In the event of a fire, it is crucial to have the appropriate fire extinguisher on hand. Utilising the right equipment can limit the fire's spread, potentially leading to life-saving outcomes.
In this blog post, we explore the various types of extinguishers, their specific uses, and the individuals who require training to operate them.
What is a fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers are tools specifically designed to put out or control small fires at their initial stage to prevent them from spreading. There are various types of extinguishers available, each utilizing different substances to extinguish fires. The choice of the most appropriate extinguisher depends on the fire's origin and the surrounding environment.
It is important to note that fire extinguishers are intended for use on small fires only. Attempting to extinguish larger fires with just an extinguisher can pose a serious risk to the individual and may worsen the situation. In case of a rapidly spreading or uncontrollable fire, the priority should be to promptly and safely evacuate the building and seek assistance from the fire department to manage the fire.
What are the 5 types of fire extinguisher?
There are five main types of extinguishers which all use different substances to combat fires:
Water
Foam
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
Dry-Powder
Wet Chemical
Each fire extinguisher is tailored for particular fire types. Misusing an extinguisher could worsen the fire's intensity or pose greater risks. Hence, it is essential to have the correct fire extinguishers on hand to tackle the specific fire risks within each building.
What are the 6 classes of fire?
Fires are classified into six different categories to assist in determining the appropriate type of extinguisher to use.
Class A - Ordinary combustibles (e.g. solid materials such as wood, paper, plastic)
Class B - Flammable liquids (e.g. oil, grease, petrol)
Class C - Flammable gases (e.g. methane, propane)
Class D - Flammable metals (e.g. titanium, magnesium)
Class E - Electronic equipment
Class F - Cooking oils
For a simple reference on the appropriate type of extinguisher to use, you can refer to the convenient table provided below:
How do water fire extinguishers work?
The water fire extinguisher is commonly utilized for putting out fires. It contains water and is intended to be sprayed directly onto the fire to cool and put it out. Nevertheless, using water extinguishers on unsuitable fires can worsen the situation. It is crucial to only deploy water extinguishers on dry and non-electrical fires, as using them on other types of fires may trigger hazardous chemical reactions.
What fire extinguisher should I use for an electrical fire?
In case of an electrical fire, it is advised to utilize a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher. It is crucial to refrain from using liquid-based extinguishers such as water, foam, or wet chemical extinguishers. Water should be avoided on electrical fires as it may cause hazardous chemical reactions, potentially leading to the fire spreading, becoming more volatile, or even igniting additional fires nearby.
CO2 and dry powder extinguishers are recommended for electrical fires due to their absence of water content. CO2 extinguishers emit carbon dioxide gas that depletes the oxygen in the fire, thereby preventing its escalation. Dry powder extinguishers blanket the fire with a fine dust layer that interrupts chemical reactions and hinders oxygen from further fueling the fire.
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What fire extinguisher should not be used in confined spaces?
Despite their high effectiveness in combating electrical fires, CO2 extinguishers carry certain risks. Overusing CO2 can reduce the oxygen levels in the area, leading to a potential risk of asphyxiation, especially in enclosed spaces. Therefore, it is strongly advised to choose dry powder extinguishers when dealing with an electrical fire in such environments.
While no specific training is mandatory for using a fire extinguisher, it is advisable to only attempt extinguishing a fire if you have received some training.
As previously mentioned, using an incorrect type of extinguisher or using it improperly can heighten the risk of severe injury or fatality.
Although all employees have a shared responsibility for fire safety, workplaces are obligated by law to have an appointed Fire Marshal/Warden present on the premises.
A Fire Marshal's responsibilities encompass executing emergency procedures, performing risk assessments, ensuring the availability of suitable extinguishers, and more.
To effectively carry out this role, it is essential for the staff member to have undergone some form of fire warden training. For further details on fire warden duties, please refer to the relevant resources.
check out our blog post 'Who is responsible for fire safety at your workplace?'.
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