Frequently Asked Questions On Basic Fire

1.  What is the difference between Flammable and Inflammable?

Technically both have the same meaning. Minor difference is flammable materials requires outside ignition to catch fire whereas inflammable materials catch fire on its own when it reaches the flash point.

2.  Explain Fire tetrahedron?

Fuel, Oxygen & heat along with the chain reaction between all the three elements form the quadrangle. It is actually in the form of pyramid with three faces and a base.

3.  What is STATIC Electricity in Fire Extinguishers?

Friction of one material being rapidly passed over another insulated material typically generates static electricity. Dry and cool environments are the most conducive and susceptible for building up of static electricity. Carbon di oxide fire extinguisher generates this with the friction created as the high pressure liquid agent quickly passes up the siphon tube through the valve and out the discharge hose assembly where it releases as a cold gas or snow.

4.  At What temperatures the Following Materials Catch Fire?                                                                                       

     (a) Petrol          -- 40 deg C

     (b) Kerosene   38-72 deg C

     (c) Diesel        >62 deg C

     (d) Benzene    -- 11 deg C

     (e) Rubber    - does not burn but melts    

5.  What Class of Fuel is Rubber and Why?

   Rubber falls under class B as this gets liquefied on attaining required temperature. In reality from solid state this gets transformed to liquid state and then burn.

6.  Explain the Following:                                                (i) Auto Ignition - the temperature at which a substance will self ignite without the application of external spark.                                                             (ii) Back Draft - in a closed room which is under fire when the door is opened hot fuel rich vapor will immediately pour out at the top level while fresh air will simultaneously rush in at floor level. Outside the room escaped vapor forms a fire ball with explosive effect.                                                                        (iii) Flash Over -  in a room where one portion is under fire with free supply of oxygen from a opening, after some time on raise in temperature > 500 deg C ignition takes place at all combustible materials.                                                             (iv)Flash Point - the lowest temperature at which a flammable substance gives off sufficient vapor to produce a momentary flash on the application of s small flame.                                                            

 (v) Frost Bite – the tissues in fingers & toes freeze due to low temperature

7.  As an ERT member/Floor Warden what are 5 checklist points to be verified by ERT member before working?

a)  Nearest Emergency Exit

b)  Accessible Fire extinguisher

c)  Manual call point

d)  Emergency escape route plan

e)  Safe assembly point

8.  Explain the following:                                                       

     1. Spouting – if water level is more than the required marking, due to thermal variation, the gas above the water gets expands and pressurize the water which drops thro the nozzle.                                                                             

 2. Vent Hole - this is present in the union cap. In the event when gas cartridge gets punctured, to release the gas while opening the union cap. This will save any untoward incidents as otherwise the cap may fly off as a missile.                                                                        

3. Breather Valve – this is provided to release the excessive air due to thermal expansion thereby prevents spouting. A ball with a free movement does this action.                         

  4. Ventury Effect – this is an effect which is inevitable in the formation of foam in the foam making branch. When foam compound passes thro the hose and reaches the branch, due to ventury effect aeration takes place. Due to positive pressure, this sucks air from the atmosphere and thereby forming foam.

9.  What will happen if water level is more than the required level in an extinguisher?

This causes spouting where water droplets falls thro the nozzle. It is obvious that if water level is more than the précised level breather valve is also immersed in water and will not work.

10.What is the chemical Name of the following?

      (a) NAF –        Dichlorotrifluroethane

                               Penta fluro ethane

     (b) HALON -   bromo chloro di fluro methane

                              bromo tri fluro methane

11.What are the special powders available for putting out       

     ‘D’ Class Fire?

a)  pyromite powder

b)  TEC powder

12. What is PASS method of operating extinguishers?

Pull the locking pin

Aim at the base of the fire

Squeeze the lever

Sweep

13. What could be reasons for the failure of DCP 

Conventional type (not Less than 5 Points) ?

Powder getting choked

Union cap not tightened properly

Gas cartridge might be empty/ not have been punctured

Blockage in the siphon tube

Puncturing device may not be proper

Nozzle or squeeze grip of the hose getting obstructed

14. What could be the reasons for the failure of ABC

Stored pressure extinguishers(Not Less than 3Points)?

Nozzle of the hose getting obstructed

Expellant gets leaked out even before operation   

There could be some blockage in the siphon tube

Insufficient pressure   

15. What is the International color coding for extinguishers?

Water                red      

Foam                green               

Dry powder     blue

CO 2               black

16. Why is Class ‘E’ not included in the classification?

An electrical hazard, in most cases, becomes the root cause of the fire and depending on the occupancy; class of fire can be decided. In other words, electricity becomes the source of ignition.

17. Give the Mechanism of AFFF putting out the fire(Class ‘B’ ) ?

Cooling effect & blanketing effect. Besides this due to its burning back resistance it will never allow to reignite.

18. What are the two ways in which DCP puts out the Fire?

Smothering effect & cutting the chain reaction between three elements of fire triangle, breading free radicals.

19.What is IDLH? What is IDLH Value? Why we should be operating a CO extinguishers in a room?

Immediately Dangerous to Life & Health.  < 19.5 % .As co2 depletes oxygen in the closed room; it is not advisable to be used in an enclosed room

20. Mention any two do’s and Don’ts in isolating electrical hazards in a industry?

Check the insulation thoroughly

Use authenticated / approved materials only

Do not overload the sockets

Do not store flammable materials near sockets

21. What are the IS No’s of the following?

           (a) DCP Powder: - IS: 4308

           (b) ABC Stored Pressure:-IS: 13849

           (c) ABC Powder: - IS: 14609

           (d) CO2 Valve:-IS: 3224

22. Expand the Following

           (a) ISI -- Indian standards Institute (Bureau of Indian Standards)

           (b) ISO – International Organisation for standardisation     

           (c) OSHA– Occupational Safety & health administration

           (d) NIOSH- National institute for occupational safety & health

23. What is the discharge time of the following:-

           (a) DCP 5kg extinguishers - app 20 seconds

           (b) CO2 4.5kg extinguishers - app 18-20 secs.

24. What is the hose length of the following CO2 Extinguishers:

           (a) CO2 4.5kg :- 1 m

           (b) CO2 9kg   :-  2 m

           (c ) CO2 22.5kg :- 5 m

25.Can you convert a Water CO2 9ltrs extinguishers into Mechanical Foam Extinguishers? What is to be done.

Yes. We can. Foam compound should be added. Nozzle should be replaced with a hose with foam branch. Sticker should be replaced accordingly.

26. Expand FIRE?

Find / Inform / Respond / Evacuate

27. what is the document and ISS for recommendation of  

     Fire Extinguishers? Give Example for Class ‘B’

     Occupancy – Recommendation.

IS : 2190 – for class B, the ideal media would be mechanical foam type portable & trolley.

28. What are the 5 reasons for Bang Type DCP Failure?

Same as mentioned for Q 13

29.     What is HPT? Explain the difference with working   pressure?

This is hydraulic pressure testing. This can be carried out at the time of maintenance to check the condition of the fire extinguisher. It is apparent that all these fire extinguishers will have to be tested for this test pressure while manufacturing. Working pressure is the pressure at which the fire extinguisher works.

30.     Name the two good Samaritans who saved peoples lives in Mumbai Terror Attacks?

Vijay salaskar

Hemanth karkare

Ashok kamte

Sandeep unnikrishnan

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QUESTIONS PAPER FOR TRAINERS

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT

1.  Give Expansion of the Following:

(a)          CPCR – cardio pulmonary cerebral resuscitation

(b)         AED – automated external defibrillator

(c)          AIDS – acquired immune deficiency syndrome

(d)         ACLS – advance cardio life support

(e)          SCBA – self contained breathing apparatus

(f)           CPR – cardio pulmonary resuscitation

2.  Swine Flu is caused by which virus and which animal?

H1N1 virus is the cause for swine flu and the animal is pig

3.  What is the difference in methods of CPR for infants, Children and Adults – Explain.

In the case of adult nose should be pinched before blowing air thro the victim’s mouth. In child & infants both nose & mouth must be covered by the mouth of the first aider and blowing must be done.

In case of adults compression can be done by keeping heel of the end on the centre of the chest whereas in case of children ring finger & middle finger must be placed on the centre of the chest.

4.  What care is to be taken while giving CPR to pregnant women?

By placing a pillow under the right hip.

By pushing the uterus to the left.

5.  What are the three clear symptoms that a person is dead?

The person will not be able to respond to any call.

There will not be any contraction in the eye ball on exposing to light.

Body gets chilled.

6.  What will you do when a person is unconscious?

Just keep the person on the floor with legs positioned on a elevated platform like a chair. Keep on monitoring pulse & breathing. Be ready to perform CPR in case pulse & breathing lost.

7.  Why water should not be given to unconscious person?

In case of unconscious person the food pipe is kept closed by epiglottis and hence the water enters the air pipe.

8.  Explain the following:

(a)          Hypoglycemia – when blood sugar level falls below normal, when brain function is affected.

(b)         Hypothermia – this happens when body temperature falls below 35 deg C

(c)          Hyperventilation – excessive breathing due to emotional or psychological shock.

(d)         Aspiration - blockage of air pipe due to secretion or any material.  May not be able inhale as trachea is blocked.

(e)          Asphyxiation – inhalation of toxic/poisonous gas or fumes such as CO.

9.  Explain the 6 CPR Steps?

Check for consciousness

If no, call ambulance

Clear the airway and check for breathing

If no breath, give two rescue breaths

Check for pulse

If no, perform 30 compressions

10. What is Heambilic Manouvere?

This is method of removing the choked particle from the air pipe. Keeping both hands together, placing it just below the sternum and pulling the victim towards us. This could also be called as abdominal thrust.

11. Explain Good Samaritan law?

Protecting the first aide from blame those who choose to aid others who are injured or ill. They are intended to reduce bystanders’ hesitation to assist, for fear of being prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death.

12. What is the only objective of a first Aider?

Preserve, prevent & promote

Diagnosis, treatment & dispose

13. Expand HELMET.

Head, Eyes, Lips, Mouth, Ears, Tongue

14. Mention Atleast 5 carrying or Transportation Techniques for a casualty?

Two men lift                          Two arm lift

Three men lift                       Three arm lift

Picky bag                             blanket lift

Fire man’s lift                     rope lift

Chair lift

15. How will you recognize a stroke?

Make the person to Smile / Talk / Raise the arms & stick out the victim’s tongue. If there is a discomfort there are bright possibilities that the casualty might be affected with stroke and needs immediate medical attention.

16. What is the difference between the splint and sling?

Sling is a bandage to ensure that the injured portion is immobilized where as the splint is an external material is being used for supporting the broken bone, etc.

17. What are the symptoms of Heart Attack and First Aid for the same?

Profuse sweating, breathing deficiency, severe chest pain & nausea. If these symptoms are present make the patient to sit comfortably with folded legs keeping a pillow for support. Reinforce him with lot of confidence. Inform doctor accordingly. Give half a tablet of aspirin in a powdered form and make him to keep it underneath the tongue. While mobilizing to the hospital keep on monitoring pulse & breathing. Be ready to perform CPR if required. Keep on reassuring.

18. How many liters of Air can our Lungs Hold?

Approximately six liters

19. What is the difference between direct compression and indirect compression in bleeding?

Direct compression is the one which compresses on the area where it is bleeding. Indirect is the one which need not necessarily on the bleeding area and it will be elsewhere.

20. What are the physiological effects of oxygen deficiency?

Below 16% - increase in respiratory rate compensate lower oxygen content, impairment of muscular coordination.

12% - dizziness, headache

6% - brain death within few minutes.

21. What is the difference between a wet bite and dry bite of snakes?

Dry bite will have only the mark of bite whereas wet bite will not only have the above but also a mark for pumping of venom. Precisely dry bite is a warning bite; victim need not worry whereas the wet bite immediate attention must be given.

22. What would you suggest as a measure of escape from poisonous gas leakage?

Take a wet cloth and tie around nose & mouth.

Walk/run in the opposite direction to the wind and after crossing some distance take either a left or right turn

23. Name the heores of Bhopal Gas Tragedy?

Mr. shekhil Qureshi

Major Kuncharam Kanuja

Dr. Deepak Gandhe

Mr. V. K. Sharma

24. What is the function of AED?

Automated External Defibrillator can be used to correct heart rhythm. This analyses the casualty’s heart rhythm and tells what action should be taken at each stage.

25. What is compound Fracture?

Compound fracture is a open fracture occurred with the bone protruding out with lot of complexities.

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 QUESTIONS ON HYDRANTS SYSTEM

1.  What is the optimum pressure at the delivery end of a branch pipe?

5 to 7 kg / sq. cm

2.  What are the three types of Fire Hoses?

RRL hose / flax canvas hose / CP hose.

3.  What are the reasons for failure of Hydrant during Demo? State Not Less than 5 Reasons

  1) Pump may not be in working condition.

2) There could be power failure; diesel pump may not be working properly.

3) Washers in the hydrant valve may not have seated properly

4) Hoses may not be maintained properly: may be with pinholes, fungi formation, etc.

5) Inadequate branch pipe, manpower.

4.  What are the signals of operation to be told for hydrant operation?

Water on

Low pressure

Increase the pressure

Water off

Knock off & make up

Report here

5.  What is a nozzle?

Nozzle is a small gunmetal nipple connected to the branch pipe.

6.  Mention the difference between an uncontrolled branch and special branch?

Uncontrolled branches if connected with the line, flow can be controlled only from the hydrant valve. In case of special branch, water jet can be controlled from the branch itself. Person who is holding the branch can control the flow temporarily.

7.  Mention the different branch pipes available for fire fighting?

Short / standard copper or long / triple purpose / fog nozzle / navy diffuser / revolving type / jumbo curtain

8.  Mention the different pumps involved in erection of hydrant?

Main pump or electrically driven pump, Jockey pump and a Diesel pump

9.  Mention the temperature of operation of the bulbs in the sprinklers.

            Red 68 deg C

           Yellow 79  deg C

           Blue 141 deg C

           Green 93 deg C

 10. What is the sluize Valve?

It is a main gate valve controlling the flow of water involved in the erection of hydrant system.

 11. What is fire brigade inlet and what is its usage?

This is present mostly at the entrance of the building and the purpose is to feed fire brigade with lot of water from the sump in case of emergency.

 12. How many different lengths of hoses are available?

7.5 M / 22.5 M / 15 M / 30 M

 13. What is the length of the hose you recommend in an

      Internal floor hydrant and why?

7.5 M would be the apt one due to its less weight and ease in handling. 15M is also suggested depending on the length of the corridor inside.

14. Explain the following:

         (a) Kink in the hose – bents present in the water hose

         (b) Lug – a locking mechanism present in the coupling & hydrant valve

         (c) Under running – draining the water from the used hose.

         (d) Flax Canvas – this is a type of hose made of jute fiber and a reliable one due to its abrasion resistance.

15. What are the types of automatic fire detectors?

Heat detector

Smoke detector

Ionization smoke detector

Optical beam smoke detector

Infra red flame detector

Ultra violet flame detector

16. How do you identify a burst hose?

It can be identified by a knot in female coupling side.

17. What is Pick up tube? What is its function?

This is being utilized for suction of foam compound while fighting oil fires. This can be directly coupled with the hydrant line while operation and the built in pick up tube should be immersed into the foam compound can. With the positive pressure in the line, water sucks the foam compound and comes out as thick foam.

18. What is wet riser?

These pipes remain permanently charged with water at system pressure. The opening of a hydrant landing valve or hose reel on any floor reduces the pressure in the pipeline and starts the hydrant pump

19. What is Dry riser?

Dry raiser is not charged with water always. It is not connected with water supply but is charged when required by means of fire service and enables a fire on an upper floor to be attacked by fire fighter’s hose without having to lay out a long line of hose. Besides water the other entire component will be present and only in the event of emergency, lines charged with water and fires can be fought.

20. What is the difference between a fire tender and a hydrant system?

1) Fire brigade is mobile & hydrant is stationery.

2) Water source is limited in case of fire brigade and in hydrant, it is abundant.    

21. Name 5 important reasons for Hydrant System

    Failure during your demo exercise?

1) Pump may not be in working condition.

2) There could be power failure; diesel pump may not be working properly.

3) Washers in the hydrant valve may not have seated properly

4) Hoses may not be maintained properly: may be with pinholes, fungi formation, etc.

5) Inadequate branch pipe, manpower.