Types of Fire Extinguishers and their uses.
There are many different types of extinguishers
You may think you have a good understanding of how to put out a fire, until there is a need to use one. You should always take time to learn how to deal with emergency situations properly and knowing the correct fire extinguisher to use is one of them. It’s not just about looking after your property, it’s about looking after the lives of your family, and for offices, it’s the lives of the people who trust you.
Different extinguishers for different fires
The way fires are propelled and therefore burn can make a huge impact on the way the fire behaves. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types in Australia – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. These different kinds of extinguishers put out fires started with different types of fuel, referred to as ‘classes’ of fire. You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your house or business premises, or you may not meet current regulations. You will also need to make sure that you have the right size and weight of fire extinguisher.
Class A: combustible materials such as wood, paper, and fabric
Class B: flammable liquids like petrol, turpentine or paint
Class C: flammable gases like hydrogen, butane or methane
Class D: combustible metals, chemicals such as magnesium, aluminium or potassium
Class E: electrical fire (once the electrical item is removed, the fire changes class)
Class F: cooking oils, like hot chip oil
Air Water Extinguishers
In the case of Class A fires of flammable solids such as paper, wood, rubber or plastic, Air-Water Fire extinguishers are an economical and environmentally friendly option. Air-Water extinguishers are easy to maintain and provide maximum effectiveness for minimum cost. The Air-Water extinguishers are perfect for the office and home, as they are environments where class A type fire are more likely to occur.
Features of Air-Water extinguishers include:
- Air Water extinguishers are rechargeable
- All metal nozzle and valves and steel cylinder
- Easy maintenance and low cost
- Effective on wide range of class A fires
- Highly portable
- Environmentally friendly with no Ozone Depletion Potential or EPA restrictions
Foam Extinguishers
Suitable for either Class A or Class B fires. Foam extinguishers douse the flame with a large amount of foam, which gives them the advantage of featuring the ability to both extinguish the risk and secure the hazard quickly and efficiently.
Features of foam extinguishers include:
- Foam Extinguishers are rechargeable
- All metal nozzle and valves and steel cylinder
- Easy maintenance and low cost
- Effective on wide range of class A and Class B fires
- Highly portable
Dry Chemical Powder
All dry chemical extinguishers give maximum performance, especially on highly flammable fires. They can also be used on live electrical equipment. These extinguishers contain no CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) and are rechargeable on site. Multi-Purpose ABE powder is a versatile agent which is used to extinguish Class A fires achieved by sealing embers; it can also be used on Class B and Class E fires.
The ABE powder extinguishers are approved by AUSTRALIAN STANDARD to AS1841.5
Features of dry powder extinguishers include:
- Available in 1.0Kg, 1.5kg, 2.5kg, 4.5kg and 9.0kg capacities.
- All metal nozzle and valves and steel cylinder
- Easy maintenance and low cost
- Effective on wide range of class A fires
- Works on Class E
- Highly portable
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet Chemical Extinguishers are a special purpose designed extinguisher, specifically for use in kitchens and restaurants, where the major risk is from burning fats and oils.
Features of wet chemical extinguishers include:
- Available in two sizes, 2.0L and 7.0 L.
- All metal nozzle and valves and steel cylinder
- Easy maintenance and low cost
- Effective on wide range of class A fires
- Highly portable
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
All Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers give maximum performance especially on Electrically Energized Fires. These extinguishers contain no CFCs and are rechargeable.
Features of carbon dioxide extinguishers include:
- Available in 2.0kg, 3.5kg and 5.0kg,
- All metal valves and steel cylinder
- Easy maintenance and low cost
- Effective on wide range of fires
- Highly portable
- Rechargeable
The Classes of Fire and Which Extinguisher to Use
Below is a useful table of the Class of Fires and what situation to use different fire extinguishers to use as a quick reference chart. There is no one extinguisher type which works on all classes of fire.
Get Fire Safety Training
Having the correct fire extinguisher is only part of your safety plan. If you or your staff are not able to correctly operate the equipment in an emergency, it is all for nothing. Making sure that everyone has the correct knowledge and abilities is a necessary your fire prevention and possible management. Redmen can provide this training with experienced fully qualified trainers that can teach your people the correct and safe operation of your equipment and the best course of action in any given emergency.
Let us help you be fire Ready
It can be confusing navigating what your individual and business needs are. Redmen are Fire Protection Management Specialists, servicing Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney and Maitland area. From large scale installations of fire prevention, detection and extinguishing systems to the provision of portable fire extinguishers and fire safety products, Redmen has you covered. Submit our online form or call our sales and service line to speak to someone about the correct type of fire extinguisher to keep your property, family, or business safe.
