Importance of Using Safety Helmets
Nearly 2.3 million people die due to industrial accidents every year, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The staggering number goes on to show the importance of maintaining workplace safety practices, particularly safety helmet uses in industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, or any place that involves heavy machinery. While companies have started to do a lot to ensure the safety of employees at the workplace, the first line of defense against industrial accidents is still the humble safety helmet.
Safety helmets are guardians of the skull. Most head injuries are caused by heavy or sharp objects falling on the head. Consequences may be severe, if not fatal if this happens to someone working without adequate head safety gear. Here are some reasons that highlight the safety helmet uses and importance.
Importance of Safety Helmets- Biggest Reasons
The most prominent safety helmet use is perhaps its role as a barrier against various mishaps. But that is not all; many other roles are played by safety helmets. There are various types of helmets used in construction and other industrial environments. Yet, the basic safety helmet assumes importance for universal reasons. Here's looking at some of the biggest ones.
Industrial Safety Helmets are Skull Guardian:
The most obvious of reasons, safety helmets protect the head from severe injury in case things fall on people’s heads. The right kind of safety helmet also protects against all kinds of liquid seepage and electric shocks.
Industrial Safety Helmets prevent the odd slip and fall:
Heavy industries are often designed in a manner that workers need to be careful while using factory-grade infrastructure or even just walking around. A lot of spaces are so densely packed with heavy machinery that an accident is just waiting to happen. Slips and falls are perhaps the most common sort of accidents, and would not be a worry if workers are wearing the right kind of headgear. A slip and fall, however, can be fatal for an unguarded head.
Industrial Safety Hats keep UV rays away:
Workers in several industries, especially in construction, have to work hours under the sun. The right safety helmet protects workers from the sunlight and affords them protection from numerous health issues. UV rays are responsible for a host of diseases, including cancer. Safety helmets, at least the good kind, are made with high-density polyethylene that is resistant to UV rays. Further, good helmets also have proper ventilation and sweatbands to prevent sweat from dripping down from the head onto the face.
Safety Hats help Identify employees:
Safety helmets, found in different colours, can help identify which employee belongs to which department. Some companies use helmets of different shades to identify architects, engineers, tradesmen, and crew. Green helmets are often used to identify safety officials while orange helmets are the go-to for visitors and vendors.
Providing the right kind of safety helmet is perhaps the singular most important service a company can provide to a worker. This is because head injuries, big or small, have the potential to cause irreparable damage. Helmets are typically made with polyethylene, fiberglass and heat and water-resistant plastic. The inner harness in a helmet works as a cushion between the outer layer and the head. Industrial-quality helmets also typically come with a strap. The strap ensures helmets don’t fall off and stay in the right place so that workers don’t get distracted in the middle of crucial or dangerous work.
To know more about safety helmets and to find helmets that suit your company’s specific needs, explore Safety Helmets online on L&T-SuFin.
This is a destination where buyers will discover varied types of helmets and all the options to take care of their requirements. From ventilated helmets to those with UV resistance, there are plenty of choices at hand.
Difference Between Steel Toe Shoes & Safety Shoe
There is increasing awareness regarding the need to use proper Steel Toe Safety Shoes in various industrial environments and workplaces. Steel Toe Boots are the most recognizable footwear whenever people talk about safety worker shoes. Most conventional safety shoes have steel toes as a standardized base feature. Yet, this technology has also gone through rapid evolution in recent times.
So are Safety Shoes and Steel Toe Shoes the same? If not, what are their differences? Read on to know more!
Steel Toe Safety Shoes
A Steel Toe Safety Shoe is a widely used form of safety or protective footwear for workers at various sites and industries.
Key Features of Steel Toe Safety Shoes:
- These shoes have an internal toe that is crafted from durable and rugged steel. It ensures adequate safety for the feet and toes, which are scientifically referred to as the phalange bones.
- Steel Toe Boots have an interior steel cap which is the game-changer.
Steel toe footwear ensures heightened safety from the heavy impact of things falling on one’s feet or knocks and bumps. Compression and punctures are two other things that are avoided with these kinds of shoes.
Working at industrial or construction sites means heavy risks for personnel. OSHA standards also mandate properly rated industrial safety footwear such as Steel Toe Shoes for both women and men.
Non-Steel Safety Boots
All Steel Toe Boots come under the safety toe category as well. However, not all safety industrial shoes are Steel Toe Shoes.
Key features of non-steel safety boots:
- All non-steel safety boots function similarly to the method mentioned above, i.e. rugged materials are positioned within the shoe’s toe box while making it look relatively conventional externally.
- However, safety shoes have hardened materials for protection such as carbon fiber, hard plastics, fiberglass, and alloy as well.
Based on their resistant strength, these non-steel safety shoes ensure protection from various risks.
Are these Two Types the Same?
From a functionality standpoint, the answer will be a resounding yes since Steel Toe Shoes are like regular industrial worker shoes.
Here are some differences worth noting:
- Safety shoes (non-steel) and Steel Toe Shoes are used for varying shoe types. Some shoe versions and models are more suitable for boxes that do not use steel. Many safety shoes are crafted from lighter materials, and safety shoes function suitably for hybrid options like sneakers for work such as safety shoes.
- Safety shoes may be heavy-duty options, while many additional facets have been integrated by leading companies for ensuring more comfortable shoes with steel toes that do not end up hurting one’s feet and ensure their protection as well. The non-steel safety shoes may offer superior insulation and more agility at times.
- Non-steel safety shoes are mostly lighter choices, and non-safety shoes may be more flexible and agile while ensuring protection. At the same time, durability may be higher for Steel Toe Shoes as per experts.
- Non-steel shoes, with superior insulation, may also be better options in extreme or fluctuating weather conditions.
- Various workplaces also necessitate steel toe worker boots, while some require other kinds of safety boots. Hence, this is another aspect worth noting in this regard.
Several kinds of safety shoes are available online at L&T-SUFIN. These include several varieties of safety footwear suitable for workers across diverse industries.
Top 5 Points to Remember while Buying Safety Shoes
Introduction to Safety Shoes
Most industries require their personnel to buy safety shoes. Safety shoes are specifically designed to be durable. These have heavy-duty materials, like steel, positioned within the toe box to protect them from damage. These shoes also protect the toes from sharp objects that may penetrate normal shoes, electric shocks, welding sprays, corrosive liquids, and more. The industries where employees must buy safety boots include construction, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and other manufacturing/production sites.
Top 5 Factors to Consider while Buying Safety Shoes
Here are four things to keep in mind while you buy safety shoes online or in person:
Safety Shoes Fitting
Comfort is the key criterion when purchasing safety shoes. This is imperative since workers wear these shoes for long hours daily! These shoes should offer a snug fitting. It should also have moisture-absorbing material to prevent excessive sweating.
Safety Shoes Budget
One should ensure that they are getting adequate features for the price point of the safety shoe. Safety shoes should fulfill the requirements like ability to protect the feet to overall comfort. Therefore, while costlier, branded safety shoes are a better choice as they offer better quality.
Safety Shoes Exposure
Safety shoes must suit the specific industry-based requirements of the buyer. Make sure the shoes can withstand exposure to materials such as chemicals and other corrosive substances. PVC soles offer high durability and can withstand high temperatures. On the other hand, PU soles offer superior grip. Rubber outsoles can resist different chemicals. Hence, based on the industry requirement, one must select the material.
Safety assurance and standards
One should look for safety shoes that meet industry safety standards as mandated by regulatory bodies.
Replacement of Safety Shoes
While safety shoes typically have a long shelf life, it is important to be able to spot when it is time to buy a new pair. Worn-out safety shoes might expose the worker to the same risks that wearing regular shoes would. Replace the Safety shoes once the pair has started showing signs of wear and tear.
Safety is non-negotiable, which is why it is important to be careful while buying safety shoes. One must spot fakes or low-quality shoes that come without certifications. Find the best safety shoes at L&T-SUFIN, a one-stop solution for safety footwear!
Understand What Are Safety Shoes In Detail
Introduction to Safety Shoes
Safety shoes are one of the most crucial safety equipment for various high-risk industries. Safety shoes not only protect against slips and falls on uneven surfaces but also protect against corrosive chemicals. Hence, safety shoes for men and women come with tough internal materials and cover for heavy objects falling on the toes and other damages that often occur in industrial environments. They are often mandatory equipment for workers in many industries.
Types of Safety Shoes
Now that you know what are safety shoes, you should check out their diverse types. Worker shoes come in various shapes and sizes. Traditional safety boots have steel toes, while the more modern ones are made of several kinds of materials, including thermoplastics and aluminium. The prime criterion for choosing safety boots, however, is comfort.
The top three kinds of industrial safety boots available in the market are the following:
- Steel toe safety shoes
- Aluminum worker shoes
- Composite Toe shoes
Steel toe safety shoe:
Traditional safety boots come in steel. They are the most popular kind of industrial shoes. They offer durable protection, although they may transfer cold or heat.
Aluminium Safety Shoe:
Aluminium shoes are a more modern creation. Several new industries have adopted aluminium shoes for their workers. They are lighter but are also costlier in turn.
Composite Toe Safety Shoe:
Industrial boots made of composite and carbon fibers are the newest kind of safety shoe. They come with a string of benefits and maybe just the right option for the right type of industry. They are lighter and more flexible, non-magnetic, and can be adaptable to extreme temperatures. However, they are often bulkier than other types.
Types of outer soles used in safety shoes
There are many kinds of outsoles for work boots. Some of them include the following:
- Rubber offers good resistance to slippage and to oils and fuels of various kinds. It provides a good grip and comes with temperature resistance features.
- PU is lightweight and more comfortable while resisting chemical agents. However, this does not pertain to stronger acids. Yet, these shoes offer superior grip and protection from slippage.
- PVC can resist extreme cold temperatures, acids, and other chemical agents.
Risks associated with working in industrial setups
There are multiple risks arising from industrial environments and similar workplaces. Some of them are listed below:
- Industrial and chemical hazards
- Electric shocks
- Heavy objects dropping on the feet
- Extreme cold, water, and heat
- Punctures and cuts
- Stones, trunks, pipes, wheels, and other items roll over on the toes.
- Hazardous materials and sharper tools like axes, knives, nails, glasses, and others may lead to punctures and severe damages.
- Dead or live electrical cables or floors which may generate static electricity
Types of safety boots for each risk
Different worker shoes help people deal with different risks, such as:
- Heavy objects falling on the feet: Steel toe safety boots
- Punctures by sharp objects: Steel toe or aluminium safety boots
- Electrical shocks: Steel-toe safety boots
- Temperature fluctuations: Composite toe and carbon-fibre shoes
To access the best safety shoes across categories, check out safety shoes online at L&T-SuFin, a one-stop solution for all safety equipment across industries. This is the best place to find safety boots that suit your requirements and work environment.
Ultimate Guide to Buying an Angle Grinder in India 2023
A useful tool can do lots of great things. However, if you're planning to purchase one, you need to make the right choice.
Due to the availability of several angle grinder models, buying an angle grinder in India can be challenging, especially if your knowledge of the tool is limited.
In this post, we've gathered useful information to help you buy the best angle grinder for your needs and usage pattern.
So, read on to know all about it.
Types of Angle Grinders
Corded Angle Grinder:
To use this type of grinder, you need to plug it into an electric outlet. As it is lightweight and easy to move, you can use it in your home workshop or construction site. The major benefit of this type of grinder is that you can perform your work for a longer time. However, it requires a power outlet, and it isn't portable. Make sure you don't damage the power cord when using it.
Cordless Angle Grinder:
You can carry it anywhere and perform many tasks with it. Though it runs on batteries, you can use it for any heavy-duty grinding job without worrying about the wire getting tangled. Cordless grinders are beneficial during work at height on ladder and scaffolding as it avoids trip hazard due to trailing wires. But you must be careful while using it since the battery needs charging every few hours.
Pneumatic Angle Grinder:
These grinders use compressed air as a power source. Therefore, these types of grinders are suitable for industrial projects. Compared to other grinders, these are lighter in weight and easy to maneuver. Additionally, these grinders are safer as there won’t be any heating issues or risks of a short circuit. For any high-precision jobs, you can easily rely on these types of grinders.
Usage and Application of Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are used in almost every industry, starting from construction sites, fabrication units, metalworking shops, garages, and any mechanical workshop.
Some of the common uses of angle grinders are
- Removing metals, sharp edges, burrs, cutting or shaping metal objects, etc.
- For cleaning and polishing metal surfaces.
- Removal of rust from metal surfaces.
- Shaping metal pieces or creating decorative edges on metal objects or wooden surfaces.
- For polishing flat surfaces like tiles, wood products, etc.
Things to Consider While Buying Angle Grinders
As an angle grinder is a power tool, you cannot use angle grinders in every place. So, you need to consider certain factors while buying an angle grinder.
Angle Grinders Disc Size:
The strength of the grinder is directly proportional to the disc size. Based on your application, you need to select the right disc size.
Commonly available and popular disc sizes are 4.5 inches to 9 inches. However, it is preferable to use bigger discs for larger grinding jobs. Similarly, you can use small ones for small and precise tasks with a smaller surface area.
Angle Grinders Speed Ratings:
The speed rating divides grinders into speed classes specific to heavy-duty and low-speed grinding jobs. Generally, small-disc grinders run at a higher rpm than bigger-disc grinders.
Handheld grinders operate at higher RPM ratings from 5000-10000. Higher speed ratings suit heavy-duty material removal jobs, whereas lower speed ratings are best for simple polishing jobs or precise work surfaces.
Handling Comfort of Angle Grinders:
If you want to do grinding jobs for a long time or regularly, you must choose a grinder with excellent handling comfort. Choosing a comfortable grinder gives you a better grip and control and thus makes it easier to use. It depends on two things: weight and size. You should consider both factors to ensure the most comfortable handling experience.
If an angle grinder has an anti-vibration handle, it increases your handling comfort levels even more. Due to the anti-vibration handle, the vibration levels remain low, which allows the user to work for a long time without fatigue. Also, can do your job with more precision and reliability.
Power source for Angle Grinders:
While choosing an angle grinder for domestic or professional use, you must consider the power source. Depending on your usage pattern, you can choose the right power source. 110v models are mostly used for site works, and for home usage, 240v tools are great.
Safety features of Angle Grinders:
Last but certainly not least is the safety aspect of an angle grinder. While these tools are extremely useful, they are potentially dangerous and can cause severe injury if used incorrectly or carelessly. So, consider all the safety features while buying an angle grinder.
A reliable angle grinder has safety features like kickback control, an automatic cut-off switch, a slow-start function, a paddle switch, a left-right handle adjustment, an anti-vibration handle, and more. These safety features on the grinder help minimize the accidents and injuries that may arise while using the tool.
Takeaway:
Understanding your requirements and considering the features are essential before buying an angle grinder. L&T SuFin offers a wide range of angle grinders with top-notch functionality and safety features. Check out our website to get your ideal grinding tool.
Best Fire Extinguisher for Home – Choose the Right One for Safety
It is said that fire is a good servant but a bad master. This saying stands true as fire is of extreme use in all places, but when uncontrolled, it can lead to destruction. The solution? Be prepared for such emergencies. How? Have a fire safety plan, and the very first thing that a fire safety plan calls for is a fire extinguisher. Learn about the best fire extinguishers for home, their uses and functionality in this blog.
Why Do You Need the Best Fire Extinguisher for Home?
Many people consider home fire protection unimportant because they associate this responsibility with industrial facilities and business premises. This is the reason why many homes are not equipped with a fire extinguisher. However, with fires breaking out more often these days, it's definitely not something one should ignore anymore.
Choose the best extinguisher for home. It allows you to take control of a small fire and prevent it from spreading further. Thus, it is an affordable and efficient safety tool that is easy to use.
Choosing the Best Fire Extinguisher for House
Step 1: Choose Primary Fire Extinguishers
These are the best in-home fire extinguishers for different areas of your house.
| Area | Recommended Extinguisher | Purpose |
| Living Area | 2-A:10-B:C (Class A-B-C) | Covers common household fires. Place one on every level, no more than 40 feet apart. |
| Garage/Workshop | 3-A:40-B:C (Class A-B-C) | Handles flammable liquid fires commonly found in garages. |
Step 2: Choose Supplementary Fire Extinguishers
These are additional extinguishers for high-risk areas.
| Area | Recommended Extinguisher | Purpose |
| Kitchen | 711A | Helps stop kitchen fires before they spread. |
| Electrical | 1-A:10-B: C (Class B-C) | Designed for fires involving electrical equipment. |
When to Use Fire Extinguishers
Only use a fire extinguisher when:
- All residents have been evacuated from the home
- Read the instructions carefully and make sure you are familiar with how to use the extinguisher.
- There is an easy exit behind the person using the extinguisher.
- The room shouldn’t be filled with smoke.
- In case of a bigger fire, make sure the fire department has been notified
The Best Overall Home Fire Extinguisher
Now the biggest question: What is the best fire extinguisher for home use? The answer to this is: ABC Dry Powder Fire extinguisher!
Here are the pros of using a dry powder extinguisher:
- They are reliable, sturdy and versatile.
- If you are looking for a multi-purpose fire extinguisher, this is the best option.
- Can be used on Class A fires (wood, paper, cloth)
- Can be used for Class B Fires (flammable liquids)
- Can be used for Class C fires (flammable gases)
- These extinguishers can also be used on electrical equipment sometimes.
While there is a long list of pros for an ABC extinguisher, there is also a con, and that is the mess it leaves behind.
Wrapping Up
Sometimes, the right knowledge and a good fire extinguisher are the only two things that make a difference between a small fire and a big disaster. Having a fire extinguisher at your home makes sure your loved ones are safe at all times. Now that you know your home even needs a fire extinguisher, we are sure you would want to choose the best household fire extinguisher. You can do this by simply choosing from among the high-quality fire extinguishers available at L&T-Sufin. Stay safe, stay prepared!
FAQs
Which brand of fire extinguisher is best?
One of the best brands for fire extinguishers is Safex Fire Services Limited. Established in 1972, this brand has many years of experience and has spread its network widely.
What kind of fire extinguisher is used in a domestic house?
For households, you should choose A, B or C fire extinguishers. The best option would be to go for an ABC Dry Powder extinguisher as it serves the purpose for all three
Is a CO2 fire extinguisher good for your home?
Yes. A CO2 extinguisher is considered good for households as it can be used to tackle electrical fires.
Top Blogs Url's
Top Products
Types of Fire Extinguishers & Safety Tips for Every Fire Class
Fire was one of the most important inventions ever made by human civilisation. Still, no matter how important it was to the advent of civilisation, there’s no question about the fact that fire is as dangerous as it is useful. In such a scenario, homes, offices, and other places must be fully equipped to put out a fire in case one breaks out.
Here, a fire extinguisher can make the difference between life and death; A fire extinguisher is one of the most important safety devices in a commercial facility. Operations depend on these fire extinguishers, in the event or rather the possibility, of a fire breaking out in a business place.
Let us understand the different types of fire extinguishers, their usage and benefits in detail.
Classes of Fires & Fire Extinguishers
There aren’t one, but a total of five types of fires, each categorised based on the type of fuel and circumstances, they are:
- Class A: Common solid burnables, which include paper, wood, fabric, and various plastics.
- Class B: Flammable substances including alcohol, ether, oil, gasoline and grease.
- Class C: Fire caused by electric appliances.
- Class D: Combustible metals like Sodium, Titanium, Zirconium, Aluminium, and Potassium.
- Class K: Fires caused by cooking grease or oil.
Fire extinguishers are divided into four classes based on the types of fires. The various classes of fire extinguishers are:
1. Type A
It is a type of pressurised water extinguisher ideal for Class A fires. Using it on Class B or C fires could lead to electrical shock or fire spread.
2. Type ABC
A dry powder-like chemical which is effective on all types of fires.
3. Type BC
Carbon dioxide is only to be used on chemical or electrical fires.
4. Type K
It should be used in case of a kitchen or a grease fire.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Based on the above classifications, there are different types of fire extinguishers on the market. The different fire extinguisher types are:.
Water Fire Extinguisher
A water fire extinguisher is one of the most common and simple extinguisher types used for fires. It helps delay the fire until it goes out entirely by chilling the flames and soaking the burning items. Class A fires, which include burning paper, wood, cloth, and plastic, are ideal for these extinguishers. They are safe and require little maintenance since they just contain water. They are rather common in areas like offices, hospitals, hotels, warehouses, and colleges. You can usually find them close to exits on flooring prone to Class A fires. The fire caused by oil, fat, metals, or electrical appliances should not be utilized, though.
This water fire extinguisher comes in several sub-categories. For instance, the water spray extinguishers have spray nozzles that help cover a greater area. Little water particles released by water mist extinguishers form a mist that helps put out the fire and simultaneously shields the user from heat. Certain water extinguishers even feature unique chemicals that increase their potency while maintaining their weightlessness.
CO2 Extinguisher
Usually, the common type of fire extinguisher supplied in computer server rooms, a CO2 fire extinguisher for electrical fire hazards. It also extinguishes Class B flames. It substitutes the oxygen from the flame, reducing the intensity of the fire. The black label on this kind of extinguisher represents that it is designed for Class B and Class C fires.
However, CO2 extinguishers get quite cold during discharge, and those without double-lined, frost-free swivel horns could cause fingers to freeze during usage. Although they are not suitable for deep-fat fryers because the strong jet can spread burning fat, they can smother fires in small areas. Once the CO2 has disappeared into the sky, fires can rapidly re-ignite and hence do not provide post-fire protection.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Since this can be used for Class A, Class B, and Class C fires, the conventional dry chemical powder fire extinguisher is also known as an ABC extinguisher.
These types of fire extinguishers should not be used in enclosed areas, though, since the extinguisher's dry powder is readily breathed in. Once the fire is out, it also becomes difficult to clear the residual mess. These are also applicable to fires involving electrical machinery. Usually used for Class D fires resulting from combustible metals, there are also specific dry powder extinguishers. This sort of extinguisher has a blue label.
They act by the powder, creating a crust that smothers the fire and prevents its spread. The powder does not soak into materials and does not have a strong cooling impact on the flames, which can cause the fire to flare back on. If inhaled, the powder is dangerous; hence, it should be utilized in well-ventilated spaces and not appropriate for homes or offices. The powder ruins machinery, soft furniture, etc., and requires a lot of cleaning following use.
Foam Fire Extinguisher
Class B fires typically call for these most often used types of fire extinguishers. These are water-based, though, hence they can also be used for Class A fires. The label is cream in hue. These fire extinguishers will work on fires caused by a variety of organic materials like wood, coal, textiles, fabrics, cardboard and paper, and also flammable liquids like gasoline and paints.
A foam fire extinguisher is more expensive than other types of extinguishers. It leaves a residue that can be cleaned up afterwards.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Wet chemical extinguishers are intended for use on fats and cooking oils. Using a damp chemical extinguisher for a Class K fire involving cooking oils and fats is the best choice. They are made up of pressurised water solutions of alkali salts that, when in operation, create a mist that not only cools the flame but also prevents the absorption of water by the fire.
Additionally, Class A fires can also be extinguished using a wet chemical fire extinguisher. However, foam or water extinguishers are more widely utilized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the different types of fire extinguishers is essential. This knowledge helps determine the kinds and levels of fire each extinguisher can handle. Despite the varied classifications of the extinguishers, each is designed for specific fire types. So safeguard yourself and your space from any unforeseen fire accident by ordering an appropriate fire extinguisher from L&T Suffin today. Stay Safe.
FAQs
What is in a CO2 fire extinguisher?
In a CO2 fire extinguisher, there is compressed CO2 gas, which is released when you press the nozzle.
What is the full form of CO2?
Carbon Dioxide is also called CO2, which is a colourless, odourless gas used in fire extinguishers to smother flames.
What is a D-class fire?
Fires which are caused by flammable metals like sodium and potassium are often called D-class fires.
What are the types of fire extinguishers?
There are five types of fire extinguishers:
- Water Fire extinguisher
- CO2 extinguisher
- Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
- Foam Fire Extinguisher
- Wet Chemical fire extinguisher
Each of which is used for a different kind of fire.
Top Blogs Url's
Top Products
Tips To Choose Right type of Fire Extinguisher
Fire safety has become a big concern for all Indian businesses. With fire accidents killing nearly 10,000 Indians every year coupled with the financial damage they cause; companies are taking an increasingly strict view of fire safety.
One of the basic building blocks of making a property fire-safe is installing fire extinguishers. But there are no one-size-fits-all fire extinguishers.
The best fire extinguisher will determine the loss a business will suffer due to fire accidents. Therefore, a business must do its due diligence while deciding on the type of fire extinguisher it needs.
Here are a few tips to decide on the best fire extinguisher for home and business:
Fire extinguisher classes.
There are several types of fire extinguishers out there in the market. To make it easier for people to buy the best type of fire extinguisher exactly suited to their needs, they have been categorized. These are the various fire extinguisher classes one needs to bear in mind while choosing the best fire extinguisher for their home or business:
Class A fire extinguishers
These are suited to putting out fires caused by regular combustible substances such as paper and wood.
Class B fire extinguishers
These helps put out fires typically caused by flammable liquids such as petroleum products, grease and oil.
Class C fire extinguishers
These are designed to put out electrical fires. So, if a building is susceptible to short circuits and fire hazards of this kind, class C fire extinguishers help to keep fire accidents at bay.
Class D fire extinguishers
These are designed to fight fires caused by flammable metals.
While these are the different types of fire extinguishers available in the market, it is not enough to just know the classes of fire extinguishers. One also must bear in mind that every person accessing the building should have adequate fire safety training and know how to use fire extinguishers.
Here’s a quick guide on how to use fire extinguishers:
- All types of fire extinguishers come with a pin. To use a fire extinguisher, one must first pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
- Next, the person using the fire extinguisher should point the extinguisher directly at the base of the fire aimed at a low angle.
- Then, the user of the fire extinguisher should squeeze the handle of the extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent inside a fire extinguisher will be determined by the class to which a particular fire extinguisher belongs.
- The fire extinguisher should then be moved side to side and pointed to the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished. Usually, one unit of a fire extinguisher will function for 10-15 seconds.
- If the fire reignites, one needs to repeat the four steps mentioned above.
As mentioned above, the extinguishing agent inside a fire extinguisher will depend on the type of fire extinguisher one has bought from the market.
Here is a list of the typical extinguishing agents put in fire extinguishers:
- Water and foam
- Dry chemical.
- Carbon dioxide.
- Wet chemical.
- Cleaning agent.
- Dry powder.
- Water mist.
- Cartridge-operated dry chemical.
Fire accidents can be fatal for people as well as businesses. Therefore, it is critical that one buys the best type of fire extinguisher to protect from fire hazards.
Additionally, one must also ensure that fire extinguisher is in places where they are easy to access. There is usually very little time to react when there is a fire accident. Therefore, all fire safety equipment must be kept in places that are easy to locate.
If you’re looking for the right type of fire extinguisher for your business or home, head over to:
https://lntsufin.coffeeinc.in/catalog/Safety-Products/Fire-Fighting/Fire-Extinguishers/
Top Fire Extinguisher Blogs
| Best Fire Extinguisher for House | Fire Extinguisher Types | How to Operate a fire Extinguisher |
| How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need |
Top Fire Extinguisher Products
Importance of Best Fitting Safety Gloves
Did you know?
Your hands are made of complex tendons, tissues, nerves, and bones, and just because of your hands, you manage to perform multiple tasks in your life. Protecting them from all work risks is essential and maintaining them is possible because of a work glove.
There are many reasons to wear work gloves, such as hand injuries, chemical burn material, or mechanical equipment. It has been a reason for 70% of people who suffers from a hand injury since they did not wear work glove during their work shift.
Properly fitted safety gloves decrease hand fatigue and give a good grip.
Wearing big heavy industrial safety gloves is one of the reasons for feeling awkward and experiencing manual dexterity. It is a known reason for most hand accidents since it may make your employees feel uncomfortable and sweaty.
Better-fitting safety work glove eases the force. If your safety gloves are too loose, you may not feel that effort to work hard physically. Wearing safety gloves will ensure the comfort and protection needed while working.
Most of the time, the workers prefer to wear safety gloves that fit. A comfortable and well-fitted work glove will only help your employees become more productive while safe from harmful diseases related to their work.
Why should safety gloves fit properly?
When trying to protect your hand, having the right protective gear; hence, its proper fit is important. Not all safety gloves will provide the much-needed protection as per the size of your hands. It is to be noted that using the Best Safety Glove is essential to provide the safety it deserves. The perfect fit is vital because of comfort as well. Since the workers will be wearing them during their whole working hours, the safety glove may irritate their skin and even decrease their productivity rate.
What will happen if the safety gloves are too tight?
Wearing safety gloves that are too tight will eventually affect manual dexterity and make the worker uncomfortable while holding a grip or picking up heavy objects.
What will happen if the safety gloves are too loose?
If the safety gloves are too loose, chances are that the worker will not be able to pick up the objects at their full potential, and loose finger ends will make the work more difficult.
How to find the right fit for safety gloves?
Since we are all aware that the Best Work Gloves should fit you right, buying the same size for all does not seem like an option. It is essential to understand that when trying to protect their employees, they should get Fit Leather Safety Gloves for their employees' distinctive hand sizes. Otherwise, investment in it will be a waste of time. It is completely understood that measuring all the employee's hand sizes may be a big task, but it is one of the biggest tasks to be ever done. When employees wear their safety gloves, they should check their fit correctly by trying them on.
Here are a few activities employees should do to check the proper fit -
- Put the hands inside the work safety glove
- Try to make a fist and check the stretchiness
- Feel the material if comfortable or not
Make sure to test the work glove by trying to pick an object to test the grip.
What are the disadvantages of not wearing a protective glove?
Cases of Hand-arm vibration syndrome have been increasing day by day, which happens to affect around two million people in a year. High vibration levels cause this disease, and its next dexterity phase will decrease to the next level, HAVS.
Multiple tools, such as power chainsaws, jigsaws, and even jackhammers, can cause this disorder. Some symptoms increase, such as numb fingers and tingling sensations in hands. Whereas the strength in hands and ability to grip also reduces. The hand-moving ability decreases to an extension, where even the most miniature objects feel heavy.
A properly fitting safety glove is made to decrease the chances of HAV by offering maximum protection to your employees from vibrations and their damaging effects.
How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?
When a fire grows too big, it’s too late. The firefighter is the main person responsible for saving lives. A second’s hesitation can inflict lethal damage to someone’s life. So, firefighting becomes the most authentic skill worth learning. Not knowing what to do when a fire breaks out can make things more complicated. One can find a fire anywhere and at any moment.
In India, a fire-related incident is reported every three minutes, with a lot of them proving fatal. However, many of these can be prevented with proper safety knowledge.
Quite a few things, such as the use of candles, electric heaters, lamps, fireplaces or other flammable articles, can result in it. When such a thing happens, a fire extinguisher is definitely the best option to put out the fire, mainly before it is beyond control.
Still, the question of how to use a fire extinguisher remains. Now, with instructions on the first-time use of a fire extinguisher being muddled, let's discuss thoroughly how to use an extinguisher of each type correctly, and how a fire extinguisher works in case of each type, so that there’s no more confusion.
How To Use a Water Fire Extinguisher? (Class A Fires)
Class A fires containing solid combustible items such as wood, paper and textiles call for traditional water fire extinguishers. Modern water mist extinguishers containing de-ionised water can also be used on B, C and electric fires.
Before learning how to use a fire extinguisher, please learn that an extinguisher should only be used to combat minor flames. Should the fire seize hold, avoid fighting; instead, exit right away and notify others of the fire; then, contact the fire and rescue department. If you approach the fire, be sure to follow the guidelines below and keep at a safe distance:
- Check the plain water extinguisher area and make sure there isn’t any live electrical equipment.
- Remove the safety pin; this will break the tamper seal.
- Starting the extinguisher's discharge, squeeze the lever.
- Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher.
- Horizontal fire spreading: Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire, then move the jet across the fire's extent.
- Fire moving vertically: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and gently move the stream upward in line with the fire's direction.
- As the fire begins to fade gently, get even closer to it
- Make sure all the flames have been put out; then, try to concentrate on any hot areas that might re-ignite.
How to Use a Foam Fire Extinguisher? (Class A & B Fires)
On a fire involving flammable liquids (Class B) and solid combustibles (Class A), foam fire extinguishers are the most effective and safest extinguishers to use. Usually, these are quite serious fires—that is, the burning of liquids including petrol, diesel, paints, oil, solvents, spirits, and a great deal more besides.
The special power of the foam comes in handy because it is the vapour that leaves the liquid, rather than the liquid which burns.
Apart from extinguishing the flames like water, it forms a blanket on the surface of the burning liquid to provide a barrier separating the vapour from the air. This smothers the fire and quiesces the burning process. But how do you operate this fire extinguisher?
- Firstly, remove the safety pin and break the tamper seal while the foam extinguisher is on the ground, a reasonable distance from the fire.
- One hand should point the hose toward the base of the flames. Aim for the base, moving the jet throughout the region of the fire to cover the combustible liquid, not for the flames.
- Holding the lever in your other hand, you then begin to squeeze this to release the foam gently. You can then start to approach as the flames begin to wither.
- Make sure the fire is completely extinguished by using all the contents of the foam fire extinguisher to cool the surroundings and stop it from re-igniting.
How to Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher? (Class B & Electrical Fires)
CO2 fire extinguishers spew carbon dioxide gas. The extinguisher stores this as a liquid, and when the handle is squeezed, pressure creates the gas.
CO2 fire extinguishers can be a bit tricky when it comes to chip pan fires. One issue is that the CO2 disperses quickly, which can actually make the fire spread to surrounding areas instead of putting it out effectively. Plus, unlike water or foam extinguishers that help cool the burning material, CO2 doesn’t provide that cooling effect. That's why they're not the best choice for dealing with solid fires.
On the contrary, a carbon dioxide extinguisher is useful because it releases carbon dioxide into the fire as a substitute for oxygen, thus initiating the process of extinguishing the fire. However, how to operate a fire extinguisher like this one?
- Pull the safety pin. Therefore, the tamper seal will break.
- Unless it is a frost-free horn, do not hold it since it gets quite chilly during usage and could cause severe frostbite. To stop this, only buy CO2 extinguishers with frost-free horns.
- Starting the extinguisher's discharge, squeeze the lever. Please be advised that the normal discharge noise of the CO2 extinguishers is somewhat strong.
- Aim the extinguisher:
- Liquid fuels that burn easily: Aim the horn across the space from the base of the flames. Take caution not to blast the strong CO2 extinguisher jet across the blazing liquid.
- Electric machinery: Where safely practicable, turn off the power; then, direct the horn straight toward the fire to stop later re-ignition.
- A CO2 extinguisher only has a quite limited discharge duration.
- After use, CO2 gas wanders off; if the fire is still really hot, it could merely re-ignite. Make sure all the flames have been put out to prevent this from happening.
How to Use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher? (Class A, B & F Fires)
If you’re wondering which extinguisher to use on a burning chip pan, a wet chemical fire extinguisher provides the solution. Any facility with a professional kitchen or deep fryer should, in fact, have a wet chemical fire extinguisher. But how does the fire extinguisher work?
Potassium forms the "chemical" component of wet chemical fire extinguishers.
Sprayed as a fine mist, gently so as not to distribute the burning oil or fat, these react to produce a soapy film on the surface of the substance on fire.
This smothers the fire, and the mist has cooling properties as well. But how do you use a fire extinguisher like this?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers should be handled with great care in order not to cause the burning fat or oil to splash into areas close by. By following these steps, you will be able to put out a fire with a wet chemical fire extinguisher effectively.
- First, stand far back from the fire and remove the safety pin to break the anti-tamper seal.
- If safe to do so, turn off the heat source—a chip pan or stove.
- With the lance held arm's length well above the fire, keep the nozzle at least one metre away from the flames.
- Allow the foam to settle on the surface of the fire by gently, slowly, circular motions.
- Use all the contents of the extinguisher to stop the fire from being rekindled.
How to Use a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher? (Class A, B, C & Electrical Fires)
Almost every type of fire can be extinguished with standard dry powder fire extinguishers, which are incredibly adaptable. They are not advised, meanwhile, for usage in enclosed areas. Their ability to extinguish class A, B, and C types of flames also makes them known as ABC fire extinguishers. Their dry nature makes them usable for electrical fires.
As for how the fire extinguisher works, dry powder fire extinguishers separate the fuel from the oxygen source and smother fires.
Re-ignition is likely as they do not cool the flames.
- First, remove the safety pin to break the anti-tamper seal, then stand well back from the flames.
- Aim at the base of the flames and quickly move the jet both backwards and forwards.
- For electrical fires: if it is safe to do so, turn off the power, then point the jet of powder squarely at the flames.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is of paramount significance, as it can save lives. For example, many types of fire extinguishers are available.
- Water Extinguishers are only for Class A fires
- Foam Extinguishers are for both Class A and B fires
- Wet Chemical Extinguishers are for Class A, B and Oil, grease type fires
- Dry Powder Extinguishers are for Class A, B and C types of fires
- CO2 extinguishers are for Class B and electrical fires
There is always a safety seal on all types of fire extinguishers; remove that first, otherwise the extinguishers won’t work. Now that you know how to use a fire extinguisher, check out awesome deals at L&T-SuFin for the best quality fire extinguishers.
FAQs
What is the use of an ABC fire extinguisher?
An ABC fire extinguisher, also known as a dry powder one, is usually used against all three groups of fires (A, B, and C). It can also be used to put out electrical fires because it does not conduct electricity due to its dry powder.
Which is a class B fire?
In fire classes, a Class B fire denotes a blaze fueled by such things as flammable solid/liquid/gas- petroleum greases, tars, oils, paint (which is oil-based), solvents, lacquers or alcohols in flammable liquids or flammable gases.
Top Blogs Url's
Top Products