A fire extinguisher is a portable device that discharges foam to control and get rid of small fires. In order to burn, fires require heat and oxygen. The foam from the fire extinguisher gets rid of the oxygen making the fire unable to spread.
The Law
In 2005 a law regarding Fire Safety was put out for all business premises to offer minimum fire safety training with individuals who carry out a risk assessment and the reduce risk of a fire. The law then requires a minimum of Two Class A fire extinguishers, located on every storey of your building unless the office space is small, then one is sufficient.
The Fire Classifications
Class A – If the fire includes wood, paper, cloth, plastics etc.
Class B – If the fire contains flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, or kerosene. Class B is a lot stronger.
Class C – Fires including electrical equipment.
Class D – If the fires involve metals like sodium, titanium, magnesium, and lithium. Not controlled, this fire can get out of control fast and risk the lives of others.
Each year in the UK over 22,000 fires happen in the workplace. The most common cause of a fire in a workplace is faulty wires that have been damaged, therefore, fire safety is especially important in the workplace.
How to use a fire extinguisher
- Pull the pin
- Aim the hose at the fire
- Squeeze the lever
- Then went the foam is out, spray side to side to get rid of the fire as quick as possible.
After the fire has been put out, call the fire services immediately to make sure the fire is out, and everyone is safe. In any job, Fire safety training is of the highest importance because and have had training in it is beneficial towards employees.
How often should a fire extinguisher be serviced?
There are different types of fire extinguishers, so each one’s service time may be different. The basic service time must be every 12 months, this ensures that in case of a hazard the fire extinguisher performs perfectly and gets rid of the threat safely. Servicing is needed to make sure it is in an efficient working state and of good quality.
- CO2 Fire extinguishers need to be serviced every 12 months and every 10 years.
- Water-based fire extinguishers need to be serviced every 12 months and if the service is extended, then every 5 years.
- Powder-primarily sealed fire extinguishers must be serviced every 12 months like water-based extinguishers but the powdered seal extended service is every 10 years.
What fire extinguisher for an electrical fire?
Fires from electrical appliances must be put out by a Co2 Fire extinguisher. These extinguishers are common in computer server rooms in case of a wire spark up. The Co2 extinguisher has a black label embedded in it.
How do water fire extinguishers work?
The most common type of fire extinguisher is a water-based extinguisher because these are common within offices, homes, flats, and workplaces. Most commonly in offices because they have
huge quantities of paper. Water extinguishers prevent fires from relighting. The water extinguisher has a red banner across the top.
Who can service a fire extinguisher and What do they look for?
As fire extinguishers need to be serviced every year, they should be inspected by a qualified engineer to guarantee they work.
What do they look for?
- They’ll first visually inspect the extinguisher to see if they notice any damages or corrosion.
- Then check to see if the extinguisher has been used by checking the safety pin.
- Check the operating instructions either on the back or in the manual to see if the extinguisher is legible.
- Remove the hose to see if there is any corrosion or damages that could damage the extinguishers performance.
- Check to see the extinguisher weight if there’s more than 10% weight loss, investigate and recharge.
- When finished wiping the extinguisher down.
- Make sure the wall mounting is in good condition before putting the fire extinguisher on it.
How do you stop combustion and extinguish a fire?
The fire triangle is 3 things when put all together can create a fire, when one is removed the fire cannot burn.
Removing Oxygen – Oxygen is one of the three components in a fire triangle. If a fire was to spread using a CO2 extinguisher or fire blanket can get rid of the fire. When the Co2 extinguisher is sprayed, it’ll get rid of the oxygen replacing it with Co2 which is inflammable. Using a Co2 Extinguisher for fires that have been caused by oil fires, electrical fires, or chip-pan fires.
Removing Heat – Removing heat can be done by throwing water onto the hazard but if the fire was from electrical wires, throwing water onto it can cause a serious electrical shock. House fire, paper, or wood friars, can be put out by water.
Removing Fuel – Using fire-resistant materials, fires that have a fuel source will keep burning regardless to get rid of it you’ll have to use fire-resistant materials. Fuel sourced fires are mostly forest fires. When getting removed the process is called Firebreak in which you remove the tress, so it doesn’t spread further.