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Often, someone who needs a fire extinguisher will buy an ABC fire extinguisher without giving much thought to the actual fire hazards they need to protect against. When buying fire extinguishers, you need to know several things about extinguishers in order to make an informed decision, specifically, the fire class you need to protect against and special conditions you need to consider (computer electronics, for example).

Classes of fire extinguishers

When it comes to fire extinguishers, there are five classes of fires: A, B, C, D, and K.

Class A – Fire extinguishers rated for Class A fires have a green triangle with an “A” in the center as well as a pictogram of a garbage can and wood burning. These extinguishers are used to put out fires for common combustibles like paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics (materials that leave ash when burnt, hence, the “A”). Class B – Fire extinguishers rated for Class B fires have a red square with a “B” in the center as well as a pictogram of a gasoline can with a burning puddle. These extinguishers are used to extinguish fires for flammable liquids like gasoline, lubricating oil, diesel fuel, and many organic solvents found in laboratories (things found in barrels, hence “B”). Class C – Fire extinguishers rated for Class C fires have a blue circle with a “C” in the center as well as a pictogram of an electric plug with a burning outlet. These extinguishers are used to extinguish electrical fires for energized electrical equipment, electric motors, circuit panels, switches, and tools (“C” for current-electrical). Class D – Fire extinguishers rated for Class D fires have a yellow pentagram (star) with a “D” in the center as well as a pictogram of a burning gear and bearing. These extinguishers are used to extinguish fires from metals and metal alloys like titanium, sodium, and magnesium. Class K – Class K fire extinguishers are used specifically for cooking fires from grease, fat, and cooking oil (“K” for kitchen). You can get fire extinguishers with a single class rating or multiple fire class ratings (ABC or BC, for example).

Fire extinguishing materials

Fire extinguishers use different materials for extinguishing fires. When choosing your extinguisher, you need to determine what type of fire you may be fighting and then choose the best extinguishing material for your application.

Water: Water, or APW, extinguishers use pressurized water to extinguish fires. APW extinguishers can only be used for Class A fires (combustibles such as paper, cloth, etc.); they cannot be used for putting out other classes of fires. Dry chemical: Dry chemicals are used to extinguish A-, B-, C-, or D-type fires. They work by putting a fine layer of chemical dust on the material that is burning. Dry chemical extinguishers are very effective at putting out fires. However, dry chemical extinguishers can be abrasive and corrosive to electronics and certain other materials. Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide works by removing oxygen from the immediate vicinity of the fire. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are only ever used for B (flammable liquid) and C (electrical fires) extinguishers. For computer, medical and scientific equipment, and aircraft electronics, carbon dioxide would be a better choice than dry chemical extinguishers because a carbon dioxide extinguisher leaves no residue. Metal/sand: Some class D fire extinguishers use metal or sand, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) or powdered copper metal, to smother fires from metals and metal alloys.
Special applications

Some fire hazards require specialized extinguishers. Here are a few examples of those applications.

Metal or sand extinguishers are used to put out class D (metal and metal alloy) fires:

Salt (sodium chloride–NaCl) is the most commonly used material in metal/sand extinguishers. NaCl extinguishers work well with fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium, alloys of potassium and sodium, uranium, and powdered aluminum. Sodium carbonate extinguishers are also used on fires involving sodium, potassium, and alloys of potassium and sodium. Where stress corrosion of stainless steel is a consideration, this type of fire extinguisher would be a better choice than an NaCl extinguisher. Powdered copper (Cu) metal is used for fires involving lithium and lithium alloys. Graphite powder extinguishers are used on lithium fires as well as fires that involve high-melting-point metals like titanium and zirconium. Sodium-bicarbonate-based extinguishers are used on fires involving metal alkyls and pyrophoric liquids. Halotron I is a clean agent replacement for Halon 1211, which was banned from use due to its ozone depleting properties. Halotron I extinguishers are used for extinguishing fires in computer rooms, clean rooms, and where telecommunications equipment or electronics are present. Halotron leaves no residue and is nonconducting but is more expensive than carbon dioxide. It should be noted that Halotron I will no longer be produced after 2015.

FE-36 (CleanGuard) extinguishers are another clean agent replacement for Halon 1211. FE-36 extinguishers are less toxic than Halon 1211 and Halotron I and reportedly have no ozone-depleting potential. FE-36 is also used for fires in computer rooms, clean rooms, and where telecommunications equipment or electronics are present. Unlike Halotron I, FE-36 is not planned for phase-out.

Nonmagnetic fire extinguishers: Wherever strong magnets are in use, for example, near magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (NMRSs), nonmagnetic fire extinguishers should be chosen. The strong magnetic fields generated by this type of equipment can cause steel cylinder fire extinguishers to fly across a room with deadly force.

It is important to ensure that you have the proper fire extinguishers for your environment or potential fire dangers. It can be the difference between whether your fire is eliminated or causes a catastrophy.

Not everyone going in and out of your place of business would be familiar with escape routes or fire extinguisher locations. After all, your customers and clients did not go there thinking that, “Hey, a fire might occur in this place today, I better check out where the nearest fire exit is!” Your employees who have been working for you for quite some time now may know where these things are; but you can bet that in times of an emergency, when most people are likely to panic, they would probably forget about where the fire exit or the fire extinguisher is. For this reason, it is only right that you install fire safety signs, which are truly crucial for fire emergencies.

Safety signs should be made of photoluminscent materials that can be seen even during low light conditions. These signs indicate locations of emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment such as extinguishers and the fire hose, stairs, exit routes, hazards, and so on. Extinguisher signs are some of the most important signs that you should have in your business area. In the event of a fire, people’s first reaction would be to decide whether to fight or flee. If you have trained employees to use extinguishers, they will need to be able to locate these tools as fast as possible. An extinguisher sign would make it easier for them to do just that.

Additionally, fire extinguisher signs such as the fire extinguisher chart clearly delineate the different types of extinguishers as well as the classes of fire they are suitable to tackle. The different types of extinguishers include water, foam, powder, CO2 and wet chemical. Water is for class A fires. Foam can tackle class B, or those that involve flammable liquids. Multi-purpose powder fights off class A, B and C. Class C result from flammable gases. C02 is the only one safe to use for electrical fires. Lastly, wet chemical is for grease or cooking oil fires that are typically found in kitchens.

Other types of fire extinguishers signs are those that specify the kind of extinguisher and what class of fire it is designed to fight off. For example, above a water extinguisher, you could install a water extinguisher sign that clearly states that the specified extinguisher is to be used for class A, or those that involve paper, wood, and cloth. This sign should also spell out that said extinguisher should not be used for electrical, grease, and flammable liquid and gas fires.

Fire extinguisher signs surely are vital tools that are especially useful during emergencies. These fire safety signs, which every business area should be equipped with, are widely available in the online market. Just be sure that you find a reputable online store that has proven track record and good customer feedback and reviews. Before buying from just any store, read terms and conditions, study policies on shipping, and inspect product descriptions carefully

Training Employees on the proper way to use fire extinguishers in the workplace is a pivotal part of any safety training program. Portable fire extinguishers are a handy and effective way to put out small fires but it’s extremely important that employees are comfortable in their use. In an emergency situation, the familiarity will lead to a quick response and a successful result. The following are the most important points in the use of fire extinguishers.

The best way to fight fires is to prevent them. Putting out fires with an extinguisher can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Fires start with heat and can be started with anything that generates heat. Once a fire has started it generates more heat and as long as it has oxygen and fuel, it will continue to grow. Fuels can include paper, wood and some metals or flammable liquids and ignitable gases. It’s the vapors coming off of a substance mixed with oxygen in the air that burn. Since fire is a chain reaction between heat, fuel and oxygen, when one of these is removed the fire will stop.

You need to know what classes of fires might occur at your facility, so that you can use the correct fire extinguisher to fight them. Fires are divided into four classes – A, B, C, and D. Class A fires are fueled by “ordinary” combustible materials like paper, cardboard and wood. Water, foam and some dry chemicals can be used to extinguish Class A fires. Class B fires are fueled by ignitable gases and liquids such as gasoline or propane. Dry chemical, foam and carbon dioxide extinguishers are used on these fires. Class C fires involve live electrical hazards. Class C fires are extinguished by nonconductive extinguishing agents that prevent electrocution, however it’s always best to cut the electricity before extinguishing them. Class D fires are fueled by combustible metals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium and are extremely dangerous. Class D fire extinguishers must be used to extinguish them.

Fire extinguishers need to be mounted in plain sight and checked regularly and inspected every year. Extinguishers need to be ready to be used at any time. Never place an extinguisher in a closet, on the floor or behind anything. When a fire starts you want to be able to reach the extinguisher in seconds. OSHA and local and state ordinances require that fire extinguishers be kept near any fire hazard and the DOT requires them in commercial vehicles. Extinguishers need to be checked once a month if they are kept indoors and once a week if they are outdoors. Never test an extinguisher to see if it’s working. This could cause it to lose pressure. Check the extinguisher for corrosion, that the nose and horn are in good shape and unobstructed, the pressure gauge shows full and the locking pin and tamper seal are in place. Lastly, make sure that a professional technician checks all of your extinguishers annually.

Sound the alarm and call 911 before using a fire extinguisher. Always make sure no one is in danger and the authorities have been notified before beginning the process. In addition, closing nearby doors and windows will limit the fire’s supply of oxygen.

Always have an escape plan and know when the fire has become too dangerous. If a fire is behind a closed door – never open it!! Smoke inhalation kills more people than fires, so if the smoke becomes strong, leave quickly. Be especially aware of fires with plastic and other poisonous materials. This type of smoke can kill you in a couple of breaths. Make sure you know your escape route blindfolded. The smoke can obstruct your view and effectively blind you. Remember the P.A.S.S. method. Make sure the extinguisher is upright then do the following.

Pull the extinguisher’s pin Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the trigger Sweep from side to side, with a slow steady motion

Lastly, talk to your local Fire Department about training. Many times they offer hands-on training.

Although fire fighting isn’t in most job descriptions, the proper training can prevent a catastrophe. Make sure that all of your employees are familiar with the fire extinguishers in your buildings and facilities. It may just save a life.

Water is one of the most efficient fire extinguisher types. They should only be used on Class A fires including Paper, wood, fabrics, furniture, etc.

A water fire extinguisher is solid red in colour with a hose and nozzle attached, so you can direct a stream of water at the bottom of the fire. As water conducts electricity, water fire extinguishers shouldn’t be used near exposed to live electricity cables. Water extinguishers are best kept alongside a CO2 extinguisher so the risk of electrical fires is covered in your building. Water extinguishers work by extinguishing the flames and soaking (cooling) the materials in the fire.

As with water, AFFF foam works on Class A fires but can also extinguish class B / flammable liquid fires. When sprayed onto a fire, AFFF foam extinguishes and smothers the flames, then seals in any dangerous vapours under the surface of foam. Foam also penetrates porous materials and cools the fire as the water in the foam evaporates. As the foam extinguisher is non-conductive and tested to the BS EN3 35,000V dielectric test, they may be used near but not on live electrical equipment. Foam fire extinguishers can be distinguished by their cream colour coded panel.

Carbon dioxide or Co2 fire extinguishers are safe to use on electrical fires. The Co2 gas is non-conductive and does not leave a residue behind that will effect the future performance of electrical equipment unlike foam or powder extinguishers. These fire extinguisher types are also effective on Class B fires (flammable liquids). Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are distinguished by a black panel on the extinguisher body and by their horn which is to be pointed at the fire but not held in case of a freeze burn. Some newer co2 fire extinguisher types have frost free horns as an added safety feature. The most frequent extinguisher mix for efficient fire fighting is a water or foam alongside a CO2 extinguisher.

Dry powder fire extinguishers are the most flexible fire extinguisher types and are able to extinguish Flammable solids, liquids, gasses and electrical fires. These are often recommended for use on vehicles and in the home, but although they are multi purpose, powder fire extinguishers are not recommended for use in enclosed spaces, or on sensitive electrical equipment if other more suitable types of extinguisher are available. Powder fire extinguishers can be distinguished by their blue panel, and work by smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition

Wet chemical fire extinguishers have been designed specifically for extinguishing deep fat cooking fires. (Class F fires). Before the creation of wet chemical extinguishers, most industrial kitchens had foam or powder extinguishers, however normal fire extinguisher types such as these can aggravate a cooking fat fire as they cannot lower the temperature of oil risking re-ignition, and can make hot oil splash up on contact with the extinguishing agent.

When operated, a wet chemical extinguisher cools the flames and fat, and smothers the hot fat to prevent re-ignition. A wet chemical fire extinguisher has a yellow panel on its body and a long lance used to safely distribute the extinguishing agent at a distance. This specialist fire extinguisher is not intended for use on electrical equipment, but has passed the BSi 35kv conductivity test in case inadvertently used.

The right bucket for the right type of fire – this is the rule when it comes to selecting an extinguisher. Contrary to what most people may be aware of, not all fires can be nor should be put out using water or water based fire extinguishers. The powder fire extinguisher is an extremely versatile device for putting out at least three classes or types of fires A, B & C. Class A would be fires caught on fabric, paper and wood. Class B are flammable fluids such as alcohol and Class C would be electrical equipment. If you think any one of these three would be something you need to watch out for, then this bucket may be for you!

There are a few common things that you cant use ths extinguisher for such as cooking oil fire, which rarely happens in the household. (This needs a wet chemical fire extinguisher). For your business if it isn’t a restaurant, then the powder fire extinguisher takes out a good number of fires around you. Whether it be your desk or desktop that is caught on fire, this one can take it out safety and effectively. This is why this type of fire extinguisher is ideal for meeting the Fire Risk Assessment standards under the Fire Safety Order (2005). A versatile fire safety device indeed.

In using this type of extinguisher, make sure that you follow the safety and operating instructions to the letter. It helps of course to consult with your local fire marshall and make you, your family and office members undergo the fire training. Fortunately enough, this type of extinguisher is only mildly corrosive to our skin and household objects unlike the output of the co2 fire extinguisher and the wet chemical fire extinguisher which can cause quite a bit of harm when you make contact with its contents.

As per instructions, it is safe to use on Classes A, B & C. For Class A & B, simply pull the pin, aim and shoot. Stand a few meters away and watch the powder take out the flame. For Class C which is electrical fire, make sure that you aim at a fire without a live current. If possible, shut down the electricity first before spraying to prevent reignition. Even so, watch the site where the fire started and be wary of it going live again – as fires may reignite due to its high temperatures. DO NOT use for restaurant cooking oil fires – as the high temperatures will outdo the output of the powder fire extinguisher. If you own a restaurant, you are probably required to have a wet chemical extinguisher for this purpose.

Remember to use the right bucket for the right kind of fire. Get educated on the different classes of fires and get to know them a bit more in detail. In this sense, it is helpful to consult with your local fire station and / or a reputable fire safety equipment dealer. This way, you will be able to know which equipments will work best for you.

Recently moved into a new home? Whether you built it from scratch, remodeled or refurnished an already standing house or simply moved in, and after making sure that basic necessities, such as water and electricity, are provided for, next is that you must see to it that your new home is the safest as any home will get for you and your family. At least one person you know will give the recommendation that you install a carbon monoxide alarm. You will be needing two or more if you happen to have a big and/or multi-storey house.

The Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide is, as known to a handful, a gaseous substance that is colorless, tasteless and odorless. It occurs naturally and is present almost anywhere but in very low levels. It is produced when combustible materials like gasoline or wood do not completely burn. Aside from being almost impossible to detect, it has one of the worst characteristics that a gaseous substance may possess. It is very poisonous. It can kill even the healthiest of adult humans, although it only becomes lethal when present in high concentrations. The air gets saturated with carbon monoxide when ventilation in a closed area is poor or non-existent. The simplest and most common of household appliances, like your gas range, produce this gas, and if left unchecked and allowed to accumulate due to poor ventilation, your daily essential routine to survive becomes your slow suicide without you neither even knowing nor noticing it.

Early Warning Device
Given that human senses are useless in detecting this noxious gas, a very worthy purchase would be a detector that will alert you of a build up even before deleterious levels are reached. Install one properly and in accordance to product specifications. Make sure as well that you are able to hear the alarm even when you are in deep slumber. Never ignore the alarm once it goes off do not wait for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning to appear, assuming you know what they are, before you rush out for medical aid. Even if you have an idea on what the symptoms are and on how to treat yourself, chances are you will be too late to give yourself first aid. In the amazing occurrence that you are gifted with superhuman senses, it still would not hurt to be prepared. Better safe than sorry, as they say.

The follow through with buying and installing carbon monoxide detectors is to purchase a CO2 fire extinguisher for your home. Slightly rough on the pocket but highly reliable when it comes to saving everything you own, including your own life. The incomplete combustion that produces the carbon monoxide may become complete. Complete combustion of combustibles is no other than what is more commonly known as fire. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are efficient in putting out flames caused by flammable liquids, like gasoline and oil, or electrical equipment. The downside though is that this type of fire equipment may not be as effective when putting out flames caused by ordinary combustibles, like wood and paper, which fortunately will be easily controlled by good old fashioned fire fighting: douse the flame with water.