Primary fire extinguishing media and their use
If there is a fire, what should I do? We must try to extinguish the fire until it flares up thoroughly. But how to do that? For this, special tools should always be at hand. And it is about them that will be discussed in this review.
What do primary funds mean?
What are primary extinguishing media? They should be understood as a mechanized hand-held tool, substances with materials and products that are necessary in order to localize and eliminate the source of fire at the initial stage. In other words, these are fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, felt mat, sand, buckets, etc. These items should always be kept close at hand. Summing up the above, it should be emphasized that the primary fire extinguishing means are those tools and substances with which you can extinguish the fire.
No need to get carried away when extinguishing a fire!
It is necessary to understand that it is impossible to resist an already kindled fire with the help of them. It will be extremely life threatening. Fire extinguishing should be done by professionals. But everyone can fight it at the very initial stage of its occurrence. It is required to remember that the primary fire extinguishing means are used to counteract fires, and not fires, which require special means to protect the respiratory system, eyes, head and body.
If unauthorized combustion occurs or a fire is detected, you will need to immediately call the fire brigade. This should be done even when the fire has been extinguished on its own. It should be understood that fire can go unnoticed in hidden places. For example, in the voids of partitions or in the attic. Accordingly, after a while, combustion can start again. This can happen even after a few hours.
When is it useless to use the tools at hand?
Do not try to extinguish the fire using primary fire extinguishing means, in the event that it begins to spread to pieces of furniture, while filling the room with smoke. Once again, it should be repeated that you can extinguish the fire yourself if the fire was noticed at an early stage and when you have confidence in your own abilities. However, if it was not possible to eliminate the fire within a few minutes, then further resisting the fire will not only be useless, but also extremely life-threatening.
A popular remedy for eliminating a fire source
Water is practically the most common primary extinguishing agent. Its fire extinguishing properties mainly consist in cooling the burning object, in reducing the ignition temperature. Water is electrically conductive. For this reason, it cannot be used if there is an extinguishing of electrical networks and installations. Please note that if water gets on the wires, a short circuit may occur. If a burning electrical wiring was detected, then first of all it will be necessary to de-energize the electrical network in the apartment. To do this, turn off the general switch located on the input board. The use of primary extinguishing media such as water, fire extinguisher and sand is possible only after this action.
Do not try to extinguish burning gasoline, oil, kerosene or any other flammable substances with water in a residential building, shed or garage. These fluids are lighter than water. For this reason, they float to its surface, continuing to burn. But at the same time, the area of ignition is significantly increased, since water tends to spread. In this situation, it is most preferable to use a primary extinguishing agent such as a fire extinguisher. Sand, earth, soda, thick fabrics, a wool coat and blanket are considered equally good options. The last three products should be pre-moistened with water.
What substances can be used to extinguish flammable liquids?
The use of primary extinguishing media such as earth and sand is most effective if the fire site is not too large. These materials are also suitable for filling flammable liquids (gasoline, tar, kerosene, etc.). If there is a fire, sand or earth must be brought in a bucket or in a shovel to the hearth. Mainly, the material should be poured along the outer edge of the combustion area. You should try to create a kind of barrier that will prevent the spreading of the burning liquid. After that, using a shovel, you will need to cover the ignition surface with sand or earth. These products will absorb the liquid. When it is possible to knock down the fire from the burning substance, you should immediately begin to eliminate the flame from the surrounding objects. Instead of a shovel, you can use, for example, a piece of plywood or a frying pan. Remember these rules for the use of primary fire extinguishing equipment.
Why not put out the fire?
The fire is necessary in order to be able to isolate the combustion center from the air. This method is quite effective, but it is used only if the fire source is not large. Do not use synthetic fabrics to put out the fire. They will melt and decompose when exposed to fire. This will generate toxic gases. Decomposition products of synthetics are themselves combustible materials. They can cause a sudden outbreak of fire.
Rules for using a special crane
An internal fire hydrant is required in order to extinguish the fire of various objects. It must not be used to extinguish fire from electrical installations that are energized. The crane is located in a special cabinet. It comes with a barrel and a sleeve. They are connected to each other and to the valve. What rules for the use of primary fire extinguishing equipment do you need to know in this situation? If there is a fire, you will need to rip the seal from the cabinet or get a special key from the storage location on the door and open it. After that, you should remove the sleeve that connects to the fire barrel and direct it in the direction where the fire occurred. By turning the valve flywheel as much as possible, it is required to start up the water and begin to extinguish the fire. It is best to use a fire hydrant together. One person will start the water, and the second will direct the jet from the barrel to the area of fire.
The instruction on primary fire extinguishing means implies that fire hydrants must not be used when performing those work that is in no way related to extinguishing a fire or conducting special training.
What are the extinguishing agents attached to?
Each individual building must be provided with primary fire extinguishing equipment. In order to place them, special fire shields are used. It is on them that tools such as a fire extinguisher, a fire crowbar, a hook, an ax and buckets are attached. A box should be installed near the shield, in which sand and shovels will be located. A barrel of water with a capacity of 200 liters is also needed.
An important element that should be in any room
Fire extinguishers also belong to the primary means of fire extinguishing. They must be used in the event that a fire source has arisen. At any enterprise, regardless of its organizational and legal form, there must be means by which it is possible to extinguish a fire at the initial stage of its occurrence. It is recommended for every owner of an apartment, garage, summer cottage, house to have a fire extinguisher.
What kind of fire extinguishers can I use?
The use of primary extinguishing media such as fire extinguishers will depend on the type. At the present stage, there are a large number of agents of this type that are very different in their properties and scope. But to use in everyday life in order to eliminate small fires, it is best to use powder fire extinguishers. In order to activate them, it is required first of all to break the seal. After that, you need to pull out the locking latch, which acts as a safety pin. Then you need to go to the source of the fire, direct the nozzle of the fire extinguisher to it and press the trigger.
What do you need to know when extinguishing a hearth?
If it is necessary to extinguish a fire outside the room, the use of primary extinguishing equipment, such as fire extinguishers, implies that the approach must be upwind. In this case, the distance from the fire to the person should not be less than the minimum length characteristic of the jet of the fire extinguishing agent charge. It should be noted that the wind can interfere with the elimination of fire. It removes the fire and extinguishing agent.
It is required to influence the fire site, starting from the periphery, moving towards the center. You should act quickly, remembering that the charge of the powder is limited.
Selection and placement of fire extinguishers in public buildings
It is necessary to cite those standards of primary fire extinguishing means that are associated with the selection and placement of fire extinguishers. The basic rules for public buildings are as follows:
It is very important to understand that the purpose of primary fire extinguishing means, such as fire extinguishers, has nothing to do with those economic needs that do not imply the elimination of fires.
Selection and placement of fire extinguishers in vehicles
Primary means for extinguishing fires are also needed to protect vehicles that are capable of catching fire. When choosing this kind of tools, you need to remember some basic rules.
The presence of fire extinguishing means is required!
This article covered the main nuances to remember. It is very important not only the availability, but also the correct maintenance of primary fire extinguishing means. A lot will depend on this. After all, if at the time of fire, for example, a fire extinguisher is not at hand, then not only material losses can be incurred. There is also a rather serious danger to the life and health of people. We hope this review has helped to understand what the primary means necessary for extinguishing fires are.
