1. Water and Foam.
Water and Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat
element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from
the other elements.
Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used on
Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a
Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire.
2. Carbon dioxide.
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.
Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are usually ineffective on
Class A fires.
3. Dry Chemical.
Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting
the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
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 agent also works by
creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A
fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the
correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow
the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
4. Wet Chemical.
Wet Chemical is a new agent that extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of
the fire triangle and prevents re-ignition by creating a barrier between the
oxygen and fuel elements.
Wet chemical of Class K extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency
deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class
A fires in commercial kitchens.
5. Clean agent.
Halogenated or Clean Agent extinguishers include the halon agents as well as the
newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents. They extinguish the fire by
interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Clean agent extinguishers are primarily for Class B & C fires. Some larger clean
agent extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.
6. Dry Powder.
Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical except that they extinguish
the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat
element of the fire triangle.
However, dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal fires,
only. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.
7. Water Mist.
Water Mist extinguishers are a recent development that extinguish the fire by
taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an alternative to
the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern.
Water mist extinguishers are primarily for Class A fires, although they are safe
for use on Class C fires as well.
8. Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily
by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose dry
chemical is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by
creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A
fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the
correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow
the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
Types of Fires
Not all fires are the same. Different fuels create different fires and require
different types of fire extinguishing agents.
Class A
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth,
trash, and plastics.
Class B
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil and
paint. Class B fires also include flammable gases such as propane and butane.
Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease
Class C
Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment such as motors,
transformers, and appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one
of the other classes of fire.
Class D
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium,
aluminum, and magnesium.
Class K
Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animals fats and
vegetable fats.
• Some types of fire extinguishing agents can be used on more than one class of
fire. Others have warnings where it would be dangerous for the operator to use a
particular fire extinguishing agent.
The Rules for Fighting Fires
Just remember the three A's
ACTIVATE the building alarm system or notify the fire department by calling 911.
Or, have someone else do this for you.
ASSIST any persons in immediate danger, or those incapable on their own, to exit
the building, without risk to yourself.
Only after these two are completed should you ATTEMPT to extinguish the fire.
Only fight a fire if:
• The fire is small and contained
• You are safe from toxic smoke
• You have a means of escape
• Your instincts tell you it's OK
Fire Extinguisher Use
It is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your
workplace prior to actually using one.
Fire extinguishers can be heavy, so it's a good idea to practice picking up and
holding an extinguisher to get an idea of the weight and feel.
Take time to read the operating instructions and warnings found on the fire
extinguisher label. Not all fire extinguishers look alike.
Practice releasing the discharge hose or horn and aiming it at the base of an
imagined fire. Do not pull the pin or squeeze the lever. This will break the
extinguisher seal and cause it to lose pressure.
When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, just remember PASS!
Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe
distance.
Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent.
Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side
until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire
diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Like any mechanical device, fire extinguishers must be maintained on a regular
basis to ensure their proper operation. You, the owner or occupant of the
property where the fire extinguishers are located, are responsible for arranging
your fire extinguishers' maintenance.
Fire extinguishers must be inspected or given a "quick check" every 30 days. For
most extinguishers, this is a job that you can easily do by locating the
extinguishers in your workplace and answering the three questions below.
• Is the extinguisher in the correct location?
• Is it visible and accessible?
• Does the gauge or pressure indicator show the correct pressure?
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
In addition, fire extinguishers must be maintained annually in accordance with
local, state, and national codes and regulations. This is a thorough examination
of the fire extinguisher's mechanical parts, fire extinguishing agent, and the
expellant gas. Your fire equipment professional is the ideal person to perform
the annual maintenance because they have the appropriate servicing manuals,
tools, recharge materials, parts, lubricants, and the necessary training and
experience.
Thanks & Regards,
RF-KSA