Fire Extinguishers - The Definitive Handbook On Selection And Placement

Fire Extinguishers - The Definitive Handbook On Selection And Placement

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No matter where you live or work, there is always the risk that a fire may start. A conveniently placed fire extinguisher should be your first line of defense, and may save lives or property. Fire extinguishers are mandatory at places where the probability of fire is very high, notably places like gas stations and restaurants.

Fire extinguishers come in various sizes. There are the heavy duty types that you can find at oil refineries. These ones may require several people to carry them conveniently. Next you have the portable styles that you find in small shops or homes.

There are 4 main types of fire extinguishers. They are categorized according to the types of combustible fuels that they are designed to extinguish. First, we have Class A fire extinguishers that are used to put out fires comprised of solid fuels. The next class of extinguishers are the Class B types which are used to stop liquid fires. This fire fighting equipment is most suitable for highly flammable liquids such as gasoline. The next class of extinguishers (Class C) are used for fires when there is energized electrical power involved. This style of fire extinguisher will not provide a return conduction path back to the fire fighter and is safe to use if there is the slightest suspicion that an electrical charge may be present. The final type of extinguishers are the 'Class K' versions. These units can be utilized to put out cooking oil fires in restaurants.

In terms of how these devices work, we have two main types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure appliance, followed by the cartridge design. The stored pressure variation has the particular substance that extinguishes the fire, along with a propellant in the form of compressed air or nitrogen stored directly inside the unit. As you press the handle down, the gas is propelled from the tank and a resulting agent gushes out of the nozzle to extinguish the flames. In the cartridge design, there is no such pressure. Instead you have a tiny ancillary propellant cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you press the extinguisher's handle. This way, it becomes identical to a stored pressure extinguisher which then puts out the fire.

As a principle, you should locate the extinguisher in a place that is easy to reach. It is most logical to keep them in places unlikely to catch fire first or near or behind doors. You should not install them higher than 4 feet off the ground, otherwise you will need some time to get it down. You might also consider storing them in places where they can be seen easily. It is not recommended to keep them inside cabinets or closets. As a safeguard make sure that you inform your staff as to where your extinguishers are located and what they need to do in case of fire.

Fire extinguishers require regular maintenance. Generally they are serviced bi-annually by the manufacturer or by an agent thereof. Servicing involves cleaning, inspecting for rust and recharging of the powder which may have exceeded its expiry date. The technicians will also check out the nozzle and handles to see if they are functioning properly.

Extinguishers are useful equipment. They can help to protect your home, property and most importantly, human lives against fire. A small investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and a great deal of inconvenience.

About the Author:
Paul is a technical writer with more than 10 years writing experience. Paul is currently working as a technical writer for fuzing.com, and has become the resident guru on Fire Extinguisher and Home Fire Extinguishers.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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