1. A carbon dioxide extinguisher puts out a fire by:

a. breaking the chemical chain reaction.
b. diluting the oxygen in the fire area.
c. removing the fuel source.
d. lowering the temperature of the fuel.

 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) will extinguish a fire by lowering the percentage of oxygen within the fire area.  It is not as effective outdoors as it is indoors due to the effect of wind on the agent.  CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas that is heavier than air.  It is considered a "clean agent" and will not leave a residue after use.

 

2. A distilled water mist fire extinguisher can be used on fire with an energized electrical source attached.

a. True
b. False

 

A stored pressure distilled water mist extinguisher is safe to use around energized electrical fires provided that you do not place any portion of the extinguisher within ten Inches (10") of the electrical source.  This type of extinguisher gains a Class A:C rating for use on ordinary combustibles and electrical hazards.

3. A dry chemical fire extinguisher is recommended in areas where sensitive electronic equipment is in use.

a. True
b. False

 

You do not want to use this type of extinguisher in or around any sensitive electrical components.    Obviously if a computer is on fire, it is better for the fire to be extinguished with a dry chemical fire extinguisher than to let the fire consume the rest of the office and possibly the building.  Generally, you should provide the proper size and type of extinguisher for the given hazard in the area. 

4. In an occupied commercial building with a relatively small, uncontrolled fire in the kitchen, how many fire extinguishers should be used to fight the fire if three trained employees are present with same type and size of portable fire extinguishers?

a. one at a time until the fire is out.
b. two with one remaining as a back-up.
c. all three at the same time.
d. none, everyone should evacuate the building.

 

Overkill is a good thing when it comes to fighting a fire within an occupied building.  The chance should not be taken that one extinguisher "should" be able to handle the fire.  Putting the fire out with one swift, overwhelming attack is the safer course of action provided that all members attacking the fire are trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers.  Of course, the fire alarm system should be activated and the fire department called before any attack is made on the fire.  These simple acts will alert everyone within the building of the problem and have professional backup on the way should things not go as planned.

5. Propane is a flammable gas stored in a variety of small cylinders and large tanks.  When propane escapes from its container, it will travel  ____________ with the prevailing wind currents in the area.

a. upward
b. downward
c. horizontal
d. none of the above, it will stay within its container

 

Propane is heavier than air and will travel with wind currents if present.  Propane can can be ignited from an ignition source up to one-half mile away.  It can then flashback to the source of the leak, burning everything in its path.  Propane cylinders should not be stored within buildings for this reason.

6. A "backdraft" is a smoke explosion caused by a fire which has consumed the available oxygen within a given space.  High heat, flammable gases, and a smoldering fire remain.  A potential "backdraft" situation exists in _______.

a. an electrical panel
b. a storage closet
c. the plenum between a suspended ceiling and the floor or roof above
d. all of the above

 

Any confined space with combustible materials and limited ventilation can be a potential "backdraft" situation should a fire burn unchecked.  The high heat, flammable gas filled environment only needs a fresh supply of air with accompanying oxygen, to create a smoke explosion or "backdraft" situation.

7. A sprinkler system is designed to extinguish a fire in the area it protects.

a. True
b. False

 

Sprinklers are generally designed to contain or control a fire in a given area.  A protected fire such as one under a desk or shelving, may not be extinguished by the properly functioning sprinkler system.

8. The hose and horn assembly of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is designed to conduct the static electrical charge generated by the extinguishing agent during operation of the unit. 

a. True
b. False

 

When carbon dioxide (CO2) converts from its liquid state in a fire extinguisher, to its vapor state in the atmosphere, static electricity is created.  The hose and horn assembly is designed to conduct and dissipate this static charge to prevent harm to the operator and the generation of a static electrical spark. The spark will take place if the extinguisher's grounding state is altered during operation; that is, if you place the extinguisher on the ground while operating the unit or if you come into contact with another grounded object while operating the unit.  The preferred way to operate this extinguisher is to drag the extinguisher into and out of the fire area while discharging the unit; thus the extinguisher remains grounded at all time.

9. All portable fire extinguishers in use today are operated in the upright position.  To operate the fire extinguisher, the acronym P.A.S.S. is often used to help us to remember to ____________________________.

a. pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep at the base of the fire.
b. pass by the fire, activate the fire alarm, select the proper extinguisher, shoot at the base of the fire.
c. pull the alarm, alert the response team, shut down the power sources, secure the area.
d. pass by the fire, activate the sprinkler system, seal fire area from oxygen, stop unauthorized entry.

 

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.  A good company policy is to have the employee(s) sound the fire alarm before any attempt is made to fight a fire with a portable fire extinguisher.  This alerts everyone in the building and generally summons local fire department in the event that the fire extinguisher doesn't do the trick.

10. The local fire department are the experts when it comes to your facility. If the fire alarm is activated, you should shut down equipment in your immediate area if it is safe to do so and exit the building.  The fire department will investigate and correct any problems that are found.

a. True
b. False

 

Though the local fire department may tour your facility on a regular basis, your employees and management staff are the experts when it comes to the physical layout and product characteristics of your facility.  Key information that the fire department will need at the time of an emergency will be: 1) Where is the problem? 2) What is the problem? 3) What measures have been taken to correct the situation? 4)What are the hazards and control features of the facility? and, 5) Has the building or area been evacuated?  Your staff holds critical information that the fire department will need to bring the situation under control in a safe, efficient manner.  Employees will also have technical information relating to the production processes and the safety features of the facility.  A plant manager or shift supervisor should be assigned to meet and remain with the fire department's incident commander until the emergency is resolved.