FREE CABIN CREW COURSE

Definition of fire:

Fire is a combustion due to chemical reaction of the combination of heat, oxygen and burnable or combustible materials.

Composition/Components of FIRE

Fire is composed of (i) Heat (ii) Air or Oxygen (O2) (iii) Combustible Material(Fuel).

METHODS OF EXTINCTION OF FIRE:

Fire can be extinguished by removal of any of the 3 compositions/components of fire.

1. Reduction of heat by cooling, by pouring water or by applying CO2 gas over heat.

2. Cutting off 02 supply by blanketing it with foam or suds, or by displacement of 02 by discharging CO2 or Halon fire extinguisher which will have a “smothering effect” over fire.

3. Removal of the burnable/combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, etc. from the scene of fire.

TYPES OF FIRE:

Fire can be classified into 4 types of fire: A class: solid fire, B class: liquid fire, C class: electrical fire, D class: mend & explosion fire.

Examples of A class (solid) fire: wood, paper, cloth, rubber, plastic etc.

Examples of B class (liquid) fire: any inflammable liquids or gases, gasoline (petrol), paint, alcohol, etc.

Examples of C class (electrical) fire: any fire originating from any electrical equipment.

Examples of D class (metal or explosion fire): any fire originating from inflammable gases or gasoline vapors or landing gear (wheel) brake friction with the runway.

USES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ON TYPES OF FIRE:

For A class (solid) fire: - Any type of fire extinguisher, water (H2O) or Halon fire extinguisher. But it should not be used Halon fire extinguisher if water is readily available to put out the solid fire.

For B class (liquid) fire: - Halon or BCF fire extinguisher. But do not use H20 fire extinguisher on liquid fire.

For C class (electrical) fire: - Halon or BCF fire extinguisher. But do not use water fire extinguisher on electrical fire, as water is a good conductor of electricity and there is a possibility of electrocution, also, if by any means, electricity is cut-off, then, any type of fire extinguisher can be used.

For D class (metallic or explosive) fire: First of all ensure what type of metallic or explosive fire has occurred, and then use the appropriate fire extinguisher.

CAUSES OF FIRE:

A fire is caused due to:

1. Carelessness 2. Ignorance 3 .Accident

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR FIGHTING THE FIRE:
l. Whenever there is a fire, use appropriate immediate action.

2. Time for fire to spread out is 30 seconds; hence fire must be put out within 30 seconds.

3. If fire can be put out effectively at the incipient (initial) stage, it will eliminate the possibility of big fire.

4. Fight a fire with a suitable fire extinguisher

5. Do not tilt (bend) a fire extinguisher more than 45 degrees.

6. Do not inhale smoke while using Halon or BCF fire extinguisher.

7. Dircct the nozzle at the base of fire.

8. Use the fire extinguisher from one side of fire to the other side.

9. Use the fire extinguisher completely.

10. Look for “flash back’’ of fire for something.