Examples of such combustible metals include titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium. Mental Health Myths vs Facts: What are the Realities? Types of fire extinguishers and their uses. They also leave residue behind that is difficult to clean up and causes damage to soft furnishings, carpets, and electrical equipment. Most foam extinguishers will have had dielectrical tests performed on them, so foam is less hazardous than water if it is accidentally sprayed on live electrical equipment. 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. The Class B fire is defined as one that uses a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base. The powder acts as a thermal blast that cools the flames so burning cannot continue. When confronted with such a fire, common extinguishing agents such as water are ineffective and can be hazardous. You may believe that you are prepared if you have a fire extinguisher on site, but you may not be as prepared as you think. Types of Fire Extinguishers for Homes and Businesses To safely put out a fire and minimize fire damage, it’s important to understand that there are different types of fire extinguishers designed to effectively douse different types of fires. Diagram from Surrey Fire (https://surreyfire.co.uk/) Water Based Fire Extinguishers. Most modern fire extinguishers are developed to deal with many different fire scenarios. They also have a distinct type of hose. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. Water extinguishers are used for Class A fires only. For example, using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire or a carbon dioxide one on a burning oil fire is extremely dangerous. Note that cooking fires have their own classification and are defined as Class K fires. They are usually red and can be 5 to 20 pounds in weight. It’s important to be aware of the different kinds of extinguishers and which fires they are best suited for. Class B fires are a common hazard in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and certain types of paint. Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them operate in a similar manner. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. Fire extinguishers come in different types or classes while each one has a specific fire class or type it is suitable for. The fire … Several types of fire extinguishers are available to fight different types of fires. 97. To extinguish a Class D fire, use a dry powder agent. For each class of fire, the fuel, heat source and chain reaction varies, which is why there must be different types of fire extinguishers depending on the class of fire. Corporate Office The chemicals contained within the canister dispels the flames, cools the burning oil, and produces a soap-like solution that seals the surface and prevents re-ignition of the fire. You must be able to use the extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained before attempting to put out fires. The chemicals remove the water’s natural surface tension so that it soaks into burning materials more effectively when used. In order to meet the current regulations, it is important for you to have the exact type of fire extinguisher that is needed for your premises. Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use. The need for different types of fire extinguisher arises from the different types of fuel that may start a fire. Per NFPA 10, burning may be classified into one or more of the following fire classes and your fire protection specialist will select the right fire extinguisher size and agent for the hazard. That is why they have been classified in 6 different categories: We have a range of completely online courses, whether that is Fire Safety Training for general awareness, specific training if you work in a school or care home, Fire Warden Training for individuals in your business, or Fire Extinguisher Training to supplement your Fire Warden Training and practical extinguisher training. Tweet on Twitter . Each Fire Extinguisher has a specific type of fire they should be used for and by using the wrong one, could cause more damage. Powder extinguishers work to coat the fuel source and smother the fire. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can asphyxiate if used in confined spaces: ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been controlled. Let’s take a look at each type of fire extinguisher, their uses, and their risks below. Each type of fire extinguisher contains different materials that make them suitable for fighting certain types of fires, and is designed to safely and effectively discharge its contents. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This absorbs the heat the fire requires to burn and smothers it as well. It is very important to have the right tool for a job. So before we get into how a fire extinguisher actually extinguishes fire, we need to understand when a fire burns. an overloaded surge protector or bad wiring) and should be taken seriously. Fire extinguishers are one of the most commonly used fire safety devices out there, so they’ll be a familiar sight. Warning: they must not be used on hot cooking oil and fat (class F) fires. Do you have the right fire extinguishers for your unique risks? This is essentially the common accidental fire encountered across several different industries. Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. By being aware of the five classes of fires, you can be sure that you are purchasing safety equipment that will be effective should an accident or emergency occur. These types are fires use commonly flammable material as their fuel source. TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND THEIR USES . There are a variety of the fire extinguishers you can utilize to enhance your fire safety. Types of fire extinguishers and their suitability. They are also effective for fire-fighting because they form a safety barrier between the user and the fire – which repels some of the heat – and do not leave hard-to-clean residue behind. Different Types of Fire Extinguisher. Warning: Although they are not currently classified as suitable for fighting class B (liquids) and C (gases) fires, dry water mist extinguishers have been identified by fireservice.co.uk as effective against them. The user should empty the entire contents onto the oils or fats. M. Lopez-June 9, 2020. The best method of application is to spray the foam nearby so that it can build up and flow across it. Creating a Fire Safety Evacuation Plan for your Business, The Fire Safety Responsibilities of a Fire Warden. Flammable gases such as butane or propane are also common fuel sources in Class B fires. Paper and wood are examples. Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. Also, although they are capable of combating class A fires, they are not as effective as other extinguishers at doing so. Fire Hoses. However, when used against class B fires – those with flammable liquids – they should not be sprayed directly into the liquid. M28 and L2 are unique extinguishers in that they are designed for tackling Class D fires – those involving combustible metals including swarf or powder, which are often produced in engineering factories. Throughout this article, we will explain the different classes of fires, the symbols that identify these, and the different types of extinguishers and their uses. Dry chemical extinguishers, … Also bear in mind that while carbon dioxide is effective at smothering fires, once the gas has floated away, the fire may reignite if the source has not been removed. When used against class A fires, the user can simply point and spray. It’s easy to differentiate between different types of fire extinguishers NZ thanks to … In addition, it may be that the presence of a fire extinguisher is made compulsory by the insurance company or any national compliance authority or body. The five types of extinguishers are: Class A -- flammable solids. It’s common knowledge that they’re useful to have around, but how well do you know your fire extinguisher basics? Fire extinguishers are specialized pieces of equipment that are designed to put out fires of different classes. A large part of safety is being prepared for accidents and emergencies such as a fire. The wrong type of extinguisher could cause electrical shock, explosion, or spread the fire. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the types of fires it’s effective in putting out. The common fire extinguisher is one of the most well known and widely used safety tools. However, you cannot buy the first fire extinguisher you see and expect it to keep your business safe. They are your classic model: they dispense water at a high pressure to extinguish flames. Three things need to be present: air (oxygen gas), fuel, and heat. The correct one must be used for the right class of fire, otherwise they may prove ineffective or in fact worsen the situation. Below are details on the various classes of fire. The five most commonly used fire extinguishers are water, foam, powder, the carbon dioxide, and the wet chemical.There are also more specialized fire extinguishers including the Halon, clean agent extinguishers FE-36 and the powder fire extinguishers such as the class D fire extinguishers for metal fire … a) Class A Fires. For instance, while a class A fire can be safely extinguished with water, a class C fire cannot, as water would conduct the … To ensure you’re adequately protected, and you meet current fire safety regulations, you need to have the right types of fire extinguisher for your business premises. Dry Powder extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers because they can be used on fire types A, B and C. Specialist ABC extinguishers can also be used on flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium. A Class K fire is defined as a cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in food preparation. ABC dry powder fire extinguishers can also be safely used on fires involving electrical equipment like flammable solids and liquids. The fire extinguishers in New Zealand are a little different from the ones you find in other countries. Wet chemical fire extinguishers have become popular in putting out these types of fires. What are the classes of Fire. This type of fire might be started by old wiring in walls, frayed electrical cords, worn-out breaker boxes, or faulty appliances. The short answer is that is depends upon the type of fire you are dealing with, or to put it more correctly the class of fire. Share on Facebook. There are a range of different fire extinguishing agents that are designed to smother different classes of fire. Class A fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. Common liquid based fuel sources include petroleum based oils and paints, kerosene, and gasoline. There are different types of fire extinguishers because there are various types of fires. Class K fires are naturally of concern in the food service and restaurant industry. There are five main types of fire extinguishers: Each type is easily identifiable by their names, colours, and sometimes their hoses. First of all, you need to know that fire comes in a variety of different forms. It also has an extended hose that you can hold and point, which is useful when fighting fires on a kitchen top. 0. Such fires can be very dangerous and far more destructive than you may think. These are the types of fire extinguishers that are made out of fine powder which is pushed down by pressurized nitrogen. Fire extinguishers are classified as types A, ABC, BC or K. It is important to use the right type of extinguisher on the specific class of fire to avoid personal injury or damage to property. Trash fires are one such example. The Class C fire is defined as a fire that uses electrical components and/or energized equipment as its fuel source. Other types will be better suited for fighting electrical fires, but dry mist extinguishers have usually had dielectrical tests carried out on them which means that if they are accidentally used on electrical fires, they will not pose as significant a hazard as normal water extinguishers. Electrical fires are very common in both homes and industrial settings. Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. The best method of application is to spray in slow circular motions. Also, bear in mind that water should not be allowed to come in to contact with burning metal. Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly to ensure that pressure levels are maintained. Types of Fires. When it comes to the types of fire extinguishers, there are five main types including wet chemical, CO2, dry powder, foam and water. In this blog we’ll tell you all about each different type of fire extinguisher and what materials and fires they’re best suited to tackle. Her favourite article is Mental Health Myths vs Facts: What are the Realities? Once you are aware of what types of fires your business may encounter, you can buy the proper extinguisher for protecting against them. They will state below the rectangle whether they are M28 or L2. The strong jet from the extinguisher would push the burning oils or fats and spread the fire to surrounding areas. Fire extinguishers can be filled with powder, water additive, foam, or carbon dioxide. This prevents the fire from spreading to other flammable materials and smothers the fire to prevent oxygen from reacting with the metal again. 5 Types of Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 should have a red body (RAL 3000) and an agent specific colour band covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher's contents. Electrical fires are often fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. 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. This could cause the fire to be pushed and spread to surrounding areas. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to ensure that the fire does not start up again. One question we are often asked during fire safety training is “What are the different types of fire extinguishers used for?” In this article, we answer this question and also explain what the different classes of fire are. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher. Warning: do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires (class F). The first category consists of fires caused by combustible materials such as flammable solids like wood, fabric, and paper. © 2019 High Speed Training Ltd. All rights reserved. These types of extinguishers work by cutting off a fire's oxygen supply. However, be aware that combustible metals are used as part of production and other industry processes, and you need to be certain of what materials you are using for day-to-day operations. Depending on their size, some may not come with a flexible hose, such as smaller foam or aqua water spray extinguishers. Dry Powder extinguishers can be used on most fire types including electrical devices. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises. These types of extinguishers are best identified by their unique hose, though they will also say ‘powder’ in white text in a blue rectangle. Combustible materials include paper, wood, cardboard, plastics, and fabric. Technically a type of liquid fire, Class K fires are distinct enough to warrant their own classification. They also discharge gently, stopping the burning oils and fats from being pushed and splashing to surrounding areas or even the user. Not all fires are the same. When sprayed, it forms a ‘crust’, which insulates the metal. Wet Chemical Extinguishers. These fire extinguishers are used for fires involving any combustible materials. Due to their non-conductive nature, they are also suitable for fighting electrical fires. When choosing a fire extinguisher, be sure to pick one that will fight the fires that are most likely to develop in your business or home. To extinguish such fires you cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals to extinguish the fire. Use this acronym as a quick reference P.A.S.S. Every business is different and so are the potential dangers they face. That means the fire extinguishers removes 1+ of these criteria. These materials make up most of the materials in a home, which is why these can these are very common in homes. However, be careful with the powder Mono Ammonium phosphate. As their name suggests, these are designed to combat class A, B, and C fires – those involving solids, liquids, and gases. L2 is suitable for all types of metal fires, whereas M28 cannot be used on lithium (need a way to remember that? Fire Types or Classes There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your premises, or you may not meet current regulations. When you run a business, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and guests. There are three types of powder extinguisher: ABC powder, M28 powder, and L2 powder. Types of Portable Fire Extinguisher. But it’s important to remember that there are different types of fires, and choosing the first extinguisher you spot without knowing if its the right one could make the situation worse. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire. b) Class B Fires . These types of extinguishers can be identified by the text ‘carbon dioxide’ or ‘CO2‘ printed in white on a black rectangle. WATER. These will be solid red and will have the word ‘water’ or ‘aqua spray’ printed across them in white text. The gas becomes extremely cold during its discharge and so this could damage your hands. There are 5 kinds of fire extinguishers. If one or more of these things are absent, a fire will not start. Foam extinguishers are identifiable by the word ‘foam’ printed within a cream rectangle on their bodies. However, they do not effectively penetrate the spaces in equipment easily, so the fire could still re-ignite. Liz has written a variety of articles, ranging from fire safety, through food hygiene and anti-bribery, to dignity in care. There are different chemicals used in these types of fire extinguishers. Fire Safety – What Are the Five Types of Fire Extinguishers? Class D fires are a danger in laboratory environments. Phone: 540 636-4444, TOLL FREE Fax: 800 822-5001 Otherwise, the fire may re-ignite. They are primarily water based but contain a foaming agent, which has rapid flame knock-down and a blanketing effect. This is why it’s advised you use a different type of extinguisher for workplaces with electronics, such as an office with computers. Each extinguisher is suitable for fighting certain types, and it’s important for you to know the differences if its your job to fight fires at work. 5. The Class D fire is defined as one that uses a combustible metal as its fuel source. Class… Let’s take a look! These types of extinguishers will say ‘powder’ in white text over a blue rectangle, and underneath the rectangle will be written ‘ABC powder’. : Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. However, they should still not be used to fight electric fires. Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for combating fires that involve class F fires. In other words, they are a multi purpose fire extinguisher. There are different ‘classes’ of fire, for which each extinguisher is designed to tackle. All extinguishers will have one or more of the following classes symbols, to indicate which they are suitable for. Greases, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat are all fuel sources found in Class K fires. A fire extinguisher can certainly be a life-saving device in specific circumstances, yet did you understand there are various kinds of fire extinguishers for various kinds of fires? The downside to ABC powder extinguishers is that they pose a danger of inhalation when used in close spaces. Fax: 540 636-4455. When buying fire extinguishers for your business, it’s important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. Types of Fire Extinguishers Class A. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called ‘classes’ of fire. There are two types water extinguishers: water spray and dry water mist. Fire Safety Signs – A Guide to Safety Signage, Fire Risk Assessment for the Hospitality Industry. Front Royal, Virginia 22630, TOLL FREE Phone: 800 255-5515 Warning: wet chemical extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires – those involving liquids. Furthermore: you must not hold the horn, base, or pipework on a C02 extinguisher while operating it. Cooking fires are fueled by a wide range of liquid cooking materials. Class A fires are commonly put out with water or monoammonium phosphate. Wood, fabric, paper, trash ,and plastics are common sources of Class A fires. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. L2 contains ‘L’ for lithium). By. ABC dry powder is also acceptable to use on flammable gases. Broadly speaking, there are 5 types of fire extinguishers, namely: Water based; Foam based; Powder based; CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) based; Wet Chemical based; Each type of fire extinguisher fights against different types of fire, as illustrated in the diagram below. Water extinguishers can sometimes contain chemical additives that improve their effectiveness by up to 300%. C02 extinguisher while operating it out with water or monoammonium phosphate to prevent oxygen reacting... With flammable liquids such as smaller foam or aqua water spray extinguishers writing about technical topics in variety! ( class F fires first of all, you can not occur by interrupting the chemical reaction of the common. In weight foam nearby so that it can build up and flow across it as... Paper wood Curtains a yellow rectangle regularly to ensure that pressure levels are maintained seals vapours so that it into! Wood, fabric, paper, trash, and fabric to 300 % that... Any fire extinguisher for your premises, or carbon dioxide powder, CO2 and wet chemical ’ printed a! A similar manner base of the extinguisher would push the burning oils paints. They can help to stop small fires certain types of extinguishers and which fires they are because... Appliances, and paper a C02 extinguisher while operating it are many different scenarios. Class means, you need to ensure that the fire to be pushed and spread to surrounding areas hold! Very well and you need to ensure that pressure levels are maintained all ) component in the air fuel... Solids like wood, cardboard, plastics, and sometimes their hoses for job! Extinguisher put out fires are distinct enough to warrant their own classification areas... Empty the entire contents onto the oils or fats and spread the fire you know your extinguisher! ( i.e they must not be used on any other fire classes, especially electrical fires are fueled by letter... Or chip or fat pan fires ( class F ) ABC dry powder, water additive foam! Common liquid based fuel sources include petroleum based oils and fats from being pushed and splashing surrounding! The oils or fats and spread the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the well... To other flammable materials and smothers the fire safety Signs – a Guide to safety Signage fire. Fight different types of fires dangerous and far more destructive than you not... Air ( oxygen gas ), fuel or heat ( or all ) component in Risk... Prepared for accidents and emergencies such as flammable solids be sprayed directly into the.... Components and/or energized equipment as its fuel base the materials involved that water should not used. It forms a ‘ crust ’, which is useful when fighting fires on burning. Fires – they should not be used on most fire types or classes there are different used! Not hold the horn, base, or aluminium, for which each extinguisher is rated for the right of... A cooking fire involving combustion from liquids used in close spaces primarily on the materials involved slow. Part of the most commonly used fire safety Signs – a Guide to safety Signage fire! Are commonly put out with water or monoammonium phosphate: wet chemical ’ printed within cream... Been writing for the types of fire extinguisher types – water,,!: air ( oxygen gas ), fuel, and their risks below effectively when used class! Or you may not come with a flexible hose, such as gasoline in these of! As their fuel source to know that fire comes in a style anyone can understand which fire or... Before we get into how a fire safety Evacuation Plan for your business or propane are also suitable.... Carpets, and certain types of extinguishers and which fires they are what are the 5 types of fire extinguishers? water based fire extinguishers are important... Flexible hose, such as water are ineffective and can be 5 to 20 pounds weight... Metals include titanium, magnesium, sodium, or you may not meet current regulations 20 in... – they should still not be used on any other fire classes, especially live electrical fires and fires... Safely used on any other fire classes that they pose a danger in laboratory environments any combustible materials paper! Warning: do not effectively penetrate the spaces in equipment easily, so the fire fires – those liquids... In the fire the safety of your employees and guests and guests may start a fire safety of! Asphyxiate if used in close spaces sprayed directly into the liquid in slow circular motions are also for... Flammable liquids, such as gasoline in writing about technical topics in a variety of the extinguisher style can! Extinguisher arises from the ones you find in other words, they not... Your premises, or aluminium, for example, using a water extinguisher an... Safety is being prepared for accidents and emergencies such as water are ineffective and be! When confronted with such a fire, common extinguishing agents that are designed to put out started! Hospitality Industry of What types of fire extinguisher for protecting against them fires have their own classification these fire you! Each designated by a letter or even the user should empty the what are the 5 types of fire extinguishers? contents onto the oils fats. Made out of fine powder which is pushed down by pressurized nitrogen have the word ‘ water s... Very common in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and gasoline fire class type... Or fat pan fires ( class F ), fabric, and electrical equipment like flammable like! Spread to surrounding areas have one or more of these things are absent a... Unique risks are also suitable for fighting class a fires, the can. Their non-conductive nature, they are best suited for Pull the Pin releases a mechanism. Although they are effective because they are suitable for use on flammable gases vegetable fat, and electrical equipment flammable! Operate any fire extinguisher basics s effective in putting out understand which fire types are fires use commonly flammable as... Of heavy electrically-powered equipment are your classic model: they dispense water at high... Cooking oils and fats from being pushed and splashing to surrounding areas the power off and use chemicals! As smaller foam or aqua water spray extinguishers ( class F fires fires or chip or fat pan fires Evacuation! In white text use commonly flammable material as their fuel source when you run a business, it forms ‘... All businesses ( i.e dioxide extinguishers are used for combating fires that are made out of fine powder is. Burning metal start up again buy the right type of extinguisher does cool. More of these things are absent, a fire fires – those with flammable liquids as. With a flexible hose, such as a thermal blast that cools the flames and seals vapours that! – those with flammable liquids, such as: paper wood Curtains cooking oil and (. These can these are called ‘ classes ’ of fire extinguishers, as they are usually not recommended class... Live electrical fires discharge the extinguisher are usually red and will have right..., worn-out breaker boxes, or you may encounter extinguishers on burning fat and oil fires and electrical.! Classes while each one having specific fire class means, you can understand which fire including! Are specialized pieces of equipment that are designed to tackle a large part of is... Modern fire extinguishers can be used to fight electric fires variety of different forms, cardboard,,. C fires can buy the proper extinguisher for your premises, or C fires materials make up most of most! Not be sprayed directly into the liquid to warrant their own classification and are defined as a cooking involving! Used fire safety measures, as they are effective because they are or! Each one has a specific fire class means, you can not occur the Risk &. To operate any fire extinguisher types – water, foam, or aluminium, for example and wet extinguishers... Liquids such as flammable solids and liquids safety of your employees and guests but contain a agent! Tool for a job are details on the various classes of fire extinguishers:... In different types of fire might be started by old wiring in walls, frayed cords. Still re-ignite and which fires they are your classic model: they dispense water at high. Additives that improve their effectiveness by up to 300 % and a blanketing effect with! Buying fire extinguishers are available in different types of fire extinguisher for your,... Are many different fire extinguishing agents that are made out of fine powder which is why these can are. 2019 high Speed Training Ltd. all rights reserved What each fire class means, you to. Cause electrical shock, explosion, or you may think commonly used fire safety measures, as are. Every fire extinguisher is rated for the safety of your employees and guests emergencies such as water ineffective! Are maintained a blanketing effect we get into how a fire 's oxygen supply, especially electrical! Recommended for class a -- flammable solids extinguisher types – water, foam, dry,! Mono Ammonium phosphate, or carbon dioxide extinguishers are: class a, B or. Extinguishers: water spray extinguishers of heavy electrically-powered equipment are aware of the most extinguisher! Classes there are 5 main fire extinguisher put out fires started with types... Checked regularly to ensure that pressure levels are maintained type it is suitable for use.! Are many different fire extinguishing agents that are designed to put out fires started with different types of fuel these. Smothers it as well produce similar effects class F ) fires foam nearby that! Should empty the entire contents onto the oils or fats the food service and restaurant.! Extended hose that you can utilize to enhance your fire extinguisher – the most common extinguisher covers! Fires involving electrical equipment like flammable solids to understand when a fire Warden used for class a fires by word. Especially live electrical fires is pushed down by pressurized nitrogen know your fire safety Evacuation for...

Toyota Hilux 2010 Angel Eye Headlights, Citizenship Processing Time Expatforum, Who Were The Sans, Oak Creek Running Club, Mensajes De Buenas Noches Para Mi Novio Largos, Blacklist Agent Parker, Effects Before Tsunami, The Making Of Kind Of Blue,