Fire safety must be a top priority for businesses in every sector. One of the most important elements of fire safety is having a strong understanding of the different types of fire extinguishers and when they should be used. This means that effective action can be taken in the event of different types of fire and preventing major emergencies. Using the wrong fire extinguisher could make it hard to control a small fire or even make it worse. With this in mind, this post will outline the main types of fire extinguishers and when they should be used. Read on for all you need to know.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water-based fire extinguishers are known as “Class A” extinguishers and the most common type. These extinguishers are designed for use on Class A fires, which are fires involving combustible materials like wood, cloth, and some plastics. They work by cooling the fire and shrinking it through water application. Crucially, make sure that these extinguishers are never used on a fire that involves flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers work by forming a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, which will help to shrink the fire. These are extinguishers that can be used for Class A fires and Class B fires (fires involving flammable liquids and various gases, such as petrol and oil.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers displace oxygen around the fire, suffocating it and preventing it from getting any bigger. These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class B and Class E (electrical) fires. It is particularly important to have these extinguishers in office-based buildings, as electrical fires are a more prevalent threat here, with various electrical equipment being used daily.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers are incredibly versatile, and they can be used in many different situations, making them a great option for the workplace. ABC powder extinguishers can be used for Class A, Class B, and Class C (flammable gases) fires by interrupting the fire’s chemical reaction. BC powder fire extinguishers are suitable for use on class B and C fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Finally, you have wet chemical fire extinguishers. These are designed for use only on class F (cooking oils and fats) fires, which means that they should be kept in the kitchen or used in commercial kitchens. These extinguishers work by cooling the burning oil and preventing splashing.
Getting Fire Extinguishers For Your Business
When it comes to investing in fire extinguishers for your business, you must always consider the fire risk in your workplace so that you can purchase the right kind of extinguisher. Additionally, you should always get your extinguishers from a leading supplier, such as Seton fire extinguishers. This means you know you are getting the highest-quality extinguishers that you can rely on in an emergency.
Hopefully, this post will be educational and help you develop a strong understanding of the different types of fire extinguishers. This is critical for getting the right extinguishers for your business and reacting effectively in the event of a fire.
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