lower its freezing point to about −40 °F. Has no appreciable effect on extinguishing performance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=FireAde&action=edit&redlink=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pressurized_water

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_acetate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_carbonate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_citrate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetting_Agents

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antifreeze



5. Clean Agents and Carbon Dioxide a. Halocarbon replacements, HCFC Blend B (Halotron I, American Pacific Corporation), HFC-227ea

(FM-200, Great Lakes Chemicals Corporation), and HFC-236fa (FE-36, DuPont), - Considerations for halon replacement include human toxicity when used in confined spaces, ozone depleting potential, and greenhouse warming potential. The three recommended agents meet minimum performance standards, but uptake has been slow because of disadvantages. Specifically, they require two to three times the concentration to extinguish a fire compared with Halon 1211. They are heavier than halon, require a larger bottle because they are less effective, and have greenhouse gas potential. Research continues to find better alternatives.

b. CO2 – a clean gaseous agent which displaces oxygen. Highest rating for 7.7 kg (20 pound) portable CO2 extinguishers is 10B:C. Not intended for Class A fires, as the high-pressure cloud of gas can scatter burning materials. CO2 is not suitable for use on fires containing their own oxygen source, metals or cooking media. Although it can be rather successful on a person on fire, its use should be avoided where possible as it can cause frostbite and is dangerous to use as it may displace the oxygen needed for breathing, causing suffocation.

c. Mixtures of inert gases, including Inergen and Argonite. d. Compressed CO2 sprinkler – is another design used to fight the electric fires with cubic cylinder of 7

cubic meter starting from 1 meter above the sprinkler level.

6. Dry Powders a. Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) – contains sodium chloride salt and

thermoplastic additive. Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates heat. Useful on most alkali metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.

b. Copper based (Copper Powder Navy125S) – developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat, but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface-lithium only.

c. Graphite based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) – contains dry graphite that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.

d. Sodium carbonate based (Na-X) – used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inergen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argonite



General Requirements (Some Rule Highlights from Section 10.2.6.7 E of the IRR of R.A. 9514)

• Portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition, and kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used.

• Fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible and immediately available in the event of fire. Preferably they shall be located along normal paths of travel, including exits from areas.

• Cabinets housing fire extinguishers shall not be locked, except where fire extinguishers are subject to malicious use, locked cabinets shall be permitted to be used, provided they include means of emergency access.

• Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view, except in large rooms, and in certain locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, arrows, lights, signs, or coding of the wall are the acceptable means of identifying its location.

• Portable fire extinguishers other than wheeled types shall be securely installed on the hanger or in the bracket supplied or placed in cabinets or wall recesses. The hanger or bracket shall be securely and properly anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Wheeled-type fire extinguishers shall be located in a designated location. Portable fire extinguishers other than wheeled types shall be securely installed on the hanger or in the bracket supplied or placed in cabinets or wall recesses. The hanger or bracket shall be securely and properly anchored to the mounting surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Wheeled-type fire extinguishers shall be located in a designated location.

• Fire extinguishers installed under conditions where they are subject to physical damage, (e.g., from impact, vibration, the environment) shall be adequately protected.

• Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding eighteen kilograms (18 kg) shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than one and five-tenths meter (1.5 m) above the floor. Fire extinguishers having a gross weight greater than eighteen kilograms (18 kg), except wheeled types, shall be so installed that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than one meter (1.0 m) above the floor. In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the fire extinguisher and the floor be less than one hundred millimeters (100 mm).

• Fire extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses shall be placed so that the fire extinguisher operating instructions face outward. The location of such fire extinguishers shall be marked conspicuously.

• Where fire extinguishers are installed in closed cabinets that are exposed to elevated temperatures, the cabinets shall be provided with screened openings and drains. Vented fire extinguisher cabinets should utilize tinted glass and should be constructed to prevent the entrance of insects and the accumulation of water. Vented fire extinguisher cabinets constructed in this manner will lower the maximum internal temperature 5.6°C to 8.3°C.

• Water-type (e.g., water, AFFF, FFFP) fire extinguishers shall not be installed in areas where the temperatures are outside the range of 40°F to 120°F (4°C to 49°C). All other types shall not be installed in areas where temperatures are outside the range of -40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C). Fire extinguishers shall not be exposed to temperatures outside of the range shown on the fire extinguisher label, except: where it is installed in locations subject to temperatures outside these ranges, it shall be of a type approved and listed for the temperature to which it is



exposed, or it shall be placed in an enclosure capable of maintaining the stipulated temperature range.

• The fire extinguisher owner or the owner’s agent shall be provided with an instruction manual that details condensed instructions and cautions necessary to the installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of the fire extinguisher(s). The manual shall refer to this standard as a source of detailed instruction.

Common Parts of a Portable Fire Extinguisher

1. Pressure gauge 2. Safety pin 3. Trigger lever 4. Handle 5. Hose 6. Nozzle 7. Cylinder/tank 8. Syphon tube 9. Base 10. Inspection tag 11. Information label

Servicing and Maintenance (under Section 10.5.3.3IRR of R.A. 9514)

a. Maintenance and servicing of fire extinguishers shall be performed periodically, but at least once every twelve (12) months, after each use, or when an inspection shows that the need is obvious.

b. Hydrostatic test shall be performed every five (5) years. Other Maintenance Procedure

a. Weighing b. Obvious physical defects c. Pressure check d. Turning upside-down (for dry chemicals) – to prevent the chemical from settling and becoming hard or

compact How to Use P – Pull the pin A – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire S – Squeeze the trigger lever S – Sweep side to side



Safety Tips in Using

• Do not aim towards anyone or animals, it can cause harm • Don’t sweep up and down to the fire. • Keep a distance of about 4-6 feet from the base of the fire. • When using indoors, be sure that the wind direction is not towards you, make sure that your direction

is windward. • When using indoors, make sure that you are near an exit to be able to escape fast if you fail to

extinguish the fire.

Ground Ladders

Ladder – a piece of equipment composed of 2 side rails joined by rungs at equal interval used for ascending and descending.

Types of Ground Ladders

1. Single/Straight/Wall Ladder 2. Roof Ladder 3. Folding Ladder 4. Extension Ladder 5. Pole/Bangor Ladder 6. Combination/A-Frame Ladder 7. Pompier Ladder

Parts of a Ground Ladder

1. Beam 12. Protection Plates 2. Bed Section 13. Pulley 3. Butt 14. Rails 4. Butt Spurs 15. Rungs 5. Fly Section 16. Stops 6. Footpads 17. Tie Rods 7. Guides/Channels 18. Tip 8. Halyard 9. Heat Sensor Label 10. Hooks 11. Pawls/Dogs/Rung or Ladder Locks



Types of Truck-Mounted Ladders

1. Aerial Ladder 2. Tower Ladder 3. Articulating Boom Ladder

Ladder Uses Other Special Uses

1. Access 1. As Water Chute 7. As a Hoist Point 2. Rescue 2. Use over a Fence 8. Ventilation Fan Support 3. Stability 3. As Portable Pool 4. Ventilation 4. As a Barrier 5. Bridging 5. As a Support of Falling Sign 6. Elevated Work Position 6. As Forcible Entry

Handling Ladders

A. Ladder Safety • Always wear protective gear including gloves. • Choose the proper ladder for the job. • Use leg muscle when lifting ladders below the waist. • Use the proper number of firefighters for each raise. • Make sure that ladders are not raised into electrical wires. • Check the ladder for the proper angle. • Check the rung locks or ladder locks to be sure that they are seated over the rungs. • Make sure that the ladder is secure at the top or bottom or both before climbing. • Climb smoothly and rhythmically. • Do not overload the ladder. • Always use a leg lock when working from the ladder. • Inspect ladders for damage and wear after each use.

B. Working Rules for Ladder Length and Ground Ladder Placement

• Ladder should extend a few feet preferably five (5) rungs beyond roof edge for both footing and handhold for person stepping the ladder.

• When use for ventilation, the ladder is placed at the side of a window, windward side. • When used for rescue from a window opening, the tip of the ladder should be placed just below

the window sill. If window opening is wide enough, the ladder may be extended into one side of the opening two or three (2 or 3) rungs above the window sill.



C. Other Ladder Placement Guidelines • Place ladder at least two (2) points on different sides of the building. • Avoid placing ladders over openings such as windows and doors. • Take advantage of strong points in building construction when placing ladders. • Avoid placing ladders where they may come into contact with overhead obstructions such as

wires, tree limbs or signage. • Avoid placing ladders on uneven or soft spots. • Avoid placing ladders where they may come in contact either on burning surfaces or opening

with flames present. • Avoid placing ladders on top of elevator trapdoors or utility covers. • Do not place ladders against unstable walls or surfaces.

Ladder Skills

Proper Lifting and Lowering Methods

Many firefighters are injured from using improper lifting and lowering techniques which can often be prevented. Here are some procedures recommended.

• Have adequate personnel for the task. • Bend the knees, keeping back as straight as possible and lift with the legs, not with the back or arms. • Lifting should be done on the command of a firefighter at the rear who can see the whole operation

where two or more firefighters are lifting a ladder. If any firefighter is not ready make it known immediately so that the operation will be halted. Lifting should be done in unison.

• Reverse the procedure for lifting when it is necessary to place the ladder on the ground before carrying or raising it.

Ladder Carries

A. One Firefighter Carries 1. Low-shoulder method 2. High-shoulder method 3. Arm’s length method 4. Special procedure for carrying roof ladders

B. Two Firefighter Carries 1. Low-shoulder method 2. High-shoulder method 3. Hip or underarm method 4. Arm’s length on-edge method 5. Special procedure for carrying roof ladder



C. Two Firefighter Multiple Ladder Carries 1. Flat multiple ladder carry 2. Arm’s length on-edge method

D. Three Firefighter Carries 1. Flat-shoulder method 2. Flat-arm’s length method 3. Low-shoulder method 4. Arm’s length on-edge method

E. Four Firefighter Carries 1. Flat-shoulder method 2. Special carry for narrow passageways 3. Flat-arm’s length method 4. Low-shoulder method 5. Arm’s length on-edge method

Raising Ladders

Important things to consider and precautions that must be taken in raising ladders:

• Firefighters need to look overhead for electrical wires or equipment before making the final selection on where to place a ladder or what method to use for raising it. A distance of at least 10 ft. (3m) from all energized electrical equipment. This distance must be maintained at all times, including the raise itself.

• In general, all modern metal and fiberglass extension ladders are designed to be used with the FLY OUT (away from the building) except specified by the ladder manufacturer. Wood extension ladders are intended to be deployed with the FLY IN (next to the building).

Two Methods of Raising Ladder to the Vertical Position

1. Rung raise – firefighter raising the ladder brings the ladder up using the rungs in a hand-over-hand motion. This is a good technique to use when the ladder approach is perpendicular to the wall to be scaled and can be planted and raised right into position.

2. Beam raise – uses the beam of the ladder as raising points. This is a good method to use when the ladder is brought to the raising position parallel to the wall to be scaled. Especially helpful when buildings are too close to one another and space is not available. Also, helpful where the presence of overhead obstruction would impede the operation.



Rule of thumb that the ladder is at proper climbing angle:

Stand with your toes against the butt, with out-stretched arms, reach for a rung at about shoulder height (applicable only for an average firefighter, on the other hand an exceptionally tall or short firefighter might have some adjustments) approximately 75 degrees angle of inclination between the ladder and the ground.

Raising Techniques

A. One firefighter raise 1. One firefighter single ladder raise 2. One firefighter extension ladder raise

B. Two firefighter raise 1. Two firefighter flat raise 2. Two firefighter beam raise

Special Procedures for Moving Ground Ladders

a. Pivoting ladder with two firefighters b. Shifting raised ground ladders

Tying a Halyard

Securing the Ladder

a. Heeling – one way of preventing movement of the ladder b. Tying in

Leg Lock – used to secure the firefighter to the ladder when both hands must be used tom perform a task and a ladder belt is not available.



Review and Closing Review: During this module, we have discussed about the following;

1. The different equipment used in firefighting. 2. The different personal protective equipment and their functions. 3. The different kinds of portable fire extinguishers, their functions, and when and how

to use them. 4. The different designs and uses of ladders and techniques involved in using them.

You also, became familiar with your own firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment available in your workplace.

Closing: As a member of a fire brigade, you should be adequately knowledgeable now on how to properly utilize the different firefighting equipment, the different techniques on how to use them and also the different precautionary measures when using them. These lessons here will be needed for the next lessons to be discussed in the next module.

volunteer fire brigade training module 3 firefighting apparatus, tools and equipment

Government & Nonprofit

firefighting tools

different equipment

kind of firefighting

command equipment

training course

speedy firefighting

equipment trainee guide

different designs