Did you know 80% of fire incidents are caused by human action? Fire safety is an important consideration in any building, which is why it is imperative to take measures to avoid fires and prevent loss of life and property. Fire prevention measures also minimise the threat to human health and the environment.

There are many ways to make your home or workplace fire-safe. You can use smoke detectors and fire alarms, or sprinkler systems and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. While you may be able to afford all these fire safety products, you will still need to learn how to use them and be knowledgeable about each product’s application.

This article is all about educating yourself on fire extinguishers, their uses, importance, and things to remember whenever the need arises.

What are the different types of fire extinguishers?

There are several types of fire extinguishers with each type having its own purpose. In order to make sure you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for your home or business establishment, it is important that you know which fire extinguisher to use for a specific fire situation. Each type of extinguisher is effective for different types of fires and environments.

There are five basic classes of fire extinguishers: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K.

Class A

Considered the most common type of fire extinguishers, Class A is available in different sizes and is designed to contain fires up to a Class A type, such as a typical kitchen fire, a small fire caused by paper, a small engine room fire, a small office fire or similar.

Class B

Class B is used on Class B fires involving liquids, greases, oils, and other combustible materials. Common areas of use also include grease traps, storage tanks, and machinery. The best kind of Class B extinguisher is a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.

Class C

Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed for equipment or appliances that are plugged in and operating on electricity. Typically used in homes and offices, this type of fire extinguisher should be installed where the equipment or appliance can be shut off. In addition, Class C fires respond well to a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher as it displaces oxygen or takes away the oxygen element of the fire area.

Class D

Class D fire extinguishers are used to extinguish fires in areas where flammable metals are present. These types of fire extinguishers are typically found in areas such as construction sites, refineries, and chemical plants.

Class K

If you are looking for a fire extinguisher for your kitchen, you might want to consider the Class K type. Class K fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires from cooking oils, fats, and grease. If you have a restaurant, you might want to look into these types of fire extinguishers.

The importance of fire extinguisher training

In order to make sure that your business is prepared for a fire, you should train your staff on how to use the fire extinguisher. You can do this with a simple training video that will show them exactly how to use the fire extinguisher or conduct a fire drill with all the people in the establishment.

Key benefits of fire extinguisher training:

Have an educated team of employees or families when it comes to fire safety in the workplace or home
Minimise damage to property
Prevent serious injuries or even death of people
Establish confidence in individuals in the event of a fire
Prevent fires that can occur in the first place

It can’t be stressed enough that fire extinguishers are not one-size-fits-all systems. It’s important to know your fire extinguisher type and what it is designed to extinguish. But, in order to be able to use a fire extinguisher effectively, you must be trained to use them.

How to use a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers are devices that are designed to put out fires. They use pressurised air to put out fires by creating a high-velocity stream of water, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical retardant. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher, you will have to follow the steps below:

STEP 1: Identify the fire

This may seem complex, especially in the event of a fire. But if you can, try to classify the fire first before using a fire extinguisher so you won’t do any further damage.

STEP 2: Grab the right fire extinguisher

Once you know the type of fire, it’s time to select the right fire extinguisher to use.

STEP 3: Use the P.A.S.S. Method

P.A.S.S. stands for:

Pull the Pin.
Aim the Nozzle.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side of the fire.

Conclusion

Fire safety is something that we take for granted as a society. We assume that as long as we have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, we’re off to a good start. Yet, fire safety is a complex topic, and there are many things that people need to know. Educating ourselves about fire extinguishers is a good place to start.

Architecture & Design Team

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