Types of fire (European Standard)

It is important to find out the type of fire because if you fight with a fire in incorrect way, it can only increase the danger.

CLASS A	CLASS B	CLASS C	CLASS D
Fire of solid materials usually of an organic nature such as wood, paper, furniture, plastics, rope, etc.	Fire of liquids such as petrol, oils, paraffin, paint, cooking fats, etc.	Fire of gases such a propane, butane, acetylene, etc.	Fire of burning metals such as aluminum, magnesium, etc.

ELECTRICAL FIRE: Electricity does not burn. An electrical fire is a Class A, B, C or D fire. After the electrical circuits are isolated, the fire is extinguished as normal according to its normal class. 

What is burning?	Fire Type
	A	B	C	D
Wood
Petrol
Wax
A Television
Manganese
Paint Stripper
Olive Oil
Cupboard

Exercise VII. Read about Fire Extinguishers and be ready to answer the questions. 

A fire extinguisher is designed to attack a fire onboard in the early stage. 

Water, Foam and Dry Powder

Extinguishers with water, foam or dry powder operate in the same principal. In each case water, foam or dry powder are stored in a welded container. When the valve is opened, CO2 gas has a downward pressure on the water, foam, or dry powder and forces it as a siphon tube and out through the delivery hose. The discharge is controlled by squeezing and releasing the operating head valve or by a control lever at the end of the discharge hose. 

WATER – USE on wood paper, plastics

DO NOT USE on fires involving liquid (oils, paints, fats, etc. )

DO NOT USE on fires where there is live electricity. 

FOAM – USE on liquid spills and liquid fires of oils, paints (Class B fires)

DO NOT USE on fires where there is live electricity.

DRY POWDER

Powder can be used for liquids (Class B fires). Powder may also, with the correct technique, be used to extinguish a high pressure gas flame (Class C fires). Dry Powder gives as fast flame knock-down, and may be used on fires on live electrical equipment. 

True or False?

1. Extinguishers with water, foam or dry powder operate in the completely different principal. 

2. Extinguishers with water can be used on fires involving liquid. 

3. Powder can be used for liquids.

4. Extinguishers with foam can be used on fires where there is live electricity. 

5. Dry powder extinguisher is used on wood and plastics. 

6. Class C fires are extinguished with Dry powder extinguishers. 

Grammar exercises

Exercise I. Translate the sentences paying attention of the functions of infinitives. 

1. They wanted to repair the equipment. 2. Everybody knows the bulkers to be applied for carrying of bulk cargo. 3. I’d like to see the list of spare parts to be ordered. 4. The problems with an engine are to be avoided. 5. The main goal of a hull is to protect a ship from the damage. 6. Cargo is known to be taken only under the contract terms. 7. We suppose the fuel pumps to be replaced completely. 8. The ro/ro passenger liners are designed to carry a great number of passengers that is why the safety level on board should be sufficiently high. 9. To carry the liquid cargo the vessels have special tanks. 10. In case of emergency one way out is to call at any ports for repairs. 

Exercise II. Retell the text “Fire prevention measures”. 

Exercise III. Speak on the following topics:

1. Adequate action of the crew in their fight with fire. 

2. Smoking is one of the most common causes of fire outbreaks. 

3.  Hazardous materials on the vessel. What rules should the crew observe?