Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on class a, b and c fires. 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. A fire extinguisher is a device which can be used to control a fire. The greatest portion of this power is composed if mono ammonium phosphate. Bc and abc fire extinguishers both leave a residue after the fire has been put out. Fire safety in hotels and boarding houses the guide also provides advice on fire precautions which, even if not required by law, it would be prudent for the management to take in order to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure that both staff and guests are protected if a fire occurs.
It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area. Jun 20, 2012 a video by fire and safety centre showcasing the different types of fire extinguisher and their uses. Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. Feb 18, 2014 this classification of fire extinguishers works by removing heat and separating the heat and oxygen elements. They work by attacking the chemical reaction element of a fire. Abc fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. A dry chemical one will leave a residue that can damage the equipment.
Fire is a rapid chemical reaction of oxidant with fuel. Fire extinguisher use it is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace prior to actually using one. Every state has a state fire code with a section on fire extinguisher requirements. Most people couldnt tell you the six different types of portable fire extinguishers, let alone what each is primarily used for. Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for use on fire involving solid combustible materials and are. Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re. Different kinds of fire can be controlled by different substances. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. Clean agent or halogenated fire extinguishers clean agent fire extinguishers are for class c and class b fires only.
What are the symbols that represent the different types of fire extinguishers. Unlike stored pressure types, these extinguishers use compressed carbon dioxide instead of nitrogen, although nitrogen cartridges are used on low temperature 60 rated models. There are basically four different types or classes of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire. Fire extinguishers can help remove the fire, and may stop it from burning. You may have other clean agent extinguishers besides co 2 see next section, particularly if your workplace has sensitive electronic. According to the concept of the fire triangle, for the generation of fire. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the same type of extinguisher with different colourings. Each type of fire extinguisher has the capability to extinguish one or several types of fires. A class c fire extin guisher is marked with a blue circle containing the letter c.
Fire safety equipment types of fire extinguishers fire. These portable fire extinguishers are an important part of an overall fire safety program. The successful use of any type of fire equipment fire extinguishers, fire. Mar 01, 2012 in this article we will provide you information on the different types of fire extinguishers available and when to use them.
Pay attention to their uses and ensure that you have the correct one in your home, office, and motor vehicle. Does your building require fire extinguishers throughout. 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. Learn about types of fire extinguishers, maintenance requirements, and how to get training. Types of fires many fires are small at origin and may be extinguished by the use of portable fire extinguishers. Other types of extinguishers work only on a certain class of fire. How do i use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire. Fire extinguisher simple english wikipedia, the free. Encourage people to contact their fire department if they would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions. In 1999 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguishers were changed. Potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium burn at extremely high temperatures. Knowing the classes of fire will help you choose the appropriate extinguisher. It is not intended for use on an out of control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. Its important to make sure you have the right types of fire extinguishers on hand to put out common household fires.
C fires are fires that involve energized electrical equipment. In a previous fireline blog post, we discussed the class types of fires. Crated fire extinguishers put out the fire by using a chemical that does not conduct electricity. Read about fire extinguishers classes, types and use to learn all about the right type of extinguisher to us in any situation. The 9 types of fire extinguishers and how to use them. Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situation hydrant and fire hose reel a fire hydrant system in an effective and efficient means of extinguishing large fires, which can otherwise cause devastation. Class k fires involve cooking oils, fats and grease. Check the chart below to match extinguishers to a particular class of fire. Cartridge operated extinguishers are available in dry chemical and dry powder types in the u. On hearing the alarm evacuate the building and assemble at the designated assembly point. For more information on fire extinguishers, visit our f. A fire extinguisher labeled with letter c is for use on class c fires.
Depending on the size, some fire extinguishers can be carried around and operated by hand. It is never easy to choose from the different types of fire extinguishers so we have produced a chart to help you decide which ones are good for which fire risks. After you have viewed all of the pages, you will be asked to take a post test. As you evacuate close the doors of the roomsdo not lock as this will slow down the spread of smoke and. Also, on a class a fire it creates a barrier between the fuel. 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. Employees should take the time to learn the locations of the fire extinguishers in their workplace. When it comes to fire safety, it is important to know not all fires are the same. This type of fire extinguisher works by messing up the chemical reaction fire element. Read our fire extinguisher safety tips to learn how to stay safe and dont forget to make sure you have the right coverage if your home sustains fire damage.
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fire. There are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. The purpose of this document is to provide information. Water is one of the most commonly used extinguishing agents for ordinary combustibles. Fire extinguisher training yale emergency management. Use the fire extinguisher only if you have attended practical. Current fire extinguishers in the uk are subject to strict standards and that includes their colour coding or colour bands. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers. 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. Portable fire extinguisher types and maintenance grainger.
There is also a print facility at the bottom right of the chart to get a pdf copy. It is important to keep in mind that the successful use of portable fire extinguishers depends on the following. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. Our online fire extinguisher trivia quizzes can be adapted to suit your requirements for taking some of the top fire extinguisher quizzes. Fire extinguishers are clearly marked with the classes of fires they will extinguish safely. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also be removing the heat with a very cold discharge. The agent works by interrupting the chemical chain reaction.
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. 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. The fire extinguishers described below are used for different classes of fires. 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 water and foam extinguisher eliminates a fire by allowing water to take away the heat component of a fire while foam separates oxygen from the fire. Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and their colouring. Its important to help the public understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. The two most common types of extinguishers in laboratories are pressurized dry chemical type bc or abc, left and carbon dioxide co 2, right extinguishers. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. Types of extinguishers dry chemicalfire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction in the fire. Wet chemical fire extinguishers water chemical fire extinguishers are specially designed to fight class k fires. On the basis of the type of fuel, fires are classified. Types of fires and types of fire extinguishers swartz fire and safety.
However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Fire extinguishers can be heavy, so its a good idea to practice picking up and holding an extinguisher to get an idea of the weight and feel. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. Just click the links or images to see the various sizes and prices for each type. Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Free downloads and resources fire extinguishers save.
Know what to do if you find a fire be able to correctly and safely select and use a fire. The most common types of fire extinguishers are classified by agent. 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. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out. Understanding the classifications of fires is part of determining a fire extinguishers application. Due to their electric conductivity, however, these extinguishers are not suited for b and c fires. The fire department officials generally use fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire depending on its severity and magnitude. Types of fire are separated into different classes based on the fuel source involved. A common type is the abc extinguisher, which is for use in fighting class a, b, and c fires. Fireextinguishing capacity is rated according to ansiul 711, rating and fire testing of fire extinguishers. Types of fire extinguishers and their applications kinetix. If the person who notices the fire feels that it cannot be tackled by extinguishers, he can directly inform the fire station without delay. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on class a fires.
Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on class a, b, and c fires. Water based extinguishers are ideal for schools, small offices, stockrooms etc. Fire extinguisher use the fire equipment manufacturers. 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 numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a nonexpert person can expect to extinguish. They stand about three feet in height and weigh about 25 lbs. So to get safe against major fire it essential to keep portable fire extinguisher where the fire risk remains such as the office, kitchen and the vehicle. Also, on a class a fire it creates a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen. Electrically powered equipment arcing, damaged wiring. Class c extinguishers may be used to extinguish class a, class b, and class c fires. They can be recognized by their large silver container. Fire extinguishers that meet the bs en3 standard are manufactured with a red body and have a zone band of a second colour, covering up to 10% of the surface, that indicate the extinguishers contents. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a class b fire or could create a shock hazard on a class c fire.
The classification of fires given here is based on the type of material being consumed. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of. A comprehensive database of more than 16 fire extinguisher quizzes online, test your knowledge with fire extinguisher quiz questions. Dry chemicalabc fire extinguishers abc fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. Online fire extinguisher training university of south.
Fire class of extinguisher extinguisher fire it limitations type. 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 proper type of extinguisher for each class of fire will give the best control of the situation and avoid compounding the problem. The five classifications of fires are class a, class b, class c, class d, and class k. Dry powders extinguish the fire by forming a crust on metal surface excluding air and also absorbs heat from the metal surface. Fire extinguisher training edgerton fire protection district.
Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire extinguishers dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used on class abc fires. Fire extinguisher types we explain the different types of. Fire extinguishers have a coloured band to denote their contents. Its a great precaution to take and, for smaller or containable fires, extinguishers can help to put them out or to mitigate a. 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.
Special extinguishing agents are used for extinguishing metallic fires. Use the right type of extinguisher for fighting the fire. Understanding the different types and uses of fire extinguishers. There are different kinds of fires because different fuels create different fires, which need different types of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguisher need, working, and important types. If the fire has started on delicate electrical equipment such as a computer or tv, it might be wise to consider a co2 extinguisher because it does not leave a residue. Class b extinguishers should be used on fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. Portable fire extinguisher fire equipment manufacturers association. A video by fire and safety centre showcasing the different types of fire extinguisher and their uses. Fire extinguisher guide fire extinguishers are there only to fight small fires. The three most common types of fire extinguishers are airpressurized water, carbon dioxide co 2, and dry chemical. The following table illustrates the types of extinguishers, fire classes for which each is used and the limitations of each extinguisher. Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like ab, bc or abc. Used exclusively for class a fires, water fire extinguishers utilize water to eliminate the fires heat.