We were discussing the “Types of safety hand gloves and their uses with pictures” in our previous post. Let's now discuss the basics of Fire extinguishers and their types with the help of this post.
What is a fire extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is a portable device that is used to control or put out fires. It is typically a small metal cylinder that contains a pressurized agent that can be released to extinguish a fire.
As mentioned, It contains a pressurized substance that can be discharged to put out a fire by eliminating one or more of the elements required for combustion, such as fuel, heat, or oxygen. Fire extinguishers come in different types, each designed for specific classes of fires.
Types of fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are classified into different types based on the type of fire they can extinguish. The most common types are Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K.
Class A fire extinguishers
Class A fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, plastics, and rubber. These types of fires are common in homes, offices, and other indoor settings.
Water extinguishers are the most common type of Class A fire extinguishers. They work by removing the heat from the fire and cooling the fuel source, which helps to prevent the fire from spreading. Water extinguishers should only be used on Class A fires, as they can be dangerous if used on other types of fires.
Another type of Class A fire extinguisher is the foam extinguisher, which is effective on Class A fires as well as Class B fires involving flammable liquids. Foam extinguishers work by smothering the fire and preventing the oxygen from reaching the fuel source.
It's important to note that Class A fires can also be extinguished using dry chemical extinguishers. However, dry chemical extinguishers are not recommended for use in indoor settings, as they can create a lot of mess and damage to electronics and other sensitive equipment.
Class B fire extinguishers
Class B fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve flammable liquids and gasses such as gasoline, oil, grease, propane, and natural gas. These fires are typically fueled by a flammable liquid or gas, and they require a different type of extinguishing agent than fires that involve ordinary combustibles, such as wood or paper.
The extinguishing agent used in Class B fire extinguishers is typically a foam or powder that is designed to smother the flames and prevent the fuel from igniting again. CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers can also be used to extinguish Class B fires, but they are less effective than foam or powder extinguishers because they do not cool the fuel.
It is important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the specific type of fire that is present. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can actually make the fire worse and put people in danger. If you are unsure which type of extinguisher to use, it is best to evacuate the area and call the fire department.
Class C fire extinguishers
Class C fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve energized electrical equipment such as computers, electrical panels, motors, and appliances. These fires are particularly dangerous because of the risk of electrocution if water is used as an extinguishing agent.
The extinguishing agent used in Class C fire extinguishers is typically a non-conductive material such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) or dry chemical powder. These agents are designed to smother the flames and prevent the fire from spreading, without conducting electricity and causing electrocution.
It is important to remember that if the electrical equipment is still energized, it is crucial to shut off the power source before attempting to put out the fire. Otherwise, the fire may reignite once the power is restored. In addition, it is important to use the correct type of extinguisher for the specific type of fire that is present. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can actually make the fire worse and put people in danger. If you are unsure which type of extinguisher to use, it is best to evacuate the area and call the fire department.
Class D fire extinguishers
Class D fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and titanium. These metals are highly reactive and can ignite or explode when exposed to water or other common extinguishing agents.
The extinguishing agent used in Class D fire extinguishers is typically a dry powder that is specifically designed to smother the flames and prevent the metal from reigniting. This powder can also absorb the heat generated by the fire and cool the metal, which helps prevent the fire from spreading.
It is important to remember that Class D fires require a specialized approach and should not be tackled with ordinary extinguishing agents. It is also important to use the correct type of extinguisher for the specific type of metal that is present, as different types of metals may require different types of extinguishing agents.
It is recommended that only trained professionals use Class D fire extinguishers, as these fires can be particularly dangerous and difficult to control. If a Class D fire breaks out, it is important to evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately.
Class K fire extinguishers
Class K fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve cooking oils and fats, such as vegetable oil, animal fats, and grease. These fires are common in commercial kitchens and can be particularly dangerous because of the high temperatures involved.
The extinguishing agent used in Class K fire extinguishers is typically a wet chemical that is specifically designed to cool the fuel and prevent it from reigniting. This chemical also creates a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, which helps to suffocate the fire and prevent it from spreading.
It is important to remember that Class K fires require a specialized approach and should not be tackled with ordinary extinguishing agents, such as water or dry powder. In addition, it is important to ensure that the fire extinguisher is installed in a readily accessible location near the cooking area, and that employees are trained in how to use it properly.
If a Class K fire breaks out, it is important to turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so, evacuate the area, and activate the fire alarm. Using a Class K fire extinguisher can help to control the fire and prevent it from spreading, but it is always important to call the fire department as soon as possible to ensure that the fire is fully extinguished and that the area is safe.
Lets see briefly multipurpose fire extinguishers too
Multipurpose fire extinguishers
A multipurpose fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that can be used on multiple classes of fires. These fire extinguishers are typically labeled as "ABC" extinguishers because they can be used on fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids and gases (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C).
Multipurpose fire extinguishers use a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, to extinguish fires. When discharged, the dry chemical agent forms a layer of powder over the fuel, which helps to separate it from the oxygen in the air, thereby smothering the fire.
Multipurpose fire extinguishers are commonly found in homes, offices, schools, and other commercial buildings because of their versatility and effectiveness on different types of fires.
It is important to read the label and instructions on the extinguisher to ensure it is appropriate for the type of fire and to use it properly in case of an emergency.
Next Post - How to operate a fire extinguisher
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