Fire Safety and Utility Controls Unit 2
Unit Objectives Explain role of CERTs in fire safety Identify and reduce potential fire and utility risks Describe CERT sizeup process Conduct basic sizeup for a fire emergency Explain basic safety precautions Identify hazardous materials Extinguish small fires using a fire extinguisher 2-1
Unit Topics CERT sizeup Fire and utility hazards in the home, workplace, and neighborhood Fire chemistry Fire sizeup considerations Firefighting resources Fire suppression safety Hazardous materials 2-2
Role of CERTs CERTs play very important role in fire safety by: Extinguishing small fires Preventing additional fires by removing fuel sources Shutting off utilities Assisting with evacuations, when necessary Know how to act around Hazardous Materials 2-3
CERT Priorities Help in emergencies before professional responders arrive Rescuer safety is number one priority Always work with a buddy Always wear safety equipment CERT Goal: Do the greatest good for the greatest number 2-4
CERT Sizeup 1. Gather Facts 2. Assess Damage 3. Consider Probabilities 4. Assess Your Situation 5. Establish Priorities 6. Make Decisions 7. Develop Plan of Action 8. Take Action 9. Evaluate Progress REMEMBER: CERT SIZEUP IS A CONTINUAL PROCESS 2-5
Utility Control Utilities Include: Water Natural Gas Electricity Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls 2-6
Water Hazards Slipping and Falling Electrocution Standing water can become energized if other electrical hazards are present 2-7
Water Shutoff Locate water shutoff valves Inside: Usually located in or near garage Turn wheel clockwise until off Outside: Under sidewalk in front of building labeled WATER Usually shut off by Water Department 2-8
When to Shut Off Water Only if it is safe When there is a severe leak inside a building When a building has collapsed and water department shutoff is easily accessible 2-9
Exterior Water Shutoff Valves To House 2-10
Under Sink Water Valve Shutoff 2-11
Toilet Shut Off Valve 2-12
Water Heater Shut Off Valve 2-13
Natural Gas Hazards Asphyxiate Robs body of oxygen Explosive Can easily ignite Natural gas is odorless 2-14
Natural Gas Hazard Awareness Install natural gas detector Install carbon monoxide detector in home Test batteries for natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors every month Change batteries every 6 months Locate and label gas shutoffs Have proper non-sparking tool 2-15
Interior Gas Shut Off Valves Gas valves 2-16
Gas Shutoff Locate and label gas shutoff valves If not automatic, know procedures for shutting off gas 2-17
When to Shut Off Gas Only if it is safe When you smell gas When a building has sustained heavy damage NEVER TURN THE GAS BACK ON 2-18
Reducing Electrical Hazards Avoid the electrical octopus Don t run cords under carpets Check for and replace broken or frayed cords Maintain appliances 2-19
Electrical Emergencies Know where power shutoffs are for: Appliances Circuit breakers Fuses Post shutoff directions next to all utilities Know procedures for turning power back on 2-20
Shutoff Procedures Fuse box with shutoff Circuit box with shutoff 2-21
When to Shut Off Electricity Only if it is safe When arcing or burning occurs When a building has collapsed and shutoff is easily accessible 2-22
PG&E 2-23
Hazardous Materials Corrode other materials Explode or are easily ignited React strongly with water Are unstable when exposed to heat or shock Are otherwise toxic to humans, animals, or the environment through absorption, inhalation, injection, or ingestion 2-24
L.I.E.S. Always read labels Use L.I.E.S. storage procedures (Limit, Isolate, Eliminate, Separate) 2-25
Identifying Stored Hazmats 2-26
The White Quadrant NFPA 704 Diamond White Quadrant: W: Shows unusual reactivity with water OX: Possesses oxidizing properties 2-27
STOP! 2-28
Hazmats in Transit Orange Red White Red Red & White Red & White Blue Yellow White Yellow & White Black & White 2-29
UN and NA Placards Symbol Name Chemical Number Symbol 1203 Chemical Class Chemical Class 3 2-30
Greater Than 1? Remember! All hazardous material placards are a stop sign for CERTs Unit 2: Fire Safety and Utility Controls 2-31
The Fire Triangle Heat Fuel Oxygen 2-32
5 Classes of Fire A: Ordinary combustibles B: Flammable and combustible liquids C: Energized electrical equipment D: Combustible metals K: Cooking oils 2-33
CERT Fire Sizeup Helps responders decide: Whether to attempt to suppress a fire A plan of action Answers these questions: Do my buddy and I have the right equipment? Are there other hazards? Is the building structurally damaged? Can my buddy and I escape? Can my buddy and I fight the fire safely? Remember: The safety of individual CERT members is always the top priority 2-34
NIST Fire Video Clip 2-35
Firefighting Resources Portable fire extinguishers Wet standpipes Confinement Creative resources 2-36
Interior Wet Standpipes Usually in commercial buildings or apartments Work in twoperson teams when using wet standpipes 2-37
Fire Extinguishers Water Dry chemical Carbon dioxide Halon or Clean Agent Specialized fire extinguisher 2-38
Fire Types, Extinguishing Agents, and Methods Fire Type Ordinary Solid Materials A Agent Water Foam Dry chemical Extinguishing Method Removes heat Removes air and heat Breaks chain reaction Flammable Liquids B Foam CO 2 Dry chemical Removes air Breaks chain reaction Electrical Equipment CO 2 Removes air C Dry chemical Breaks chain reaction Combustible Metals D Special agents Usually remove air Unit 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls 2-39
Fire Types Class K fire extinguishers for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances Generally found in commercial kitchens Class K extinguishers are now finding their way into the residential market for use in kitchens 2-40
Extinguisher Rating/Labeling Labels show types of fires that extinguisher is used for: Class A fire ratings: 1A to 40A Class B fire ratings: 1B to 640B Higher number on label = greater amount of extinguishing agent 2-41
Examples of Labels 2-42
Decision-making Process Can I escape quickly and safely from the area if I attempt to extinguish the fire? Yes Do I have the right type of extinguisher? Yes Is the extinguisher large enough for the fire? Yes Is the area free from other dangers such as hazardous materials and falling debris? Yes Extinguish the Fire! NO NO NO NO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Unit 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls 2-43
P.A.S.S. Pull Test the extinguisher after pulling the pin and before approaching any fire. Aim Squeeze Sweep 2-44
P.A.S.S. 2-45
Fire Suppression Safety Safety of individual CERT members is top priority 2-46
Fire Suppression Don ts Don t get too close Don t try to fight a fire alone Don t try to suppress large fires Don t enter smoke-filled areas 2-47
Fire Suppression Don ts 2-48
Activity: Fire Extinguishers and Utility Control Explore the anatomy of a fire extinguisher Practice safe CERT size up and approach to putting out fires Practice turning off gas and electric utilities 2-49
Unit Summary You should know: Keys to effective fire suppression Shut off procedures for utilities CERT sizeup and fire sizeup considerations Classes of fire and types of fire extinguishers P.A.S.S. How to identify hazardous materials Always follow the safety rules established for CERTs personal safety comes first! 2-50
Homework Assignment 1. Read unit to be covered in next session 2. Wear appropriate clothes to next session 2-51