Emergency Fire Suppression Equipment
Fire extinguishers are essential tools in fire safety, designed to combat various types of fires. According to the Universal Classification System (UCS), fire extinguishers are classified by classes that correspond to the type of fuel involved in the fire.
- Class A (Green Triangle with 'A'): Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, and plastics.
- Class B (Red Square with 'B'): Fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline, grease, and solvents.
- Class C (Blue Circle with 'C'): Fires involving energized electrical equipment, such as short circuits and locked motors.
- Class D (Yellow Star with 'D'): Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium and sodium.
- Class K (or F in some regions) (Black Hexagon with 'K' or 'F'): Fires involving cooking oils and fats.
For instance, carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are suitable for Class B and Class C fires (flammable liquids and electrical fires). ABC fire extinguishers are multipurpose, designed to handle Class A, B, and C fires safely.
Combination extinguishers are marked with more than one classification letter, making them suitable for multiple types of fires. Class K fire extinguishers are specifically designed for cooking oils, fats, and grease, symbolized by a black square.
It's crucial to maintain fire extinguishers in good working condition. Monthly visual inspections are recommended, and fire safety standards require all extinguishers to be inspected annually by trained personnel. The gauge on a fire extinguisher should indicate enough pressure to discharge the contents. If the gauge does not indicate enough pressure, the extinguisher needs to be replaced or recharged.
Fire extinguishers should be located throughout the workplace, including at every exit and near potential fire hazards. They should also be located on each vehicle or piece of equipment in remote locations. Inspection records must be available upon request.
When fighting a fire, remember the PASS acronym: Pull the pin, Aim the fire extinguisher nozzle, Squeeze the handle to discharge the fire extinguisher contents, and Sweep the spray back and forth at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
Sources for this information include the National Fire Protection Association and the United States Department of Labor - OSHA. Always ensure you are using the correct fire extinguisher for the type of fire you are facing to maximise safety and effectiveness in fire response.
[1] National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Portable Fire Extinguishers. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-Tip-Sheets/Portable-Fire-Extinguishers.ashx
[2] United States Department of Labor - OSHA. (n.d.). Fire Extinguishers. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/fireextinguisher/
[3] National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Types of Fire Extinguishers. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-Tip-Sheets/Types-of-Fire-Extinguishers.ashx
[4] United States Department of Labor - OSHA. (n.d.). Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Maintenance, and Training. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/fireextinguisher/inspection/
[5] United States Department of Labor - OSHA. (n.d.). Class D Extinguishers. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/fireextinguisher/types/classd/
[6] United States Department of Labor - OSHA. (n.d.). Class K Extinguishers. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/fireextinguisher/types/classk/
- In the realm of workplace-wellness and health-and-safety, the use of fire extinguishers plays a crucial role, especially when it comes to fighting fires involving various types of materials such as flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and cooking oils (Class B, C, and K fires).
- To further promote a safe and healthy environment, employers should ensure that fire extinguishers are properly inspected, maintained, and located throughout the workplace to facilitate quick response in case of a fire, in adherence with fire safety standards.
