Fires are a reality, they occur in people’s homes, at their places of work, or even in public structures. If you have the right type of fire extinguisher around that is effective in putting out small fires, you can effectively prevent it from becoming a much bigger problem. This comprehensive guide covers the basic information such as various classifications of fire extinguishers and their proper uses.

Water Fire Extinguishers 

Water fire extinguishers, which are usually bright red, might be the most known type of fire extinguishers by the public. They include water under pressure and other chemicals that assist in making the water efficient in the fight against fires. Water also put out burning material because it cools them and at the same time removes the chance of a flare up by drenching the materials.

In particular, water extinguishers are effective in Class A fires involving such materials as wood, paper, cloth, trash, or plastics. The extinguishing agent selected for use does not burn easily. However, care should be taken as water will transfer current from appliances, wiring system or any other live electrical circuit. Water extinguishers should be prohibited from being used on grease or oil fires since the water used may cause scattering of the burning material.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

The foam fire extinguishers are filled with a foam that is used to cover the burning oils thus starving the fire of the product it requires. It also inhibits the airflow of oxygen that may contribute to the reignition of the fire. The foam extinguishers are normally metal containers that are charged together with foam producing agents and water. What happens is when the solution is released through the nozzle and over an oil or grease fire, it forms an air filled foam blanket.

Foam extinguishers are very useful in putting out Class B fires which result from flammable liquids like; gasoline, oil, and oil-based products. They may also be used on Class A combustible fires in certain situations. It foams to assist in the displacement of oxygen and has a good affinity for vertical surfaces. But the majority of foam extinguishers are not intended for use in electrical fire related incidents.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers 

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are filled with carbon dioxide which is an odorless non combustible gas that puts off the fire by cutting off the supply of oxygen needed for the continuation of the combustion process. The carbon dioxide is stored in a compacted state inside the extinguisher pressurized to a particular level. On discharge, the cold gas, and the snow – like solid come out of the nozzle and quickly cool the surrounding temperatures.

CO2 units prove most efficient to put out Class B and C (electrical) fires. CO2 can extinguish burning liquids such as oil, gasoline, paint, lacquer, tars, solvents and other flammable liquids through suffocation because it does not allow oxygen to flow towards the source of the fire and through evaporation, through a very cold discharge. CO2 is also an electrically non-conductive gas This is due to its molecular structure that does not allow it to conduct electricity. Still, it is not traceable as it evaporates into the air without any deposits that need to be cleaned. CO2 is ineffective in Class A ordinary combustible fire hazard because it may not be able to penetrate through porous material. It must not be utilized inside a closed area as this leads to the accumulation of the substance and depletion of oxygen. 

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

This type of fire extinguisher contains powder that consists predominantly of monoammonium phosphate. It physically and chemically suppresses the flame and chemically it acts as a shield so that it prevents the penetration of oxygen and also the gases given off by the burnt vapors reignite. It assists in putting off the fire as well as in controlling it without necessarily snuffing out the combustion process entirely.

The dry chemical extinguishers work on Class B which is the flammable liquid and Class C which involves electrical fires. Class A fires are also contained and extinguished by the powder. Dry chemical fire extinguishers also have a competitive edge over CO2 since they release a substance that is non-burnable thus minimizing the risk of back blasts. The are very useful for quickly extinguishing a fire. However, it can cause plastics and electronics to break down at an atomic level, so it can compromise the integrity of these components. Clean up is necessary after use, however, careful handling is needed to avoid breaking the equipment.

Class D Fire Extinguishers  

Class D fire extinguisher is used for type of fire that involves combustible metals, for instance magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium among others. Such fires are suppressed using specific extinguishing agents and they include: Some of the metals need specific D class extinguishers. For instance, specific extinguishers which contain copper powder will be necessary for powdered aluminum fires while burning lithium, magnesium or sodium metals will require graphite based agents.

The next thing that any wise trader ought to be in a position to pinpoint is the right time to take a stand or bail out. 

In specific, small and enclosed fires may be fought with a proper fire extinguisher. However, it is essential not to overdo it, and it is always good to draw a line where you cannot cross. If the fire increases or if the fire comes close to an exit, then the occupants should evacuate without waiting for further orders. They grow very fast; they can even double in size in a matter of a few minutes, say one or two. In large complexes, it is more advisable to have fire exits planned so that people can easily evacuate in the event of fire outbreak. Make sure to trigger the alarm on your way out since it informs other people in the building and calls the fire fighters. You should evacuate when:

• There is growth in the range of the fire, which means that the fire is moving beyond the point of origin.
• The room gets filled with thick smoke, to the extent that breathing becomes very hard or even completely impossible or there is little or no sight at all.  
• The type of fire or the size of the fire is either over your head or beyond your capacity, or even your desire.
• The fire could start at any time, and the only exit you may have could be closed off to you in a moment’s time.
• When the movie reel catches fire, there is no more suppressant in the fire extinguisher but the fire is not put out completely.

Retrieving the pin, aiming and activating the handle as you get nearer the source of the fire are some of the ways that can be adopted in controlling of contained fires. But always make sure that you have a contingency plan in the event that the fire becomes beyond extinguisher control.

Conclusion

Some types of fires only need specific fire extinguishers for them to be suppressed in the right manner to avoid further complications. Extinguishers include the water, foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical which are designed for different classes of fire that involve paper, wood, gasoline, oil, and electrical, and metal respectively. Knowledge of the advantages as well as the disadvantages of extinguishers lead to the proper use of the tool. However, fire safety also involves understanding when a condition becomes unfavorable and the occupants need to leave to escape the dangers posed by smoke or a fire that is spreading. If the right procedures, trainings, and fast reactions are put in action, fire extinguishers in the hands of responsible people can be the most effective method of controlling a small and emerging fire.