Standard fire extinguishers are the portable extinguishers found in many homes, businesses and laboratories. Having a fire extinguisher in the home can make the difference between minor fire damage and total loss. They come in various sizes and are made for different types of fires. They require regular testing and maintenance to keep them ready for use. The type of fire extinguisher you choose depends on the location of the extinguisher and potential fire risks.
Types
There are five different fire classifications, each requiring different types of fire extinguishers: Class A fires involve simple materials like paper and plastic, Class B involves flammable or combustible materials, Class C fires involve electrical equipment, Class D fires involve combustible metals that can react dangerously with water, air and other chemicals, and Class K fires are kitchen fires. Water extinguishers are used for class A fires, but are dangerous for other fire types. BC dry chemical extinguishers contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate and are suited for Class B and Class C fires. ABC dry chemical extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and can fight Class A, B and C fires. Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are designed for Class B and Class C fires, while metal/sand extinguishers are best for Class D fires. Use water mist extinguishers for Class A fires with a potential Class C hazard. Kitchen fires involving grease require a dry chemical extinguisher.
Use
Fire extinguishers are easy to operate and should have a label to provide instructions. First, you must assess the situation to determine if it is safe enough to attempt to fight the fire. Stand back several feet from the fire. Pull the pin and squeeze the handle. Spray slowly, moving from side to side to cover the inflamed area. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames and continue to spray until the fire is completely out. Call the fire department after the fire is extinguished, if a second person hasn't called already. Replace the fire extinguisher immediately or have the bottle recharged.
Inspection
Regular inspection ensures that the fire extinguisher will be ready to use if needed. At least once per month, check to make sure nothing is blocking the extinguisher. Read the pressure gauge to ensure that the pressure is in the safe, green zone. Make sure the pin is secured in its place on the handle and inspect the container for signs of wear, dents, leaks and rust. If your fire extinguisher is rechargeable, it needs to be pressure tested with a hydrostatic test every few years or as the manufacturer's label indicates. Non-rechargeable units should be replaced as required by the label.
Placement
The greater the number of fire extinguishers you have on hand, the quicker your response time in the event of a fire. It is helpful to have at least one fire extinguisher on every floor of the home. If your home has a shop in which a lot of electrical equipment is used, make sure you have a dry chemical extinguisher or a water mist extinguisher in the room. Kitchen fires are extremely common, so you may want to keep an extinguisher specifically for that room. Mount fire extinguishers on a wall in plain view and maintain unobstructed access to that wall.
References
- Lab Safety Supply: Use, Placement, Maintenance and Testing of Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Interactive Learning Paradigms Incorporated: Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers
- Stanford University: Portable Fire Extinguisher Requirements
