Washington Administrative Code › Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of › Chapter 296-811 - Fire brigades › Section 296-811-099 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Buddy-breathing device
An equipment accessory for
				self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that permits a second person (a
				"buddy") to share the air supply used by the SCBA wearer.
Extinguisher classification.
The letter
				classification given an extinguisher to designate the class or classes of fires
				on which that extinguisher will be effective. For example, use a Class A
				extinguisher on a Class A fire. See also fire classifications.
Portable fire extinguishers are classified for use on certain
				classes of fires and are rated within that class for relative extinguishing
				effectiveness at a temperature of plus 70°F by nationally recognized
				testing laboratories. This is based upon fire classifications and fire
				extinguishment potentials as determined by fire tests.
Note:
The classification and rating system described in this
						section is used by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., and Underwriters'
						Laboratories of Canada, and is based on extinguishing preplanned fires of
						determined size and description as follows:
Extinguisher Class
Fire Test for Classification and Rating
Class A
Wood and excelsior fires excluding deep-seated conditions.
Class B
Two-inch depth gasoline fires in square pans.
Class C
No fire test. Agent must be a nonconductor of electricity.
Class D
Special tests on specific combustible metal fires.
Extinguisher rating (see also "extinguisher
				classification").
The numerical rating, such as 2A, given to an
				extinguisher that indicates the extinguishing potential of the unit based on
				standardized tests developed by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Fire brigade.
An organized group of employees
				whose primary employment is other than firefighting but who are knowledgeable,
				trained, and skilled in specialized firefighting operations based on
				site-specific hazards present at a single commercial facility or facilities
				under the same management.
Fire classifications.
Fires are classified based
				on the types of burning materials:
Fire Class
Types of Burning Materials
Class A
Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as
						paper, wood, cloth, and some rubber and plastic materials.
Class B
Fires involving flammable liquids, flammable gases,
						greases, and similar materials, and some rubber and plastic materials.
Class C
Fires involving energized (live) electrical equipment
						where it is important that the extinguishing agent not conduct electricity.
						(When electrical equipment is deenergized, it is safe to use an extinguisher
						for Class A or B fires on it, since electricity is not an issue then.)
Class D
Fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium,
						titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
Incipient fire stage.
A fire in the beginning
				stage that can be controlled or put out by portable fire extinguishers, or
				small hose systems, without the need for protective clothing or breathing
				apparatus.
Inspection.
A visual check of fire protection
				systems and equipment to ensure they are in place, charged, and ready for use
				if there is a fire.
Interior structural firefighting.
The physical
				activity of suppressing fire, rescuing people, or both, inside buildings or
				enclosed structures involved in a fire that is past the incipient stage.
Maintenance.
Servicing fire protection equipment
				and systems to ensure they will perform as expected if there is a fire.
				Maintenance differs from inspection in that maintenance requires checking
				internal fittings, devices, and agent supplies, as well as correcting
				deficiencies found.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
An
				atmosphere-supplying respirator designed for the breathing air source to be
				carried by the user.