6.2 Fire Extinguishers, Hose Reels & The PASS Technique

6.2 Fire Extinguishers, Hose Reels & The PASS Technique

Quick Summary: Portable fire extinguishers, fixed fire hose reels, and fire blankets are classified as first-aid firefighting equipment intended exclusively for small, incipient-stage fires. A common British marking scheme uses red bodies with identification colours: Red for Water (Class A only), Cream for Foam/AFFF (Class A & B), Black for Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$, Electrical & Class B), French Blue for Dry Powder (Multi-purpose Class A, B, C, & Electrical), and Canary Yellow for Wet Chemical (Class F cooking oils). Security officers deploy portable extinguishers using the four-step PASS protocol: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep side-to-side. Raise the alarm and arrange emergency notification before any attempt. Discharge time and range depend on the unit; use it only if trained, authorised and able to keep a safe escape route.

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Portable Fire Extinguisher Types & Color-Coding Standards

British-standard equipment commonly has a red body with agent identification colours. The list below describes that scheme; it is not a rule that every approved UAE extinguisher has the same band. Read the agent name, class rating, electrical marking and operating instructions on the actual unit:

1. Water Extinguishers (Signal Red Band / Self-Colored Red):

   • Agent & Mechanism: Contains pressurized water with chemical wetting agents. Operates primarily by cooling the burning fuel below its ignition temperature.
   • Standard Capacity: Typically 9 liters; operating pressure approximately 12 to 15 bar.
   • Class Suitability: Classified exclusively for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles, refuse).
   • Severe Hazards: Highly conductive of electricity; using water on energized electrical equipment causes fatal electrocution. Discharging a water jet into flammable liquids (Class B) splatters burning liquid violently.

2. Foam Extinguishers (Cream / Off-White Band):

   • Agent & Mechanism: Contains Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) solution mixed with water. When discharged, the solution forms a vapor-sealing aqueous blanket over liquid surfaces, cutting off oxygen (smothering) while providing residual cooling.
   • Standard Capacity: Typically 6 liters or 9 liters.
   • Class Suitability: Highly effective on Class A and Class B fires.
   • Operational Hazards: Because AFFF is water-based, it conducts electrical current. Do not use ordinary foam on live electrical equipment. A dielectric test voltage is not a permitted working voltage; only the actual electrical-use marking, operating distance and approved training can establish suitability.

3. Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) Extinguishers (Black Band):

   • Agent & Mechanism: Contains pure carbon dioxide gas compressed into a liquid state under high pressure (50 to 60 bar / 750 to 900 psi). Discharges as a high-velocity vapor cloud and "$CO_2$ snow" at extreme sub-zero temperatures (approximately -78°C / -108°F). It suppresses fire by displacing oxygen and localized cooling.
   • Clean Agent Properties: Non-conductive, non-corrosive, leaves zero chemical residue. The premier choice for server rooms, data centers, electrical control panels, and broadcast studios.
   • Standard Capacity: Typically 2 kg (single handle) or 5 kg (swivel horn and trolley mount).
   • Critical Safety Precautions:
     • Frostbite Hazard: The rapid decompression of liquid $CO_2$ freezes the discharge horn instantly. The operator must hold the horn exclusively by its insulated rubber/plastic grip handle. Grasping the bare plastic horn or metal neck can freeze flesh to the horn, causing severe cryogenic frostbite burns.
     • Asphyxiation Hazard: Discharging $CO_2$ in small, enclosed rooms rapidly reduces oxygen levels below life-support thresholds. Operators must discharge and evacuate immediately.
     • Re-ignition Hazard: $CO_2$ provides minimal cooling on deep-seated Class A embers; once the gas dissipates, ambient air returns and the fire may re-ignite.

4. Dry Powder Extinguishers (French Blue Band):

   • Agent & Mechanism: Multi-purpose ABC dry powder typically contains monoammonium phosphate combined with ammonium sulfate. It melts at approximately 180°C to form a glassy slag blanket over burning solids (Class A) and chemically interrupts free radicals in the flame zone (Class B and C).
   • Standard Capacity: 4 kg, 6 kg, or 9 kg stored-pressure cylinders.
   • Class Suitability: Multipurpose agent rated for Class A, Class B, Class C, and energized electrical hazards.
   • Specialized Class D Powders: Distinct chemical formulations (such as M28, L2, or Ternary Eutectic Chloride) designed specifically for combustible metal fires (magnesium, sodium, titanium).
   • Operational Cautions:
     • Zero Visibility: Discharging dry powder inside enclosed hallways or rooms creates an opaque, suffocating white/yellow dust cloud that obliterates visibility, triggers coughing, and can cause panic among evacuees.
     • Corrosive Residue: Dry chemical powder is highly abrasive and corrosive. When exposed to atmospheric moisture, monoammonium phosphate forms phosphoric acid, permanently destroying sensitive computer motherboards, relay switches, and server components.

5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Canary Yellow Band):

   • Agent & Mechanism: Contains an aqueous potassium acetate, potassium citrate, or potassium carbonate alkaline salt solution. Formulated specifically for Class F commercial kitchen cooking oil fires.
   • Saponification Reaction: When discharged gently onto burning oil (>340°C), the alkaline salts chemically react with fatty acids to form a thick, soapy, non-flammable foam blanket (saponification). This blanket seals in flammable vapors, starves the fire of oxygen, and cools the oil below its auto-ignition temperature to prevent re-flash.
   • Discharge Feature: Fitted with a specialized stainless-steel lance and low-velocity nozzle that delivers a gentle mist, preventing burning oil from splashing onto cooks or walls.

Fire Extinguisher Suitability Matrix

The following matrix details the operational suitability of portable extinguishing agents using BS EN 2 class letters and common British colour markings; always check the actual unit’s label:

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The PASS Technique Step-by-Step

First raise the alarm and arrange emergency notification. Only if trained and authorised, with a small incipient fire, suitable extinguisher, safe atmosphere and clear escape route, use PASS according to the unit’s instructions:

1. P — Pull the Pin:

   • Hold the extinguisher upright on the deck or by the lower carrying handle with your non-dominant hand.
   • Firmly pull out the metal safety pull-pin located through the upper operating lever. This action shears the plastic tamper-evident inspection seal / zip-tie.
   • Pre-check: Rapidly glance at the pressure gauge (fitted on water, foam, powder, and wet chemical units). Confirm the indicator needle rests firmly inside the green operational zone. (Note: $CO_2$ extinguishers have thick walls without pressure gauges; their charge is verified during routine inspections by weighing the gross cylinder).

2. A — Aim Low at the Base of the Fire:

   • Grasp the flexible discharge hose nozzle firmly near the end (or hold the insulated handle of the $CO_2$ horn).
   • Direct the discharge orifice directly toward the base of the fire—the physical fuel source where combustion vapors are generating. Aiming at the upper flames or smoke column wastes agent without cooling or smothering the burning fuel.

3. S — Squeeze the Operating Lever:

   • Squeeze the upper operating lever smoothly down toward the lower carrying handle. This depresses an internal valve stem, releasing the high-pressure propellant gas and discharging the extinguishing agent.
   • Maintain a controlled, firm grip. Releasing the lever immediately closes the spring-loaded valve, halting discharge and preserving remaining agent.

4. S — Sweep from Side to Side:

   • Sweep the nozzle methodically in a horizontal, side-to-side motion across the front edge and base of the flames.
   • As the flames at the front recede, slowly and cautiously advance forward, keeping the discharge directed at the retreating base of the fire until all flames are completely extinguished.
   • Post-Extinguishment Rule: Never turn your back on an extinguished fire. Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the fuel bed to watch for sudden re-flash or hidden smoldering embers.

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Operating Distances & Discharge Durations

Portable extinguishers carry a limited charge. Range and duration vary by model; use the actual label and training rather than treating capacity alone as a specification. The examples below illustrate the differences:

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Fixed Fire Hose Reel Deployment Protocols

Fixed fire hose reels are permanently installed inside dedicated recessed cabinets along corridors, stairwell landings, and building lobbies across commercial and residential high-rises in Dubai. Where installed under the approved fire design, they provide water for suitable incipient Class A fires. Use only if trained and authorised, after raising the alarm and arranging emergency notification:

Technical Specifications

• Hose Construction: 30 meters of non-kinking, semi-rigid reinforced rubber hose (typically 19 mm or 25 mm internal diameter).
• Water Supply: Connected to the approved fire-water supply. Required flow and pressure depend on the installation and model; report faults rather than adjusting the supply yourself.
• Fire Class Limitation: Classified strictly for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles, refuse). STRICTLY PROHIBITED on energized electrical equipment and flammable liquids.

Step-by-Step Deployment Protocol

1. Open Drum Isolation Valve: Unlock or open the hose reel cabinet door. Turn the main stopcock valve on the reel hub to the fully open position before uncoiling hose. Many modern reels feature an automatic interlock that opens the valve as the hose drum rotates.
2. Unroll Safely: Walk while drawing out the hose along a clear route. Do not run, throw coils, enter smoke or obstruct other people’s escape.
3. Two-Person Deployment Team (Best Practice):
   • Officer 1 (Nozzle Operator): Advances to the fire threshold, establishes standoff distance, and operates the variable jet/spray nozzle.
   • Officer 2 (Hose Assistant): Remains near the reel drum or corridor corners to pull excess hose from the drum, clear snags around doors, and ensure the hose line remains unkinked.
4. Nozzle Selection: Follow the nozzle instructions and practical training for the small Class A fire. Do not use a spray curtain to approach dangerous heat; withdraw if heat or smoke makes the attempt unsafe.
5. Maintain Egress Route: Never advance past the fire. Always ensure the pressurized hose line and the egress route to the fire exit stairwell remain open and unobstructed behind you.

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Fire Blankets: Kitchen Grease & Clothing Fires

A fire blanket is a flexible sheet constructed of woven fiberglass fabric coated with fire-retardant silicone, capable of withstanding continuous temperatures up to 500°C to 600°C. Where the approved site plan provides a blanket, know its location, size and instructions. A blanket does not authorise approaching a fire that is too large or unsafe to cover.

Deployment for Cooking Fires (Small Pans / Fryers)

1. Pull the two hanging black tabs firmly downward to release the blanket from its container.
2. Protect Your Hands: Roll the top two corners of the blanket backward over your hands and wrists. This creates a fabric shield that protects your skin from rising flames and radiant heat.
3. Hold the blanket at arm's length in front of your body as a thermal shield.
4. Gently Lay, Never Throw: Walk forward calmly and drape the blanket gently over the burning pan, moving from near edge to far edge. Never throw or slap the blanket down, as this splashes burning oil onto countertops.
5. Turn off the heat only if it can be reached safely; do not lean over the burning pan or move it.
6. Leave in Place: Allow the blanket to remain over the pan until the pan and oil are completely cold and the situation is safe; do not use a fixed elapsed time as proof. Lifting the blanket prematurely reintroduces atmospheric oxygen, causing explosive re-ignition.

Deployment for Clothing Fires (Person on Fire)

If an individual's clothing catches fire, immediately instruct them: STOP, DROP, AND ROLL:

• STOP: Prevent the panic-stricken person from running, which fans the flames with fresh air.
• DROP: Direct the individual to drop down onto the ground.
• ROLL: Have them cover their face and roll until the flames are out. If safe, use a suitable blanket to smother remaining flames without covering the face. Call Ambulance 998; cool burns with cool running water for at least 20 minutes, keep the rest of the person warm and do not pull off material stuck to the skin.

When NOT to Fight a Fire: The Go / No-Go Decision Framework

The most important safety principle emphasized in the SIRA curriculum is that human life safety always supersedes property preservation. Security guards are not municipal structural firefighters; they are not equipped with breathing apparatus, turnout gear, or thermal imaging cameras.

Raise the alarm and arrange a Civil Defence call (997) before attempting suppression. Only trained, authorised personnel should apply the Go / No-Go Decision Checklist; any doubt means withdraw:

Immediate Actions Upon a "NO-GO" Decision

If any single No-Go condition is met, the security guard must abort firefighting immediately:

1. Contain the Fire: Back out of the room immediately and close the fire door firmly behind you. Do not lock the door. Close it only if safe and without delaying evacuation. A closed fire door helps limit spread but does not guarantee a particular containment time.
2. Maintain the Alarm: If not already activated, operate the nearest Manual Call Point (break-glass unit) along the escape corridor.
3. Initiate Evacuation: Direct all floor occupants toward the nearest emergency exit stairwells, shouting clear instructions: "Fire alarm, please evacuate down the stairs immediately, do not use the elevators."
4. Notify Emergency Services: Radio the Security Control Room and contact Dubai Civil Defence at 997 immediately.