Which Fire Extinguisher to use and how to choose?

When choosing a fire extinguisher the first thing to do is to identify the types of materials in the area where the fire extinguisher is going to be placed. Then there are several different types of fire extinguisher to choose from, such as:

• Class A – used for solids such as plastic, paper, wood, etc.
• Class B – used for flammable liquids such as petrol, paraffin, oil, etc.
• Class C – flammable gases such as methane, propane, butane, etc.
• Class D – metals such as titanium, aluminum, magnesium, etc.
• Class E – electrical apparatus
• Class F – cooking oil and fat etc.

Choose Fire Extinguisher

Foam

It is very effective on flammable liquids, woods, spirits, and petrol but this is not for use in the kitchen or electrical fires, making it a handy device to keep in a garage.

Wet Chemical 

It is safe to use in cooking fat fires, and soft furnishings, yet hazardous once brought into contact with flammable or electrical liquids and gases.

Water 

This type of extinguisher is good for putting out the flames on soft furnishings and carpets, but dangerous when used on cooking fats or flammable liquids. Have this in the living room and bedroom, if you are a smoker, but not useful for the kitchen. 

Dry powder

It is used on a range of fires in the home. It is safe to use on wood, electrical fires, textiles, and flammable liquids or gases. Ensure that this is not usable in kitchen fires involves cooking oils and fats. Good advice is for living areas and garages but still needs a separate device for the kitchen.

Use an Extinguisher 

Fire Extinguisher (source - nearsay)

Experts from fire safety advises people to learn how to use an extinguisher before an emergency occurs. Place the extinguishers where you can see and reach them easily, near to the room’s exit. In this way, you are able to fight the fire with your back to the door and make an easy escape if a blaze gets out of control.

A short way to remember how to use an extinguisher is by using the acronym – “PASS”

P - Pull the Extinguisher’s Safety Pin”. 

A – Aim the chemical at source of the flames, rather than at flames themselves, by standing at-least 6 feet away from fire 

S – Squeeze the trigger and hold it, keeping the extinguisher upright

S – Sweep the source of the flames until the fire extinguisher runs dry

If you have used fire extinguishers, even if it is not completely empty, you must replace it or refill it straight away Also replace or replenish any extinguisher, whose pressure gauge has slipped out of the green zone and into the red over time. Keep this in mind extinguishers with plastic valves cannot be refilled and you must discard after use. But metal valves can easily be refilled and will last you for a long time.

When it comes to safety you, your family and staff or employees are the top most priority. We are selling BAFE approved products and it is essential to select per requirement. It’s very important to keep extinguishers maintained and properly serviced as it is an essential part of the protection system.

More information on our maintenance service -   http://www.veteranfiresafety.co.uk/services/fire-extinguisher-maintenance