Which Fire Extinguishers Should Be Used For Different Types Of Fires?

Recently the Dorset Fire Brigade, according to the BBC news, has started to use the Green Fire Extinguishers. This type is believed to be an environmentally-friendly extinguisher which uses less water, foam and compressed air. The use of less water is the trick and the foam will smother the flames when it is sprayed. This type of extinguisher is certainly worth a second look.

There are many types of fire extinguishers and many different styles and prices. The most important thing to remember is that you need to choose one and have it in your house or office or building.

They can save lives and insurance costs and thus let us have piece of mind. Fire extinguishers are usually portable and can be fixed to any wall with brackets. They should be placed well above the reach of little hands but not too high for a pre-teen to reach in times of emergency. The suggested height is one metre above the floor.

The number one thing to remember is to maintain and care for your fire extinguisher. Have it inspected at least twice a year. In Canada, they are remind each other on the news or radio to check their smoke alarms or extinguishers, when the clocks change for Daylight Savings Time. Not only do the clocks and watches change time but the fire equipment gets a once over. You may also ask a fire brigade officer to visit your home to do an inspection and to initial the ticket if the extinguisher is in top form.

There are five different types of fire extinguishers, which suit different types of fires:
Water: the most economical and easily found type of extinguisher, it is great to use on dry solid fires such as straw, hay, wood and paper. This type of fire is called Class A.
AFFF foam extinguisher: it is also used for extinguishing solids such as wood or hay. It can also be used for petrol, diesel and paint fires which often break out in sheds, garages and warehouses.

These liquid fires are called Class B fires.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers are suitable for homes in that they do an all purpose task on fires. They can extinguish flammable solid, liquid and gas fires and electrical fires to boot. So they can handle Class A, B, C and electrical fires.

Co2 extinguishers are capable of extinguishing liquid fires and electrical fires. Co2 is the scientific term for carbon dioxide which would smother a fire.
Wet chemical extinguishers are the latest type of new fire extinguisher and can put out an oil or cooking fat fire. They are used in restaurants, cafes or chip shops with deep fat fryers.

Make sure the fire extinguisher gauge is working properly and is in the acceptable range of stored pressure. Also make sure that no one has tampered with the extinguisher or used it for play. Its operating instructions should be handy and visible and a family meeting about its use and operation should be held. A FETA representative should service your extinguisher once a year and will take possession of the unit if he finds it unfit.

The fire extinguisher should meet with BAFE standards and also the service done to it should fall under the British Standard 5306 Part 3. Extinguishers are a mandatory piece of equipment for insurance policies for all houses, buildings, offices, tenants and employees.

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