Understanding fire safety is crucial for building owners and occupants. Knowing the various Types of Fire Extinguishers in emergencies can save lives and property. To comply with fire regulations, it’s essential to grasp the classes of fires and the types of fire extinguishers designed to combat them. In this detailed guide, we will walk through the classes of fire and the five main types of fire extinguishers, along with their specific uses.
Classes of Fire
Before diving into fire extinguisher types, let’s categorize fires based on their sources:
Class A Fires
Combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth are the culprits here.
Class B Fires
Class B fire is caused by Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and paint.
Class C Fires
Flammable gases like methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen contribute to Class C fires.
Class D Fires
Combustible metals like aluminium, magnesium, and potassium are responsible for Class D fires.
Class F Fires
Cooking oils, often encountered in chip-pan fires, lead to Class F fires.
Class K Fires
Fires fueled by animal oils, vegetable oils, and fats in cooking appliances fall under Class K.
Electrical Fires
Initially categorized as Class E fires, the fire changes class once electrical components are removed.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Now that we understand the classes of fire let’s explore the five primary types of fire extinguishers and their specific uses:
Foam Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers, with a cream label, are primarily water-based and used for Class B fires. They are mostly Suitable for Class A fires as well; they can combat fires involving paper, cardboard, and flammable liquids. Foam extinguishers are Ideal for buildings primarily constructed from wood or organic materials.
Water Extinguishers
Water Extinguishers feature a red label; water extinguishers are designed for Class A fires caused by paper, wood, and fabrics. They come in two variations: one with a spray nozzle for broader coverage and another as a water mist extinguisher, dispersing microscopic water particles to reduce heat exposure.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
DCP fire extinguishers are highly Effective against Class A, B, and C fires. These extinguishers have a blue label. Avoid using them in enclosed spaces to prevent inhaling dry powder particles. In Addition, they are also suitable for flammable metals, combustible materials, and flammable liquids (excluding electric fires exceeding 1000 Volts).
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet Chemical Extinguishers are Equipped with a yellow label and are intended for Class F fires, often involving cooking oils. They can also address Class A fires, although foam or water extinguishers are more common.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers feature a black label, displacing oxygen to suffocate fires. They are Ideal for electrical fires and can combat Class B fires.
Conclusion
Knowing the classes of fire and the types of fire extinguishers is essential to respond effectively in emergencies. Attempting to tackle a fire without the right approach can escalate the problem. Remember that safety comes first, and evacuation should precede firefighting efforts. Ensure clear fire exit routes in significant fires and call the fire brigade immediately.
About Capital Solutions:
Capital Solutions is a leading fire-fighting equipment supplier in Pakistan. Since 2013, we have provided inspection, functional testing, and maintenance services for fire safety extinguishers, suppression systems, and security equipment to various sectors, including commercial, industrial, government, and mercantile facilities. Contact us at 051-4446640 for quotations on fire safety equipment, maintenance, or refilling services.