5 types of fire extinguisher and How to use Fire extinguisher

 Introduction:

A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent that can be discharged to extinguish a fire.

 

What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

There are five main types of fire extinguishers:

• Water.
• Powder.
• Foam.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).
• Wet chemical.

1.  Water Extinguishers

There are two types water extinguishers: water spray and dry water mist.

Standard water extinguishers

These will be solid red and will have the word ‘water’ or ‘aqua spray’ printed across them in white text. They are your classic model: they dispense water at a high pressure to extinguish flames.

Water extinguishers are only suitable for class A fires, which means they can fight fires that involve wood, cardboard, paper, plastics, fabric and textiles, and other solid materials.

Dry water mist extinguisher

These types of fire extinguishers will be solid red and will have the words ‘water mist’ printed within a white rectangle.

Dry water mist extinguishers are unique in that they can combat almost all types of fires, including class F fires that are usually difficult to attack. The extinguisher’s nozzle converts water into ‘dry’ microscopic particles, which are then drawn into the fire and simultaneously cool and suffocate it to extinguish the flames.

 

2.  DCP FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Dry chemical powder extinguishers are suitable for class A (combustible materials), class B (flammable or combustible liquids) and/or class C (electrical) fires or a combination of ABC class fires. All the extinguishers supplied conform to the minimum fire ratings as specified in SANS 1910:2009.

They are highly effective for electrical hazards. This multi-purpose extinguisher interferes with the combustion process and provides rapid-fire knockdown.

These fire extinguishers are ideal for mixed fire risk environments and especially suited for protection for liquids, storage of liquid gases, and heating oils used for industry, garages, and workshops. They work by the powder forming a crust which smothers the fire and stops it from spreading.

3.  CO2 Fire Extinguisher:

CO2 Fire Extinguisher can be used to extinguish fires caused by electrical equipment such as fire on electric circuits, electric boards, switches, wires, and other electronic equipment. It is also used in extinguishing Liquid Combustible Matters such as Petrol, Oils, paraffin, Greases, Ether, Alcohol, etc. Co2 Fire Extinguisher on trolley protects industrial fires containing dangerous chemicals and gases. CO2 Trolley Extinguisher does not leave a residue when disperses carbon dioxide.

4.  Foam extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are most suited to extinguishing liquid fires such as petrol or diesel and are more versatile than water jet extinguishers because they can also be used on solids such as wood and paper. The foam extinguishes liquid fires by sealing the surface of the liquid, preventing flammable vapor from reaching the air and starving the fire of fuel. They are not suitable for use on free-flowing liquid fires.

5.  Wet Chemical Extinguishers

These types of fire extinguishers are identifiable by the words ‘wet chemical’ printed across a yellow rectangle. It also has an extended hose that you can hold and point, which is useful when fighting fires on a kitchen top.

Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for combating fires that involve class F fires. They are effective because they are capable of stopping fires that are of an extremely high temperature, particularly cooking oils and fats. These fire extinguishers also discharge gently, stopping the burning oils and fats from being pushed and splashing to surrounding areas or even the user.

What fire extinguisher is used for what?

The first question comes in mind that what fire extinguisher is used for? So now we will elaborate in detail what is the use of a fire extinguisher. It is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace prior to actually using one.

Fire extinguishers should ideally only be used by someone who has been trained to do so – and the following text does not count as training. Moreover, a fire extinguisher should only be activated once the fire alarm has been triggered and you have identified a safe evacuation route. Evacuate the building immediately if you still feel unsure about using a fire extinguisher or if doing so is clearly the safest option.

Fire extinguisher servicing

Fire extinguisher need to work straight away when needed, so it is vital they are regularly checked and serviced. Fire extinguishers are pressurised vessels that can burst when corroded or damaged and have been known to cause serious injury and even death.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER MAINTENANCE / REFILLING

 

Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month (more often in severe environments).
Fire extinguisher maintenance is important for everyone’s safety.

You must ensure that:

·         1)The extinguisher is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with access in an emergency.

·         2)The pressure is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown on the right), the needle should be in the green zone – not too high and not too low.

·         3)The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.

·         4)The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.

·         5)There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear. Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, gunk etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.