Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

Choosing a Fire Extinguisher

When you have a fire, the best way to deal with it is to stop the flow of oxygen to the flames.fire and extinguisher This can be achieved by using a fire extinguisher, which smothers the fire and blocks the flames from absorbing oxygen. Fire extinguishers are available in a wide variety of sizes and types, designed to tackle different types of fires and hazards. It is important to consider what types of fire risks your business has, and the type of room you will be operating in to ensure you select an appropriate fire extinguisher.

There are five main types of fire, and each requires a different type of extinguisher.fire and extinguisher Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood and fabrics, class B fires are flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and some paints, class C fires are combustible gases, class D fires are combustible metals, and class F is for cooking oils or deep fat fryers.

The fire extinguisher that you choose should be Kite-marked to BS EN3 and CE approved to guarantee it meets the highest safety standards.fire and extinguisher It should also be labeled with a coloured symbol to indicate the fire that it is suited for. Red is the traditional colour for a fire extinguisher, but if style is important to your premises, you can opt for chrome-coloured extinguishers that will blend in with your décor.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers use an ammonium phosphate base agent to smother fires by coating the surface of burning materials with a thick, sticky substance that suffocates the fire and cuts off the supply of oxygen.fire and extinguisher They are particularly effective on class B fires and can be used to extinguish a wide range of combustible materials.

Foam fire extinguishers use either a polyethylene or a polypropylene foam to create a seal over the top of a fuel fire, stopping it from breathing and blocking its exit.fire and extinguisher They are effective on class B fires and can be easily used by the general public, as they do not have a toxic effect on the environment, unlike powder agents.

Water fire extinguishers use a specialised mixture of sodium bicarbonate and silica gel to fight pyrophoric (ignites on contact with air) liquids such as petrol, petrol vapour or certain chemicals.fire and extinguisher They are particularly effective on a wide range of oil and grease fires in kitchens.

Gas fire extinguishers are effective on class A, B and C fires and are available in both aspirated (mixed with air) and non-aspirated forms.fire and extinguisher They disperse a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers the fire and drives oxygen away.

Cartridge-operated fire extinguishers are generally preferred for businesses that use a large quantity of combustible material. They are easy to operate and offer rapid recharge after use, as the pressure of the agent is held in a cartridge that is simply replaced once empty. They are available as a multi-rated A:B:C (Amerex, ANSUL and Badger) or K only (Kidde). In addition to regular discharge, monthly inspections should be carried out for damage, proper pressure, hose and nozzle conditions, and a test of the pin and seal. A six-year maintenance interval is required for all stored-pressure fire extinguishers.