A Complete Guide on CO2 Fire Extinguisher Use
High-rises and maze-like office buildings dominate the modern world. In these scenarios, fire safety is a major concern. While traditional fire extinguishers are seen everywhere, they cannot extinguish all types of fire, especially electrical fires and mishaps involving flammable liquids. In these instances, you need a CO2 fire extinguisher.
As the name indicates, this contains carbon dioxide, which cuts off the oxygen supply and suffocates the flame, preventing it from spreading further. Commercial and industrial settings, such as offices, data centres, laboratories, and manufacturing plants, widely use it where electrical equipment is present. The best part about using it is that it does not leave any residue on the equipment, making it safe for sensitive equipment.
However, in order to ensure safety and efficiency, it is important to use it the right way. This guide covers the correct CO2 fire extinguisher use and the scenarios in which it can come in handy.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?
In general, a CO2 fire extinguisher is mainly used to put out fires caused by faulty wire, electrical equipment, or flammable liquids. Depending on the cause of the fire, you can modify CO2 fire extinguisher use.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you use it safely:
- Avoid Usage in Confined Spaces: Avoid using a CO2 fire extinguisher in a small room or confined space. Since carbon dioxide is a toxic gas, even a concentration as low as 8% can prove fatal.
- Ideal for Damage Control: It works effectively only on small fires and can immediately prevent it from spreading. But if the fire has spread beyond control, it is advisable to evacuate the area and call fire service personnel.
It is important to place CO2 fire extinguishers at various points on your factory and office premises. However, it is equally crucial that you and the property managers are well aware of its usage.
Here’s how to use a CO2 fire extinguisher:
Keep Your Distance
When tackling a fire, make sure to stay at a safe distance. Remember that fire extinguishers are within good reach, allowing you to operate them while keeping yourself away from the flames.
Pull the Safety Pin
A CO2 fire extinguisher includes a safety pin to prevent accidental activation during installation. Hence, in order to unlock the extinguisher, pull this pin. This will break the tamper-proof seal, making it ready to be sprayed.
Avoid Holding the Horn
When you discharge CO2 to control the fire, the horn of the extinguisher turns extremely cold. In fact, the temperature drops to levels where it can give you a frostbite. So, make sure not to hold it in the heat of the moment.
Discharge the Content
Direct the nozzle in the direction of the fire and squeeze the lever to start the CO2 discharge. Do not panic from the strong noise that emanates during this process. This is normal during a CO2 fire extinguisher use.
Aim the Extinguisher
Depending on the type of fire you are trying to control, here are the steps to follow while using a CO2 fire extinguisher.
- If electrical equipment causes a fire, first switch off the power supply to prevent further ignition. Then, direct the extinguisher straight at the fire.
- In case of fire caused by flammable liquid, direct the horn to the base. Move the nozzle in a sweeping motion to cover the fire until you extinguish it evenly.
Double Check for Fire Remnant
Sometimes, while the fire may seem to have extinguished, it can reignite. Hence, before putting away the extinguisher, make sure that all the fire has been put out.
CO2 Fire Extinguisher Uses
You can now find CO2 extinguishers in most high-rise buildings, factories, and offices. These have proven to be effective in tackling sudden fires and preventing loss of property and lives. Here are some of the top CO2 fire extinguisher uses:
Combating Electrical Fires
CO2 fire extinguishers can handle electrical fires excellently. Since carbon dioxide is non-conductive, it can be safely used around live electrical equipment. It displaces oxygen and smothers flames effectively—without the risk of electric shock. Additionally, it does not leave any harmful residue on the equipment, preventing any further damage.
Quickly Extinguishes Liquid Flammable Fire
A CO2 fire extinguisher is very effective in extinguishing fires caused by petroleum, oils, or any other solvents. When it is discharged, the CO2 forms a cool gas cloud that covers the fire, cools it down instantly, and smothers the flames. This rapid cooling is what makes it the right choice for Class B fires.
Safety First: Shop for a CO2 Fire Extinguisher from L&T-Sufin
A fire extinguisher on your premises can go a long way in preventing any serious mishaps. So, make sure to buy a few and train your staff in its proper usage. On L&T-Sufin, discover some of the best CO2 fire extinguishers from leading brands like Attack Fire, Limrex, Fire Shield, etc. From compact extinguishers of 1 and 2 kg for home use to large ones of 22.5kg for industrial use, we have a wide range to choose from. With our branches in all major cities in India, we assure you of prompt delivery with a safe payment gateway and a 7-day returns policy. So, order a CO2 fire extinguisher today.
FAQs
Can CO2 be used on flammable liquids?
Absolutely! You can use CO2 fire extinguishers on fires caused by flammable liquids like petroleum, alcohol, and oil. They effectively cut off the oxygen supply, thereby causing the fire to suffocate and die.
What is the full form of CO2?
CO2 stands for carbon dioxide. This colourless and odourless gas helps extinguish fires. When used to put out a fire, it reduces the oxygen and suppresses the flames.
Do CO2 fire extinguishers expire?
Absolutely! CO2 fire extinguishers do expire. However, when used and stored properly, they can last up to 10 years. After this period, you should replace or refurbish them even if they are in good working condition.
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Require?
Fire accidents kill nearly 10,000 Indians every year. Rapid urbanization has led to the sprawling of homes and offices in every nook and cranny of big Indian cities. India’s fire safety regulations have hardly managed to keep up the pace.
How To Decide On The Number Of Fire Extinguishers to buy?
While experts draft newer fire safety policies, one of the big logistical questions is to decide on the number of fire extinguishers to buy for any business or home seeking to keep people safe from fire accidents. This article will help to understand the number of fire extinguishers necessary to ensure safety.
The number of fire extinguishers needed in a particular workplace or residence will rely on several factors. Here’s how one can decide on the number of fire extinguishers to buy to ensure fire safety:
Light fire hazard
Buildings that are not particularly prone to fire accidents do not house highly combustible substances. Also, the space is not particularly cramped. In such places, one fire extinguisher at every exit and one in the kitchen should serve the purpose of fire safety.
Examples of such buildings include classrooms, offices, churches and hotels.
Ordinary fire hazard:
One needs to be ready to battle ordinary fire hazards in places where there are regular flammable articles that can start a fire.
Such spaces include post offices, dry cleaners and clothing stores. However, one thing a business must bear in mind while installing fire extinguishers is that it shouldn’t take a person to travel more than 75 feet to reach the nearest fire extinguisher.
Major fire hazard:
This applies to workplaces and residences that deal in heavily flammable substances. Such buildings may be surrounded by lint or dust or could be factories producing plastic or modular building assembly plants.
Such workstations must ensure that there is one fire extinguisher located every 30 to 50 feet.
Commercial kitchens:
Commercial kitchens are ripe for fire accidents. They deal in highly flammable substances which can cause massive fires.
For commercial kitchens, it is best to install a permanent fire suppression system. Additionally, portable fire extinguishers should be placed every 30 feet.
While deciding on the number of fire extinguishers to be installed, one must also account for the following factors:
Fire extinguishers must be located in easy-to-access areas.
The route to fire safety equipment should not be blocked by office supplies or storage. Fire accidents are rare but can kill people and shut down whole businesses. One needs to take care that their fire safety equipment is accessible.
The right kind of fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are of several kinds depending on the kind of fire and the source of ignition. Therefore, one needs to carefully consider the kind of fire their property is susceptible to and choose the right kind of fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are not like insurance policies.
One cannot just install a fire extinguisher and rest easy against fire accidents. It is important to be consistently vigilant and ensure that the installed fire extinguishers have no defects and are in perfect working condition.
Fire extinguisher management is a technical task best left to experts.
A business, especially one that is susceptible to major fire accidents, should consider hiring a licensed fire protection service that can manage a business’s fire safety.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to fire safety. A business or a residence needs to make an informed choice to decide on the fire safety equipment they need. In order to find the right kind of fire safety equipment for your business or home, head over to Fire Extinguisher section on L&T-SuFin.
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| Best Fire Extinguisher For Home | Types Of Fire Extinguisher | Tips To Choose Right Fire Extinguisher |
| How To Use Fire Extinguisher |
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