Fire extinguisher types and uses

In this session, we will be discussing Fire extinguisher types and uses that will help you deal with small fires near you. 

What is a fire extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a fire protection device used to control small fires in emergencies. Security guards are trained on how to use a fire extinguisher. Even a common person should have an idea of a fire extinguisher because calamities don’t come with alerts. It is an important tool to fight fire in its initial stage. 

How do you use a fire extinguisher?

To operate the fire extinguisher, we can follow the PASS method.

P ~ Pull the pin

A ~ Aim the base of Fire 

S ~ Squeeze the lever 

S ~ Swipe the nozzle from side to side 

What are the types of fire extinguishers?

We have discussed five types of Fire extinguishers below:

1. Water Extinguisher

Water extinguishers have a class A rating and a red label which are used for fighting fires involving solid combustibles such as paper, textile, and wood. This extinguisher helps to extinguish the fire by cooling it.

2. Foam Extinguisher

 Foam extinguishers have a class A and B rating and a cream label which are used for fighting fires involving combustible solids and liquids such as Petrol, diesel, wood, paper, etc. Foam extinguishers help to extinguish the fire by cutting off a fire’s oxygen supply which is also known as starving.

3. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguisher

 CO2 extinguishers have class B and C ratings and a black label which are used for fighting fires involving electricity and flammable liquids such as petrol paraffin and electrical appliances. A CO2 extinguisher helps to extinguish the fire by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of oxygen.

4. DCP (Dry Chemical Powder) Extinguisher

 DCP extinguishers have a class A, B, and C rating and a blue label, which are used for fighting fires involving solid, liquid, gas, or electrical as an alternate and are not generally recommended for use inside buildings unless there is no option.

5. Wet Chemical Extinguisher

 Wet chemical extinguishers have a class K rating and a yellow label, which are used for fighting fires involving cooking oil and fats such as Sunflower oil, butter, and olive oil. Wet chemical removes the flames, cool down the burning oil, and react chemically to form a soap-like solution, covering the surface and preventing re-ignition. These extinguishers are used mainly in commercial kitchens. Wet chemicals can also be used on class A and class B fires.

What is a fire blanket?

 A fire blanket is a fire safety device that consists of a sheet of fire retardant material that can be placed over a minor fire to smother it. Fire blankets extinguish fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. It can be used for fire on a frying pan and even if someone’s cloth catches fire. It is easier to use if we compare it to the fire extinguisher.

What to do in case of fire?

Don’t panic if you have discovered a fire, follow the RACE method. 

R – Raise the alarm by activating the manual call point

If smoke, heat, or gas detectors are not near the fire scene, then activate the fire alarm by using a manual call point (MCP). By doing this, you can make aware to the occupants aware that there is a fire in that building. 

A – Assist with the injured and evacuate

Injured people must be assisted during the fire event because they might be left behind. Besides it, elderly citizens, children, People of Determination (POD), and women must be assisted because they might find difficulties in finding emergency exit routes. 

C – Close all the doors and windows and place an ‘All clear’ sign on the door.

Make sure that the door behind you remains in a closed condition so that the fire can be contained because of less oxygen supply.