How to choose the best type of fire extinguisher

LOCAL NEWS:

Portable Fire extinguishers are available for all recognized media, and in varying sizes according to the risk they are required to cover.

MEDIA: WATER

Water extinguishes fire by penetrating and cooling the seat of the fire and retarding its spread. Such fires include burning furniture, fabrics, paper and similar ‘freely’ contents of most buildings.

Water extinguishers includes two basic types:

1. Water gas pressure type – operating under pressure from a CO₂ cylinders, with controllable discharge.
2. Water stored pressure type – which features fully controllable discharge, the water jet being released and stopped by a valve lever.

For hotels and kitchens where, deep fat frying presents a fire hazard.

To deal with those fires which should not be fought with water, there are extinguishers designed to apply foam or chemicals according to the risks involved: –

MEDIA: FOAM

Three kinds of foam available, Protein, ‘Plus-F’ and ‘Light Water’ each with its own characteristics and specific uses. Basically, however, they are all applied to class B fires of blazing flammable liquids such as petrol, oils, chemicals, waxes and paints.

MEDIA: CO₂

For indoor locations such as laboratories and spaces in which delicate machinery and electrical equipment is to be protected.

CO₂ is rapid in action, non-damaging to equipment, and non-conductive.

MEDIA: BCF

BCF (bromochlorodifluoromethane) liquid vaporizes on contact with heat to smother flames. It is non-damaging, non-conductive and anti-catalytic and only very slightly toxic. It especially recommended for marine vehicle protection.

MEDIA: DRY POWDER

Suitable for all classes of fire, powder is the fastest method of dealing with blazing flammable liquids including alcohols and solvents, especially extensive spill or running fires. It is also perfectly safe on electrical fires.