Fire extinguishers are an essential component of fire safety, often the first line of defense when a fire breaks out. However, many people are unaware that there are different types of fire extinguishers, each designed to tackle specific kinds of fires. Understanding the types of fire extinguishers and knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can significantly reduce damage and save lives. In this guide, we will explore the various types of fire extinguishers, explain when to use each, and provide a step-by-step process for their proper operation.
Why Different Types of Fire Extinguishers Exist
Not all fires are the same. Fires are classified based on the materials that are burning, and each type of fire requires a specific extinguishing agent. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make a fire worse, spread hazardous materials, or even cause an explosion. For this reason, it’s critical to know which type of extinguisher to use for different fire scenarios.
There are five primary classes of fire extinguishers, each designed for a specific type of fire:
- Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles.
- Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease.
- Class C: Fires that involve electrical equipment.
- Class D: Fires caused by flammable metals.
- Class K: Fires involving cooking oils and fats, commonly found in commercial kitchens.
Let’s dive into each type of fire extinguisher and its appropriate uses.
1. Water Fire Extinguishers (Class A)
Water fire extinguishers are the most common and are designed to fight fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. These are classified as Class A fires.
When to Use a Water Fire Extinguisher
Use a water fire extinguisher on fires where the fuel is something solid that leaves ash behind. These materials are often organic in nature, like wood and cloth. The cooling effect of the water helps to lower the temperature of the flames, eventually extinguishing the fire.
How to Properly Use a Water Fire Extinguisher
- Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to discharge the water.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is completely out.
Important Notes
Water extinguishers should never be used on electrical fires (Class C) or fires involving flammable liquids (Class B), as water can conduct electricity and spread the flammable liquid, making the fire worse.
2. Foam Fire Extinguishers (Class A and B)
Foam fire extinguishers are versatile, effective on Class A fires (solid combustibles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids). The foam blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply and cooling the flames.
When to Use a Foam Fire Extinguisher
Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for fires involving liquids such as petrol or solvents. They’re also effective on solids like wood and paper, making them useful in mixed environments where both solid combustibles and flammable liquids are present.
How to Properly Use a Foam Fire Extinguisher
- Pull the safety pin to break the seal.
- Aim at the base of the fire, ensuring you’re close enough to cover the flames with foam.
- Squeeze the handle to release the foam.
- Sweep the nozzle side to side, making sure to cover the entire fire area.
Important Notes
Foam extinguishers can be used on electrical fires, but only if they have been tested to 35kV (check the label). However, they are primarily designed for Class A and B fires.
3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers (Class B and C)
CO2 fire extinguishers are effective on Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires. They work by displacing the oxygen around the fire, smothering the flames, and leaving no residue.
When to Use a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
CO2 extinguishers are ideal for environments with electrical equipment, such as offices or server rooms, where water or foam extinguishers could cause damage. They are also effective on flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline or solvents.
How to Properly Use a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
- Pull the safety pin to break the seal.
- Aim the horn at the base of the fire, keeping your hands away from the horn (it gets very cold).
- Squeeze the handle to discharge the CO2.
- Sweep the horn side to side until the fire is out.
Important Notes
CO2 extinguishers should not be used in confined spaces due to the risk of suffocation. Additionally, they are not effective on Class A fires (ordinary combustibles) as they do not cool the fire, which can result in re-ignition.
4. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C, and D)
Dry powder fire extinguishers are highly versatile, suitable for Class A, Class B, Class C, and even Class D (flammable metals) fires. The powder works by forming a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, stopping the fire from spreading.
When to Use a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Dry powder extinguishers are often referred to as “multi-purpose” because they can be used on a wide range of fires, from electrical fires to fires involving metals and flammable liquids.
How to Properly Use a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
- Pull the pin to break the seal.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to discharge the powder.
- Sweep from side to side to ensure the entire area is covered with powder.
Important Notes
While dry powder extinguishers are versatile, they are not recommended for use in enclosed spaces because the powder can be harmful if inhaled. They also leave a significant amount of residue, which can be difficult to clean up.
5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class K)
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are specifically designed for Class K fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. They are most commonly used in commercial kitchens.
When to Use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
These extinguishers are highly effective in extinguishing grease fires, as they work by forming a layer of foam over the burning oil, preventing it from re-igniting while cooling the temperature of the oil.
How to Properly Use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- Pull the safety pin.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames, staying a safe distance away.
- Squeeze the handle to discharge the wet chemical agent.
- Sweep the nozzle across the fire, ensuring full coverage of the flames.
Important Notes
Wet chemical extinguishers should not be used on other types of fires, as they are specifically designed for high-temperature cooking oil fires.
How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method
Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher is just as important as having one. In the event of a fire, you need to act quickly and confidently. The PASS method is an easy-to-remember acronym that outlines the steps for using a fire extinguisher:
- Pull the pin: This releases the locking mechanism and allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
- Aim the nozzle: Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle: This will release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep side to side: Move the nozzle from side to side to cover the area of the fire until the flames are extinguished.
When NOT to Use a Fire Extinguisher
While having a fire extinguisher is essential, there are times when you should not attempt to put out a fire:
- The fire is too large: If the fire is spreading rapidly or is bigger than a small contained area, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
- You’re unsure of the extinguisher type: If you’re not sure which type of fire you’re dealing with or whether you have the right extinguisher, it’s safer to leave the area.
- The environment is unsafe: If the fire is producing toxic smoke or the heat is too intense, do not attempt to extinguish it.
Conclusion
Understanding the types of fire extinguishers and knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can make all the difference in a fire emergency. The right extinguisher, combined with the correct technique, can prevent small fires from escalating and keep you and your property safe. Always ensure that your fire extinguishers are properly maintained and accessible, and remember the PASS method to act swiftly in case of a fire.
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