Fire Extinguishers

About Fire Extinguishers

Fire safety greatly depends on early alerts, but once the alarm has been triggered, the first thing needed is a fire extinguisher. Having at least one of those in the house will help to prevent a small fire from spreading around and becoming critical.  

Where to Install a Fire Extinguisher

The best place to mount fire extinguishers is high on the wall, where children and pets can’t reach them. It’s also important to choose prominent, easily accessible spots, where they can be noticed and grabbed quickly in case of emergency. 

One good place to mount an extinguisher unit is near or inside the kitchen, as long as it’s far from stoves and direct sources of heat. It’s also convenient to have a unit in the garage. 

Cars, boats, and caravans should be equipped with suitable compact units. 

Fire Classification

• Class A (Wood, paper, fabrics, plastics)
• Class B (Combustible and flammable liquids, such as gasoline)
• Class C (All kinds of flammable gases)
• Class D (Fires affecting combustible metals)
• Class E (Electrical installations and appliances)
• Class F (Cooking oils, grease, and fats)

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are classified by several different determinants. The most basic selection is between rechargeable and non-rechargeable models. 

Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Extinguishers

• Rechargeable units, as the name says, can be used multiple times and recharged after every use by a certified technician or company. In general, they make a more cost-effective option than non-rechargeable units. 
• Non-rechargeable models are disposable, designed for single use. Depending on the application, they can make a more convenient solution. 

Fire Extinguishers Class

Next, fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they can be used against. This category is divided into A, B, C and D.

• Class A: Most common fires in residential buildings, burning fabrics, wood and paper.
• Class B: Effective against flammable liquids, such as gasoline.
• Class C: Designed for use in electrically energised fires.
• Class D: Best for use on volatile metals.

Portable fire extinguishers are important tools for fire safety. Water fire extinguishers are designed for Class A fires, while spray fire extinguishers are versatile and can be used for Class A, B, and C fires. However, they are not a replacement for professional firefighting services and should only be used by trained individuals. Choosing the right extinguisher and proper training are essential for effective use.

Types of Fire Extinguishers by Colour

The most recognisable fire extinguishers are red. However, it’s important to notice the coloured panel on the extinguisher’s label that is content-specific, indicating the best application of the unit. 

• Red: Water-based, suitable for use on fabrics, wood, paper, and other solid materials. Not fit for application on flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
• Cream: Foam-based, made for use on fires in classes A and B, not suitable for electric installation and appliances. 
• Blue: Dry-powder-based, fit for all applications. 
• Black: Carbon-dioxide-based, ideal for use on electrical installations and equipment, also effective on oils and class B fires. 
• Yellow: Wet-chemical based formula suited for kitchens and all sorts of fires provoked by cooking oil and fat.
• White with red letters: Water-mist-based, designed to cool class A and F fires by minimising the oxygen present in the environment.

Fire Extinguisher Storage, Care & Maintenance

Fire extinguishers should be fully charged at all times and stored in the designated storage area. It’s best to keep them safe inside the specifically designed cabinets, suitable for all conventional models. All units must be highly visible and easily accessible.

Regular inspections and routine maintenance will ensure that the unit is ready in its maximal utility power when needed. Monthly checks should include:

• Examining pressure and ensuring it remains at the recommended level.
• Keeping the access to the extinguisher free of obstacles.
• Inspecting the spray nozzle and ensuring it’s not jammed. 
• Checking the pin and seal.
• Searching for any dents, rust, signs of tampering, and similar issues.

Fire extinguishers, similar to smoke alarms and other safety features, have a limited service life. The non-rechargeable units should be discarded and replaced if not used in the period of 12 years after the manufacture date.

Most models feature a needle on the pressure gauge. If the unit is adequately charged, the needle will sit inside the green-coloured part of the dial. Similarly, if the unit needs recharging or is overcharged, the needle will appear inside the red-coloured zone. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Fire Extinguishers

 A fire extinguisher should only be used with safety precautions. Once started, it will last 10-15 seconds on average. For that reason, it’s essential to know precisely how to operate it, as well as how to do it without putting others to risk. 

The so-called “PTASS” technique is the best way to use a fire extinguishing device:

• P stands for “Pull the safety pin or remove the clip”.
• T stands for “Test squirt the extinguisher to make sure it is working”.
• A stands for “Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire from a safe distance (typically 2 - 3 metres away from the fire).”
• S stands for “Squeeze the handles.”
• S stands for “Sweep the extinguisher from side to side while aiming at the base of the fire.”

Fire extinguishers mounted on the same floor of a multi-storey building - or across all floors, if it is a single occupancy home - should be of the same standard and design, featuring a similar operation method.