Dry chemical extinguishers, … Knowing the types of fire extinguishers and how to use them effectively can mean the difference between preventing a small fire from spreading and allowing a fire to perpetuate causing terrible destruction or even death. The short answer is that is depends upon the type of fire you are dealing with, or to put it more correctly the class of fire. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. That is why they have been classified in 6 different categories: We have a range of completely online courses, whether that is Fire Safety Training for general awareness, specific training if you work in a school or care home, Fire Warden Training for individuals in your business, or Fire Extinguisher Training to supplement your Fire Warden Training and practical extinguisher training. Metals includes lithium, magnesium, sodium, or aluminium, for example. 5 Types of Fire Extinguishers. Use this acronym as a quick reference P.A.S.S. Examples of such combustible metals include titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. These types of extinguishers work by cutting off a fire's oxygen supply. TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND THEIR USES . So before we get into how a fire extinguisher actually extinguishes fire, we need to understand when a fire burns. They are suitable for fighting class A and B fires. Once you are aware of what types of fires your business may encounter, you can buy the proper extinguisher for protecting against them. Types of fire extinguishers and their uses. : Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. Such fires can be very dangerous and far more destructive than you may think. Fire extinguishers are one of the most commonly used fire safety devices out there, so they’ll be a familiar sight. If one or more of these things are absent, a fire will not start. Not all fires are the same. Also, although they are capable of combating class A fires, they are not as effective as other extinguishers at doing so. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Water extinguishers can sometimes contain chemical additives that improve their effectiveness by up to 300%. Combustible materials include paper, wood, cardboard, plastics, and fabric. However, they should still not be used to fight electric fires. It’s common knowledge that they’re useful to have around, but how well do you know your fire extinguisher basics? a) Class A Fires. Technically a type of liquid fire, Class K fires are distinct enough to warrant their own classification. Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use. Class A fires are commonly put out with water or monoammonium phosphate. Do not confuse these with the ABC powder extinguishers, as they are not designed for class A, B, or C fires. Corporate Office It’s easy to differentiate between different types of fire extinguishers NZ thanks to … The five most commonly used fire extinguishers are water, foam, powder, the carbon dioxide, and the wet chemical.There are also more specialized fire extinguishers including the Halon, clean agent extinguishers FE-36 and the powder fire extinguishers such as the class D fire extinguishers for metal fire … As their name suggests, these are designed to combat class A, B, and C fires – those involving solids, liquids, and gases. Dry Powder extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers because they can be used on fire types A, B and C. Specialist ABC extinguishers can also be used on flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium. They are effective because they are capable of stopping fires that are of an extremely high temperature, particularly cooking oils and fats. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires it’s effective in putting out. Warning: do not use on any other fire type, especially live electrical fires. These types of extinguishers can be identified by the text ‘carbon dioxide’ or ‘CO2‘ printed in white on a black rectangle. It smothers the flames and seals vapours so that re-ignition cannot occur. However, you cannot buy the first fire extinguisher you see and expect it to keep your business safe. However, be careful with the powder Mono Ammonium phosphate. The fire … They are primarily water based but contain a foaming agent, which has rapid flame knock-down and a blanketing effect. Mental Health Myths vs Facts: What are the Realities? Types of fire extinguishers and their suitability. This absorbs the heat the fire requires to burn and smothers it as well. These types of fire extinguishers are identifiable by the words ‘wet chemical’ printed across a yellow rectangle. A Class K fire is defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in food preparation. 1330 Progress Drive Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Each type of fire extinguisher contains different materials that make them suitable for fighting certain types of fires, and is designed to safely and effectively discharge its contents. These fire extinguishers are used for fires involving any combustible materials. It’s important to be aware of the different kinds of extinguishers and which fires they are best suited for. Electrical fires are common in industries that deal with energy or make use of heavy electrically-powered equipment. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires it’s effective in putting out. Wood, fabric, paper, trash ,and plastics are common sources of Class A fires. The correct one must be used for the right class of fire, otherwise they may prove ineffective or in fact worsen the situation. They are your classic model: they dispense water at a high pressure to extinguish flames. The best method of application is to spray the foam nearby so that it can build up and flow across it. Liz has written a variety of articles, ranging from fire safety, through food hygiene and anti-bribery, to dignity in care. You must be able to use the extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained before attempting to put out fires. Every business is different and so are the potential dangers they face. There are 5 kinds of fire extinguishers. Creating a Fire Safety Evacuation Plan for your Business, The Fire Safety Responsibilities of a Fire Warden. To identify whether a fire extinguisher is a dry chemical one, you will notice that the tank will have a hose and a pressure gauge on them. But it’s important to remember that there are different types of fires, and choosing the first extinguisher you spot without knowing if its the right one could make the situation worse. There are five main types of fire extinguishers: Each type is easily identifiable by their names, colours, and sometimes their hoses. There are a range of different fire extinguishing agents that are designed to smother different classes of fire. The gas becomes extremely cold during its discharge and so this could damage your hands. Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 should have a red body (RAL 3000) and an agent specific colour band covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher's contents. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. They also leave residue behind that is difficult to clean up and causes damage to soft furnishings, carpets, and electrical equipment. They will state below the rectangle whether they are M28 or L2. In addition, it may be that the presence of a fire extinguisher is made compulsory by the insurance company or any national compliance authority or body. Fire extinguishers are no different. Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them operate in a similar manner. 0. When you run a business, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and guests. Greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat are all fuel sources found in Class K fires. Depending on their size, some may not come with a flexible hose, such as smaller foam or aqua water spray extinguishers. Types of Portable Fire Extinguisher. Share on Facebook. Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly to ensure that pressure levels are maintained. There are different chemicals used in these types of fire extinguishers. These materials make up most of the materials in a home, which is why these can these are very common in homes. Class K fires are naturally of concern in the food service and restaurant industry. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. When buying fire extinguishers for your business, it’s important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. This is why it’s advised you use a different type of extinguisher for workplaces with electronics, such as an office with computers. Because they do not leave any substances behind and so minimise damage done to equipment, unlike other extinguishers, they are particularly useful for offices and workshops where electrical fires may occur. Fire extinguishers are an integral part of the fire safety … This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to ensure that the fire does not start up again. When buying fire extinguishers for your business, it’s important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. Warning: wet chemical extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires – those involving liquids. M. Lopez-June 9, 2020. For example, using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire or a carbon dioxide one on a burning oil fire is extremely dangerous. In this blog we’ll tell you all about each different type of fire extinguisher and what materials and fires they’re best suited to tackle. Each extinguisher is suitable for fighting certain types, and it’s important for you to know the differences if its your job to fight fires at work. There are a variety of the fire extinguishers you can utilize to enhance your fire safety. They are usually red and can be 5 to 20 pounds in weight. Liz has been writing for the Hub since 2014 and specialises in writing about technical topics in a style anyone can understand. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can asphyxiate if used in confined spaces: ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been controlled. These types of fire extinguishers will be solid red and will have the words ‘water mist’ printed within a white rectangle. Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. Fire extinguisher ratings are based on the five classes of fires. Dry water mist extinguishers are unique in that they can combat almost all types of fires, including class F fires that are usually difficult to attack. To ensure you’re adequately protected, and you meet current fire safety regulations, you need to have the right types of fire extinguisher for your business premises. Warning: these should not be used on any other fire classes, especially electrical fires or chip or fat pan fires. The fire extinguishers in New Zealand are a little different from the ones you find in other countries. Water extinguishers are not safe on electrical risks or flammable liquids such as cooking oils, petroleum, and petroleum products. The common fire extinguisher is one of the most well known and widely used safety tools. Electrical fires are very common in both homes and industrial settings. 97. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. There are three types of powder extinguisher: ABC powder, M28 powder, and L2 powder. The best method of application is to spray in slow circular motions. However, be aware that combustible metals are used as part of production and other industry processes, and you need to be certain of what materials you are using for day-to-day operations. Warning: Although they are not currently classified as suitable for fighting class B (liquids) and C (gases) fires, dry water mist extinguishers have been identified by fireservice.co.uk as effective against them. Fire Hoses. However, electrical fires can occur on smaller scales in all businesses (i.e. L2 is suitable for all types of metal fires, whereas M28 cannot be used on lithium (need a way to remember that? The information throughout this article has provided some key guidance on the different types of extinguishers and their uses, but keep in mind that you also need practical training to learn how to safely handle extinguishers. There are two types water extinguishers: water spray and dry water mist. By understanding what each fire class means, you can understand which fire types are a safety hazard at your business. Due to their non-conductive nature, they are also suitable for fighting electrical fires. Also, bear in mind that water should not be allowed to come in to contact with burning metal. Let’s take a look at each type of fire extinguisher, their uses, and their risks below. an overloaded surge protector or bad wiring) and should be taken seriously. Fire extinguishers are specialized pieces of equipment that are designed to put out fires of different classes. Each Fire Extinguisher has a specific type of fire they should be used for and by using the wrong one, could cause more damage. When used against class A fires, the user can simply point and spray. Also bear in mind that while carbon dioxide is effective at smothering fires, once the gas has floated away, the fire may reignite if the source has not been removed. Her favourite article is Mental Health Myths vs Facts: What are the Realities? You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises. When confronted with such a fire, common extinguishing agents such as water are ineffective and can be hazardous. ABC dry powder is also acceptable to use on flammable gases. It is very important to have the right tool for a job. By. Front Royal, Virginia 22630, TOLL FREE Phone: 800 255-5515 Warning: they must not be used on hot cooking oil and fat (class F) fires. The chemicals contained within the canister dispels the flames, cools the burning oil, and produces a soap-like solution that seals the surface and prevents re-ignition of the fire. These types are fires use commonly flammable material as their fuel source. Different Types of Fire Extinguisher. When sprayed, it forms a ‘crust’, which insulates the metal. Per NFPA 10, burning may be classified into one or more of the following fire classes and your fire protection specialist will select the right fire extinguisher size and agent for the hazard. They are also effective for fire-fighting because they form a safety barrier between the user and the fire – which repels some of the heat – and do not leave hard-to-clean residue behind. Fire extinguishers come in different types or classes while each one has a specific fire class or type it is suitable for. These types of extinguishers will say ‘powder’ in white text over a blue rectangle, and underneath the rectangle will be written ‘ABC powder’. Common liquid based fuel sources include petroleum based oils and paints, kerosene, and gasoline. Throughout this article, we will explain the different classes of fires, the symbols that identify these, and the different types of extinguishers and their uses. Whether a fire extinguisher must be present in your company is determined in the Risk Inventory & Evaluation. Electrical fires are often fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. The strong jet from the extinguisher would push the burning oils or fats and spread the fire to surrounding areas. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. WATER. When choosing a fire extinguisher, be sure to pick one that will fight the fires that are most likely to develop in your business or home. Note that there are also other metals with combustive properties you may encounter. All extinguishers will have one or more of the following classes symbols, to indicate which they are suitable for. Different Types of Fire Extinguisher. Types of Fire Extinguishers Class A. b) Class B Fires . The need for different types of fire extinguisher arises from the different types of fuel that may start a fire. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises, or you may not meet current regulations. Foam extinguishers are identifiable by the word ‘foam’ printed within a cream rectangle on their bodies. The Class C fire is defined as a fire that uses electrical components and/or energized equipment as its fuel source. The Class D fire is defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel source. Types of Fires. First of all, you need to know that fire comes in a variety of different forms. Most modern fire extinguishers are developed to deal with many different fire scenarios. This type of fire might be started by old wiring in walls, frayed electrical cords, worn-out breaker boxes, or faulty appliances. The first category consists of fires caused by combustible materials such as flammable solids like wood, fabric, and paper. Broadly speaking, there are 5 types of fire extinguishers, namely: Water based; Foam based; Powder based; CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) based; Wet Chemical based; Each type of fire extinguisher fights against different types of fire, as illustrated in the diagram below. Class D fires are a danger in laboratory environments. Being able to immediately distinguish which extinguisher you need in an emergency apart could make a lifesaving difference. They also discharge gently, stopping the burning oils and fats from being pushed and splashing to surrounding areas or even the user. Warning: do not use water extinguishers on burning fat and oil fires and electrical appliances. It also has an extended hose that you can hold and point, which is useful when fighting fires on a kitchen top. Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. To extinguish such fires you cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals to extinguish the fire. The five types of extinguishers are: Class A -- flammable solids. Smothering these types of fires to remove oxygen is a common solution as are chemical reactions that produce similar effects. Fire Types or Classes There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter. Other types will be better suited for fighting electrical fires, but dry mist extinguishers have usually had dielectrical tests carried out on them which means that if they are accidentally used on electrical fires, they will not pose as significant a hazard as normal water extinguishers. Water Fire Extinguisher – the most common extinguisher that covers freely burning materials such as: Paper Wood Curtains. Warning: do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires (class F). Paper and wood are examples. Flammable gases such as butane or propane are also common fuel sources in Class B fires. The wrong type of extinguisher could cause electrical shock, explosion, or spread the fire. Fire Safety – What Are the Five Types of Fire Extinguishers? By being aware of the five classes of fires, you can be sure that you are purchasing safety equipment that will be effective should an accident or emergency occur. Fax: 540 636-4455. L2 contains ‘L’ for lithium). Powder extinguishers work to coat the fuel source and smother the fire. Note that cooking fires have their own classification and are defined as Class K fires. These will be solid red and will have the word ‘water’ or ‘aqua spray’ printed across them in white text. Fires must be fought carefully depending on the materials involved. 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. These types of fire extinguishers are identifiable by the words ‘wet chemical’ printed across a yellow rectangle. They also have a distinct type of hose. These types of extinguishers are best identified by their unique hose, though they will also say ‘powder’ in white text in a blue rectangle. The chemicals remove the water’s natural surface tension so that it soaks into burning materials more effectively when used. Although it is not recognised as a separate class of fire in Europe, electrical fires that involve live equipment and electrical sources are also a type you should bear in mind (think of it as an informal Class E; ‘E’ for electric to help you remember). There 5 different type of fire extinguishers - not including fire blankets. Fire extinguishers are an important addition to fire safety measures, as they can help to stop small fires. When it comes to the types of fire extinguishers, there are five main types including wet chemical, CO2, dry powder, foam and water. Phone: 540 636-4444, TOLL FREE Fax: 800 822-5001 Trash fires are one such example. 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