Fire extinguishers- the most popular yet highly questionable thing! They are an essential part of fire safety equipment mandatory in every primary. Also, it's one of the most critical technologies for fighting early fires and can control them before spreading in the building.
This is why we will give you every minor detail about fire extinguishers and look at them:
- First, The Type Of Extinguishers:
- Fire extinguishers are of seven types:
- Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher:
These fire extinguisher services are used for various purposes but must be better suited for indoor fires. Also called dry powder extinguishers, these are packed with chemicals and contain powder-based extinguishing agents. Also, these help in removing oxygen and its alter-chemical composition. These extinguishers work on Class A, B, and C fires by hindering the extinguisher's oxygen path and fuel.
Water-Based Fire Extinguisher:
These fire-extinguisher keeps fires away by taking the heating element from the fires. They work by separating the oxygen elements from its other factors and are best suited for Class A fires. Also, these extinguishers contain fires and cause a rapid cooling effect by reducing the heat from fires.
Clean Agents:
Clean agents come with halogen agents and are used to extinguish fires by blocking the chemical reaction. They also work by completely removing the head from the fire triangle. Like water-based fire extinguishers, this is also effective in class A, B, and C fires.
Foam Extinguishers:
Best suited for class A and B fires, which are freely burning carbonaceous materials like paper, wood, fabrics, and other flammable liquids. These extinguishers are often water-based and are used with special additives.
They can be used for electrical fires if fired at a distance. The only glitch with these extinguishers is that they leave a residue that needs instant cleanup. Plus, they are more costly than other water-based extinguishers.
CO2 Extinguishers:
These extinguishers are packed with pressured carbon dioxide gases and thus leave no residue when used. You can use over fires like electrical fires and fires burning liquid.
This is why these extinguishers are ideal for office fires.
CO2 in them works by blocking the path of fires and suffocating them, which is why they don't harm any electrical equipment or even cause a short circuit.
However, they get freezing when discharged from the equipment, and if these devices are not equipped with the frost-free swivel, double-lined can freeze fingers. In addition, CO2 extinguishers are expensive.
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemicals:
This help wards off fires permanently by blocking the chemical reaction; they are effective in class A, B, and C fires.
Usage Of Fire Extinguishers:
Fires extinguishers should only be used on someone who is trained to do. However, these extinguishers should only be triggered by alarm, and you know the safe execution route. Nevertheless, the following technique help in brushing up your fire extinguishers course. It's a four-step process and is called a PASS:
- P: Pull: Pull the extinguisher's pin and break the tamper seal.
- A: Aim: Always aim for low by pointing the hose or nozzle at the base of the fire. Also, don't touch horns, especially when using CO2 extinguishers, as they get freezing, and your finger might freeze.
- S: Squeeze: Squeeze the nozzle handle to release the agent from the extinguisher.
- S: Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the firebase, i.e., fuel source, until the fire is extinguished.
Fire Extinguishers Also Need Proper Maintenance:
While you should step to the visual and physical inspections, for visual inspections, you should check the following:
- If the extinguisher is in your proximity
- If it's within your reach
- Whether or not the extinguisher is charged
- Is the pin or seal not broken
Fire extinguishers are not made to keep them under the sink; they are used to protect you from deleterious fires!