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No matter where you live or where you work, there is always the risk that a structural fire may break out. A handily positioned fire extinguisher should be your first line of defense, and may save lives or property. Fire extinguishers are mandatory at places where the incidence of fire is higher than normal, notably places like gas stations and commercial kitchens.
Fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes. There are the very large types that you would find at oil refineries. These ones may require several people to carry them conveniently. Then you have the portable types that you find in small shops or residences.
There are 4 main types of fire extinguishers. They are categorized based on the types of combustible fuels that they are designed to put out. First, we have Class A fire extinguishers that are used to put out fires made up of solid fuels (such as wood, paper, plastics etc.). Next come the Class B extinguishers which are used to stop liquid fires. This class of extinguisher is most suitable for flammable liquids such as kerosene. Class C extinguishers are used for fires when there is energized electrical power involved. This kind of extinguisher will not provide a return conduction path back to the fire fighter and is good to use if there is a suspicion that electricity may be present. The final type of extinguishers are the 'Class K' versions. These units are used on cooking oil fires in restaurants.
In terms of how these devices operate, we have 2 main types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure appliance, and the cartridge design. The pressure variation has the particular substance that extinguishes the fire, together with a propellant of some kind stored directly inside the tank. As you press the handle down, the gas is propelled from the tank and a resulting foam gushes out from the nozzle to put out the flames. In the cartridge design, there is no such pressure stored in the main tank. Instead of this you have a tiny auxiliary carbon dioxide cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you press the handle. In this fashion it becomes just like a stored pressure tank which then puts out the fire.
As a principle, you should store the extinguisher in a place that is simple to reach. It is most logical to keep them in escape routes or near or behind doors. You should not locate them higher than a few feet off the ground, otherwise you'll risk not being able to get it down. You might also consider storing them in places where they can be spotted quickly. It isn't advisable to keep them inside cupboards or boxes. As a precaution you need to educate your household about where the extinguishers are and what they need to do in case a fire breaks out.
Extinguishers require ongoing maintenance. Usually they are serviced at regular intervals by the manufacturer or by the Fire Department. Servicing involves cleaning the equipment, inspecting for corrosion and charging of the powder which may have gone stale. The technicians will also inspect the discharge nozzle and triggers to make sure they are in working condition.
Extinguishers are useful pieces of equipment. They protect your home, property and most importantly, human lives against fire. A small investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and a great deal of inconvenience.
Fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes. There are the very large types that you would find at oil refineries. These ones may require several people to carry them conveniently. Then you have the portable types that you find in small shops or residences.
There are 4 main types of fire extinguishers. They are categorized based on the types of combustible fuels that they are designed to put out. First, we have Class A fire extinguishers that are used to put out fires made up of solid fuels (such as wood, paper, plastics etc.). Next come the Class B extinguishers which are used to stop liquid fires. This class of extinguisher is most suitable for flammable liquids such as kerosene. Class C extinguishers are used for fires when there is energized electrical power involved. This kind of extinguisher will not provide a return conduction path back to the fire fighter and is good to use if there is a suspicion that electricity may be present. The final type of extinguishers are the 'Class K' versions. These units are used on cooking oil fires in restaurants.
In terms of how these devices operate, we have 2 main types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure appliance, and the cartridge design. The pressure variation has the particular substance that extinguishes the fire, together with a propellant of some kind stored directly inside the tank. As you press the handle down, the gas is propelled from the tank and a resulting foam gushes out from the nozzle to put out the flames. In the cartridge design, there is no such pressure stored in the main tank. Instead of this you have a tiny auxiliary carbon dioxide cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you press the handle. In this fashion it becomes just like a stored pressure tank which then puts out the fire.
As a principle, you should store the extinguisher in a place that is simple to reach. It is most logical to keep them in escape routes or near or behind doors. You should not locate them higher than a few feet off the ground, otherwise you'll risk not being able to get it down. You might also consider storing them in places where they can be spotted quickly. It isn't advisable to keep them inside cupboards or boxes. As a precaution you need to educate your household about where the extinguishers are and what they need to do in case a fire breaks out.
Extinguishers require ongoing maintenance. Usually they are serviced at regular intervals by the manufacturer or by the Fire Department. Servicing involves cleaning the equipment, inspecting for corrosion and charging of the powder which may have gone stale. The technicians will also inspect the discharge nozzle and triggers to make sure they are in working condition.
Extinguishers are useful pieces of equipment. They protect your home, property and most importantly, human lives against fire. A small investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and a great deal of inconvenience.
About the Author:
Paul Mancini is a journalist with more than 10 years writing experience. Paul is presently working as a technical writer for fuzing.com, and has become the resident specialist on Fire Extinguisher and Portable Fire Extinguishers.
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