Fire safety is essential to save people and their property in public areas, workplaces, and homes. A fire extinguisher is the most straightforward but most helpful tool for managing small fires.
Let’s suppose you are making dinner when suddenly there is a small fire on the stovetop. You realize there’s an extinguisher nearby when panic comes in. You grab it, but do you know exactly how to use it in that critical time? Are you sure it’s the right extinguisher for this task?
As reported by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all workplaces should have suitable firefighting equipment, especially fire extinguishers. You also need to conduct a fire risk evaluation to identify feasible causes of fire and the best ways of avoiding or managing them.
Moreover, the National Fire Protection Association states that every year, on average, 354,400 home structure fires are responded to by US fire departments. These tragedies show how important fire extinguishers are to protecting our homes and the people we love.
A fire extinguisher is one of those most necessary safety tools that should be properly positioned in the home or office. It helps to put out small fires before they expand and damage people’s lives or property.
Choosing extinguisher types for the relevant class of fire could be the difference between life and death. The five main types of fire extinguishers include water, foam, dry powder, CO2, and wet chemicals.
The history of the fire extinguisher
When Ctesibius of Alexandria designed a hand pump to apply water to a fire about 200 BC, that is when fire extinguishers first appeared. After that Captain George William Manby created the first pressurized extinguisher, a copper container holding 3 gallons of potassium carbonate (K2CO3). Since then, fire extinguishers have advanced greatly.
How Does a Fire Extinguisher Work?
The extinguisher should be used accurately by aiming low, straight at the fuel instead of the flames, and sweeping the stream.
A fire is burned by fuel, heat, and oxygen, and fire extinguishers provide a solution that will cool burning heat, overflow fuel, or wipe out oxygen to stop the fire from continuing to burn. A portable extinguisher can immediately minimize a small fire if used by a well-trained individual.
The portable fire extinguisher is a strong metal cylinder full of water or a smother compound (the extinguishing agent). As you press a lever at the top of the cylinder, the material escapes under high pressure, just like an aerosol can.
At the cylinder top, a smaller cylindrical container containing compressed air is located. A release valve works as a locking device, preventing the gas from leaving.
After you pull the safety pin and compress the lever, it pulls on an actuating rod, which forces the valve down and opens a path to the nozzle. The compressed gas escapes, putting downward pressure on the fire-extinguishing agent and forcing it out the nozzle with great force.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Technique
To use a fire extinguisher, learn the PASS system:
- Pull the pin by pushing the extinguisher far from you to open the mechanism.
- Aim directly at the base of the flame.
- Squeeze the lever gently.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.
What’s Inside a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher consists of chemicals like sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sodium bicarbonate. This can seem to be an average cylinder with a nozzle at first look, but it’s what’s inside that matters most. The container, the propellant, and the extinguishing agent are the three basic parts of a standard fire extinguisher. Each is essential to putting out fires and maintaining our safety.
- Cylinder: Fire extinguisher cylinders are intended to resist high pressure and hold the extinguishing compound. For longevity and safety, they undergo extensive testing.
- Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge shows the present condition of the extinguisher’s charge. It usually has a green zone to show sufficient pressure and a red zone signifying low pressure.
- Extinguishing Agent:
- Water: Water extinguishers are best for cooling and extinguishing class ‘A’ fires by minimizing the fuel temperature to less than its starting point.
- Dry Chemicals: Dry chemical extinguishers execute by preventing the chemical reaction of the fire, producing insulation between the fuel and the oxygen. They work well on a variety of fires and are adaptable.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): CO2 extinguishers suffocate a fire by removing oxygen. They leave none behind, which makes them ideal for use in locations where cleanliness is important, especially for electrical equipment.
- Foam: Foam extinguishers work by creating a layer that cools down the fuel surface and restricts the flow of combustible gasses, smothering the fire.
- Wet Chemical: Wet chemical extinguishers interact with cooking oils and fats to form a soapy coating that puts out the fire and protects it from re-igniting.
- Propellant: Most fire extinguishers contain a propellant gas, such as nitrogen, to quickly release the extinguishing chemical from the cylinder upon activation. The propellant is kept apart from the extinguishing agent throughout the cylinder.
- Internal Components: Dip tubes and siphon tubes have been created to make sure that the extinguishing agent is adequately distributed when the extinguisher is used.
- Valve Assembly: When the handle or trigger is squeezed, the valve assembly regulates the flow of the extinguishing agent and is activated.
- Safety Pin and Seal: The extinguisher’s safety pin or seal hinders accidental discharge. It should be evacuated before functioning, usually by pulling a pin or damaging a seal, for the extinguisher to work.
How to select the most suitable fire extinguisher?
For your home or business, there are 3 factors you should consider:
- What are the potential fire threats in your home or business?
- What type of extinguisher could be the best choice?
- And lastly, what practical aspects should you remember?
Lifespan and Maintenance
Do you know how long a fire extinguisher lasts? A fresh carbon dioxide, pressurized water, or wet chemical extinguisher should last for at least five years after you buy it. Dry chemical extinguishers have an average lifespan of 12 years.
If the extinguisher lasts, it can be recharged and used for another 5 to 12 years before the next hydrostatic test needs to be done.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of A Fire Extinguisher
Your fire extinguishers should endure for decades when you maintain them according to NFPA 10’s maintenance guidelines and perform the necessary hydrostatic testing. The following steps are necessary to increase an extinguisher’s lifespan:
- Conduct regular examinations on each kind of extinguisher. Inspect that they are installed in the right locations, have readable labels, show no evidence of tampering, and are fully charged.
- Plan professional fire extinguisher inspections every year.
- Depending on the type, hydrostatically test your extinguishers every five or twelve years.
- On rechargeable dry chemical extinguishers, do the mandatory six-year maintenance.
How Often to Recharge Fire Extinguishers?
Rechargeable extinguishers might be recharged till they are required to be replaced according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines is 12 years.
To determine WHEN to recharge a fire extinguisher, read this easy instructions:
- When an extinguisher was recently discharged but remains in excellent condition.
- Even when just a little pressure has been released, recharging is important to maximize the efficiency after a fire and comply with NFPA 10 and local fire rules.
- The NFPA recommends recharging your extinguisher(s) every ten years if you haven’t done so before.
When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher
Are you concerned about how to figure out whether a fire extinguisher is not working? The following issues need to be fixed or replaced:
- A leaking or cracked seal that makes it impossible for the canister to hold a charge.
- A clogged, damaged, or torn nozzle or hose, might result in a malfunction if you try to use the extinguisher.
- Signs of damage include an open or broken safety pin, as well as outer shell breakage.
- A fragile or broken handle may make the extinguisher challenging to operate.
- A misplaced evaluation tag makes it difficult to identify when the last service was performed.
- Rust or humidity from moist surroundings may cause the trigger or nozzle to stop working.
- If the extinguisher is placed in an area where there are frequent vibrations from heavy machinery or vehicles, loose parts could occur.
- A damaged or fallen canister could cause a broken seal or trouble with other important components.
How do you dispose of expired fire extinguishers?
Once your extinguisher is worn out, it must be discarded because it is a form of hazardous material. Even though most fire extinguishers are made from recyclable material, they cannot be disposed of with the normal black bin. You can take the extinguisher back to the fire department or fire protection company that you purchased it from or return it to the hazardous waste disposal or take it to a large household recycling center. If the extinguisher has been fully released and the container found empty, then the same can also be taken to a steel recycling industry.
When should you use a fire extinguisher?
The only thing that anybody should be thinking about during a fire emergency is a safe evacuation Although you have a fire extinguisher, you don’t have to use it! It is recommended by Underwriters’ Laboratories, the global safety testing and certification organization, that you just use an extinguisher when:
- The fire is not spreading and is small.
- You know how to use an extinguisher properly.
- You have an easy way to evacuate the place if necessary.
- You’ve already given the fire department a call.
- There isn’t any smoke in the room.
How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required in an Emergency Fire?
According to a new analysis from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), residential fires only make up 25% of all fires that are reported, yet they cause 75% of fire-related fatalities and 76% of fire-related injuries. This is very concerning because it underscores the significance of home fire safety and the ease with which people can become unprepared.
Making sure there is an adequate supply of fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations and that everyone is familiar with how to use them is one-way individuals may make themselves ready. Hallways, laundry rooms, garages or workshops, bedrooms, reception areas, conference rooms, kitchens, mechanical/electrical rooms, and exit doors are common places to find them.
The number of extinguishers needed for a given area depends on the type of facility, size of space, state and local laws, and risks of fire. Here’s a guide to help you figure out how many extinguishers you need:
1. For Homes
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests having at least one fire extinguisher on each floor. The most important placement areas include:
| Kitchen: | The most frequent location for house fires. Make use of an extinguisher designated for Class B and C fires, which include electrical and flammable substances. |
| Garage/Workshop: | Because of the combustible materials, keep a multi-purpose (ABC) extinguisher at this location. |
| Bedrooms: | Extinguishers should be placed close to bedrooms for easy access. |
| Basement/Attic: | If such areas exist, equip them. |
One extinguisher in the kitchen and one on every floor is enough for small houses or apartments. Larger homes may require more extinguishers in hallways or close to exits.
2. For Businesses
Businesses must comply with local fire rules and OSHA standards. Here are general suggestions:
| Building Size: | Make sure that no employee is far more than 75 feet away from an extinguisher. |
| Type of Business: | Fewer extinguishers are needed in offices, while industrial areas, restaurants, and garages need specialized ones like Class F for kitchens. |
| Building Layout: | Place fire extinguishers in common spaces, near exits, and in high-risk places such as electrical panels and kitchens. |
A single extinguisher is enough for small workplaces or shops (less than 3,000 square feet). For medium-sized places (3000–10,000 sq. ft.), three to six are suitable; larger companies should speak with a fire safety specialist.
3. For Public Spaces
Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, and shopping malls must adhere to strict rules.
| Building Codes: | It’s usually necessary to have one extinguisher for every 3000 square feet. |
| Distance: | Make sure nobody is far more than 75 feet from an extinguisher. |
| High-Risk Areas: | Extinguishers should be placed close to exits, electrical rooms, and kitchens. |
Schools must have extinguishers in hallways and labs, while hospitals require them around patient spaces, kitchens, and storage rooms. Malls and theaters need to place extinguishers near exits and food courts.
Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers
You have many options, both online and in physical locations when it comes to buying fire extinguishers.
Online Options:
- Websites such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart sell a wide variety of extinguishers, with customer reviews to help you decide.
- You can search for reliable brands to purchase products of excellent quality.
- You may browse and buy extinguishers and related safety equipment on the websites of major retailers.
Physical Store Options:
- Usually, stores have a variety of fire extinguishers on display so you can check the items before making a purchase.
- Local safety supply businesses may have a range of extinguishers available, and their staff members are usually sufficiently qualified to help you choose the appropriate one.
- You can get professional-grade extinguishers and suggestions on your fire precautions from specialized fire safety companies.
Environmentally friendly fire extinguishers
Making environmentally conscious choices is a top concern in today’s world. Eco-friendly fire extinguishers contribute to the safety of people and the environment. Traditional fire extinguishers frequently contain dangerous chemicals that can contaminate the air, water, and environment.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers play an extremely important part in keeping us safe by putting out small fires before they spread. They can protect individuals as well as property if used properly and placed at strategic locations.
It’s a good idea to assess your house or place of business and purchase the appropriate fire extinguisher. Being prepared with the necessary tools can help prevent a small fire from becoming a major disaster.