Fire Extinguishers 101: Getting To Know Fire Extinguishers Better

If you are someone who is naturally attentive, then perhaps you would agree that just by visiting establishments, residential building or regular homes, you would have seen your share for firefighting equipment like extinguishers and fire hose reels.

But know, they are not there just to decorate or as a mere requirement of the law, all of them have intended purposes at one way or another. They are there just to be sure that you have something to use in case an actual emergency really happens. In fact, even if they seem insignificant to you right now, when the need arises, they may be the actual tools/ equipment that can potentially save your life.

As such, it is very important for you, your co employees, your neighbors and even your children to further their knowledge about firefighting tools extinguishers specifically.
Why extinguishers among all other tools?

Well, because most often, these are the ones that are readily inside a building. Most of the time, the fire hoses and axes are situated outside or somewhere near the exit. Now, let us go back on furthering your knowledge about extinguishers.

In United Kingdom, there are different types of extinguishers to be considered. Each one is made to smother a different class of fire. Here is the list and their potential uses.

Pressurized water extinguisher used to fight fires started by substances like wood, paper and cloth (class A).
Foam extinguisher suited for flames caused by the substances mentioned above, plus combustible liquid (class A and B)
Dry powder extinguisher can smother flames caused by flammable liquids, gas, and electrical sparks (class B, C and E)
Carbon Dioxide extinguisher (sometimes, also known as electrical fire extinguisher) for blazes that started with flammable liquids and electrical sparks (class B and E)
Wet Chemical extinguisher for flames caused by dry combustible substances and edible fat (Class A and F)
Class D powder extinguisher for fires caused by combustible metal (class D)

Yes, they may seem a lot but do not worry, you would not actually need all of them in your household. At the most you will only need one or two of these extinguishers.

Apart from knowing what the different types are, you also should be aware of how they work. Almost, if not all fire extinguishers come in pressurized cans. The pressure is needed to maximize and amplify the amount of their content, extending them enough to smother blazes.
Their content and the pressure in the can escapes and gets directed with the use of a hose. Its length usually depends on the preference of the owner. Once a can is used, they can either be recharged or disposed of depending on the manufacturer.

Finally, other equipment, extinguishers too need to be cared of and maintained. Mind you, these maintenance checks are not just done by the owner alone. Professionals should come and visit your extinguishers at least once a year. During those check ups, weight, pressure and general conditions of the holding receptacle is checked. More sophisticated tests are run based on the needs of the actual extinguisher.