F
55 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryFacade Damage
Facade damage frequently occurs in older buildings and can be caused by various factors, including weather exposure, faulty construction, or lack of maintenance. These damages not only affect the appearance of a building but can also lead to significant structural problems that compromise the safety and stability of the building.
Felting
Felting is a textile craft in which fibers, usually wool, are bonded together through mechanical processing. This method is used to create various textile products, from clothing and accessories to artworks and decorative items. Felting can be done wet or dry and offers a wide range of creative possibilities.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a composite material made of fine glass fibers, known for its high strength, light weight, and versatility. It is used in a wide range of applications, from the construction industry to automotive and boat manufacturing.
Field Bed
Field beds are lightweight, portable, and foldable beds designed for outdoor use, emergency shelters, or military operations. They provide a comfortable sleeping option in situations where conventional beds are not available. Field beds are especially popular with the military, emergency services, scouts, outdoor enthusiasts, and disaster relief efforts.
Field Camp
A field camp is a temporary military facility established by troops during exercises, missions, or maneuvers. It serves as a base for accommodating soldiers, storing equipment, and carrying out logistical and administrative tasks in the operational area. Field camps are designed to be mobile and flexible to meet the demands of various deployment conditions.
Field Clothing
Field clothing is specially designed apparel worn by soldiers and operational forces during outdoor missions. It is designed to provide protection, camouflage, and comfort in various environments and extreme conditions. Field clothing must be durable, functional, and adaptable to meet the demands of modern military and tactical operations.
Field Cooker
Field cookers are portable cooking devices designed to prepare meals outdoors, under extreme conditions, or in emergencies. These cookers are essential for camping, military, and outdoor operations as they provide a reliable and quick way to heat food or boil water regardless of the availability of electricity or other modern cooking methods.
Field Kitchen
Field kitchens are mobile kitchens specifically designed for outdoor use to prepare large quantities of meals for troops, rescue teams, or other operational groups. They play a crucial role in military operations, disaster relief, and large events by ensuring the supply of warm, nutritious meals even in remote or crisis-affected areas.
Field Shovel
Field shovels are compact, portable spades specifically designed for outdoor use. They are commonly used by militaries, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts to help with a variety of tasks like digging trenches, building emergency shelters, or creating fire pits. Field shovels are known for their versatility, durability, and ease of use.
File
Files are indispensable hand tools used for smoothing, shaping, and removing material from surfaces. They consist of a hardened steel body with numerous teeth or grooves that cut away material. Files are used in metalworking, woodworking, jewelry making, and many other craft and industrial fields.
File Handle
A file handle is a specially designed grip attached to a file to improve handling and control during filing. These handles are ergonomically shaped and made from various materials to ensure comfort and efficiency when working on workpieces.
Fingerprint Kit
Fingerprint kits are specialized tools used for collecting, analyzing, and preserving fingerprints. These kits are essential in forensic science, particularly in securing evidence at crime scenes. They enable investigators to collect fingerprints that can be used for identifying individuals, solving crimes, and verifying identities.
Fingerprint Powder
Fingerprint powder is a special powder used in forensics to make latent (invisible) fingerprints visible on various surfaces. This method is frequently used by crime scene technicians and investigators to preserve evidence. The powder adheres to oils and sweat deposits left by fingers on surfaces, making the prints visible for documentation and analysis.
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket, also known as a fire-extinguishing blanket, is a safety device used in households, workshops, and other areas to extinguish small fires. It is made of fire-resistant material and works by smothering flames, cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire.
Fire Department
The fire department, or FD, is an organization that deals with firefighting, technical assistance, and disaster protection. It consists of different types of fire departments, including volunteer fire departments, professional fire departments, and industrial fire departments. The abbreviation "FD" is commonly used in official documents, vehicle markings, and communication within the fire department.
Fire Department Key Depot
A Fire Department Key Depot (FSD) is a special security system that allows firefighters quick access to essential keys during an emergency, without having to break into a building or area. The FSD is installed in an easily accessible location, usually on the exterior wall of a building, and contains keys for doors, gates, or other secured areas that must be opened quickly in an emergency.
Fire Engine
The Löschgruppenfahrzeug (LF) is a key fire service vehicle used for both firefighting and technical assistance. It is one of the most common vehicles in firefighting services and is equipped with comprehensive gear that allows the crew to perform a wide range of tasks. Typically, an LF accommodates a crew of nine firefighters.
Fire Foam Residues
Fire foam residues are the remains of firefighting foam used during fire suppression. This foam typically consists of water, foam concentrate, and air, mixed to form a stable foam network. After extinguishing, the foam remains on surfaces and floors, gradually decomposing and leaving residues. These residues can raise environmental and health concerns and require proper cleanup and disposal.
Fire Outbreak
A fire outbreak refers to the sudden ignition and spread of a fire, often unexpected and potentially devastating. This term is commonly used to describe the abrupt and uncontrolled flaring up of combustible materials in various settings—whether in buildings, vehicles, forests, or industrial installations. A fire outbreak can be triggered by a variety of causes and calls for swift and effective firefighting response.
Fire Service Act
The Fire Service Act (FwG) is the legal foundation that governs the organization, tasks, and powers of fire departments in the individual federal states of Germany. It defines the duties of municipalities, the structure of fire departments, the rights and obligations of firefighters, and cooperation with other emergency services. Each federal state has its own Fire Service Act tailored to its specific circumstances and requirements.
Fire Service Regulations
The Fire Service Regulations (FwDV) are binding rule sets for fire departments in Germany that establish uniform standards and procedures for various operational and training scenarios. These regulations are essential for training, operational processes, and the safety of firefighters, ensuring that all fire personnel work according to the same rules and procedures.
Fire Spread (Fire Jump)
Fire spread refers to the phenomenon where flames extend from one burning area to another spatially separated area. This can occur through sparks, glowing particles, or intense heat transfer. Fire spread is particularly dangerous because it can rapidly enlarge the fire and significantly complicate firefighting efforts.
Fire Suppressant Aerosol
A fire suppressant aerosol is a fine dispersed mixture of solid or liquid particles used for firefighting. It is generated by specialized suppression systems and released into the fire zone, where it effectively extinguishes fire through chemical and physical processes. These aerosols are especially suited for combating fires in enclosed spaces, technical installations, and sensitive areas where water or foam is undesirable.
Fire Whirl
A fire whirl, also known as a fire tornado or fire devil, is a rare and extremely dangerous phenomenon in which flames, hot gases, and smoke form a rotating vortex. This vortex can move like a tornado and unleash tremendous destructive power. Fire whirls often occur during intense fires when conditions such as high heat, unstable air masses, and wind are present.
Fire Whirlwind (Fire Roll)
A fire whirlwind is a massive, rapidly spreading sea of flames created by the combustion of large amounts of combustible material. It moves like a rolling wave over the ground and can destroy everything in its path. Fire whirlwinds often occur during large-scale fires, especially wildfires, surface fires, and in explosive environments. The intensity and speed of a fire whirlwind make it an extremely dangerous phenomenon capable of causing severe damage.
Fireball
A fireball is an explosive phenomenon where large amounts of combustible material ignite in a short time, producing an intense, rapidly expanding flame. Fireballs often occur during explosions, especially near flammable gases, liquids, or chemicals. The extreme heat and shockwave from a fireball can cause severe damage and pose significant danger to people and surroundings.
Firefighting Fittings
Fittings are crucial components in firefighting technology used for controlling, distributing, and regulating liquids—primarily water. They play a key role in ensuring efficient and safe handling of extinguishing water during firefighting operations. Fittings come in various forms for different applications, including valves, nozzles, couplings, and distributors.
Firefighting Foam
Firefighting foam is an effective extinguishing agent used in fire suppression. It consists of a mixture of water, foam concentrate, and air. The foam smothers the flames and cools the burning materials, making firefighting more efficient.
Firefighting Platoon
A firefighting platoon (FP) is a tactical unit of the fire department consisting of several vehicles and personnel, deployed together at fires, technical rescues, and other emergencies. The platoon is organized to form a complete firefighting unit and can operate independently or in combination with other platoons.
First Aid Equipment
First aid equipment includes all necessary materials and tools used to provide immediate care in case of injuries or medical emergencies. This equipment is essential in households, vehicles, workplaces, outdoor activities, as well as in professional rescue services and military operations. The goal of first aid equipment is to minimize the severity of injuries and bridge the time until professional medical help arrives.
Fittings
Fittings are indispensable components in piping systems used to connect, extend, seal, or change the direction of pipes. They are available in a wide variety of materials and designs to meet the requirements of different applications in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and industrial installations.
flaking
Flaking refers to the detachment and peeling off of layers of paint, varnish or other coatings from surfaces. This process often occurs on building façades, metal parts and wooden surfaces and is a visible sign of aging or damage to the coating. Flaking can be caused by various factors such as weather influences, improper surface preparation or the use of unsuitable materials.
Flame protection hood
A flame protection hood, also known as a fire protection hood or fire-resistant hood, is personal protective equipment designed to protect the head, face, and neck from flames, heat, and sparks. These hoods are essential for firefighters, welders, and workers in hazardous environments, as they provide crucial protection against burns and heat exposure.
Flange Gasket
Flange gaskets are crucial components in piping and mechanical engineering. They ensure a tight seal between two flanges, preventing the leakage of liquids or gases.
Flange Tool
A flange tool is a specialized instrument used for machining, assembling, and disassembling flanges. Flanges are connectors used in piping systems and machinery to securely join pipes, valves, pumps, and other components. Flange tools are essential in industries—particularly oil & gas, petrochemical, and water management—because they enable precise and safe handling of flange connections.
Flanging Tool
Flanging tools are indispensable hand tools in metalworking and the installation trades. They are used to shape and join pipes, sheets, and other metal parts by flanging. These tools are essential for creating precise and secure connections needed in many industrial and craft applications.
Flap Grinder
A flap grinder, also known as a flap disc grinder, is a grinding tool made up of several abrasive flaps arranged fan-like around a central axis. These grinders are indispensable in metal and wood processing as they allow for even surface finishing and high material removal.
Flashback
A flashback, also known as a backfire, refers to the phenomenon where a flame or fire spreads from the outlet of a flammable gas or vapour back into the supply line or container. This can occur in systems with gases, burners, welding equipment, or other industrial applications and poses a significant hazard as it can lead to explosions or fires.
Flashback
Ein Flammenrückschlag tritt auf, wenn eine Flamme in ein Gas- oder Brennstoffsystem zurückschlägt und sich in entgegen gesetzter Richtung der vorgesehenen Flussrichtung ausbreitet. Dies kann bei unsachgemäßer Handhabung von Gasbrennern oder Schweißgeräten geschehen und stellt eine erhebliche Gefahr für Geräte und Personen dar.
Flashover
The term "Flashover" describes an extremely dangerous phenomenon in fires, where all flammable surfaces in a room ignite almost simultaneously. This transition from a localized fire to a fully developed room fire occurs very quickly and is marked by a sudden temperature rise. A flashover poses a significant threat to emergency personnel and requires specific firefighting tactics.
Flat Scraper
A flat scraper, also known as a spatula or scraping spatula, is a versatile tool used to remove coatings, adhesives, paint, and other residues from surfaces. These scrapers are indispensable in construction, renovation work, and industrial manufacturing, as they allow precise and effective cleaning and smoothing of surfaces.
flooding
A flood describes the phenomenon in which water overflows the banks of rivers, lakes, or seas, or inundates large areas due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or dam failure. Floods can have natural causes or be exacerbated by human activities. They pose a significant threat to people, the environment, and infrastructure and can cause widespread economic and ecological damage.
Florian
"Florian" is a common radio call sign for fire department vehicles and units in Germany. The name refers to Saint Florian, who is considered the patron saint of firefighters. This call sign is used in combination with a number to uniquely identify each unit or vehicle. The name "Florian" is firmly rooted in fire service culture and is used throughout communication and incident coordination.
Flue Gas Explosion
A flue gas explosion, also known as smoke ignition, is a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when combustible gases that have accumulated in a room or environment through incomplete combustion suddenly ignite. This can lead to an explosive spread of flames accompanied by a sudden pressure wave. Flue gas explosions pose a significant danger to firefighters and rescue personnel as they can occur unexpectedly and with great destructive force.
Folding Ruler
A folding ruler, also known as a rule scale, inch scale, or measuring stick, is a tool used to measure distances and dimensions. It consists of a metal or plastic rod marked at regular intervals in inches or centimeters. Folding rulers are commonly used in architecture, construction, engineering, and drafting.
Forensic Kits
Forensic kits are specialized equipment used for collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. These kits contain a variety of tools and materials that help forensic experts identify and secure evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, hair samples, fibers, and other physical traces. They are indispensable for law enforcement and criminalistics, as they help identify perpetrators and maintain the chain of custody in investigations.
Forensics
The term forensics encompasses various scientific and technical disciplines concerned with investigating and clarifying criminal acts. The goal of forensics is to collect, secure, and analyze evidence for use in criminal proceedings. Key areas include forensic medicine, criminal biology, forensic chemistry, and ballistics.
forest fire
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire in forests or wooded areas that can spread rapidly and cause enormous damage to the environment, wildlife, and human settlements. Wildfires often start from natural causes such as lightning strikes or human activities such as campfires or discarded cigarettes.
Forging
Forging is an ancient metal forming process in which metal is shaped into the desired form by hammering, pressing, or rolling. It can be performed both hot and cold, with the material being worked above or below its recrystallization temperature. Forging is used in many fields, including the automotive industry, aerospace, tool making, and art.
Fracture / Break
A fracture refers to the breaking or destruction of a solid body into multiple pieces. This process can occur in various contexts, such as building materials, technical components, or human bones. Fractures can be caused by external forces such as mechanical stress, impacts, or accidents. Depending on the type and material of the broken object, the consequences and necessary repair or healing measures differ.
Francium
Francium is a chemical element with the symbol Fr and atomic number 87. It belongs to the group of alkali metals and is one of the rarest and most unstable natural elements. Francium is extremely radioactive and has a very short half-life, which severely limits its study and use. Due to its rarity and instability, francium has no commercial applications and is mainly investigated in scientific research.
funnel
Funnels are simple yet extremely useful tools used to pour liquids and fine-grained materials into containers with small openings. They typically consist of a wide, open top that tapers to a narrow, tubular outlet. Funnels are used in many areas, including cooking, chemistry, the automotive industry, and crafts.