| Types
of Extinguishers
There are three main types of fire extinguisher
which are all available for you to use in your home:
Dry Powder and Foam each come in two types: only one type of powder
and one type of foam is suitable for having at home. No single type
of extinguisher is totally effective on every kind of fire. So before
buying one, it's vital to look carefully at what kinds of fires it
can be used on.
Points to note before tackling a fire.
- Don't attempt to use an extinguisher
on a fire unless you feel it is safe for you to do so.
- Position
it where you can get to it quickly, like the hall.
- Buy one you
can carry easily.
- Don't put it over a heater or fire, but do fix
it to the wall, so it's out of reach of children but easily accessed.
- Read the instructions and be familiar with how to use it. Don't
leave it until you have a fire.
- Get it serviced once a year or
as the manufacturer recommends.
- If you're using it on a fire, keep
yourself on the escape route side of the fire.
What's Best for Home Use?
Multi-purpose dry powder or Aqueous Film
Forming Foam (AFFF) are probably the best choices. They have the
fewest dangers and are effective on many types of fire.
Standard or
Multi Purpose Dry Powder
Application
The powder "knocks down" the flames. These are safe to
use on most kinds of fire, but the multi-purpose powders are more
effective, especially on burning solids. Standard powders work
well only on burning liquids.
Dangers
The powder does not cool the fire well.
Fires which seem out can reignite.
The powder doesn't penetrate small spaces, like those inside burning
equipment.
The jet could spread burning fat or oil around.
How to use
Aim the jet at the base of the flames and briskly sweep it from
side to side.
Water Extinguishers
Application
The water cools the burning material. You can only use water on
solids, like wood or paper. You must never use water on electrical
fires or burning fat or oil.
Dangers
The water can conduct electricity back to you.
Water actually makes fat or oil fires worse - they can explode
as the water hits them.
How to use
Aim the jet at the base of the flames and move it over the area
of the fire.
Foam or AFFF FOAM (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)
Application
The foam forms a blanket or film on the surface of a burning liquid.
Conventional foam works well only on some liquids so it's not good
for use at home, but AFFF is very effective on most fires except
electrical and chip pan fires.
Dangers
"Jet" foam can conduct electricity back to you, but "spray" foam
is much less likely to do so. The foam could spread burning fat or
oil around.
How to use
For solids, aim the jet at the base of the flames and move it over
the area of the fire. For liquids, don't aim the foam straight
at the fire - aim it at a vertical surface or, if the fire is in
a container, at the inside edge of the container.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers are suitable for class B risks involving
flammable liquids and for electrical hazards. CO2 is harmless to
electrical equipment and is ideal for modern offices, electronic
risks, and fires caused by the combustion of liquids such as: oils,
fats, solvents etc. The 5 kg size has a 70 B fire rating.
Available
Aluminium body (lightweight) . Squat design Squeeze
grip operation
Features
High quality finish . Neat design Kitemarked to BS
EN3: 1996
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are good to use on fat pan fires on the
cooker or for wrapping round someone whose clothing is on fire. They're
ideal to keep in the kitchen, but they aren't good for general use.
If you get one, make sure it conforms to British Standard BS 6575.
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