Fire Extinguisher Safety

 


What is the right fire extinguisher for the fire you might have to fight?  Are you aware that there are 5 different classes of fire extinguishers?  Depending on the type of fire, will depend on the class of fire extinguisher to use.

Class A fire extinguishers are used for fighting fires like paper, wood, fabric and plastics.  Most of these types of fires can be put out with water or a dry substance known as monoammonium phosphate, which is in ABC type of fire extinguishers.  A class A fire extinguisher can be an extinguisher filled with water and pressured up with air.

Class B fire extinguishers are for fighting fires that are from flammable liquids like gas, oils or paints. Flammable gases like propane and butane can also be fought with class B type of fire extinguishers. 

Class C fire extinguishers are to fight electrical fires.  As you are aware you would never want to fight an electrical fire with water, you would want to use a substance that is nonconductive to stop this type of fire.

Class D fire extinguishers are used in fighting fires from combustible metals like aluminum, potassium, titanium, or magnesium.  Most of this type of fire can occur in laboratory type environments.  Class D fires require a type of dry chemical that will smother this fire.

Class K fire extinguishers are used in cooking related fires.  The issue with cooking type of fires, is that they are commonly made from grease and can spread easily, unless it is smothered.  Class K extinguishers are meant for these types of fires and are effective in smothering and stopping these fires.

The most common fire extinguisher that is used unless you deal with metals of cooking, is an ABC fire extinguisher.  These extinguishers can be used in A, B, and C type of fires and are a dry chemical known as monoammonium phosphate. 

If the fire is at a start, you might be able to use the extinguisher to put out the fire.  In larger fires, remember fire extinguishers are there to help you and others escape and not put the fire out.  It is better to be safe than hoping that a fireman will come save you.

There are a variety of sizes of fire extinguishers, depending on the person who might need to use the extinguisher, you will want to make sure they can lift it and be able to use it to escape.  It is important to train everyone in the use of fire extinguishers, as there could be that day when only one person is in the office and will need to use the extinguisher.

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