Types of Fire Extinguishers

In the previous article, we discussed the types of fires and burning agents which cause those fires. In the current article, we will discuss the types of Fire Extinguishers and suitability of fire extinguishers against each type of fire.

A well selected weapon is necessary for a soldier to fight against an enemy and if the weapon is not chosen as per the situation, then the situation may become lethal for the soldier. So, for a good soldier, knowledge about the weapons and understand the war situation is necessary, if the soldier wants to emerge out as victorious. The same rule applies in fire fighting as well.

There are five types of Fire Extinguishers commonly available in the market, DCP (Dry Chemical Powder), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), Water  and Halotron.

Fire triangle is mixture of three elements, Heat, Fuel and Oxygen and if any one of these elements is removed from the triangle, then the fire can be extinguished. So, it is necessary to choose the right fire extinguisher against a specific type of fire.

Dry Chemical Powder or more commonly known as DCP Fire Extinguishers can be used against A, B and C Types of Fires. Dry Chemical Powder must be ABC type and not BC type. These fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.

Carbon Dioxide or more commonly known as CO2 Fire Extinguishers are used in Class B and C Fires. CO2 fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the oxygen element from the fire triangle and also by cooling down the heat element with a very cold discharge.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam or commonly known as AFFF Fire Extinguishers are used in Class A and B Fires. AFFF is highly effective against petrol and volatile liquids, forming smothering seal over the surface and thus eliminates the danger of re-ignition. AFFF Fire extinguishers extinguish the Fire by separating the oxygen element from other elements.

Water Fire Extinguishers are used only in Class A Fire. Water fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element from the fire triangle.

Halotron Fire Extinguishers are used against Class F or K fire. These fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by removing heat from the fire triangle and prevent re-ignition by creating the barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements.

Types of Fire

A layman judges a fire by its intensity and destruction. However for a professional, the matter is different, it is categorized by the burning agents who are involved in fire. On the basis of burning agents, the fire has been divided into five categories, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class F.

For a professional, it is necessary to have knowledge of different types of fires because when you are going to fight a fire, a wrong method may cause the situation worse. For a layman, to have the knowledge of different types of fire is also very beneficial because eruption of fire is a common phenomenon around us and in case, no professional help is available immediately, then a layman can also extinguish the fire with available sources, if he/she has some knowledge about types of fire.

Class A Fire is the most common type of fire. Solid combustibles materials like Wood, Paper, Cloth or Plastic are the burning agents. At a small scale, this fire can be extinguished simply by putting water on the fire. However, at a higher scale, a suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish the fire.

Class B Fire occurs due to flammable liquids or gases such as petroleum, alcohol, paint, propane or gasoline. For this type of fire, a suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish it at a smaller level. If flammable liquid or gases are stored in a place for commercial purposes, then a suitable fire suppression system must be installed at that place.

Class C fires are also called electrical fires because these fires involve electrical equipment. They may occur due to use of sub-standard electrical equipment, old and worn out wirings, worn out breaker boxes, frayed electrical cords or faulty appliances. Class C fires are very common in residential as well as industrial settings. Apart from a suitable fire extinguisher, the first thing to do is to disconnect the power source from the appliance or item. Then, a suitable fire extinguisher should be used to extinguish the fire.

Class D Fire is rare, but it can happen when a metal ignites. This fire commonly occurs in industrial settings. Class D fire may occur due to the metals like aluminium, sodium, magnesium and potassium because these metals are alkali base and may ignite when exposed to air or water. A suitable fire extinguisher is necessary to extinguish the fire because a wrong chosen fire extinguisher can make the situation worse.

Class F or sometimes termed as Class K involves cooking oils such as vegetable oil or animal fats. This fire occurs while cooking. At a smaller scale, a suitable fire extinguisher can douse the fire; however at a big scale where cooking oils are stored, fire suppression system is necessary.

In next article, suitable fire extinguishers will be discussed to douse the different types of fire. 

Refilling of Fire Extinguishers

In case of fire, fire extinguisher is an essential tool to fight against fire to protect the life and property.  There is no second chance to fight against fire when fire extinguisher is needed and it does not work or not available. There are two scenarios when fire extinguisher needs to be refilled:

1.     If the fire extinguisher is used, even partially, then it is mandatory to refill it. It is useless in case of a subsequent fire incident. There must not be any delay in recharging it because fire incident can happen at any time. And you can easily judge the worst scenario, if the fire extinguisher will not work when needed.

2.     The law of the country states the life of the shell of the Fire Extinguisher and after that period, it is mandatory to have the Hydrostatic Pressure test. In Hydrostatic Pressure Test, approximately three times than the service pressure is applied to check any sort of leakage. Even if there is minor leak, then it can result in an explosion of the cylinder.

 

There are many vendors who are providing services of refilling of Fire Extinguishers apparently at a very low cost but these cost much higher in the long run. Most of the vendors use very low quality gauges, valves and even in some cases, sub-standard extinguishing agent (ABC Powder) is used. These low gauges and valves will be replaced in every refilling job. AS Fire & Safety provides the best services to clients in refilling of Fire Extinguishers with high quality accessories that can stay longer and will not wear out after every use.  

 In some cases, it has been reported that marble dust has been used as an extinguishing agent. AS Fire & Safety  uses imported Extinguishing Agent (ABC Powder) to refill the Fire Extinguishers.

Another issue is the unskilled and untrained human resource which may cost you low in the short run but can cost you much higher in the long run. AS Fire & Safety has skilled, trained and experience human resource in its team to do the job of Refilling.

AS Fire & Safety is your reliable, trustworthy, trained and experienced partner in Refilling of Fire Extinguisher without compromising on quality.

Covid-19 Protection Suit-Tyvek Coverall

During the difficult times, it becomes almost impossible to get the right product at the right price. The same principal applies during this Covid-19 epidemic. There are number of hazmat suits available in market but it is quite difficult to get any certification of the available suits.

AS Fire & Safety is a reliable source for getting the right product at the right price. Tyvek Coverall is the Patent product of DuPont and meets all the international safety standards for protection for front line workers against Covid-19. 

DuPont Tyvek is versatile material that is both durable and comfortable, providing an excellent barrier against viruses, dangerous fine particles and chemicals. 

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In controlled environment such as a pharmaceutical lab, micro-electronics development space, or other clean-room activities, the hazard is the contaminants that the person is bringing in. In an environment that is itself contaminated due to the presence of hazardous substances, or chemicals, then the person  needs to be shielded, then Tyvek is the best option in such hazardous situations. 

In all epidemics in recent history, whether it is Ebola in Africa, MERS in China and Pacific Region and Covid-19, Tyvek coveralls are the first choice of front line workers for protection.