Dry chemical extinguishers work on multiple fire types and use a chemical reaction to interrupt the fires combustion. Water fire extinguishers are made to extinguish class but a water mist extinguisher is made for both a and c class fires. A water fire extinguisher works by attacking the heat element of a fire. In the united states, fire extinguishers in all business and commercial buildings are generally required to be serviced and inspected by a fire protection service company at least annually. Newer fire extinguishers use a picturelabeling system to designate which types of fires they are to be used on so users can quickly identify the classes. 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. When it comes to fire safety, it is important to know not all fires are the same. However, other extinguishers of this type are only effective on b and c fires. The different types of fire extinguishers types list. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on class a fires. Fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out. Collect a variety of fire extinguishers, both old and new, and observe how fire. Multipurpose fire extinguishers, labeled abc, may be used on all three classes of fire.
Explain the need to respray a paper, rubbish or trash fire. Water fire extinguishers have a red colour marking, and are one of the most common fire extinguishers. Pictorial symbols are therefore used to designate the different types of fire extinguishers and their abilities. Before we get to the different types of fire extinguishers, its important to understand the different types of fires. These are fire extinguishers that are, well, made out of water. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Type b fires involve flammable or combustible liquids like gasoline, kerosene and even kitchen grease. 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. The fire tetrahedron lays out the four components required for a fire to start heat, fuel, oxygen, and chemical reaction and fire extinguishers are designed to put out a fire by removing one or more of these elements. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. Foam fire extinguishers can used on a and b class fires. Foam fire extinguishers foam fire extinguishers are to. It is a common knowledge that fire can arise from different sources which require different labeling of the extinguishers to capture their capabilities.
Some also have a numerical rating to indicate the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. A brief introduction to fire extinguishers and fire types. Depending on the size, some fire extinguishers can be carried around and operated by hand. How to use fire extinguishers extinguisher advice fire.
A fire extinguisher is a device which can be used to control a fire. Dc short for dry chem abc indicating that they are designed to extinguish class a,b,and c fires, or bc indicating that they are designed to extinguish class b and c fires. The many types of fire extinguishers a total solution. Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use. It is important to ensure that the correct type of fire extinguishers are available throughout the different locations of a building and that all potential fire risks have. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for. 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 extinguisher s contents. Some jurisdictions require more frequent service for fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are available in different types, with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. Extinguishers have been assigned a classification for the type of fire they will extinguish.
Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on class a, b, and c fires. For example, abc extinguishers will extinguish class a, class b and class c fires, while bc extinguishers will extinguish only class b and class c fires. List the steps to properly use a fire extinguisher. Ask what purpose do fire extinguishers have in the workplace. Number of fire extinguishers required the number of fire extinguishers required is normally determined by your fire risk assessment. Nafeds latest survey regarding the effectiveness of portable fire extinguishers was completed in early 2010. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. Fire extinguishers do not come ready commissioned because they could be damaged, discharged or have lost pressure during delivery. Abc fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. Use proper firefighting technique with a fire extinguisher. 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 510% of the surface relating to the extinguisher s contents. Water fire extinguishers can be used on aclass fires, which involve materials including wood, paper and plastic.
Due to the spectrum of materials and chemicals that can catch fire, there are a variety of fire extinguisher types containing distinct agents. A common type is the abc extinguisher, which is for use in fighting class a, b, and c fires. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises, or you may not meet current regulations. The most common types of fire extinguishers are classified by agent. For instance, while a class a fire can be safely extinguished with water, a class c fire cannot, as water would conduct the electricity and risk harm to the operator. Different kinds of fire can be controlled by different substances. Visit the local fire department to observe the types of equipment used and the types of handheld fire extinguishers recommended for different locations in agricultural businesses. It is, therefore, necessary to enlarge the coverage of this standard so as to include the provision of all types of fire extinguishers and wheeled fire extinouishers for which indian standards have been formulated. These two types of fire extinguishers do not have a chemical component, making them ideal for people who do not wish to use chemicals. Fire extinguishers mounted on wheels for manual handling. Water and foam based extinguishers should not be used on fires involving an electrical. The different types of fire extinguishers explained key. Therefore, british standard 53063 recommends that extinguishers are commissioned onsite by a competent person.
Fire is a rapid chemical reaction of oxidant with fuel accompanied by the release of energy, indicated by incandescence or flame. A multipurpose dry chemical labelled abc puts out most types of fires. For each class of fire, the fuel, heat source and chain reaction varies, which is why there must be different types of fire extinguishers depending on the class of fire. This is also the most commonly used types of fire extinguishers. Each different type of extinguisher agent has a corresponding colour making identification easier for the user. Many fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish multiple types of fires. Class a fire extinguishers are appropriate for ordinary combustibles, wood, paper, and cloth. As a business owner, it is important that you know which kind of extinguishers that you should have in your office in. For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper. Put fire extinguishers close to where they might be needed. The most common types of fire extinguishers are water, foam, and dry powder. Foam fire extinguishers can be identified via their cream colour marking. Other extinguishers can put out several different types of fires, such as types, a, b, and c.
Fire extinguishers are required to provide a second line of defense if a fire were to occur. It is not intended for use on an outofcontrol fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. In a previous fireline blog post, we discussed the class types of fires. 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. Water red foam cream dry powder blue co2 black wet chemical yellow. Types of fire extinguishers and what they do piper fire.
Water based extinguishers are ideal for schools, small offices, stockrooms etc. In the instance of a fire emergency, the last thing you want to be doing is reading the side of an extinguisher trying to figure out if you can use it to fight the flames. Fire extinguishers can help remove the fire, and may stop it from burning. 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. There are many different kinds of fires that have the potential to destroy your company, so it is only fitting that there are multiple kinds of fire extinguishers to combat the flames. Fire is the rapid oxidation of any combustible material. Fire extinguisher commissioning marsden fire safety. Ill cover each type quickly, but we could spend hours going over the nuances of each. The following information is provided for general guidance purposes for workplaces. Water fire extinguishers water fire extinguishers are only for class a fires that involve combustible materials like wood and paper. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel these are called classes of fire. Many fire extinguishers today use a multipurpose dry chemical rated for a, b and c fires. Due to their electric conductivity, however, these extinguishers are not suited for b and c fires.
You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanicalelectrical rooms, and near exit doors. Wet chemical extinguishers create a barrier between the. Having the right fire extinguisher could save your life. You must be able to use the extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained before attempting to put out fires. Several types of fire extinguishers are available to fight different types of fires. Combine fires ake fire extinguishers and fire safety.
There are basically four different types or classes of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire. If you intend to buy more than one, you may want to purchase a bc for the kitchen, an a. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types water, foam, dry powder, co2 and wet chemical. Using a wrong fire extinguisher for a particular fire might make the situation worse or wont produce any results. There are different types of fire extinguishers for fighting various classes of fire. Within a building there are normally multiple types of fire risks which are created by the varying hazards found in todays modern environment. In the previous article we learned about the various types of fires and their dedicated fire extinguishers. The fire extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. Fire extinguishers read the instructions on your extinguisher for proper use. Some extinguishers can put out only one type of fire, such as type a. The cheapest types of fire extinguishers are the water fire extinguishers.
The type of fuels involved and the types of occupancies varied over the years and are detailed in the specific reports. Being able to immediately distinguish them apart could make a lifesaving difference. Fire extinguishers are rated on their ability to extinguish test fires. Describe the procedure for extinguishing flammable liquids. You can also check with the fire extinguishers manufacturer to learn the types of fires the. Class e fire involving electrical apparatus class f cooking oils and fat. Fire types type a fires are ordinary materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastic etc.
Fire extinguishers are clearly marked with the classes of fires they will extinguish safely. Fire extinguishers can control a small fire and prevent a fire from spreading when it is used properly and during the early stages of. And the science of some fire reactions still arent known, or they are estimates at best. They are divided into distinct classes, each of which are meant to handle different types of fires. Extinguishers are available in individual classifications and combinations. However, most extinguishers cannot put out every kind of fire. Fire extinguishers type of extinguishers and the classes of fire for which they can be used water class a fire. Choosing the right fire extinguisher marsden fire safety. Fire extinguisher locations fire extinguishers are located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. There are different kinds of fires because different fuels create different fires, which need different types of fire extinguishers. Also the type of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on. Portable fire extinguishers for manual handling and operation, transported packaged or with suitable means of protection for valves and other equipment mounted on the fire extinguisher.
Type c fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes, and power tools etc. All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires. Dry chemical extinguishers dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types. Also, neither all the portable fire extinguishers have the same construction nor the method to operate them is the same. Class a extinguishers provide for heatabsorbing effects of water types or certain dry chemical types. Fire extinguisher types we explain the different types. Selection of fire extinguishers there are a number of types of portable fire. Different type of fire extinguishers used on a ship for. Not suitable for liquid fires class b or where electricity is involved.
805 1139 653 1380 1431 1200 901 597 1047 1466 1564 506 875 1241 1331 819 1142 493 1540 1510 1356 724 724 1425 548 286 531 448 1095 1158 269 1039 772 504 405 964 1144 444 1376 304 842 69 118 315 1396 1413 1004 486