Understanding different types of Fire Extinguishers
The significance of workplace fire safety equipment often begins with the fire extinguisher. This device stands as the primary defense against fires, found in business premises, public areas, and educational institutions alike. Yet, despite its ubiquity, many individuals may lack the knowledge to effectively utilize a fire extinguisher if presented with one. Therefore, ensuring that those responsible for health and safety within your organization possess the skills to identify different types of fire extinguishers and operate them proficiently is essential. To address this need, we recommend enrolling in the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety, which comprehensively covers fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and more.
While providing fire safety training to designated personnel is a legal requirement, extending this knowledge to all team members proves beneficial, considering the unpredictable nature of emergencies. Familiarizing oneself with various types of fires and corresponding fire extinguishers is invaluable. In this post, we will outline how to identify different fire extinguishers and discern which types of fires each extinguisher is suitable for combating.
Fire Classification:
Understanding the various types of fires is crucial before delving into fire extinguisher types. Fires are classified into six categories based on the substances fueling them:
Class A: Involving organic solids like wood, paper, and plastics.
Class B: Involving flammable liquids such as paint or oil, and liquefiable solids like fats and waxes (excluding cooking fats and oils).
Class C: Involving gases.
Class D: Caused by combustible metals like magnesium and aluminum.
Class F: Involving deep fat fryers or oil fryers.
Electrical fires: Resulting from electrical equipment and appliances like computers and machinery.
Identifying the class of fire is vital for effective firefighting, as no single extinguisher can combat all six types. Therefore, fire extinguishers are specifically designed to address particular fire classes, typically being most effective against two or three types. Using an incorrect extinguisher on a fire may exacerbate the situation, posing greater risks to nearby individuals.
Types of Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers operate by eliminating one of the three components of the fire triangle: oxygen, fuel, or heat. Here are the five main types:
Water: Used to remove oxygen from fires, effective against Class A fires. Unsuitable for electrical or Class F fires.
Foam: Forms a barrier to suffocate flames, effective against Class A and some Class B and C fires. Ineffective against alcohol or liquefied gas fires.
Dry Chemical Powder (ABC): Produces a cloud to smother fires, suitable for Class A, B, and C fires.
Dry Chemical Powder (D): Coats metals to prevent oxygen access, designed for Class D fires.
CO2: Smothers flames with gas, suitable for electrical and Class B fires but not Class D.
Wet Chemical: Reacts with high-temperature fats to form a foam layer, effective against Class F fires.
Clean Agent: Utilizes inert gases or liquids to suppress fires, safe for electrical and Class B and C fires.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher:
Selecting appropriate fire extinguishers for your workplace depends on potential hazards. Considerations include the type of fire likely to occur and the suitability of extinguishers. After procurement, providing thorough training to employees on extinguisher usage is essential. Remember the 'PASS' technique:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever.
- Sweep from side to side.
Regular inspection and maintenance of extinguishers are imperative to ensure their effectiveness during emergencies. Inspections should occur at least monthly to verify visibility, integrity, and pressure. Additionally, annual basic services and extended services every 5 or 10 years are recommended to maintain extinguisher functionality.
In Conclusion:
Understanding fire extinguishers and their applications is vital for workplace safety. By selecting appropriate extinguishers, ensuring accessibility, and providing adequate training, organizations can mitigate fire risks effectively. At SAFEEL, we offer Fire Safety Awareness Training and Fire Marshal Training to equip employees with the necessary skills to respond to fire emergencies confidently. Additionally, the NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety provides comprehensive knowledge for fire prevention and emergency leadership.
