However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Also the type of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on. As you evacuate close the doors of the roomsdo not lock as this will slow down the spread of smoke and. There are basically four different types or classes of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire.
When buying fire extinguishers for your business, its important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. Selection of fire extinguishers there are a number of types of portable fire. Do not allow the fire, heat, or smoke to come between you and your evacuation path. Fire extinguisher locations fire extinguishers are located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. Using a fire extinguisher the following steps should be followed when responding to incipient stage fire. 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.
Also, on a class a fire it creates a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen. However, with a number of different extinguishers for varying types of fire, knowing which extinguisher is right for you could save you a costly visit from your fire safety inspector or an even more costly fire damage bill. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. Free downloads and resources fire extinguishers save. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires its effective in putting out. When you run a business, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and. Each type of fire extinguisher is suitable for different types of burning media and will have a fire rating based on the volume of fire that they are capable of extinguishing. Does your building require fire extinguishers throughout. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types in australia water, foam, dry powder, co2 and wet chemical. Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle specific types of fire. A common type is the abc extinguisher, which is for use in fighting class a, b, and c 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. The successful use of any type of fire equipment fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, hose lines, nozzles or even apparatus depends upon three elements being in place at the same time. Fire class of extinguisher extinguisher fire it limitations. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of. Class b fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils. Fire extinguisher training edgerton fire protection district. When using this type of extinguisher on a class b fire, you must be careful to avoid. Each type is easily identifiable by their names, colours. A large part of safety is being prepared for accidents and emergencies such as a fire. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire. Identify a safe evacuation path before approaching the fire.
There are six different classes of fire and several different types of fire extinguishers. Class a fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles. Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use.
Fire extinguishers there are different types of fire extinguishers designed to put out the different classes of fire. Other details about the extinguisher such as class category, are mentioned on fire extinguisher labelswithout which, determining the right fire extinguisher would be impossible. The class, quantity, and placement of fire extinguishers. Additional resources for choosing and using fire extinguishers. Below is a handy graphic that shows which fire extinguisher is required for each fire risk. Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like ab, bc or abc. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. Crated fire extinguishers put out the fire by using a chemical that does not conduct electricity. Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on class a, b and c fires. Different kinds of fire can be controlled by different substances. The successful use of any type of fire equipment fire extinguishers, fire.
Before attempting to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher it is important to check that it is fully charged and that the safety pin is not bent fig. 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 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. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. You must be able to use the extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained before attempting to put out fires. Second, each fire extinguisher type works by removing a particular element from the fire. May 10, 2017 when it comes to fire safety, making sure your home or workplace is prepared with the right type of fire extinguisher is a big deal. The agent works by interrupting the chemical chain reaction. Fire extinguisher simple english wikipedia, the free. 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.
Classes of fire types of fire extinguishers city of marshall. Fire extinguisher training yale emergency management. Check the chart below to match extinguishers to a particular class of fire. Depending on the size, some fire extinguishers can be carried around and operated by hand. Learn the basics about fire extinguisher safety and know which extinguisher to use in case of a fire emergency in your home. Collect a variety of fire extinguishers, both old and new, and observe how fire. Fire extinguishers are clearly marked with the classes of fires they will extinguish safely. Your local amerex fire equipment distributor is professionally equipped to help you evaluate and implement these recommendations. If the person who notices the fire feels that it cannot be tackled by extinguishers, he can directly inform the fire station without delay.
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. The five classes of fires and the fire extinguishers that stop them when you run a business, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and guests. Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Feb 19, 2016 using the wrong type of fire extinguisher for the fire could actually counteract as an accelerant and cause more damage. Several types of fire extinguishers are available to fight different types of fires. Ensure all the fire has been extinguished as reignition is possible when a co2 extinguisher has been used how to use co2 fire extinguishers 1. Fire and fire extinguishment a brief guide to fire chemistry and extinguishment theory for fire equipment service technicians introduction the professional service technician, who selects, installs, maintains, recharges and otherwise performs service work on portable fire extinguishers, preengineered and. Every state has a state fire code with a section on fire extinguisher requirements. Below is an overview of each type of fire extinguisher including its rating and suitable uses. Water and foam based extinguishers should not be used on fires involving an electrical. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the heat side of the triangle.
Types of fire extinguishers and their uses cscs health and. Put fire extinguishers close to where they might be needed. The most current issue of nfpa10 should be consulted for minimum recommended fire extinguisher types, placement and travel distances. You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanicalelectrical rooms, and near exit doors. Each type of fire extinguisher is used for a different class of fires.
To get an overview of what state fire codes are based on and if states have made enhancements to fire codes visit the interactive fire safety map. 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. The following table illustrates the types of extinguishers, fire classes for which each is used and the limitations of each extinguisher. The theory behind portable fire extinguishers is that the fire can be extinguished by removing any one or more of these four elements. Types of extinguishers dry chemicalfire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction in the fire. Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is. Its a great precaution to take and, for smaller or containable fires, extinguishers can help to put them out or to mitigate a more serious situation until the fire department arrives. The five classes of fires and the fire extinguishers that stop them. Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air. It is not intended for use on an out of control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. 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.
Other types of extinguishers work only on a certain class of fire. Fire extinguishers are classified by both a letter and number rating. Types of fire extinguishers, types of fire extinguishers and their uses, fire extinguisher types and uses chart, dry powder fire extinguisher, class e fire extinguisher, foam fire extinguisher, class k fire extinguisher, water fire extinguisher, wet chemical fire extinguisher. Sound the fire alarm and call the fire department, if appropriate. They are essentially 2 12 gallon water extinguishers with a fffp foam additive. Fire is the rapid oxidation of any combustible material. After you have viewed all of the pages, you will be asked to take a post test.
Fires are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. Equipment maintenance training if these three elements are considered sides of a triangle, then if any one element is. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your house or business premises, or you may not meet current regulations. There are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. Types of fires and extinguishing agents the fire equipment. Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. First, different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight a different classes or ratings of fire. Portable fire extinguisher fire equipment manufacturers association.
This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen. Water red dry powder blue afff foam cream wet chemical yellow as you can see, there are 5 different types of fire extinguisher, but there are a few different versions of the dry powder and the water extinguishers. A fire extinguisher is a device which can be used to control a fire. Nfpa educational messages desk reference these messages provide fire and life safety educators with accurate and consistent language for use when offering safety information to the public. 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. On hearing the alarm evacuate the building and assemble at the designated assembly point. Fire extinguisher types and fire classes in australia.