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CERT Basic Training Manual
CERT Basic Training Manual
CERT Basic Training Unit 6 - Fire Safety & Utility Training.
CERT Basic Training Unit 6 - Fire Safety & Utility Training.
Citation of Information
All or Most of the Information below is Copied from or a paraphrase of the following source:
CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Fire Safety Retrieved from https://fema-community-files.s3.amazonaws.com/CERT-Basic/CERT+Basic_Unit+6+Participant+Manual_English.pdf on January 22, 2025, 6:31 PM EST. This product uses data/information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but is not endorsed by the DHS. The DHS cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).
Section 1: unit Overview
Section 1: unit Overview
Role of CERTs in Fire & Utility Safety.
Role of CERTs in Fire & Utility Safety.
CERTS play a very important role in fire & utility safety by supporting the following actions.
Extinguishing Small Fires before they become major fires
Preventing additional Fires by removing sources
Shutting off utilities when necessary and safe to do so.
Assisting with Evacuation where necessary
Priorities of CERTS in Fire & Utility Safety
CERT volunteers should keep in mind the following standards
Rescuer safety is the number one Priority.
Use the buddy system.
Wear Safety Equipment (Gloves, Helmet, Goggles, N95 Mask, and sturdy shoes or boots).
The Cert goal is to do the greatest good to the greatest number.
Section 2: Fire Chemistry
Section 2: Fire Chemistry
The Fire Triangle
Fire Requires Three elements to exist
Heat
Fuel
Oxygen
The combination of Heat, Fuel, Oxygen create and exothermic chemical reaction.
Classes of Fires
Fires are organized into classes based on the types of fuels
Class A: Ordinary Combustibles
Class B: Flammable Liquids
Class C: Energized Electrical Equipment
Class D: Combustible Metals
Class K: Cooking Oils
Section 3: Fire Size-up Considerations
Section 3: Fire Size-up Considerations
CERT Fire Size-Up
9 steps that should be used in any emergency.
Gather Facts
Assess & Communicate the Damage
Consider Possibilities
Asses your own situation
Establish Priorities
Make Decisions
Develop A plan of Action
Take Action
Evaluate Progress
Return to step 1
Section 4: Firefighting Resources
Section 4: Firefighting Resources
The Most Common Firefighting Resources
The Most Common Firefighting Resources
5 firefighting resources
Local Fire Departments
Fire Alarm Systems
Sprinkler Systems
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Interior Wet Standpipes
Fire Extinguishers
Components., Types, Agents, and Ratings
Components of a Fire Extinguisher
Hose
Pressure Gauge
Carry Handle & Trigger
Cylinder
The 4 Types of Fire Extinguishers
Types of Fire Exstinguishers
Water
Dry Chemical
Carbon Dioxide (Co2)
Specialized
Extinguishing agents by Fire Class
Class A - Ordinary Solid Materials-Water, Foam, Dry
Class B - Flammable Liquids-Foam, Carbon dioxide-CO2, Dry Chemical
Class C - Electrical Equipment-Carbon Dioxide-CO2, Dry Chemical,
Class D- Combustible Metals-Special Agents
Class K- Kitchen Oils-Chemical
Extinguisher Ratings by Class
Class A- 1A-40A- ordinary solid material-
Class B- 1B-640B- Flammable Liquids
Class C-C- Electrical Fires
Class D- match the metal with a list of matching metal for extinguishers
Class K- Kitchen Oils
Water Extinguisher
Capacity- 2.5G
Range-30-40 ft
Pressure-110 PSI
Chemical Extinguisher
Standard/common characteristics
Dry Chemical Extinguisher-Sodium Bicarbonate Base-Class B and C Fires
Multi-purpose Chemical Extinguisher- Monoammonium Phosphate-Class A, B, and C.
Capacity- 10-20 seconds discharge time
Range-8-12 feet
Pressure-175-250 PSI
Deciding to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Series of Questions to ask before using a Fire Extinguisher
Are there two ways to exit the area quickly and safely if I attempt to extinguish the fire?
Do I have the right type of extinguisher for the right type of fire?
Is the extinguisher large enough for the right type of fire?
Is the area free from other dangers, such as hazardous materials & falling debris?
Am I experienced or trained in the use of a fire extinguisher?
If the answer to 1-5 of the previous numbered section is yes, start to extinguish the fire.
If the answer is no or you can't put out the fire in less than 5 seconds.
Leave the building immediately.
While leaving, shut all doors to slow spread of fire
Contact local fire department
Extinguishing a Fire
Fire Extinguisher Operation
P.A.S.S.
P.A.S.S. or T.P.A.S.S.
T-Test
P-Pull
A-Aim
S-Squeeze
S-Sweep
Interior Wet Standpipes
Commercial & Apartment Buildings
100 ft of 1.5" jacketed hose with an adjustable spray nozzle
100 gallons per minute
"CERT member should never operate interior wet standpipes"-CERT Basic Training Guidebook
Confinement
In Interior Spaces; closing interior & exterior doors
Confines the fire
Restricts the spread of smoke and heat
Section 5 Fire Suppression Safety
Section 5 Fire Suppression Safety
Fire Suppression Safety Rules
Volunteers should follow all rules regarding fire suppression safety.
Use safety Equipment at all times.
Work with a buddy
Have a backup team, whenever possible.
Always have two ways to exit the fire area.
Look at the door.
Feel closed doors with the back of the hand.
Confine the fire
Stay low to the ground.
Maintain a safe distance
Never turn your back on a fire when backing out.
Overhau the fire to be sure that it is extinguished- and stays extinguished.
Do not- get to Close
Do not-try to fight alone
Do not -try to suppress large fires.
Do not-enter smoke filled areas.
Proper Fire Suppression Procedures
The buddy system
2 team members
Team member 1- Put out a fire or extinguish the fire
Team member 2- Watch for hazards
Suppression Procedure
Assume ready position with the pin-pulled. Team member 1 holds the fire extinguisher aimed and upright 20-25 feet from fire.
When ready to approach the fire Team member 1 should say "ready"; Team member 2 should repeat "ready"
Team member 1 begins to move forward; he or she should say "going in" Team member 2 should repeat "going in" and stay within reach of team member 1.
Both team members should walk towards the fire.
Team member 1 should Watch the fire
Team member 2 should stay close to team member 1
keeping his or her hand on Team member 1's shoulder
Team member 2's job is to protect team member 1
When team member 1 is exiting the fire area
Team member 1 should say backing out
Team member 2 should repeat "backing out"
Team member 2 should guide team member 1 out of the area with his/hers hands
Team member 1 continues facing the fire and looking for other hazards
Team member 1 must never turn his back on the fire
Section 6: Fire and Utility Hazards
Section 6: Fire and Utility Hazards
This section will deal with identifying and preventing fire and utility hazards in the home and workplace.
Fire or Utility Hazard Categories
Fire or Utility Hazard Categories
Electrical Hazards
Natural gas Hazards
Flammable or combustible liquids
Homes and workplaces can and do have other hazards, including incompatable materials stored in cose proximity to eachother. such as flammables/combustables, corrosives, compressed gases, and explosives, simple fire prevention methods will help reduce the likelihood of fires.
Locate potential Sources of ignition
Do what you can to eliminate hazards
Electrical Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Avoid electrical octopus
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Do not plug power strips into other power strips.
Do not run electrical cords under carpets.
Check for an replace broken or frayed cords.
Maintain electrical appliances. repair or replace malfunctioning appliances.
Responding to Electrical Emergencies
Locate the circuit breakers or fuses and kno how to shut off the power. Post shutoff instructions next to the breaker box or fuse box.
Unscrew individual fuses or switch off smaller breakers first, then pull the main switch or breaker.
When turning the power back on, turn on the main switch or breaker first, then screw in the fuses or switch on the smaller breakers, one at a time.
Be certain to notify a licensed electrician and/or utility company in the event of an electric emergency or fire.
You should not enter a flooded basement or wade into standing water to shut off the electrical supply because water condcuts electricity.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Deadly
odorless
colorless
poisonous gas
CO is produced from:
incomplete burning of various fuels.
Malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances
furnaces
ranges
water heaters
room heaters
engine-powered equipment
portable generators
fireplaces
charcoal
burned in homes
To prevent CO poisoning:
Install Carbon monoxide detectors
near all separate sleeping areas
Every level of the home
In every bedroom
Do not place detectors:
within 15 feet of heating or cooking appliances
in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms
Test the detector monthly.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Natural Gas Hazards
Natural gas presents to types of hazards. It is an asphyxiant, which displaces oxygen in the body, and it is flammable meaning it can readily ignite under the right conditions
Asphyxiant
Flammble
place natural gas detector as you would smoke alarms
near gas appliances
near furnace
hot water tank
dryer
stove
Test the detector monthly
Natural Gas shut-off
Locate and clearly label the gas shutoff valve(s)
There may be multiple valves inside a home.
Know how to shut off the gas
have a proper non-sparking tool to shut off the gas.
If you are unsure of how to turn off the gas contact your local gas company.
Automatic shut-off valves installed by plumber
Gas meter inside the Home
If gas meter is inside your home, you should only shut off the gass flow when instructe to by local authorities.
If you smell gas or see dials on your gas meter showing gas flowing even though your appliances are off, You should evacuate the premises an call 9-1-1.
Do not attempt to shut off the grom inside the building if gas is in the air.
Gas meter outside the home
You should turn off the meter from outside the building if you smell gas or you see dials on the meter showing gas is flowing even though appliances are off,
If there is a fire you cannot extinguish call 9-1-1 and turn off the gas only if it is safe to do so.
Never enter the basement of a structure that is on fire to turn off any utility.
Use a flashlight not a candle. If you need light to find the gas shut-off valve.
after natural gas has been shut off only a trained technician can restore it.
Flammable Liquid Hazards
Flammable Liquid Hazards
Tips for reducing hazards from flammable liquids:
Read labels to identify flammable products
Store them properly, using the L.I.E.S method (Limit, Isolate, Eliminate, Separate).
If fire extinguisher needed you should only extinguish a flammable liquid using a portable Class B rated fire extinguisher.
Section 7: Hazardous Materials
Section 7: Hazardous Materials
Materials are considered hazardous if the have any of the following characteristics:
Corrode other materials
Explode or are easily ignited
React strongly with water
Are unstable when exposed to hear or shock
Are otherwise toxic to humans, animals, or the environment through absorption, inhalation, injection, or ingestion.
Hazardous materials include but are not limited to:
Explosives
Flammable gases and liquids
Poisons and poisonous gases
Corrosives
Nonflammable gases
Oxidizers
Radioactive materials
Identifying Hazardous Materials Locations
Location and type of occupancy.
Placards and labels.
Sights, sounds, and smells.
Location and type of Occupancy
Common locations in the community can include:
Industrial Locations
Household locations
Drycleaner
Funeral Home
Home Supply Store
Big box store
Delivery Van
Placards
Warning placards are required whenever large amounts of hazardous materials are being stored, used, or transported.
CERT Volunteers should consider hazardous material warning placards a "stop sign".
National Fire Protection Association 704 Diamond Placard
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Diamond is a concise system for identifying the hazards associated ith specific materials.
CERT Volunteers will find the NFPA 704 diamond placard on fixed facilities where hazardous materials are used or stored.
The diamond is divided into four colored quadrants, each with a rating number inside of it which indicates the degree of risk associated with the material. numbers range from 0 to 4.
The higher the number the higher the risk.
Red-Flammability
Blue- Health Hazard
Yellow- Reactivity
White- Special precautions
Two symbols specified in the National Fire Codes, section 704
W indicates a material that displays unusual reactivity with water.
OX indicates a material that possesses oxidizing properties.
Additional Symbols
ACID- acid
ALK- base
COR- corrosive
and radioactive.
NFPA 704 Diamond Placard CERT Actions
The only action CERT volunteers should take is to evacuate persons who are downwind, as necessary, to an uphill or upwind location. Do not enter the building to evacuate people inside.
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
The GHS is a system developed by the united nations as a voluntary international system for chemical hazard communication.
methods for classifying all hazardous chemical substances and mixtures.
Three standard elements
Symbols use pictograms to communicate physical, health, and environmental hazard information.
Signal Words indicate the severity of the hazard.
Danger is used for severe hazards
Warning is used for less severe hazards
No signal word for lower-level hazards
Hazard Statements are standardized phrases that describe each hazard presented by a chemical substance or mixture.
GHS labels also include the following additional elements:
Precautionary Statements and pictograms
Product Identifiers
Supplier Identification
Supplemental Information
Identifying Hazardous Materials in Transit
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Placard
The United Nations Placard (UN) system
The North American (NA) warning placards
These placards can be on any vehicle
CERT Volunteers should consider DOT, UN, and NA warning placards a "stop sign".
You should not assume that , because there is no placard, no hazardous materials are present. Treat any unknown situation as hazardous incident
No placard is required for less than 1,000 pounds of many hazardous materials.
Certain hazardous materials are placarded as a nonflammable gas for domestic transport but as a flammable gas for international transport.
Sometimes drivers forget to change the placard hen they change their cargo.
CERT volunteers should use extreme caution hen approuching any vehicle in an accident.
Orange- Explosive
Red- Flammable gas
White- Inhalation hazard
Red- Flammable
Red & white- Flammable solid
Red & white-Commbustible
Blue-
Yellow- Oxidizer
White- poison
yellow & white- Radio active
Black & white- Corrosive
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
Used by first responders for transportation emergency involving hazardous materials.
How to identify hazards quickly
How to protect themselves and the public from issues related to the hazards.
Evacuation distances for common hazards
Sights, Sounds, Smells
Stay away from unidentifiable substances and alert building managers or authorities.
Citation of Information
All or Most of the Information below is Copied from or a paraphrase of the following source:
CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Fire Safety Retrieved from https://fema-community-files.s3.amazonaws.com/CERT-Basic/CERT+Basic_Unit+6+Participant+Manual_English.pdf on January 22, 2025, 6:31 PM EST. This product uses data/information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but is not endorsed by the DHS. The DHS cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency's website(s).
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