Everyone knows that their workplace is required to have fire extinguisher(s), and everyone should know where the nearest one is.
However, most do not realize that a single fire extinguisher does not work on all types of fire. There are many different types, or classes, of fire extinguishers just as there are many different classes of fire.
To achieve true safety for your place of work, you need to ensure that you have the proper extinguisher installed relevant for the potential fire hazards for your building.
QUICK SUMMARY ON FIRE CHEMISTRY AND WHY CLASS MATTERS
First, it helps to get a brief explanation of the basic elements of a fire.
For the purpose of this discussion, five classes of fire will be briefly defined:
- Class A: freely burning, combustible solid materials such as wood or paper
- Class B: flammable liquid or gas
- Class C: energized electrical fire (energized electrical source serves as the ignitor of a class A or B fire – if electrical source is removed, it is no longer a class C fire)
- Class D: metallic fire (titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium)
- Class K: cooking fires – animal or vegetable oils or fats
Regardless of the type of fire, there will always be the same four elements present:
- Fuel
- Heat
- Oxygen
- Chain Reaction
The theory behind portable fire extinguishers is that the fire can be extinguished by removing any one or more of these four elements.
For each class of fire, the fuel, heat source and chain reaction varies, which is why there must be different types of fire extinguishers depending on the class of fire. For instance, while a class A fire can be safely extinguished with water, a class C fire cannot, as water would conduct the electricity and risk harm to the operator.
6 TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
Now that you have a basic understanding of the various types of fire and why different extinguishers are necessary, 6 main types of fire extinguishers and their uses will be discussed:
1. ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher
An ABC powder fire extinguisher has numerous advantages as it is a multi-purpose extinguisher and is therefore one of the most common extinguishers to have on hand.
A powder extinguisher sprays a very fine chemical powder composed most commonly of monoammonium phosphate. This acts to blanket the fire and suffocate it.
Powder extinguishers are effective for class A, B and C fires, since it is not an electrical conductor and since it can effectively break the chain reaction in a liquid or gas fire, something a water extinguisher cannot do.
2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher (CO2) is one of the cleanest types of extinguishers to use as it leaves no residue and requires no cleanup.
The CO2 extinguisher does exactly that – extinguishes CO2. By doing so, it removes oxygen from the fire, effectively suffocating it of oxygen. It is perfect for use on class B fires that involve flammable liquids and on electrical fires.
3. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
The wet chemical extinguisher is a specialized type primarily focused on class K fires, those involving cooking media such as animal and vegetable fats or oils.
These extinguishers contain a solution composed of potassium that effectively launches a two-pronged assault on fires.
First, the liquid mist it sprays acts to cool the fire. Second, due to the chemical reaction of the solution with the cooking medium, a thick soap-like substance forms, sealing the surface of the liquid to prevent re-ignition.
The wet chemical extinguisher, then, is ideal for a kitchen setting and class K fires. However, it can also be effective for class A fires where a material such as wood or paper has caught fire.
4. Water Mist Fire Extinguisher
The most versatile of the set, the water mist extinguisher, uses a newer technology that works across most classes of fire.
This type of extinguisher releases microscopic water molecules that fight the fire on a variety of levels. First, because so much water is dispersed in such a microscopic fog-like form, the level of oxygen in the air is decreased, which helps to suffocate the fire.
Second, the water particles are drawn to the fire and, as water always does, acts to cool it, reducing the temperature.
Finally, and perhaps what is most unique about the water mist extinguishers, is that the water has been de-ionized (the minerals have been removed). As a result, it can actually be used on electrical fires, as the de-ionized water will not act as a conductor, as well as on burning liquids/gases that a standard water extinguisher could not be applied to.
Thus, a water mist extinguisher is safe and effective for use on classes A, B, C and K fires.
5. Foam Fire Extinguisher
Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for class A and the flammable liquids of class B, though not effective for gaseous fires.
They spray a type of foam that expands when it hits the air and blankets the fire. This blanket prevents the vapors from rising off the liquid to feed the fire, thus starving it of fuel. Also, because the foam is mixed with water, it has a cooling effect as well.
Foam extinguishers are some of the best for liquid fires, such as gasoline fires, but can also be used on Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood.
6. Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
A clean agent fire extinguisher is a type of gaseous fire suppression. Stored in its liquid form, when it is sprayed and hits the air, it converts to its gas form which is non-conductive, safe for use while humans are present, leaves no residue, and has a very short atmospheric lifetime, making it eco-friendly.
The gas, often composed of Halon, extinguishes fire by reducing the oxygen levels and impeding the chain reaction. Because it is non-conductive and so clean, it is ideal for rooms or businesses filled with electrical and computer equipment. They are most commonly used for class B and C fires.
MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS PROTECTED
Now that you are more informed, you can investigate your property’s extinguishers to ensure you have the class of extinguisher you would most likely need in case of a fire at your particular facility. Keep in mind, you may need to have different types of extinguishers in different areas of your facility.
However, it is not just about having the proper equipment. If it is not maintained, or your employees are not properly trained, the right equipment could fail or be misused.
To ensure that you have the most ideal fire extinguishers on your premises, as well as to receive proper training and to have your extinguishers properly checked for quality and effectiveness, call Koorsen Fire & Security.
With a team of certified technicians and engineers, Koorsen is equipped to evaluate your facility for the best class of extinguisher, and to inspect, install and maintain them, as well as provide the training you and your staff need.