Fire Fighting
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GLOSSARY
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Adapter:
A hose coupling device
for connecting hoses of the nominal size, but which have different
type threads.
Air foam:
See mechanical foam.
Air foam
nozzle (mechanical foam nozzle):
A special pick-up tube or nozzle
incorporating a foam maker to aspirate air into the solution to
produce air foam.
Air line
mask: A face mask
where the air is supplied through an air hose attached to a blower
outside of the contaminated space or area.
All-purpose
nozzle (combination):
A mechanical device that fits on the end of a hose that controls
the water pressure inside the hose three ways by operating a single
valve. The three positions of the valve are:
1) FWDoff,
2) vertical-HV
/L V fog and
3) Back solid
stream.
Applicator:
A special pipe or nozzle
attachment that fits into the all-purpose nozzle high velocity outlet.
Applicators used aboard ship are 4', 10' and 12' lengths and are
equipped to change high velocity fog into low velocity fog. The
4' and 10' applicators fit the standard 1 1/2" nozzles and
the 4' has a 60˚curve and the 10' has a 90˚ curve on the
outlet end. The 12' applicator fits the standard 2 1/2" nozzle
and has a 90 ° curve at the outlet end.
Aqueous
film forming foam (AFFF):
A fluorocarbon surfactant that
acts as an effective vapor securing agent due to its effect on the
surface tension of the water. Its physical properties enable it
to float and spread across surfaces of a hydrocarbon fuel with more
density than protein foam.
Arcing:
Pure electricity jumping
across a gap in a circuit. The intense heat at the arc may ignite
any nearby combustible material or may fuse the metal of the conductor.
Automatic
alarm: An alarm
usually activated by thermostats, sprinkler valves or other automatic
devices that activate electrical circuits to the control station
located on the bridge.
Automatic
sprinkler system:
A device that fulfills both the functions of a fire detecting system
and a fire extinguishing system; the water is held back normally
with a fixed temperature seal in the sprinkler head, which melts
or shatters at a predetermined temperature.
Backup
man: The man positioned
directly behind the nozzleman; he takes up the weight of the hose
and absorbs some of the nozzle reaction so the nozzle can be manipulated
without undue strain.
Bleve (pronounced "blevey"):
A boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion; failure of a liquefied
flammable gas container caused by fire exposure.
Blitz attack:
Firefighters hit the fire with everything at their disposal.
Body harness:
A series of web straps on the protective breathing apparatus that
position and stabilize the apparatus.
Boilover:
Occurs when the heat from a fire in a tank travels down to the bottom
of the tank causing water that is already there to boil and push
part of the tank's contents over the side.
Breast
plate: That part
of the protective breathing apparatus that holds the canister and
protects the wearer from the heat generated by the unit.
Breathing
apparatus: A device
that provides the user with breathing protection; it includes a
facepiece, body harness and equipment that supplies air or oxygen.
Carbon
dioxide (C02):
A heavy, colorless, odorless, asphyxiating gas that does not normally
support combustion. It is one and one-half times heavier than air
and when directed at the base of a fire its action is to dilute
the fuel vapors to a lean mixture to extinguish the fire. Normally
carried on board in 15 lb portable extinguishers and 50lb or 100lb
cylinders in the installed system.
Chain breaking:
A method of fire extinguishment that disrupts the chemical process
that sustains the fire; an attack on the chain reaction side of
the fire tetrahedron.
Chain reaction:
Series of events, each of which cause or influence its succeeding
event. For example, the burning vapor from a fire produces heat
which releases and ignites more vapor; the additional vapor burns,
producing more heat, which releases and ignites still more vapor;
and so forth.
Check valve:
A valve that permits a flow in one direction only and will close
to prevent a flow in the opposite direction.
Chemical
foam: Foam formed
by mixing an alkali with an acid in water.
Class A
fire: A fire involving
common combustible materials which can be extinguished by the use
of water or water solutions. Materials in this category include
wood and wood-based materials, cloth, paper, rubber and certain
plastics.
Class B
fire: A fire involving
flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, greases and similar
products. Extinguishment is accomplished by cutting off the supply
of oxygen to the fire or by preventing flammable vapors from being
given off.
Class C
fire: A fire involving
energized electrical equipment, conductors or appliances. Nonconducting
extinguishing agents must be used for the protection of firefighters.
Class D
fire: A fire involving
combustible metals, for example, sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium
and aluminum. Extinguishment is accomplished through the use of
heat absorbing extinguishing agents such as certain dry powders
that do not react with the burning metals.
Combination
combustible gas and oxygen indicator:
An instrument that measures the
concentrations of both combustible gas and oxygen; each is indicated
on a separate meter.
Combination
nozzle: See all-purpose
nozzle.
Combustible
gas indicator:
An instrument used to determine whether the atmosphere of a particular
area is flammable; also called an explosimeter.
Combustion:
See fire.
Compressed
gas: A gas that,
at normal temperatures, is entirely in the gaseous state under pressure
in its container.
Conduction:
The transfer of heat through a solid body.
Convection:
The transfer of heat through the motion of heated matter, that is,
through the motion of smoke, hot air, heated gases produced by the
fire and flying embers.
Convection
cycle: The pattern
in which convected heat moves. As the hot air and gases rise from
the fire, they begin to cool; as they do, they drop down to be reheated
and rise again.
Cooling:
A method of fire extinguishment that reduces the temperature of
the fuel below its ignition temperature; a direct attack on the
heat side of a fire tetrahedron (also see fire tetrahedron).
Cryogenic
gas: A gas that
is liquefied in its container at a temperature far below normal
temperatures, and at low-to-moderate pressures.
Demand
breathing apparatus:
A type of self-contained breathing
apparatus that provides air or oxygen from a supply carried by the
user.
Dry chemical:
A mixture of chemicals in powder form that has fire extinguishing
properties.
Dry powder:
Extinguishing agents developed to control and extinguish fires in
combustible metals (class D fires).
Dry system:
An automatic sprinkling system that has air under pressure throughout
installed piping in areas that might be subjected to freezing temperatures.
The operation of one or more sprinkler heads releases the air pressure
and activates the control valve allowing water to flow into the
system.
Electric
fire sensor system:
A device capable of lighting a panel in the wheelhouse when it detects
fire in a certain area of the ship.
Entry suit:
Protective clothing designed to protect the wearer from direct contact
with flames for a short time.
Exhalation
valve: A simple
one-way valve on a single-hose facepiece, consisting of a thin disk
of rubber, neoprene or plastic resin secured in the center of the
facepiece and designed to release exhaled breath; also called a
flutter valve.
Explosimeter:
See combustible gas
indicator.
Explosive
range: Flammable
range; the range of the mixture of air and flammable gas or flammable
vapor of liquids that must be present in the proper proportions
for the mixture to be ignited. The range has upper and lower limits;
any mixture above the upper explosive limit (VEL) or below the lower
explosive limit (LEL) will not burn.
Exposures:
Combustible materials
that may be ignited by flames or radiated heat from the fire.
Extinguisher:
Normally portable equipment
approved for use on certain types and classes of fires.
Extinguishing
agent: A substance
that will put out a fire and is available as a solid, liquid or
gas.
Facepiece:
An assembly that fits
onto the face of the person using the breathing apparatus, forming
a tight seal to the face and transmitting air or oxygen to the user.
Fire:
A chemical reaction
known as rapid oxidation that produces heat and light in the form
of flames, gases and smoke.
Fire detector:
A device that gives
a warning when fire occurs in the area protected by the device;
it senses and sends a signal in response to heat, smoke, flame or
any indication of fire.
Fire extinguisher:
A self-contained unit,
portable or semi portable, consisting of a supply of the extinguishing
agent, an expellant gas (if the apparatus is not pressurized) and
a hose with a nozzle.
Fire extinguishing
system: A means
of putting out fires consisting of a supply of the extinguishing
agent, an actuation device (manual or automatic), and the piping,
valves and nozzles necessary to apply the agent.
Fire gases:
The hot gases produced
by burning materials.
Fire line
automatic system:
The system used to detect fire in open spaces and to activate alarms
and/or firefighting equipment automatically, for example, a pneumatic
tube fire detector.
Fire-main
system: A system
that supplies water to all areas of the vessel; it is composed of
the fire pumps, piping (main and branch lines), control valves,
hose and nozzles.
Fire point:
The temperature at which a liquid fuel sustains combustion.
Fire station:
Consists basically of
a fire hydrant (water outlet) with valve and associated hose and
nozzles.
Fire tetrahedron:
A solid figure with
four triangular sides illustrating how the chain reaction sequence
interacts with heat, fuel and oxygen to support and sustain a fire.
Fire triangle:
A three-sided figure
illustrating the three essential components of fire: fuel (to vaporize,
and burn), oxygen (to combine with fuel vapor), and heat (to raise
the temperature of the fuel vapor to its ignition temperature).
Flame safety
lamp: An instrument
used to test for oxygen deficiency; if there is enough oxygen in
the surrounding atmosphere to keep the flame burning, there is enough
oxygen to support life.
Flammable
Range: See explosive
range.
Flashover:
The ignition of combustibles
in an area heated by convection, radiation or a combination of the
two. The action may be a sudden ignition in a particular location
followed by rapid spread or a "flash" of the entire area.
Flash point:
The temperature at which
a liquid fuel gives off sufficient vapor to form an ignitable mixture
near its surface.
Flexible
tubes: The part
of the facepiece designed to carry fresh air or oxygen from the
canister to the facepiece and, in the facepiece with a dual hose,
to return exhaled breath from the facepiece to the canister.
Flutter
Valve: See exhalation
valve.
Foam:
A blanket of bubbles
that extinguishes fire mainly by smothering. The blanket prevents
flammable vapors from leaving the surface of the fire and prevents
oxygen from reaching the fuel. The water in the foam also has a
cooling effect.
Foam concentrate:
Liquids of 3 % or 6
% concentrations that are mixed with water to produce mechanical
foam.
Foam generators:
Devices for mixing chemical foam powders with a stream of water
to produce foam. Pressure type foam generators are closed devices
containing the necessary chemicals with provision for admission
of water when foam is needed.
Foam proportioner:
A device that regulates the amount of foam concentrate and water
to form a foam solution.
Foam solutions:
The result of mixing foam concentrates with water.
Fog (spray)
streams: A method of projecting a stream of water in which
a specifically designed nozzle causes the water to leave the nozzle
in small droplets, thereby increasing the water's heat absorption
efficiency.
Fresh-air breathing
apparatus: A hose mask; a facepiece connected to a pump
by a long hose through which air is pumped to the user. Mobility
is limited by the length and weight of the hose.
Fuel:
Any combustible material adding to the magnitude or intensity of
a fire; one of the essential sides of the fire triangle.
Fumes:
A smoke, vapor or gas given off by a fire which could be irritating,
offensive or dangerous to the fire fighter.
Gas:
A substance that has no shape of its own but which will take the
shape of, and fill the volume of its container.
Gas free:
An area, tank or system previously used to carry inflammable or
poisonous liquids that has been entirely cleared of such liquids
and certified by a chemist as clear of any danger.
Gasket:
A sealing ring necessary to make a watertight connection between
female and male hose couplings.
Gas mask:
A device that filters contaminants from air that is to be breathed;
it can only be used in an atmosphere that contains enough oxygen
to support life.
Goosenecking:
Directing a stream of water over the vessel's side, perpendicular
to the water surface.
GPM:
the initials for "Gallons Per Minute" and is a measure
of water flow through the fire main system.
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Halogenated
extinguishing agents: Halon; made up of carbon and one
or more of the halogen elements: fluorine, chlorine, bromine and
iodine.
Halon:
See halogenated extinguishing agents.
Hazard:
A condition of fire potential defined by arrangement, size, type
of fuel and other factors which form a special threat of ignition
or difficulty of extinguishment. A "fire hazard" refers
specifically to fire seriousness potential and a "life hazard"
to danger of loss of life from fire.
Head harness:
That part of the mask designed to hold the facepiece in the proper
position on the face, with just enough pressure to prevent leakage
around the edge of the mask.
Heat:
temperature above the normal atmospheric temperature, as produced
by the burning or oxidation process; one of the essential sides
of the fire triangle; often referred to as "ignition temperature"
in fire fighting instructions.
Heat transfer:
The movement and dispersion of heat from a fire area to the outside
atmosphere. An example of heat transfer would be fire fighting water
being converted into steam and expanding its volume, thus creating
a slight pressure and carrying the heat and heated water vapor to
the outside atmosphere also see connection, conduction, and radiation.
High-expansion
foam: A foam that expands in ratios of over 100: 1 when
mixed with water; it is designed for fires in confined spaces.
High pressure
fog (high velocity fog): Produced when using the all purpose
nozzle with the handle in mid-position. It is a high capacity jet
spray produced at very high pressure and discharged through small
holes of a cage type sprayer tip.
Hose:
A flexible tube used to carry fluid from a source to an outlet.
Standard shipboard fire hoses are 1 1/2" or 2 1/2" in
diameter. They are normally 50 feet in length, with a female coupling
installed on one end and a male coupling on the other.
Hose jackets:
The covering over the inside liner of a hose. It is a woven jacket
(or jackets) of cotton or synthetic fibers.
Hose mask:
See fresh-air breathing apparatus.
Hose reel:
a permanently mounted fire hose installation which stows a fire
hose in a ready position. Normally found in engine spaces aboard
ship.
Hose spanner:
See spanner wrench.
Hyperthermia:
A dangerously high fever that can damage nerve centers. This condition
can result from exposure to excessive heat over an extended period
of time.
Ignitable mixture:
Mixture of vapor and air that is capable of being ignited by an
ignition source, but usually is not sufficient to sustain combustion.
Ignition temperature:
The lowest temperature at which a fuel will burn without continued
application of an ignition source.
Jury rigging:
Overloading electrical wiring by trying to operate too many appliances
from it.
Lens:
That part of the facepiece that allows the wearer a wide range of
vision.
Liquefied gas:
A gas that, at normal temperatures, is partly in the liquid state
and partly in the gaseous state under pressure in its container.
LNG (liquid
natural gas): A natural gas, a hydrocarbon of fossil fuel,
consisting mainly of methane stored as a liquid and vaporized and
burned as gas.
Lower flammable
limit: Minimum flammable concentration of a particular
gas in the air.
Low velocity
fog (low pressure fog): Produced by inserting an applicator
into an all purpose nozzle. It is a high capacity, low pressure
mist discharged at angles from 600 to 90 degrees; used to cool down
an area or to protect the fire fighting team from flames or smoke.
LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas): Anyone of several petroleum products such
as "butane" or "propane" stored under pressure
as a liquid and vaporized and burned as gas.
Male coupling:
An outside threaded hose nipple which fits into the threads of a
swivel coupling of the same pitch and appropriate diameter. A coupling
to which nozzles and other appliances are attached.
Mechanical foam:
Air foam; foam produced by mixing a foam concentrate with water
to produce a foam solution.
Monitor (sentinel):
A large stream nozzle, normally found on tankers, fixed in various
locations above the main deck. They are operated by gear-driven
wheels or handles and have a 3600 arc. Can deliver a stream of water
or foam onto a deck type fire.
National standard
thread: All fire hose fittings and coupling screw threads
are national standard. The standard 21h" has 71/2 threads to
the inch and the outside diameter of the male couplings is 3 1 /
16".
Noncombustible:
Not subject to combustion under ordinary conditions of temperature
and normal oxygen content of atmosphere.
Noncombustible
material: One that will not burn or support combustion.
Nose cup:
An optional, removable part of the facepiece that fits into the
exhalation valve and is designed to reduce fogging of the lens.
Nozzle:
A device with a control valve attached to the hose outlet to shape
and direct the stream.
Nozzleman:
The key member and leader of the hose team who controls the nozzle
and directs the stream onto the fire.
Overhaul:
A procedure following a fire whereby the area is examined for hidden
fire and fire extension and the fire area is cleaned up.
Oxidation:
A chemical process in which a substance combines with oxygen, giving
off energy usually in the form of heat. The rusting of iron is an
example of slow oxidation; fire is an example of rapid oxidation.
Oxidizing substance:
A material that releases oxygen when it is heated or, in some instances,
when it comes in contact with water. Substances of this nature include:
hypochlorites, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, chromates, oxides
and peroxides. Burning oxidizers cannot be extinguished by removing
their oxygen; extinguishment must be accomplished by application
of large amounts of water.
Oxygen:
A gas present in the atmosphere in about 21 % concentrations, which
while not combustible is an essential element for combustion. It
is also the essential gas in respiration since the oxidation process
is basic to life.
Oxygen breathing
apparatus (OBA): a type of self-contained breathing apparatus
that provides oxygen chemically.
Oxygen deficiency:
Less than 16 % oxygen content in the atmosphere. Oxygen deficiency
can be caused by smoke, heat or gases of a fire.
Oxygen dilution:
A method of fire extinguishment that reduces the amount of available
oxygen below that needed to sustain combustion; an attack on the
oxygen side of the fire tetrahedron (also see fire tetrahedron).
Oxygen indicator:
An instrument used to determine whether the atmosphere contains
sufficient oxygen (15% or more) to sustain life.
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Payout:
When hose is fed to the hose team to prevent excessive strain on
the firefighters. Normally hose is paid out by the backup men on
the hose.
Petroleum products:
Oils made by distillation (heating) of crude petroleum which produce
such products as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, lubricating oil and
asphalt.
Pick-up unit:
The small tube with a metal end used to deliver the foam concentrate
from its storage (can) to the air foam nozzle.
Pike-head fire
axe: A versatile, portable. Firefighting tool with a blade
and a pike end.
Pneumatic tube
fire detector: see fire line automatic system.
Portable fire
extinguisher: One that can be carried to the fire area
for a fast attack; it contains a limited supply of extinguishing
agent.
Portable pump:
A small gasoline driven pump used in emergencies to deliver water
to a fire, independent of the ship's fire main system.
Protective clothing:
A general term used to describe the ensemble of gear a firefighter
wears. Includes boots, foul weather gear, gloves, hat or special
heat-resistant suits.
Proximity suit:
Protective clothing that encases the wearer in a heat resistant
envelope and is worn when it is necessary to approach the fire closely;
it does not protect the wearer during direct contact with flames.
Pyrolysis:
The conversion of solid fuel to flammable vapor by heat.
Pyrometer:
An instrument for measuring temperatures too great for an ordinary
thermometer; it is used to find the temperature of a fire.
Quench:
To put out; to extinguish by soaking the fuel with water or cooling
the fuel down below ignition temperature.
Radiant heat:
Pure energy; the heat that is released in the burning process. Like
the heat of the sun, it radiates, or travels, in all directions.
Radiation:
The travel of heat through space.
Radiation feedback:
The heat from a fire that radiates back to the fuel causing increased
vapor production.
Rapid water:
Slippery water; water to which small quantities of polyethylene
oxide have been added to reduce its viscosity and its friction in
hose lines, thereby increasing the reach of the stream.
Reach:
The distance a straight stream travels before breaking up or dropping.
Reducer:
A coupling used to attach a smaller diameter hose to a larger diameter
hose or outlet and vice versa.
Reid vapor pressure
method: Method used by the American Society of Testing
Materials to test vapor pressure. It is a measure of the volatility,
or tendency to vaporize, of a liquid.
Seat of fire:
The area where the main body of the fire is located. It is determined
by the outward movement of heat and gases and where the fire has
burned through the deepest.
Self-closing
fire door: a fire resistant door (normally kept closed)
which, when opened, is returned to a closed position by a closing
device.
Self-contained
breathing apparatus: (SCBA): A device providing air or
oxygen to the user who wears the entire device; thus the user is
completely mobile. However, the device can supply air or oxygen
for only a limited amount of time.
Semiportable
fire extinguisher: One from which a hose can be run out
to the fire. The other components are fixed in place.
Smoke:
A visible product of fire made up of carbon and other unburned substances
in the form of suspended particles. It also carries the vapors of
water, acids and other chemicals, which can be poisonous or irritating
when inhaled.
Smoke detection
system: A device that samples the air to detect the presence
of smoke particles in the monitored area, and then sends an alarm.
Smoldering:
To burn and smoke without flame, to exist ill a state of suppressed
activity.
Smothering:
A method of fire extinguishment that separates the fuel from the
oxygen; an attack on the edge of the fire tetrahedron where the
fuel and oxygen sides meet (also see fire tetrahedron).
Solid stream:
See straight stream.
Spanner wrench:
A special tool designed specifically for tightening or breaking
apart fire-hose connections.
Speaking diaphragm:
That part of the facepiece, located directly in front of the wearer's
mouth that projects the wearer's voice with little or no distortion.
Spill fire:
When burning flammable liquids spill onto the deck. Often involves
intense flame and heat due to the relatively large surface for evaporation
of liquids.
Spontaneous
ignition: A fire that occurs without a flame, spark, hot
surface or other outside source of ignition.
Static electricity:
Charges of electricity accumulated on opposing and usually moving
surfaces having negative and positive charges, respectively. A hazard
exists where the static potential is sufficient to discharge a spark
in the presence of flammable vapors or combustible dusts.
Static pressure:
The water pressure available at a specific location where no flow
is being used and where there are no pressure losses due to friction.
Station bill:
A muster list outlining the special duties and duty station of each
member of the crew during emergencies, as well as the signals for
these emergencies.
Steam smothering:
an installed system found on older ships used to protect spaces
where fire was likely to occur, such as engine room, cargo spaces,
paint lockers, and so forth.
Slopover:
An event that occurs when water is introduced into a tank of very
hot liquid, causing the liquid to froth and spatter.
Straight stream:
Solid stream; a method of projecting a stream of water formed by
a nozzle that is fitted to a fire hose. The nozzle is tapered to
a size less than one-half the diameter of the hose end. This smaller
opening increases the velocity of the water and gives it greater
throwing power.
Strainers:
Wire or metal cages installed in the fire main system to keep debris
from clogging up the lines. Some strainers are located at the fire
stations for periodic cleaning out purposes.
Thermal lag:
the difference between the temperature of the surrounding air and
the temperature necessary to activate the fire detector.
Thick water:
Water that has been treated with a chemical to decrease its ability
to flow. It thus forms a thick wall that clings to burning material
and remains in place longer than ordinary water.
Tri-gate:
A device used to reduce the hoseline size and provide three outlets.
Wet water:
water that has been treated with a chemical agent to lower its surface
tension, thus allowing it to penetrate porous materials more easily.
Wheatstone bridge:
A device for measuring electrical resistance.
Wye gate:
A device in the shape of a "Y" used to reduce the hoseline
size and separate the lines.
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