Page 142 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

SII [I' CONSTR UCT ION AN D DA~IAGE CONTROL 147

electrical Ilres but is ei1ecth'e on any small fire. Because COl is are lIsed in this type extinguisher. They are often installed in spaces
heavier than nir. it lorms a smothering blanket OYer the fire. CO is that have materials in them that can be involved in this class offire.
2
quick to use and kaves no mess, but Ci.lfbon dioxide "snow" can be
blown away by wind or draft. It is not poisonous. but contact with it
Protective Fire Clothing
GlJl cause painful skin blisters.
Dry c/tf!l1Iim/ PKP extinguishers ilrc milinly for Class 13 fires. Anyclothing that covers the skin will protect it from Hash burns <lnd
The chemiCi11 used is potassium bicarbonate (similar to baking· other short-duration flames. Tn addition to their uniforms, person-
soda). It is called purple-K powder. or PKP. PKP is not poisonous nel aboard Navy ships ilnd shore stations that may be exposed to
.. md is four times as effective as CO! for extinguishing fires. The dry flame and heat in emergency conditions arc isslled flame-retardant
chemical is an excellent firefighting agent, but its effects are tempo- hoods and long gloves that arc worn whenever w;'1I"I""1I1ted. Eyes are
rary. It has no cooling eftect and provides no protection against protected with antitlash goggles. If clothing catches on fire, one
reflash. PKP should be used sparingl)' in confined spaces because it should not run, since this wiII fan the names. Lie down and rol1
will reduce visibility and make breathing difficult. up in a blanket. coat, or an·),thing that will smother the flames. If
PKP can be lIsed with light W;.lter to produce a highl)1 enectivc nothing is ;;wailable, the person should roll over slowly, beating out
extinguishing agent. The dry chemical beats down the fire. and the the flames with his or her hands. If another persoll's clothes catch
light water prevents a reHash. 0 11 fire. he or she should be put down and covered up (except the
DI)' powder extinguishers are used to combat Class 0 fires. As head) with a blanket or coat.
previously mentioned, sodium chloride granules or copper powder

Two crew members aboard the guided missile cru iser USS Vella Gulf(CG 62) outfitted in fire proximity suits carry a simulated casualty to safety
during a flight deck fire drill. The suits do not al low the wearer to enter burning spaces or walk through flames, but only to get close enough to
rescue victims or assist in firefighting. (Jason Zalasky)