Firefighting apparatus

For this reason, while responding to a spill or leak, we must consider environmental and topographical features of the surroundings, such as wind direction, the slope of the ground, and any natural or artificial barriers that may channel the liquid or vapors. It is critical in a non-fire incident, such as a spill or leak, to determine the type of petroleum liquid present and its source. Information about the material s vapor density enables us to make reasonable predictions as to the possible behavior of the emitting vapor. These factors may influence the route of approach, the positioning of firefighting apparatus and personnel, the need for and the route of evacuation, and the boundaries of the potential problem area. It is essential that no apparatus or other motor vehicles or personnel be located in the path that a vapor cloud will most likely follow. 

Practice good housekeeping. Work areas should be kept free of empty boxes and stacks of unused paper. Fire extinguishers and other firefighting apparatus should be accessible and their location clearly marked. All fire doors, emergency exits, stairways, hallways, and aisles must be clear of obstructions. 

A self-contained breathing apparatus contains 248 g of potassium superoxide. A firefighter exhales 116 L of air at 37°C and 748 mm 1%. The volume percent of water in exhaled air is 6.2. What mass of potassium superoxide is left after the water in the exhaled air reacts with it ... 

Cesium reacts with oxygen to produce a superoxide, Cs02, which reacts with CO, to produce oxygen and Cs,CO,. This reaction is used in a self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters. What volume of oxygen (in liters at 298 K and 1.00 atm) is produced from 30.0 g of CsO, with an excess of CO, ... 

Caution Contact with arsine vapor can be fatal. Do not breathe the fumes If inhalation is a possibility, hold breath until respiratory mask is donned. Firefighters should wear full protective clothing and respiratory protection during both fire-fighting and rescue (positive pressure, full face, NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus/SCBA shall be worn). 

Respiratory protection is required. Positive pressure, full facepiece, NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be worn where there is danger of oxygen deficiency and when directed by the fire chief or chemical accident/incident (CAI) operations officer. In cases where firefighters are responding to a chemical accident/incident for rescue/reconnaissance purposes vice firefighting, they will wear appropriate levels of protective clothing (see Section 8). 

Cartridge respirators are also not suitable for use in firefighting and sandblasting as well as in atmospheres containing less than the normal 21 percent of oxygen or where the concentration of the contaminants is unknown or immediately threatening to life. In these unsuitable situations, an air line respirator or a self-contained apparatus (see following) should be used. 

The foremost duty of a firefighter is exactly what the job title says—to fight fires. Whether a fire breaks out at a two-story home, a 700-room hotel, or a 10,000-acre farm, the next sound you will hear is the familiar wail of those massive red trucks barreling their way to the scene, loaded with firefighters in protective equipment, helmets, and self-contained breathing apparatus. 

There are few careers that are as demanding and require expertise in as many disciplines as firefighting. Although improved safety equipment and modern apparatus have made emergency response safer in many ways, there is still the potential of uncertainty and danger in even the most routine response. 

Firefighters are required to check the air supply on their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) each day. If there is any reduction in pressure, the firefighter should change the air tank and replace it with a hill tank. The main reason firefighters should have full air tanks is that... 

When disposable gloves have been used, they are to be removed as soon as patient handling and exposure to body fluids is terminated. Firefighters shall not get back on the apparatus wearing contaminated gloves. 

Lieutenant James has ordered Firefighter Kim-mel to clean his breathing apparatus. While cleaning the apparatus. Firefighter Kimmel drops it and thinks he may have damaged it. The best course of action would be to... 

If equipment that is used in fighting fires does not work properly, lives maybe lost. Thus, firefighters have to check and maintain their equipment and apparatus, usually at the firehouse at the beginning of each shift. Some questions on the firefighter exam may ask questions about the routine of examining and maintaining equipment. 

Hand tools used in the fire and rescue service are often classified by their main function or their size. In general, a large hand tool would not fit in a standard tool box, whereas a small hand tool would. Most fire apparatus carries a supply of standard, everyday small hand tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers. These tools are used for a variety of purposes. For example, if a fire occurs in an electrical breaker box, firefighters will need wrenches or screwdrivers to disassemble the box to check if the fire is out. 

Remember, you are being interviewed by professionals for a professional position. Ensure that you are neatly dressed and well groomed. Be sure to wear a suit or other business attire without a lot of jewelry or other distractions. Another thing to keep in mind is the requirement for all firefighters to get a face seal when wearing self-contained breathing apparatus. That means male applicants should be clean shaven for all interviews. 

The location, type, and availability of equipment should be on-site from local resources or elsewhere. They should meet specific types of emergencies and be able to bring situations under control. These may include firefighting equipment, emergency medical, communication equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatus. 

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