FIRE 2140 - Fire Protection Systems

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

1. Define the term “fire”
2. Define the term “tetrahedron”
3. Identify two examples of each of the following energy heat sources:
   1. Chemical
   2. Mechanical
   3. Electrical
4. Describe the following potential stages of fires:
   1. Pre-burning
   2. Initial burning
   3. Vigorous burning
   4. Interactive burning
   5. Remote burning
5. Define the terms “flashover” and “flame over”
6. Describe the three methods of heat transfer
7. Describe the three physical states of matter in which fuels are commonly found
8. Explain the hazard of finely divided fuels as they relate to the combustion process
9. Define flash point and ignition temperature
10. Describe the relationship of oxygen concentration in air including its effect on the combustion process
11. Identify three products of combustion commonly found in structure fires that create life hazards
12. Define the following units of heat measurement:
    1. British Thermal Unit (BTU)
    2. Fahrenheit (F) degrees
    3. Celsius (C) degrees
    4. Calorie (c)
    5. Kilowatt (kw)
    6. British Thermal Unit/seconds (BTU/sec)
    7. Watt (w) power
    8. Megawatt (mw)
    9. Joule
13. Classify fire based on their descriptions
14. Identify primary extinguishment methods for each fire class

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to outline the general properties of flammable and combustible liquids.

Objectives:

1. Describe the basic effects of temperature and pressure on flammable and combustible liquids
2. Define flammable and explosive limits
3. Define specific gravity and boiling point
4. Define the basic classes of flammable and combustible liquids as defined by NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids
5. Identify the effect of pressure on the design, size, and contents of storage tanks and containers for flammable and combustible liquids
6. Identify storage, handling, and use conditions of flammable and combustible liquids that are most conducive to the initiation, propagation, and spread of fire
7. Identify how to abate the fire hazards associated with spills or leaks of flammable or combustible liquids

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use portable and fixed fire extinguishing systems.

Objectives:

1. Classify types of fires as they relate to the use of portable fire extinguishers
2. Identify the appropriate extinguisher for the various types of portable extinguishers
3. Identify how to evaluate the operational readiness of portable fire extinguishers
4. Identify the capability of extinguishing agents including the proper method for agent application
5. Identify code requirements and regulations relative to the distribution and location of portable fire extinguishers
6. Identify portable fire extinguisher maintenance requirements and procedures
7. Identify how to evaluate the testing and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
8. Identify fixed fire extinguishing systems
9. Identify how to evaluate the operational readiness of fixed fire extinguishing systems
10. Identify the capabilities of the extinguishing agent including the proper procedures for agent application in a fixed fire extinguishing system
11. Evaluate the proper installation and testing of all types of fixed fire protection equipment

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to outline heat, smoke, and flame detection systems.

Objectives:

1. Identify heat, smoke, and flame detection systems and devices
2. Identify how to evaluate the operational readiness of heat, smoke, and flame detection systems or devices
3. Identify the proper installation locations of heat, smoke, and flame detection devices

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to classify fire alarm systems and devices.

Objectives:

1. Identify local alarm systems and devices.
2. Identify how to evaluate the operational readiness of local fire alarm systems and devices.
3. Identify the warning capability of local fire alarm systems and devices.
4. Identify the operation of municipal fire alarm systems.
5. Identify the interconnection between local and municipal fire alarm systems.
6. Differentiate between residential, local, proprietary central station, and municipal fire alarm systems.
7. Identify the proper installation locations of fire alarm systems components or devices.

Outcome 6: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to outline the physical properties of water and the various means by which those properties make fire extinguishments possible.

Objectives:

1. Identify the physical properties of water.
2. Identify the extinguishing properties of water.
3. Identify additives to improve the performance of water as an extinguishing agent.
4. Identify the electrical conductivity hazards of water.
5. Describe the use of water on special hazards.

Outcome 7: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to summarize the elements of a water supply system that fire departments use to deliver water for suppression.

Objectives:

1. Identify the elements of water distribution systems.
2. Identify the features of a hydrant system for fire protection.
3. Identify the control valves for water distribution.
4. Identify the basic elements of water storage facilities.
5. Identify the basic features of an industrial fire pump.
6. Test an existing water supply system.

Outcome 8: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply the essential aspects of automatic on-site water-based suppression systems.

Objectives:

1. Identify the fundamentals of good sprinkler protection.
2. Identify the basic elements of a standpipe system.
3. Identify the types and components of water based sprinkler protection.
4. Design a hydraulically calculated sprinkler system.
5. Review sprinkler plans in accordance with National Fire Protection Standards.
6. Identify deficiencies in plans submitted for approval to authorities having jurisdiction.

Outcome 9: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the essential aspects of fire alarm systems.

Objectives:

1. Identify the fundamentals of fire alarm systems.
2. Identify the basic elements of fire alarm systems.
3. Identify the types and components of fire alarm systems.
4. Review fire alarm plans in accordance with National Fire Protection Standards.
5. Identify deficiencies in plans submitted for approval to authorities having jurisdiction.

1. Introduction to Fire Protection Systems
   1. The Role Fire Protection Systems Play in Protecting the Life, Safety, and Welfare of the General Public and Firefighters
   2. Overview of the Different Types of Fire Protection Systems
   3. The Role of Codes & Standards in Fire Protection System Design
2. Water Supply Systems for Fire Protection Systems
   1. Sources of Fire Protection Water Supply
   2. Distribution Networks
   3. Piping
   4. Hydrants
   5. Utility Company Interface with the Fire Department
3. Water-Based Fire Suppression Systems
   1. Properties of Water
      1. Water as an Effective Extinguishing Agent
      2. How Water Extinguishes Fire
   2. Sprinkler Systems
      1. Types of Systems & Applications
      2. Types of Sprinklers & Applications
      3. Piping, Valves, Hangers & Alarm Devices
      4. Fire Department Operations in Buildings with Sprinkler Systems
   3. Residential Sprinkler Systems
   4. Standpipe Systems
   5. Foam Systems
   6. Water Mist Systems
   7. Fire Pumps
4. Non-Water Based Sysems
   1. Carbon Dioxide Systems
      1. Applications
      2. Extinguishing Properties
      3. System Components
   2. Halogenated Systems
      1. Halon 1301 and the Environment
      2. Halon Alternatives
      3. Extinguishing Properties
      4. System Components
   3. Dry/Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
      1. Extinguishing Properties
      2. Applications
      3. UL 300
5. Fire Alarm Systems
   1. Components
   2. Types of Fire Alarm Systems
   3. Detectors
      1. Smoke
      2. Heat
      3. Flame
   4. Audible/Visual Devices
   5. Alarm Monitoring
   6. Testing & Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems
6. Smoke Management Systems
   1. Hazards of Smoke
   2. Smoke Movement in Buildings
   3. Types of Smoke Management Systems
   4. Firefighter Operations in Buildings with Smoke Management Systems
7. Portable Fire Extinguishers
   1. Types & Applications
   2. Selection
   3. Placement
   4. Maintenance
   5. Portable Fire Extinguisher Operations