FCF On How To Choose The Right Portable Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers are easily and readily carried or portable as the name implies. They enable residents to reach the cause of the fire and assist in extinguishing it.

They are intended for small fires that in case not extinguished, may turn into big, uncontrolled fires. In case the fire isn’t extinguished with the fire extinguisher, call the local fire department immediately.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers can save property and lives by putting out a small fire

Portable fire extinguishers can save property and lives by putting out a small fire, before they blaze up into a big fire or contain it until the fire department arrives.

When thinking of a way to choose the appropriate portable fire extinguisher, ask, “What fire type is burning?” It’s incredibly critical to have the appropriate fire extinguisher for the type of fire that is burning.

Different fires need varied types of extinguishers

Lots of people believe that a fire extinguisher will put out any type of fire, but this is not the case. Specific types of fires require a specific type of fire extinguisher. 

Some fire extinguishers will leave a powder mess behind and damage sensitive equipment, while other fire extinguishers will leave hardly a trace and not damage sensitive equipment.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for the Job

The three most commonly used fire extinguishers are air-pressurized water, carbon dioxide and multi-purpose/dry chemical. To be able to help choose the appropriate fire extinguisher, this article is going to explore the various types of fires and the right type of fire extinguisher to work with.

Fires are categorized in different types of classes, Class A, B, C, E and F

Fires are categorized in different types of classes, Class A, B, C, E and F. The class is determined by the materials involved in the fire. A Class A fire involves common combustibles, such as wood or paper. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gas or oil.

Class C fires involve flammable Gases, such as LPG. Class E fires involves in energized electricity, such as a fire involving a surge protector. Class K fires involve cooking oils and are generally found in restaurant kitchens.

Understanding Fire Classes

• Class A: Common Combustibles
• Class B: Flammable Liquids
• Class C: Flammable Gases
• Class E: Energized Electrical Equipment
• Class F: Cooking Oils

Therefore, to be able to figure out the type of fire extinguisher needed, it is important to assess the situation and the surroundings that they are going to place the portable fire extinguisher in.

Typically, for home or office use, an ABC fire extinguisher can cover all the bases; it will cover flammable liquids, combustibles and electrical type of fires. A huge cooking space that has a great deal of frying oil in a deep fryer would call for F-Class fire extinguishers, along with fire suppression system.

Assessing the fire extinguisher needs

A building fire assessment from a qualified technician could help simplify this process

The initial thing to do in assessing the type of fire extinguisher needed is to figure out the type of fire that might occur. A building fire assessment from a qualified technician could help simplify this process.

The technician may figure out the size, type, and weight of the fire extinguishers required. A qualified technician or local fire authority could also help in the appropriate positioning of the fire extinguisher and the right number of fire extinguishers, which would be required to meet building codes and standards.

Proper placement of fire extinguishers

Location of the portable fire extinguisher is likewise important. These extinguishers must be positioned in an extremely visible location that has an unobstructed view, positioned along regular travel paths and the extinguisher instructions facing outward, so if an untrained person is using the fire extinguishers, they are able to readily see how to operate the extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers must additionally be positioned within easy reach, as well as placed in corridors or aisles that lead to an exit, never be blocked by equipment or stacked boxes, as well as be positioned by prospective fire hazards.

Fire extinguisher cabinet

A fire extinguisher cabinet could help facilitate this. The positioning of signage indicating the fire extinguisher in red helps to let employees, customers, and clients know where the fire extinguishers could be found very easily, if ever needed.

Annual maintenance and servicing of extinguishers

Portable fire extinguisher is required to be serviced once a year for homes and businesses. This ensures that the fire extinguisher is in proper working order, the gage is working, and the seals are intact and pressurized correctly. It will ensure the fire extinguisher will be ready in case of that feared emergency.

For anyone who has any concerns or questions about Portable Fire Extinguisher, FCF is here to help. They will be glad to help keep the home or workplace safe. They offer a wide range of fire protection services including supply, installation and maintenance.