Fire extinguishers are portable emergency devices designed to suppress or extinguish small fires by spraying a fire-suppressing substance onto the flames. They are an essential fire safety equipment in homes, businesses, and various public spaces. A fire extinguisher typically comes with a cylindrical pressure vessel designed to discharge the chemicals on fires. These site safety tools are ideal for small-scale fires that do not require expertise or professionals. Fire extinguishers come in different weight capacities, volumes, weights, and mounting configurations to meet the requirements of different applications. Additionally, ensure the installation or mounting of fire extinguishers in clearly visible and easy-to-access spaces to tackle the situation during emergencies easily.
Fire Extinguishers for Vehicles
A fire extinguisher for vehicles is designed to prevent and control fires in cars, trucks, and other types of vehicles. They typically use dry chemical agents that can effectively extinguish various types of fires, including those fueled by flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and combustible materials. Vehicle fire extinguishers come in multiple sizes and mounting options to accommodate different types of vehicles and user preferences. Some are designed for easy installation on walls or brackets within the vehicle, while others are handheld for quick and easy use during an emergency.
Most Common Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers come in various types (classes) based on combatting specific types of fires. The most common fire extinguisher types include:
- Water Extinguishers (Class A) – These extinguishers contain pressurised water and are suitable for fires involving common combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. They are not effective against flammable liquids or electrical fires.
- Dry Chemical Extinguishers (Class ABC) – These are versatile extinguishers that use a dry chemical powder to extinguish fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and electrical fires (Class C). Dry powder fire extinguishers are among the most commonly used extinguishers.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers (Class BC) – CO2 extinguishers use carbon dioxide gas to displace oxygen and suffocate the fire. They are effective for flammable liquid fires (Class B) and electrical fires (Class C). They leave no residue but must be used with caution in confined spaces due to the potential for oxygen depletion.
- Foam Extinguishers (Class AB) – Foam extinguishers discharge a foam solution that suppresses and cools the fire. They are ideal for fires involving flammable liquids (Class B) and ordinary combustibles (Class A).
- Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Class K) – Wet chemical extinguishers are explicitly designed to extinguish fires involving cooking oils and fats (Class K). They use a specialised solution to cool and saponify the hot oils, creating a blanket-like barrier that prevents re-ignition.
- Clean Agent Extinguishers (Class BC) – These extinguishers use non-conductive, gaseous agents like Halon, Halotron, or other clean agents to suppress fires involving electrical equipment (Class C) and flammable liquids (Class B). They are also suitable for computer server rooms and other sensitive electronic environments.
Tips for Proper Operation of Fire Extinguishers
When using a fire extinguisher, it's essential to remember the acronym "PASS" for proper operation. These letters denote specific meanings, such as:
- Pull - Unlock the extinguisher by pulling a pin.
- Aim - Aim the nozzle at the firebase–not at the flames.
- Squeeze - Squeeze the handle to discharge the chemical agent.
- Sweep - Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side while aiming at the base of the fire until the flames are fully extinguished.
Typical Applications of Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is a must-have site safety device for scenarios where there is a risk of fires. Some typical environments where fire extinguishers find applications include:
- Residential Facilities
- Commercial and Industrial Settings
- Vehicles
- Petrol and Diesel Pumps
- Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
- Hotels and Restaurants
- Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
- Construction Sites
- Laboratories
- Warehouses and Storage Facilities
