Essential Information On The Common Types Of Fire Fighting Equipment

By Author: Jo Alelsto
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Fire extinguishers are the most common fire fighting equipment used in homes and commercial and industrial establishments. There are different types of extinguishers, each corresponding to a different class of fire. Fires are grouped into four different classes or categories. Class A fires originate from paper and wood. Class B fires occur due to flammable liquids, while class C are those of flammable gases. Fires due to metals are classified under Class D. Notice that the classification doesn't include electrically induced fire and that is because such type of fire can fall in any of the mentioned categories. Water based extinguishers can put out fire caused by electrical mishaps but electricity must be cut first to avoid electrocution of responders.

Immediate action upon the discovery of a fire is imperative but not everyone knows what to do during such an urgent situation. A fire can ravage quickly and destroy property in minutes without appropriate containment and extinguishing measures. The immediate action is to vacate the area and prompt people to go to safer areas, in most cases that would be outside ...
... the premises. Without an internal fire response team, the next appropriate action is to call a fire brigade. In urgency like this, prompt response is crucial because fire can spread very rapidly and even a few seconds of delay can cost a tremendous loss. Fire is a danger in itself because. Burning objects release toxic fumes that could render trapped people unconscious. Gases like carbon monoxide can get lodged in a confined burning space and asphyxiate people inside.

Different classes of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are so classified to correspond to different types of fire. The color code determines the type of an extinguisher and its corresponding function. The old standard of color coding of fire extinguishers is different than the new one. Water extinguishers, which are suitable for smothering Class A fire, are colored red. Foam based extinguishers used to put out Class A and B fire are now colored red with a cream band seen above instructions label. With dry powder and special powder extinguishers the former French blue colored tank is now replaced by a red tank that has a blue panel. The once complete black tank has now been replaced by a red tank with black panel for CO2 extinguishers. Fire extinguishers using halon and wet chemicals are banned for use in UK. You notice that the new extinguishers now abide by the European standard, all having red tanks with color band indications.

Different Types of Substances Used to Extinguish Flames

Water - Fires on wood or paper (Class A fire) can be easily extinguished by water, which works by lowering ambient temperature and creating a barrier between the burning combustible material and oxygen. Water is also used to prevent spread of fire in surrounding places.

Dry Powder - Since there many types of fire not originating from wooden objects, water alone will not extinguish all types of fire. Dry powder is used where fires are due to flammable liquids like petrol although it is not quite suitable for burning cooking oil and fat. Dry powder extinguishers are also used for fires involving propane, butane, and other flammable gases. They are also suitable for burning electrical equipment.

Carbon dioxide - This gas quickly stifles flames by reducing oxygen contact and being a heavy gas that it is, it quickly settles in lower air levels to form an effective barrier against burning material and oxygen. But a CO2 based extinguisher must not be used in cramped spaces where fumes may be generated to pose danger to a responding team. Nonetheless, it is effective for flames spawned by flammable liquids and electrical equipment.

Foam - This is appropriate for both Class A and B fires.
Jo is a writer for 'Resmar Ltd' (http://www.resmar.co.uk), the number one Marine Safety Equipment supplier among the world's largest shipping industries and other top establishments. If your business is searching for high quality yet fairly priced fire fighting equipment then you should have a look at Resmar Ltd.