STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Use concepts from mathematics and physics to explain the movement of water in fire suppression activities.

 2. Explain the design principles of fire service pumping apparatus.

 3. Analyze community fire flow demand criteria.

 4. Use problem solving to demonstrate understanding of the principles of forces that affect water at rest and in motion.

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Water as an extinguishing agent

         A.      Physical properties

         B.      Terms and definitions

 II.     Math review

         A.      Fractions

         B.      Ratios, proportions, and percentages

         C.      Powers and roots

 III.    Water at rest

         A.      Basic principles of hydrostatics

                 1.      Pressure and force

                 2.      Six principles of fluid pressure

                 3.      Pressure as a function of height and density

                 4.      Atmospheric pressure

 IV.     Water in motion

         A.      Basic principles of hydrokinetics

         B.      Measuring devices for measuring flow

         C.      Relationship of discharge velocity, orifice size, and flow

                 1.      Water distribution systems

         D.      Water sources

         E.      Public & private water distribution systems

         F.      Friction loss in piping systems

         G.      Fire hydrants and flow testing

 V.      Fire pumps

         A.      Pump theory

         B.      Pump classifications

         C.      Priming systems

         D.      Pump capacity

         E.      Pump gauges and control devices

         F.      Testing fire pumps

 VI.     Fire streams

         A.      Calculating fire flow requirements

         B.      Effective horizontal and vertical reach

         C.      Appliances for nozzles

         D.      Performance of smooth-bore and combination nozzles

         E.      Hand-held lines

         F.      Master streams

         G.      Nozzle pressures and reaction

         H.      Water hammer and cavitations

 VII.    Friction loss

         A.      Factors affecting friction loss

         B.      Maximum efficient flow in fire hose

         C.      Calculating friction loss in fire hose

         D.      Friction loss in appliances

         E.      Reducing friction loss

 VIII.   Engine pressures

 IX.     Standpipe and sprinkler systems

         A.      Standpipe systems

                 1.      Classifications

                 2.      Components

                 3.      Supplying sprinkler systems

         B.      Sprinkler systems

                 1.      Classifications

                 2.      Components

                 3.      Supplying sprinkler systems