TRAINING BULLETIN TOOLS 1 May 27, 2011 1. DESCRIPTION Weight is approximately 30 lbs. Water 2½ gallons. Operating Pressure: 100 psi @ 70 degrees F. Note: Water expelled in 55 seconds. Stainless Steel Cylinder Material. Plated Brass Valve Material. Stainless Steel handle/lever Material. In freezing weather, the extinguisher should be placed in an apparatus cab or other warm area if the unit will be operating for an extended period. There are two types of water extinguishers being utilized in the field today. Extinguishers with a Schrader valve connected (Figure 1) directly to valve handle and extinguishers with no Schrader valve. (Figure 2) The water extinguisher is a pressure vessel and shall be hydrostatically tested at 5 year intervals or at any time an extinguisher shows evidence of corrosion or mechanical damage. Figure 1 Figure 2 1
2. OPERATION A. Extinguisher is maintained upright. B. Pull the ring pin. C. Grasp the hose near the nozzle with one hand, and squeeze discharge lever with your other hand. D. Direct the straight stream at the base of the fire. A gloved finger placed lightly over the nozzle tip can help produce a fine spray. This spray pattern is often useful at fires to obtain maximum cooling effect and extended the application time. Note: Using the extinguisher with a finger over the nozzle should only be used at very small or smoldering fires where there is no detectable thermal draft created by the fire. Thermal draft may cause the spray to become steam and possibly burn the user or others in close proximity. 3. USES Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size (NFPA 10, 1.1.1) A. Pressurized water extinguishers can be used on Class A fires to: Control mattress fires, chair fires, small trash fires, etc. Control a smoldering fire in wall and ceiling bays (especially if line is on another floor or remote). Reduce fire in the vicinity of the apartment door so that it may be closed. Extinguish incipient fires in window frames and under eaves. B. Cool a burned victim or member. C. Temporarily protect members operating in fire conditions. Note: Water extinguishers should never be used on or about energized electrical fire situations to avoid electrical shock injury. 2
4. INSPECTION The pressurized water extinguisher shall be inspected daily and after each use. Inspection shall include: Any signs of leakage, corrosion, or physical damage. Signs of or exposure to excessive heat, flame, or fire. Condition of the cap and collar threads. Visually examine the discharge hose and nozzle, to ensure it s free from damage and unobstructed. Serviceability of the gasket. Ensure pressure gauge pointer needle indicates within the green operable range. (Figure 5) Check hydrostatic test date. If is greater than 5 years, extinguisher must be placed out of service. (Figure 3) Lift extinguisher to determine its fullness. Note: Pressurized water extinguishers placed out of service should be properly tagged with an RT-2 and sent to Technical Services for replacement. Figure 3 3
5. RECHARGING EXTINGUISHER WITH SCHRADER CONNECTION A. Invert the extinguisher, and point the nozzle in a safe direction. B. Squeeze the lever to release residual air pressure then check the extinguisher gauge to verify all pressure is removed. C. Inspect extinguisher (refer to section 4 above). D. Remove the head assembly. Closely examine all components to ensure they are not damaged cracked or worn. E. Wash all parts with water. Rinse hose and nozzle. E. Fill the extinguisher with clean potable water to the inside mark. F. Replace the head assembly, and properly snug it down. G. Using a regulated air hose with gauge and Schrader connection, slowly fill with air to 100 PSI. Reference the extinguisher pressure gauge to check proper charge (Figures 4 and 5). H. Install ring pin into valve assembly. Figure 4 Figure 5 EXTINGUISHER WITHOUT SCHRADER CONNECTION A. Invert the extinguisher, and point the nozzle in a safe direction. B. Squeeze the lever to release residual air pressure then check the extinguisher gauge to verify all pressure is removed. C. Inspect extinguisher (refer to section 4 above). D. Remove the head assembly. Closely examine all components to ensure they are not damaged cracked or worn. E. Wash all parts with water. Rinse hose and nozzle. E. Fill the extinguisher with clean potable water to the inside mark. F. Replace the head assembly, and properly snug it down. G. Unscrew and remove discharge hose from assembly (Figure 6). 4
Figure 6 H. Carefully install pressurization charge adapter with pre-attached Schrader connection (Figure 7) into the discharge valve outlet port and hand tighten. (Figure 8). I. Using a regulated air hose with gauge and the Schrader connection, depress the extinguisher operating lever and slowly pressurize the extinguisher to 100 PSI. (Figure 9) J. Release lever and remove the pressure source, reference the extinguisher pressure gauge to check proper charge. Install ring pin into valve assembly. K. Uninstall charge adapter from discharge valve output port. L. Reinstall and secure the hose assembly into the discharge valve outlet port. Figure 7 Figure 8 5
Figure 9 NOTE: Pressurized water extinguishers can be dangerous (see reference # 1). 6. SAFETY To prevent injury, always ensure all pressure is properly relieved from extinguisher prior to attempting recharge. Eye protection should be worn when recharging extinguisher. Regulated extinguisher pressurization source should never be set higher than 125 PSI. Never stand directly in front of extinguisher gauge or stand over the valve during pressurization. The apparatus has a one way valve in the airline to prevent water from entering the brake system. Fire extinguishers are mechanical devices that require appropriate care to function properly. The operation, inspection, and recharge of the water extinguisher shall be done as directed in this Training Bulletin. 6
REFERENCE #1 (Formerly Safety Tip 113) 7