Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which classifications offire the extinguisher is designed to fight. Also the type of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on. Extinguishers are categorised by the type of fire they are designed to fight and come in various sizes and types. Extinguishers suitable for class b fires should be identified by a square containing the letter b. Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it. Portable fire extinguishers are covered under nfpa 10 which addresses.
Fire extinguisher in class training university of manitoba. Fire extinguishers battaramulla fireshelter lanka pvtltd. Combine fires fire extinguishers and fire safety company. All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. They combine to form a chemical reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the heat side of the triangle. The successful use of any type of fire equipment fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, hose lines. Water extinguishers are for class a fires only they should not be used on class b or c fires. Other details about the extinguisher such as class category, are mentioned on fire extinguisher labelswithout which, determining the right fire extinguisher would be impossible.
Five classes of fires and various fire extinguishers associated with each class. Types of fire extinguishers dry chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple purpose use. All units meet the current requirements established by the national fire protection association nfpa for nfpa10 standard for portable fire extinguishers, and any other applicable nfpa standards. Class k fire extinguishers are ideal in kitchens and in the restaurant industry. At west chester university, there are a variety of fire extinguishers located throughout the campus. The fire must be discovered in its incipient stage for the extinguisher to be effective. No normal fire extinguisher below will tackle this type of fire it requires special copper coated. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire. The cylinder for co2 fire extinguishers are seamless and extruded from high grade chrome molybdenum steel or manganese steel or carbon steel. Tested and listed by ul to meet construction and performance standards for this type of extinguisher, and can by used where required.
Ensure you use the right extinguisher for the appropriate type of fire. A common type is the abc extinguisher, which is for use in fighting class a, b, and c fires. There are different types of fire extinguishers designed to put out the different. The acategory fire is a runofthemill fire burning ordinary materials like cloth, paper and wood. Fire extinguishers are clearly marked with the classes of fires they will extinguish safely.
They are suitable for class a fires only, taking away the heat element, and definitely not considered useful for class b fires which can spread the flammable liquid and class c that can generate electric shock water fire extinguishers are suitable for the following types of fires. No single fire extinguisher will work on all 5 types. Fires involving wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical current or a combination of those will each react differently to extinguishers. Feb 28, 2015 extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. A ordinary combustibles fires started with paper, wood, drapes and upholstery require a class a. A brief introduction to fire extinguishers and fire types. Class k fire extinguishers are used for fighting class a and class k fires.
When buying fire extinguishers for your business, its important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. Fire types type a fires are ordinary materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastic etc. By combining the 52a rated extinguishers with a 40be rating and. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire, so these extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fire.
The area in front of the extinguisher shall be kept clear at all times. Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire. Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the type of fire on which they may be used. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This type of extinguisher is designed for use on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and energized electrical fires of moderate to high intensity. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a class b fire or could create a shock hazard on a. Size for size, it offers up to 300% more fire fighting capability than traditional jet type water fire extinguishers. The relevant fire protection measures should be noted. Designed to protect areas where class b flammable liquids and. Fire extinguishers are available in different types, with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on.
Portable fire extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Fire extinguishers are an integral part of the fire safety provisions for any building and it is important to ensure that the correct type of fire extinguisher is installed and maintained. When used properly, portable fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances. A combine fire extinguisher can put out a small fire before it grows out of control. Water and foam based extinguishers should not be used on fires involving an electrical. By doing so, it removes oxygen from the fire, effectively suffocating it of oxygen. Other extinguishers can put out several different types of fires, such as types, a, b, and c. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Fire extinguishers and fire blankets tasmania fire service. Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate. Fireextinguishing capacity is rated according to ansiul 711, rating and fire testing of fire extinguishers.
The co2 extinguisher does exactly that extinguishes co2. The agent works by interrupting the chemical chain reaction. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from the other elements. Some extinguishers can put out only one type of fire, such as type a. Potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium burn at extremely high temperatures. Class c extinguishers may be used to extinguish class a, class b, and class c fires. Recommendations for colour coding to indicate the extinguishing media contained in portable fire extinguishers provides recommendations. Put fire extinguishers close to where they might be needed. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a particular type of fire could be dangerous and make matters even worse. The national fire protection association nfpa has set up standards to follow when it comes to the installation and use of fire extinguishers. Selection of fire extinguishers there are a number of types of portable fire. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air. Fire extinguishers cosmic multipurpose dry chemical.
Choosing the right fire extinguisher marsden fire safety. You need to consider how many and the types that you need, where they should be placed, and how you plan to checkinspect and servicemaintain them. Combine fires ake fire extinguishers and fire safety. Extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. The minimum standard for fire extinguishers on campus is 4a. May 12, 2017 fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out. See how stopfyres longterm value compares to traditional dry chemical fire extinguishers. Educate on the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance. These two types of fire extinguishers do not have a chemical component, making them ideal for people who do not wish to use chemicals. You can also check with the fire extinguishers manufacturer to learn the types of fires the. Waterfire extinguisher is solid redcolored cylinders.
This type of fire burns on the surface of the fuels, and is best extinguished by a blanketing or smothering action. Fire extinguishers meeting bs en3 should have a red body ral 3000 and an agent specific colour band covering between 510% of the surface relating to the extinguisher s contents. These extinguishers will be found in a variety of locations. Criteria for fighting the fire fire is smalland contained you have safe egress exit route can be reached without exposure to fire available extinguishers are rated for size and type of fire when fighting the fire remember to keep an exit to your back when the fire extinguisher is empty get out. Carbon dioxide is discharged as a white cloud of snow which throttles a fire by eliminating the oxygen. It is critical that the fire extinguisher used is the right type for the fires your workforce should be anticipating. In post fire situations, moisture may combine with the agent to produce mild corrosion.
According to the standard bs en 3, fire extinguishers in the united kingdom as all throughout europe are red ral 3000, and a band or circle of a second color covering between 510% of the surface area of the extinguisher indicates the contents. Also, on a class a fire it creates a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen. For indepth information and advice you should consult bs 5306. The extinguish stick is a stateoftheart cutting edge fire suppression technology based on decades old proven science. Apr 29, 2016 water fire extinguishers are made to extinguish class but a water mist extinguisher is made for both a and c class fires.
The successful use of a fire extinguisher depends on the following conditions. To learn about fire extinguishers, their uses and types. It is a singleuse fire suppression device that initiates a nonpressurized aerosol delivery system that puts out fires quickly and efficiently. This is a quick check that an extinguisher is available, charged, and will operate. A fire of this type is fastspreading and capable of engulfing a large area in a very short time. Fire and evacuation training james cook university.
Employee safety suggestions and specific workplace hazards. In the vast majority of circumstances, the fires that occur are either a, b or c types of fires. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. Wear selfcontained breathing apparatus and chemicalprotective clothing. Water fire extinguishers are made to extinguish class but a water mist extinguisher is made for both a and c class fires. Different types of fire extinguishers used on ships marine insight. Using a fire extinguisher the following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire.
Halon extinguishers contain a gas that interrupts the chemical reaction that takes place when fuels burn. Follow these guidelines for safe fire extinguisher use. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher co2 is one of the cleanest types of extinguishers to use as it leaves no residue and requires no cleanup. Fire extinguisher guide total fire safety fire safety. Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics solids that are not metals. Compare fire extinguisher types and see how stopfyre is a more reliable and effective fire extinguisher. How to choose a fire extinguisher guide fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which classifications of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight.
Fire extinguishers are categorized by the types of fires they can extinguish and the size of the fire they are capable of extinguishing. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of. Fire extinguishers should be mounted on the wall to prevent being damaged. Type c fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes, and power tools etc.
A class c fire extin guisher is marked with a blue circle containing the letterc. Before 1997, the entire body of the fire extinguisher was color coded according to the type of extinguishing agent. Types of extinguishers cont dry chemical dry chemical is the most widely used type of fire extinguisher and is also recognized as a multipurpose abc fire extinguisher. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path. The acategory fire is a run of themill fire burning ordinary materials like cloth, paper and wood. These types of extinguishers are often used to protect. Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. Learn about each type of portable fire extinguisher used on ships. Sentry safety using fire extinguishers and their types. Fire extinguisher colour codes uk fire extinguishers meeting bs en3 are manufactured with a red body and have a band of a second colour covering between 5.
Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires its effective in putting out. Fire extinguishers meeting the current british standards bs en3 should have a red body ral 3000 and an agent specific colour band, covering between 510% of the surface, relating to the extinguisher contents. Type b fires involve flammable or combustible liquids like gasoline, kerosene and even kitchen grease. Each type of fire extinguisher is used for a different class of fires. Fire extinguishers meeting bs en3 are manufactured with a red body and have a band of a second colour covering between 510% of the surface relating to the. Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc. The most commonly found extinguishers are class abc extinguishers which use a dry chemical extinguishing agent. The labels a, b, c, or d are used to indicate the type of fire on which an extinguisher is to be used.
The latter standard mainly covers the smaller size of fire extinguisher, while bs en 3 covers fire extinguishers from 1kg to 12kg and 2litres to 9litres capacity. Fire extinguishers should be inspected on a monthly basis. Staff who are required to operate fire fighting equipment should be. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the fuel from the oxygen in the air. Read some of the most commonly asked questions about stopfyre. Foam agents provide this type of extinguishment as do foam blankets and dirt. The extinguisher must be the right type for the fire. The pressure gauge should be in the green zone at all times. Maintenance of fire protection equipment portable fire.
For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like the one below, indicating that it should only be used on class a fires. They contain an extinguishing agent and use a compressed, nonflammable gas as a propellant. Keep the appropriate extinguishers fire on hand for the fire hazards found in a particular workplace and ensure workers are trained to determinewhich extinguishers to use for different types of fi res. When it comes to fire extinguishers, there is no better choice for fire safety than the abc fire extinguisher. It is not intended for use on an out of control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. The extinguisher must be easily accessible and in good working order. Fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out.