Hotel Service Unit 15 Q1

A portable fire extinguisher is a self-contained firefighting device that can be easily carried and operated by one person.

It’s designed to extinguish small fires in their early stages before they become uncontrollable.They come in various types, each suited to combat specific classes of fire.

1. Top 3 Benefits of Having Portable Fire Extinguishers – AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc.

2. Portable Fire Extinguishers – District of Summerland

3. Fire Extinguisher Types – NFPA

Key characteristics of a portable fire extinguisher:

• Portable and Manageable: They are lightweight and compact, allowing for easy transport and maneuverability.   1. Top 3 Benefits of Having Portable Fire Extinguishers – AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. aaafirepro.com
• Self-Contained: They contain all the necessary extinguishing agent and propellant within a single unit, requiring no external connections.
• Quick Deployment: They can be quickly deployed and operated by individuals with basic training.   1. Portable Fire Extinguishers in Phoenix, AZ www.s1fire.com
• Limited Capacity: They are designed for initial fire suppression and have a limited capacity to extinguish fires, making them effective for small-scale fires in their early stages.   1. Portable Fire Extinguishers – Central Washington University www.cwu.edu

Common types of portable fire extinguishers:

• Water extinguishers: Primarily used for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth). They work by cooling the burning material and removing heat from the fire.   1. Portable Fire Extinguishers – Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association femalifesafety.org2. How do Water Fire Extinguishers Work? | Class A Fires – OHEAP Fire & Security www.oheap.co.uk
• Foam extinguishers: Effective against Class A and B fires (flammable liquids like petrol, oil, and grease). They create a blanket of foam that smothers the fire and prevents re-ignition.   1. Pros and cons of fire extinguisher types www.fireproductsdirect.ie2. Foam fire extinguisher – colours and uses explained – Surrey Fire & Safety Ltd surreyfire.co.uk
• Dry powder extinguishers: Versatile extinguishers suitable for Class A, B, and C fires (electrical fires). They interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire and create a barrier between the fuel and oxygen.   1. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers – Safelincs www.safelincs.co.uk2. Dry Chemical Extinguishers www.sc.edu
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: Ideal for Class B and C fires, especially in sensitive areas like electrical equipment or computer rooms. CO2 displaces oxygen, smothering the fire.   1. 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class www.ifsecglobal.com2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers www.sc.edu
• Wet chemical extinguishers: Specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking oil and fat fires). They create a soapy layer that cools the burning oil and prevents re-ignition.   1. Where To Use Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers www.fireprotectionshop.co.uk

Importance of portable fire extinguishers:

• First Line of Defense: They provide the initial response to small fires, allowing for quick action to contain and extinguish the fire before it spreads.   1. Fire Extinguishers and their Use Guidelines – Environmental Health & Safety www.safety.rochester.edu
• Essential Safety Equipment: They are mandatory on board vessels and in various other settings as a basic fire safety requirement.   1. Fire extinguishers on inland navigation vessels | Topic english.ilent.nl
• Life-Saving Potential: By providing the means to control small fires, portable extinguishers can prevent significant damage, injuries, and even loss of life.   1. Fighting Fire and Preserving Progress: The Unsung Role of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Environmental and Life Safety – International Association of Fire Chiefs www.iafc.org

Proper Use:

• Training: Proper training on how to identify fire classes and operate different types of extinguishers is essential for their safe and effective use.   1. Do I Need Fire Extinguisher Training? – Blog – Koorsen Fire & Security blog.koorsen.com
• Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Fire extinguishers should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in good working order and ready for use in an emergency.   1. Guide to Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Testing and Maintenance – NFPA www.nfpa.org

In conclusion, portable fire extinguishers are vital safety equipment that provide a crucial first line of defense against fires. Their ease of use, portability, and effectiveness in controlling small fires make them indispensable in various environments, including ships, buildings, and workplaces.  

1. The Necessity of a Portable Fire Extinguishers – Victorian Fire Protection

Let’s outline the examination and testing requirements for portable fire extinguishers as stipulated by UK and international legislation.

UK Legislation:

• The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997:
  • Mandates that portable fire extinguishers be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk
  • Refers to the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen (COSWP) for detailed maintenance and inspection procedures.
• The COSWP:
  • Recommends following the British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 for maintenance and servicing.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk

International Legislation:

• The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter II-2, Regulation 10:
  • Requires that all fire extinguishers be constructed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the IMO’s Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers (Resolution A.951(23)).

Examination and Testing Requirements:

1. Basic Service (Annual):

• External examination for corrosion, dents, or damage
• Weighing to check the mass compared to a fully charged extinguisher
• Checking hoses and nozzles for clarity and damage
• Verifying that operating instructions are in place and legible

2. Extended Service (Every 5 years for water, foam, and powder; Every 10 years for CO2):

• Basic service plus
• Internal examination depending on the type of extinguisher   1. Guide to Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Testing and Maintenance – NFPA www.nfpa.org
• Discharge test for water, foam, and powder extinguishers
• Hydraulic pressure test for CO2 extinguishers

3. Recharge:

• Refilling or replacing the extinguishing agent after use or as per service intervals.

4. Overhaul:

• A thorough examination and servicing of all components, typically carried out after a specified number of years or if major defects are found.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk

Additional Points:

• Competent Person: All examinations, servicing, and testing must be carried out by a competent person, typically a trained and certified fire extinguisher technician.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk
• Maintenance Label: Each extinguisher should have a label indicating the date of the last examination and the name of the competent person who performed it.   1. A Guide to Fire Extinguisher Maintenance For Your Workplace chilman.com
• Record Keeping: Records of all examinations, servicing, and testing should be maintained.
• Spare Parts: Spare parts should be readily available for repairs and replacements.
• Plastic Collars: Any plastic collars or covers that might obscure the condition of the cylinder must be removed during examinations.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk

Recent Updates (2024):

• The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued Marine Guidance Notice (MGN) 276 (M+F) Amendment 1 to address safety concerns related to corrosion of extinguisher bases. It emphasizes the need for thorough inspections and testing, especially in marine environments.   1. MGN 276 (M+F) Amendment 1: Fire protection – maintenance of portable fire extinguishers www.gov.uk

By adhering to these examination and testing requirements, ship operators can ensure that portable fire extinguishers remain in optimal condition, ready to be used effectively in case of a fire emergency, thus protecting lives and property at sea.

A portable CO2 fire extinguisher operates on the principle of displacing oxygen and cooling the fire. Here’s how it works:

1. How Does A Co2 Fire Extinguisher Work? – Fire Safety Information – Fire Protection Online

Construction:

• Cylinder: The extinguisher consists of a sturdy metal cylinder filled with liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) under high pressure.
• Discharge Horn: A large, horn-shaped nozzle is attached to the cylinder, designed to direct and disperse the CO2 gas effectively.   1. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers www.sc.edu
• Valve and Trigger: A valve controls the release of CO2, operated by a trigger or lever on the extinguisher’s handle.   1. How Dangerous Is CO2 Fire Extinguisher Pressure? – Fire Safety Information www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk
• Siphon Tube: A siphon tube extends from the top of the cylinder to the bottom, ensuring that liquid CO2 is drawn out during discharge.   1. Portable Carbon dioxide Fire Extinguisher – Components – YouTube www.youtube.com

Operation:

1. Activation:
   • The user removes the safety pin and squeezes the trigger or lever.   1. Understanding the working principle of a portable gas cartridge-type fire extinguishers. www.youtube.com
   • This opens the valve, allowing the pressurized liquid CO2 to flow through the siphon tube and out the discharge horn.
2. Phase Change and Expansion:
   • As the liquid CO2 escapes the cylinder, it rapidly expands and changes phase to a gas.   1. When Would It Be Dangerous to Use a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher? www.cityfire.co.uk
   • This expansion causes a significant cooling effect, further aiding in fire suppression.
3. Oxygen Displacement:
   • The CO2 gas, being heavier than air, displaces oxygen around the fire, creating an inert atmosphere that prevents combustion.   1. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers www.sc.edu
   • This suffocating effect effectively extinguishes the flames.   1. 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class www.ifsecglobal.com
4. Cooling Effect:
   • The rapid expansion and phase change of CO2 also cools the burning material, removing heat from the fire triangle and further aiding in extinguishing the fire.

Effectiveness:

• Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids): CO2 extinguishers are very effective on Class B fires (e.g., gasoline, oil, paint) by displacing oxygen and cooling the fuel.   1. CO2 fire extinguisher – everything you need to know surreyfire.co.uk
• Class C Fires (Electrical Fires): CO2 is non-conductive, making it safe and effective for extinguishing electrical fires without causing further damage.   1. Carbon Dioxide Systems | Lafayette, IN – Official Website lafayette.in.gov
• Limited Effectiveness on Class A Fires: CO2 extinguishers may not be as effective on Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth) as they don’t penetrate deeply into the burning material and may not cool it sufficiently to prevent re-ignition.

Safety Considerations:

• Confined Spaces: CO2 can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, creating a risk of asphyxiation. Avoid using CO2 extinguishers in confined spaces unless proper ventilation is ensured.   1. Carbon Dioxide | Wisconsin Department of Health Services www.dhs.wisconsin.gov2. What fire extinguisher should not be used in confined spaces? | Fire Protection Association www.thefpa.co.uk
• Cold Discharge: The discharge horn can become extremely cold during use, potentially causing frostbite. Avoid direct contact with the horn.   1. CO2 fire extinguisher horns – Safelincs www.safelincs.co.uk
• Re-ignition: CO2 does not leave a residue and may not cool the fuel sufficiently, so there’s a risk of re-ignition if the heat source remains.   1. 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class www.ifsecglobal.com

In Summary: Portable CO2 fire extinguishers are effective tools for fighting flammable liquid and electrical fires. They work by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire, providing a quick and relatively clean method of extinguishing flames. However, it’s crucial to use them safely and be aware of their limitations in confined spaces and with certain fire classes.  

1. 5 types of fire extinguishers: A guide to using the right class

2. How Does A Co2 Fire Extinguisher Work? – Fire Safety Information – Fire Protection Online