All you ever wanted to know about fire extinguishers. Download free mep calculation excel sheets, autocad drawings, and training courses for hvac, firefighting, plumbing and electrical systems design. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your house or business premises, or you may not meet current regulations the various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel these are called classes of fire. Remove the power and the class c fire becomes one of the other classes of fire. Two courses introducing the types of fire extinguishers, classes of fire and fire triangle. After you have viewed all of the pages, you will be asked to take a post test. Each class of fire is effectively put out by an extinguisher class with which it correlates, i. Most fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which types of fire the extinguisher is designed to fight. Class a fires are defined as ordinary combustibles. Before attempting to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher it is important to check that it is fully charged fig. Wood, fabric, paper, trash,and plastics are common sources of class a fires. A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. What fire is causes of fire importance of portable fire extinguishers classifications of fire types of portable fire extinguishers visual inspection how to use a portable fire extinguisher rules for fighting fires reporting an emergency.
Per nfpa 10, burning may be classified into one or more of the following fire classes and your fire protection specialist will select the right fire extinguisher size and agent for the hazard. An apw water extinguisher is safe to use on an electrical fire. The most current issue of nfpa10 should be consulted for minimum recommended fire extinguisher types, placement and travel distances. Each type of fire extinguisher is suitable for different types of burning media and will have a fire rating based on the volume of fire that they are capable of extinguishing. Extinguishers suitable for more than one of the three classes of fire defined above may be identified by multiple symbols abc.
Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. Class c fires flammable gases under pressure including liquefied gases. Fire classes type water afff foam abc powder c0 2 wet. Fire is the rapid oxidation of any combustible material. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are designed for which types of fuels. You can fight the fire with your back to a safe escape route. Generally the extinguishing agent is referred to as dry chemical. Types of extinguishers cont dry chemical dry chemical is the most widely used type of fire extinguisher and is also recognized as a multipurpose abc fire. Identifying fire extinguisher types and classes fire extinguishers have always been the simplest and most recognizable form of fire suppression. Fire extinguisher guide total fire safety fire safety. A class a extinguisher is typically either a pressurized can of water that can be sprayed on a fire or a container of water with a pump mechanism. How to use a portable fire extinguisher brought to you by. For kitchens, garages and vehicles, choose an extinguisher rated bc.
Know what to do if you find a fire be able to correctly and safely select and use a fire extinguisher. You dont want to mistakenly use a bc extinguisher on a class a fire, thinking that it was an abc extinguisher. What are the 5 different classes of fire and what type of. Every proposal, every installation and all maintenance performed on every fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing system should strive to complete and maintain this triangle concept. Todays most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on class a, b and c fires. Portable fire extinguisher fire equipment manufacturers association. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. I have identified things i feel are important points for you to learn from this presentation.
Fire extinguisher locations fire extinguishers are located throughout the workplace and readily accessible in the event of a fire. To get an overview of what state fire codes are based on and if states have made enhancements to fire codes visit the interactive fire safety map. For general living areas, choose a fire extinguisher rated abc. There various classes to fires from a to f each which their own properties. Fire extinguisher training yale emergency management. Use the right type of extinguisher for fighting the fire. A class a fire extinguisher is marked with a green triangle containing the letter a. Every state has a state fire code with a section on fire extinguisher requirements. Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is in its early stages you dont know what is burning. Although it is not recognised as a separate class of fire in europe, electrical fires that involve live equipment and electrical sources are also a type. You have had training in use of the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively. Typically, fire extinguishers are fairly easy to use in the case of a fire. Fire extinguishers safety training handout extinguishers are classed by the type fire they can put out. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel these are called classes of fire.
Knowing the classes of fire will help you choose the appropriate extinguisher. Fire is a rapid chemical reaction of oxidant with fuel. Pull the pin aim at base of fire squeeze the handle sweep from side to side types. There are various different types of fire extinguishers ranging from water to wet chemicals. Types of fire extinguishers and their uses cscs health. This type of fire burns with an ember, leaves an ash, and is best extinguished by removing the heat side of the triangle.
An alternative method of extinguishing a class a fire is. Class c fires involve live electrical equipment and require the use of an extinguishing agent andor extinguisher that will not conduct electricity back to the fire. Types of fire extinguisher in australia all you need to. However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly. Portable fire extinguisher types and use before you ever use a portable. Free downloads and resources fire extinguishers save.
On the basis of the type of fuel, fires are classified into the following class a fires solid combustible materials of organic nature such as wood, paper, rubber, plastics, etc. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types in australia water, foam, dry powder, co2 and wet chemical. It is not intended for use on an outofcontrol fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user i. Type of extinguishers and the classes of fire for which they can be used. Pull the pin aim at base of fire squeeze the handle sweep from side to side types of fires. Our online fire extinguisher trivia quizzes can be adapted to suit your requirements for taking some of the top fire extinguisher quizzes. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal. Below is an overview of each type of fire extinguisher including its. Identifying fire extinguisher types and classes piper. Though all fires have the potential to endanger lives and destroy businesses, it is important to recognise the differences between the various types, known as fire classes.
Your local amerex fire equipment distributor is professionally equipped to help you evaluate and implement these recommendations. Class b fires generally involve materials that boil or bubble. Operational safety rules for fire extinguisher use are. They are essentially 2 12 gallon water extinguishers with a fffp foam additive. These types are fires use commonly flammable material as their fuel source. For example, a simple water extinguisher might have a label like this, which means it should only be used on class a fires. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. For example the number in front of the a classification is the rating and indicates how much water the extinguisher is equivalent to, and. It cannot be known which extinguisher or which system will be depended upon to operate in a fire incident. Unless you know what is burning, you wont know what type of fire extinguisher to use. The following table illustrates the types of extinguishers, fire classes for which each is used and the limitations of each extinguisher. Use a fire extinguisher that is approved for the class of fire. Fire extinguisher tips when choosing a fire extinguisher, bigger is always better. Show students samples of the different types of extinguisher classifications.
Some extinguishers are classified for only one type of fire, others may be classified for multiple types of fires. Class of fire extinguisher is appropriate for instructions on use. A class c fire is extinguished with a dry chemical, which does not conduct electricity. This extinguisher removes the chemical reaction of a fire, and is the most used of all fire extinguishers because of its versatility across multiple classes. All fire extinguisher use will be reported to the program administrator 5. This leads to some fire extinguishers to be suitable for certain types of fires that may occur.
Class a extinguishers are for use only on class a fires. The class of a fire is determined by the type of fuel that is burning, and how these fire are tackled varies depending on its class. Fire extinguisher classes fires are identified using a classification system. A comprehensive database of more than 16 fire extinguisher quizzes online, test your knowledge with fire extinguisher quiz questions. That is ordinary combustibles like you, paper, wood,plastic, cardboard, clothing, linen and many other materials. Some extinguishers are combination types that can be used on several different types of fires. The five classes of fires and the fire extinguishers that stop them. Class d fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium. Fire extinguisher types and fire classes in australia. For extinguisher use on a class d fire, the relative effectiveness is detailed on the extinguisher nameplate for the specific combustible metal fire for which it is recommended. Your extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting, and is in good working order. The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous or life threatening. Represent the types of fire or class, for which the extinguisher has been approved for. Fire extinguishers are categorized by the types of fires they can extinguish and the size of the fire they are capable of extinguishing.
This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on class a fires. A fire incident is the ultimate test of the triangle. Youve got to choose the right fire extinguisher for the job. This is essentially the common accidental fire encountered across several different industries. When using this type of extinguisher on a class b fire, you must be careful to avoid. This is produced as a guide, always check manufacturers recommendations for use and suitability. A disadvantage is the mess the chemical makes when ejected from the extinguisher. Each class identifies the type of fuel involved and allows appropriate fire extinguisher media to be identified. The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your home or your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types you need.
An abc extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating that it may be used on class a, b and c fires. Does your building require fire extinguishers throughout. The class, quantity, and placement of fire extinguishers. You can usually find them in hallways, laundry rooms, meeting rooms, kitchens, mechanicalelectrical rooms, and near exit doors. Classes of fire types of fire extinguishers city of marshall. Water, carbon dioxide and dry chemical will extinguish this type of fire. When you run a business, you are responsible for the safety of your employees and. The fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it started. Fire class of extinguisher extinguisher fire it limitations type extinguishes comments dry chemical a, b, c generally good for use in roofing. Pdf guide to fire classes elite fire protection ltd. The chemical is a very fine powder that smothers the fire when applied.
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