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Posts Tagged ‘Fire Equipment’

There is always a need to place different fire protection equipment in buildings or even in average houses. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire hoses-all of them must be properly situated in every appropriately visible corner. These safety equipment pieces are few of the bases that local authorities use for inspection and approval of old and new buildings. It is also important that all of them are functional and in good condition.

Aside from the fire equipment mentioned above, an extinguisher is one of the most essential. This devise is mainly used to control or put out a small to mid-sized fire. When properly used, it can prevent a small fire to become a more disastrous one and reduce the risk of a larger, serious damage.

However, it is also as important to know the different fire extinguisher types.

1. Water- This type of extinguisher contains water and compressed gas. It acts to reduce the burning fuel to below its ignition temperature. It is very efficient and cost effective to combat Class A fires that are ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, textiles, plastics, cardboard, and rubber.

2. Foam- This extinguisher contains a concentrate mixture and water. When discharged, the mixture produces foam and provides a blanket covering to flammable liquid or carbonaceous fire, thus, reducing the ability of fuel to continue burning. Foam extinguishers are effective against Class A and B fires involving combustible and flammable liquids such as papers, woods, textiles, plastics, rubber, petrol, oil, paints, kerosene, and common organic solvents used in the laboratory.

3. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP’s) – This is the most commonly used extinguisher suitable for many types of fires. It contains an extinguishing agent and a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant. Also when discharged, the non-flammable material becomes a blanket on the extinguished material which reduces reignition.

There are two kinds of dry chemical extinguishers-Type BC which contains sodium or potassium bicarbonate and Type ABC which contains ammonium phosphate.

4. Wet Chemical- This type produces a fine spray that contains aqueous solution best for Class A or F (also known as Class K) fires. Class F or K is classified as kitchen fire which involves various oil and fats found in the kitchen. The agents found in this specific extinguisher, on the other hand, form a blanket when reacted with the burning oil or fat. This blanket creates a saionifying action, changing the burning liquid to a soap-like substance, thus extinguishing the flame.

5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – This extinguisher is recommended for use and is suitable for Class B and C fires involving flammable liquids and electrical hazards. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid and cools the surrounding air as it expands. The cooling effect, then, produces the gas that extinguishes the fire. However, be careful not to use this to Class D fires or combustible metals as CO2 may react with these materials.

Distinguishing the proper fire extinguisher types and their uses will secure not just the place but also many lives. It is important, therefore, to put these into consideration.

There are a range of fire extinguishers available which offer assistance in controlling the risk of fire. In the United Kingdom, all workplaces are required to provide and maintain this fire equipment in their premises to safeguard fire safety and prevention in the country. Probably, one of the most commonly seen extinguishers in work areas and homes is the CO2 fire extinguisher. This model can be distinguished by its red casing that comes with a black panel to indicate that it contains carbon dioxide. In using this type of extinguisher, you initially need to be learn what type of fires it is specifically intended for and how to properly use it in the most efficient manner.

A carbon dioxide extinguisher can probably work on most fires. These include fires that originate from flammable liquids and gases in addition with fires that are caused by electricity. Flammable liquids will usually comprise of grease, fats, oil, paint and petrol. On the other hand, gases that can cause fires include propane, methane and propylene. This substance doesn’t usually work well with Class A fires which include combustible materials such as plastic, cardboard and wood as they are not able to displace enough oxygen which is necessary for the fire to be put out. These models are also not suitable to be used for fires from flammable metals as it cannot put out the fire but actually increase the rate of reaction.

CO2 extinguisher contains a liquid substance and is highly pressurized. The pressure is so intense that once it is sprayed into the air, the liquid can convert into a dry mist or ice that can shoot out the nozzle which covers the fire.

If you are already able to distinguish the type of fire to extinguish and need this type of extinguisher to put it out, you need follow these steps:

o You can start by aiming for the base of the flames where the burning material is.
o Pull out the plastic tag to release the trigger.
o Position the discharge horn in a right angle with the use of your body and support it well. Remember that you should not hold the horn with your hand as it may get cold and frozen in place while you are handling the case.
o If you are unable to put out the fire, do not take your chances and leave immediately and contact the proper authorities.

There are various types of fire extinguishers that are purposely designed to combat different classes of fires. With this fact, it is important that an individual is well-informed on how each of these types of extinguishers are distinctively used to ensure that it is utilized properly and effectively to prevent further mistakes that can lead to a destructive outcome brought about by a fire breakout. This also holds true for the use of a CO2 fire extinguisher. The more informed you are on how to use it properly; the better your chances are of saving your life.

It does not mean that when you see the fire extinguishers, they are all the same. They have various kinds because they have a specific kind of material for you to use them. This is one way of making sure that you would be able to put out the fire no matter what kind of item is burning. One of the fire prevention tips is to have at fire safety equipment in an establishment. It is the call of the owner on what to put in his building.

However, some of the owners place water foam extinguishers and even CO2 fire extinguishers just to make sure that they would be able to put out the fire as it starts. If you really plan to put various fire extinguishers in your building, you have to make sure that the tenants or the employees knows how to use it and for which items. Some of the fire extinguishers may not put out the fire especially if the extinguisher is not for that item.

For example, obviously a car fire extinguisher is for the automobile and not for outdoor use. Others may risk using the stated extinguisher to put out other kinds of fire but there is no assurance that it will put out the fire. You have to do some research on the different kinds of fire extinguishers to know what kind of dire you would have to use it. Going to the fire station and asking help for this is also okay. This enables you to have that acquaintance with these modern day heroes. They risk their lives so that you can live yours.

More so, there is always that chance to build a new friendship even though you do not see them in action that often. Once you see their equipment and know what each is for, they may even invite you to hang around and perhaps allow you to get into the action when there is one. Even though you feel nervous once you see the fire, you know that this is just one of the many times that these people have to battle with. They really make that effort to search the building to make sure that there is no one inside.

The fire extinguisher is one of the most popular fire fighting equipment that you get to see almost every day. The government should implement the fire safety rules as strict as possible to save more lives rather than just having such rules just to say that they have one. It is a recommendation that the local government too has surprise visits to the establishments or companies to make sure that everything is ready in case the unwanted happens. They may even issue other fire extinguishers so that the company is readier when the fire hits them. Adding a sprinkler system is yet another way to put out the fire easily instead of just waiting for the firefighters to arrive. Try to do your part to ensure the safety of your people.