Water red dry powder blue afff foam cream wet chemical yellow as you can see, there are 5 different types of fire extinguisher, but there are a few different versions of the dry powder and the water extinguishers. Due to their electric conductivity, however, these extinguishers are not suited for b and c fires. The most common types of fire extinguishers are classified by agent. Each class identifies the type of fuel involved and allows appropriate fire. Fire extinguisher training yale emergency management. Class a firesare fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics. Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and their colouring.
Also the type of fires it is appropriate and safe to use on. Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fire. This users manual contains important information about your fire extinguishers operation. Users manual how t in sa l ex gu r checking and inspecting. Also included are flammable gases such as propane and butane. They are essentially 2 12 gallon water extinguishers with a fffp foam additive.
Fire protection and prevention occupational safety and. Fire extinguishers are an integral part of the fire safety provisions for any building and it is important to ensure that the correct type of fire extinguisher is installed and maintained. In the vast majority of circumstances, the fires that occur are either a, b or c types of fires. It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area. Extinguishers are classed by the type fire they can put out.
Some extinguishers are combination types that can be used on several different types of fires. Halon 1211 818 seconds discharge time range 916 ft. Dry chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction in the fire. Each type of fire extinguisher is used for a different class of fires. This is done by seeing that it is in its designated place, that its not been actuated or tampered with, and that theres no obvious or physical damage thatll.
May 12, 2017 fire extinguishers have labels that tell you what kind of fire they can put out. Additional fire extinguisher uses are detailed below. There are several different classifications of fires based primarily on the fuel source. Fire extinguisher types we explain the different types of. Fire extinguishers mod els fe3a40gr fe4a60bc important.
Other types of extinguishers work only on a certain class of fire. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. When using this type of extinguisher on a class b fire, you must be careful to avoid. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire, you can, in fact, make matters worse.
Class b firesare fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint. Selection of fire extinguishers there are a number of types of portable fire. Extinguishers are available in individual classifications and combinations. The following table provides information regarding the type of fire and which fire extinguisher should be used. Class a a fire started with normal combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. Class b fires do not include fires involvingcooking oils and grease. There are four elements that must be present for a fire to exist. It is not intended for use on an outofcontrol fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. If you are insta lling this fire extinguisher for use by others, you must leave this manualor a copy of itwith the end user. Apr 29, 2016 water fire extinguishers are made to extinguish class but a water mist extinguisher is made for both a and c class fires.
Its important to note that you can also get fire extinguishers that put out multiple types of fires. These two types of fire extinguishers do not have a chemical component, making them ideal for people who do not wish to use chemicals. Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. Because gasoline fires are the most common type of boat fire, marinerated class b fire extinguishers are the class required on most boats. Fires are classified by the types of materials that are burning. Extinguishers are labeled to correspond to the classes of fires they are designed to fight.
The three most common types of fire extinguishers are. You must be able to use the extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained before attempting to put out fires. Foam extinguishers create a foam barrier preventing the fuel from coming in contact with oxygen. Before we get to the different types of fire extinguishers, its important to understand the different types of fires that these extinguishers are designed to fight. Fires are identified using a classification system. Portable fire extinguishers are covered under nfpa 10 which addresses. Fumes toxic if inhaled halon is no longer manufactured halon a trash wood paper b liquids grease c electrical equipment. Not all fires are the same, and they are classified according to the type of fuel that is burning. When it comes to fire extinguishers, there is no better choice for fire safety than the abc fire extinguisher. For a fire to happen, the following elements are essential oxidiser to sustain combustion. Fire extinguishers are uniquely designed to meet the needs of a variety of applications, so its important to choose the one thats right for you.
Portable fire extinguisher fire equipment manufacturers association. All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. Some also have a numerical rating to indicate the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the same type of extinguisher with different colourings. As you evacuate close the doors of the roomsdo not lock as this will slow down the spread of smoke and fire. Water based extinguishers are ideal for schools, small offices, stockrooms etc. Belvue business centre, belvue road, northolt, middlesex, ub5 5qq. Keep reading to learn more about abc fire extinguishers and why you need them in homes and offices in malaysia.
Fire extinguishers meeting the current british standards bs en3 should have a red body ral 3000 and an agent specific colour band, covering between 510% of the surface, relating to the extinguisher contents. Types of fire extinguishers and their uses cscs health and. Crated fire extinguishers put out the fire by using a chemical that does not conduct electricity. Types of extinguishers cont waterfoam works by cooling the fire and coating the fuel. Abc fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. Can cause shock hazard on class c fires can cause liquids in class b fires to spread effective on class a fires. Each type is easily identifiable by their names, colours. For more information on fire extinguishers, visit our f. On hearing the alarm evacuate the building and assemble at the designated assembly point. Newer fire extinguishers use a picturelabeling system to designate which types of fires they are to be used on so users can quickly identify the classes. Both of these types of labels are shown below with the description of the different classes of extinguishers. Removing any of these elements will extinguish the fire.
Jun 20, 2012 a video by fire and safety centre showcasing the different types of fire extinguisher and their uses. This is a quick check that an extinguisher is available, charged, and will operate. In 1999 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguishers were changed. Water and foam based extinguishers should not be used on fires involving an electrical.
Check the chart below to match extinguishers to a particular class of fire. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the heat side of the triangle. Fire class of extinguisher extinguisher fire it limitations. Types and maintenance of fire extinguishers fireline. This results in a chemical chain reaction which starts a fire. The number after the b, for example a b1 or b2 extinguisher, indicates the capacity of the extinguisher. A class c fire extin guisher is marked with a blue circle containing the letterc.
Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use. Fire extinguishers meeting bs en3 should have a red body ral 3000 and an agent specific colour band covering between 510% of the surface relating to the extinguisher s contents. The five classes of fires when buying fire extinguishers for your business, its important to buy the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs. Potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium burn at extremely high temperatures. Types and maintenance of fire extinguishers february 11, 2015 when it comes to fire safety within the workplace, one of the most essential steps to take is to keep maintained fire extinguishers on the property at all times. Class c extinguishers may be used to extinguish class a, class b, and class c fires. Smouldering material in deep seated fires such as upholstery or bedding can cause the fire to start up again. Sentry safety using fire extinguishers and their types. Several types of fire extinguishers are available to fight different types of fires. You can also check with the fire extinguishers manufacturer to learn the types of fires the.
Classes of fire types of fire extinguishers city of marshall. Some extinguishers can put out only one type of fire, such as type a. Choosing and using fire extinguishers its important to help the public understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Fire extinguisher selection chart australian standard 2444 post 1999 type of extinguisher class type of fire water foam wet chemical co2 dry chemical vaporising liquid a ordinary combustibles wood, paper etc 3 yes most suitable 3 yes 3 yes 3 yes not very suitable 3 yes be powders not suitable 3 yes b flammable liquids 2 no 3 yes special foam. Fire is the rapid oxidation of any combustible material. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Other extinguishers can put out several different types of fires, such as types, a, b, and c. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. Choosing the right fire extinguisher marsden fire safety. Fire extinguishers are available in different types, with each one having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on. Carbon dioxide co 2 a trash wood paper b liquids grease c electrical equipment a trash wood paper b liquids grease c electrical equipment fire extinguisher types cont. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. Also located on the fire extinguisher label is the ul. If you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on the wrong class of.