(b) oxygen, (c) heat.
a)
Turn off all electrical systems, especially ventilation systems, and close air vents.
b)
If your boat is equipped with a salt water pump for fire or washdown use, it can be used on fires involving
wood, paper, cloth or plastics. The aim is to cool the combustibles to a temperature at which they will not
burn. It is not necessary to use a hard stream, a fine spray is usually better. In addition to giving maximum
cooling, a fine spray doesn't break up combustibles which could spread the fire. Use a boat hook to break up
combustibles while continuing to apply water. USE BILGE PUMPS TO DEWATER HULL DURING FIRE
FIGHTING.
c)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers cool and smother the fire. They are useful against liquid and electrical
fires. It comes out as a solid and turns to a gas as it picks up heat. The gas is heavy and replaces the air
(oxygen) where it lays. They are not very good in open spaces where wind will blow away the C02 and allow
oxygen to get to the fire. CO2 CAN NOT ONLY SMOTHER THE FIRE, IT CAN SMOTHER YOU DO NOT
STAY IN THE COMPARTMENT. These are usually portable bottles which have a pin to pull or a handle lock
that is released before leaving the control panel vicinity.
d)
Dry powder extinguishers are rated for class A, B and C fires: in other words, solid, liquid and electrical fires.
This chemical smothers the fire and must be applied directly at the fire. It does not remove heat. Do not
allow air to blow it away. Do not disrupt it using water or mechanical means. They are released the same as
the CO2 bottles.
e)
HALON systems are very effective on all classes of fires and have three major advantages over other
extinguishing systems. First, it is somewhat quicker in putting out the fire. Second, it does not wet down
equipment or leave a residue. And, third, occupants of a compartment can take some time to evacuate. Of
itself, it is non-toxic, but left in contact with heat it has a tendency to break down and become hazardous to
your health. Since there is little danger of suffocating personnel, this system is often an automatic system. If
yours is not, trip the system release before leaving the control panel vicinity.
f)
The cause of the fire must be isolated before any
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