Fire extinguishers come in many different types depending on the application for which they are designed. Both businesses and private residences should maintain properly serviced fire extinguishers to handle small outbreaks before they develop into major fires.
Most home and many business extinguishers are not meant to battle large flames that reach the ceiling. In these cases, getting out of the room safely is the most critical concern. Extinguishers are designed for small fires that can be arrested by prompt action. Businesses should conduct a fire risk assessment to determine what preventative measures and equipment are necessary to enhance safety first and then address the possibility of saving property or assets.
Classes of Fires
The UK divides fires into the following six classes.
- Fires of organic material such as paper or wood are Class A fires.
- Combustible liquids such as oil, petrol, and grease are Class B.
- Class C fires are flammable gasses such as propane and natural gas
- Class D fires refer to combustible metals.
- Class E fires involve electrical appliances, but once the power is cut the fire falls into other categories, depending on available fuel.
- Class F fires are used to refer to fires involving cooking oil and grease.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers in the UK have a circle or band that is color-coded and must cover at least five to ten percent of the surface area for easy identification. For fire safety, Different types of extinguishers fight different fires. The following are common types of extinguishers and a list of the types of fires they help bring under control.
Water.
The identifying color is red and is only safe for Class A fires.
Foam.
This type of extinguisher is identified by red with a cream panel over the operating instruction. It is designed to fight Class A & B fires.
Dry powder.
This equipment is safe for most common fires except for cooking oil and grease. It can be identified by the red color with a blue panel.
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Red with a black panel. Fights B and E Class fires.
Class D powder.
Red with a blue panel. It is used exclusively for Class D fires.
Wet chemical.
Red with the canary yellow band above the instructions. Used for A, B, and F fires, the most common in home and business applications.
Halon.
This type of equipment is no longer legal in the UK except for use in specialized military applications. It bore an emerald green stamp and was used in Class A, B, and E fires. There are no extinguishers designed to exclusively treat Class E fires, but several extinguishers are rated to handle them including powder and CO2. Water is acceptable only if used by accident.
Once power is cut, the fires are classed depending on the surrounding material. Ready access to extinguishers is important and the right brackets and specialized equipment for business and industry are necessary to get the firefighting equipment to the fire.
In business, this could involve trolleys or other support systems. The most critical goal of any fire risk assessment plan is ensuring the safety of people living or working in the building. An evacuation plan should be drawn up and each person should understand how to react in the event of a fire.
Installing and maintaining firefighting equipment can save lives and property.
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| CHOOSING THE RIGHT FIRE EXTINGUISHER |
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