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. The classification of fires given here is based on the type of material being consumed. Fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source.
Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which classifications offire the extinguisher is designed to fight. It is designed to put out a small firenot a big one. 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. Choosing and using fire extinguishers its important to help the public understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property.
When it comes to fire safety, it is important to know not all fires are the same. Fire extinguishers manufactured with noncylindrical pressure. Know the location of all telephones,emergency exits and fire extinguishers. Dc short for dry chem abc indicating that they are designed to extinguish class a,b,and. If the person who notices the fire feels that it cannot be tackled by extinguishers, he can directly inform the fire station without delay.
Some extinguishers are combination types that can be used on several different types of fires using a fire extinguisher pass pull the pin aim at base of fire squeeze the handle sweep from side to side types of fires class a. Collect a variety of fire extinguishers, both old and new, and observe how fire. When it comes to fire extinguishers, there is no better choice for fire safety than the abc fire extinguisher. Selection of fire extinguishers there are a number of types of portable fire. Our primary aim is to help you protect the lives and livelihoods of people and your organisation or business by ensuring that we only provide quality products that fully meet industry standards also, by providing continuous training to our staff via recognised trade.
A potential fire can often be controlled before it really takes hold, if the right fire equipment is close at hand. The water cools the fuel thereby reducing the heat. Water, powder, foam and co2 all carry the risk of spreading the burning. When buying fire extinguishers for your business, its important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. Portable fire fighting equipment pfe comes generally in two forms.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher before you are in a situation where you have to use it. Abcs of portable fire extinguishers a fire extinguisher is a storage container for an extinguishing agent such as water or chemicals. They should be located along normal paths of travel and near exits. Fire extinguisher locations fire extinguishers are located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. B fires are fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol. You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms. You need to consider how many and the types that you need, where they should be placed, and how you plan. Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. As you evacuate close the doors of the roomsdo not lock as this will slow down the spread of smoke and. Types of fires and types of fire extinguishers swartz fire and safety.
Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a handheld cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. It is, therefore, necessary to enlarge the coverage of this standard so as to. Fire is a rapid chemical reaction of oxidant with fuel accompanied by the release of energy, indicated by incandescence or flame. Both of these types of labels are shown below with the description of the different classes of extinguishers. The acategory fire is a runofthemill fire burning ordinary materials like cloth, paper and wood. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of. Water and foam based extinguishers should not be used on fires involving an electrical.
We have an absolute belief in quality it is the cornerstone of our companys culture. Type of extinguishers and the classes of fire for which they can be used. Fire extinguisher selection chart australian standard 2444 post 1999 type of extinguisher class type of fire water foam wet chemical co2 dry chemical vaporising liquid a ordinary combustibles wood, paper etc 3 yes most suitable 3 yes 3 yes 3 yes not very suitable 3 yes be powders not suitable 3 yes b flammable liquids 2 no 3 yes special foam. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire.
Other types of extinguishers work only on a certain class of fire. Types and maintenance of fire extinguishers february 11, 2015 when it comes to fire safety within the workplace, one of the most essential steps to take is to keep maintained fire extinguishers on the property at all times. Types of fire extinguishers and their uses most people couldnt tell you the six different types of portable fire extinguishers, let alone what each is primarily used for. Wormald offers a range of portable fire extinguishers to suit all types and classes of fires. Fires involving wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical current or a combination of those will each react differently to extinguishers. Fire extinguishers, co2, water, powder, wet chemical. You can also check with the fire extinguishers manufacturer to learn the types of fires the. It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area. Choosing the right fire extinguisher marsden fire safety. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires its effective in putting out. The maximum range for water based fire extinguishers is 15 to 20 feet away from the fire.
Fire extinguishers meeting the current british standards bs en3 should have a. A fire extinguisher labeled with letter b is for use on class b fires. For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like the one below. The class, quantity, and placement of fire extinguishers. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the heat side of the triangle. Fumes toxic if inhaled halon is no longer manufactured halon a trash wood. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. In a previous fireline blog post, we discussed the class types of fires. May 23, 2016 these types of fires should be tackled by either a wet chemical or dry water mist extinguishers or a fire blanket. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The proper type of extinguisher for each class of fire will give the best control of the. Check the chart below to match extinguishers to a particular class of fire.
Fire extinguishers safety training handout extinguishers are classed by the type fire they can put out. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire, you can, in fact. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire, you. Fire extinguishers are labeled according to the type of fire on which they may be used. Extinguishers are labeled to correspond to the classes of fires they are designed to fight.
Water extinguishers are a convenient extinguishing agent but is only effective on class a fires. 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. Fire extinguishers manufactured with noncylindrical pressure vessels also exist but are less common. An extinguisher is labeled according to whether the fire on which it is to be used occurs in wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical, or metal sources. Halon 1211 818 seconds discharge time range 916 ft.
Within a building there are normally multiple types of fire risks which are created by the varying hazards found in todays modern environment. Some extinguishers can put out only one type of fire, such as type a. Fire extinguishers are categorised by the type of fire they are designed to fight and come in. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. These types of fires should be tackled by either a wet chemical or dry water mist extinguishers or a fire blanket. Classes of fire types of fire extinguishers city of marshall. Safe use of fire extinguishers fire extinguisher safety dos and donts do. Dry chemical extinguishers dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air.
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. Also located on the fire extinguisher label is the ul. There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires. Water extinguishersare a convenient extinguishing agent but is only effective on class a fires. There are real life consequences to not having the right type of fire extinguisher in the area the fire extinguisher is designated for use. The abcs, ds, and ks of fire extinguishers occupational. May 12, 2017 fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out. Abc fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. Fire extinguisher types, their colours and applications. Fire extinguisher training yale emergency management. Mar 01, 2012 fireline corporation has provided fire extinguishers and portable extinguisher service for more than 60 years. The 9 types of fire extinguishers and how to use them fireline. Osha states that if employers expect workers to use the fire extinguishers themselves, handson training must be provided. Types of fires many fires are small at origin and may be extinguished by the use of portable fire extinguishers.
When using this type of extinguisher on a class b fire, you must be careful to avoid. In the vast majority of circumstances, the fires that occur are either a, b or c types of fires. Wormald offers a range of portable fire extinguishers. Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. Extinguishers need to be conspicuously located and available in the case of fire. Also the type of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on. You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanicalelectrical rooms, and near exit doors. Fire extinguisher selection chart australian standard 2444 post 1999 type of extinguisher class type of fire water foam wet chemical co2 dry chemical vaporising liquid a. Fire extinguisher types we explain the different types of. 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.
Fires caused by electrical appliances, such as computers, printers or photocopiers. Fire extinguishers are not a requirement, but if employers choose to provide them they must train workers in general fire extinguisher use to comply with osha standards. Fire extinguishers are available in different types, with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. Deciding how many fire extinguishers you need every public facility from retail stores to hospitals to office buildings is required to have at least one fire extinguisher on site. When it comes to fire safety within the workplace, one of the most essential steps to take is to keep maintained fire extinguishers on the. Water, powder, foam and co2 all carry the risk of spreading the burning oil into the room. Our salesmen are trained to access the building occupancy, the potential fire hazards and the anticipated class of fire before recommending the proper type and size of extinguishers required to meet the codes. They are essentially 2 12 gallon water extinguishers with a fffp foam additive. The proper type of extinguisher for each class of fire will give the best control of the situation and avoid compounding the problem.
Fire extinguisher types how to choose, identify, maintain. Some extinguishers are combination types that can be used on several different types of fires using a. Visit the local fire department to observe the types of equipment used and the types of handheld fire extinguishers recommended. Fire is the rapid oxidation of any combustible material.
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