Deciding What Fire Extinguisher My Business Needs

Based on Extinguishers we deal with this chart is correct. However, please check each individual extinguisher for the correct fire classes on the front of the tank. 

This is because sometimes the specific extinguisher may not have been designed for the fire type you may need it for. For example, powder extinguishers work on Class D fires but only specific powder extinguishers, furthermore certain water mist extinguishers won’t work on Class F fires.

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Water is the most classic form of firefighting. A normal Water ‘jet’ Extinguisher is used only for Class A Fires, like discussed earlier these fires are caused by "carbonaceous materials." such as paper, plastic, coal, cloth and more.

How it works: Using the water jet extinguisher causes water to be sprayed, which cools the surface of the organic solid matter and slows the pace of fuel combustion, extinguishing the fire.

How to use: Once you know how to use them properly, water jet extinguishers are relatively simple to use. You should aim the nozzle at the flames' base, press the lever to release the water, and then spray over the fire in a sweeping motion.

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Similarly to the Water Jet Extinguisher, the Water Spray is only used for Class A fires. The only notable difference is the way the water is expelled from the extinguisher.

How it works: In contrast to the Water Jet Extinguisher, the Water Spray Extinguisher uses its nozzle to create higher pressure for when the liquid is ejected. Because of this, the water comes out as a fine spray which improves the fire-fighting capabilities of the extinguisher.

How to use: Exactly how you would use the Water Jet is how you use the Water Spray Extinguisher. Aim the nozzle at the flames' base, press the lever to release the water, and then spray over the fire in a sweeping motion.

WARNING: Water and hot oil do not mix! Please do not use it on burning oil or fat in a kitchen fire, Water Jet should not be used on electrical appliances either.

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The Water Mist Extinguisher is by far the most effective and interesting extinguisher out of water-based extinguishers. This is due to the broad spectrum of fires it can tackle such as class A, B, C and F-rated risks. The water droplets are so fine that they do not descend below the burning hot liquids and prevent an explosion as an ordinary water extinguisher would.

Certain Water Mist Extinguishers can also be used in electrical fires. These types of Water Mist Extinguishers have been put under dielectric testing to 35k Volts and can be safely used on electrical fires up to 1000 Volts. You will still have to keep a safe distance of 1m away from the fire and the electrical source. 

Deionized water is used to create the dry water mist extinguisher, this does not conduct electricity, also the dry water solution does not condense into puddles that might cause a slip hazard and potentially create a conducting puddle towards the electrical source.

How it works: The Water Mist Extinguisher turns water into microscopic particles, which are even more extreme than the ones found in the Water Spray Extinguisher. It effectively cools and suffocates a fire when expelled from the nozzle and directed towards it. In addition to putting a cooling barrier between the user and the fire, water mist extinguishers help reduce part of the heat.

How to use: Again, point the nozzle at the base of the flames, squeeze the lever to release the water and spray in a sweeping motion over the area of the fire.

WARNING: Do not use on class D fires containing flammable metals. As water has oxygen present, it only fuels the fire more when presented with extreme heat caused by Class D fires.

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The Multi-Purpose Powder Extinguisher can be used for a variety of fires, including those with class A, B, C, and E risk ratings, as its name suggests. Although powder extinguishers are advised for electrical equipment, using them inside of buildings poses a risk of inhalation and impaired vision.

How it works: The flames are cooled by the anti-thermal powder until the temperature is too low for the chemical reaction to proceed. Powder extinguishers can put out a fire quickly, but they aren't very effective at doing so permanently. Make sure to keep a close eye on the fire in case it flares up once more.

How to use: Release the water and powder in a fast sweeping motion while aiming the discharge horn or nozzle at the flames' base. Before resuming your attack on the fire, wait until the powder has settled and your vision is unobscured. Ventilate the space as soon as you can after that.

WARNING: There are many dangers of using multi-purpose powder extinguishers in enclosed spaces, such as inhalation and vision impairment. Please use with caution or do not use within enclosed spaces. Do not use this extinguisher on Class F fires containing flammable cooking oils and deep fat fryers.

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Special Powder Extinguishers otherwise known as L2 Powder Extinguishers or Class D powder extinguishers are specifically made for Class D Fires. Class D fires include all flammable metals such as magnesium, lithium and aluminium when in the form of swarf or powder.

There are 3 Special Powder Extinguisher variations containing different metals/ metal halides; Graphite, Copper and Sodium Chloride.

How it works: They work exactly like the normal multi-purpose powder extinguisher; The flames are cooled by the anti-thermal powder until the temperature is too low for the chemical reaction to proceed. Powder extinguishers can put out a fire quickly, but they aren't very effective at doing so permanently. Make sure to keep a close eye on the fire in case it flares up once more.

How to use: Although both types of powder extinguishers function similarly on paper, the actual application process differs greatly, requiring user training. Lances are a feature of L2 Powder Extinguishers. With the help of the lance, the user can put out the fire from a safer distance. This extinguisher also has a low-velocity applicator, which lessens the force of the jet and permits the powder to be spread out gradually.

WARNING: Prevent water from contacting the burning metal and avoid putting out Lithium or live electrical fires with a Sodium Chloride special powder extinguisher. Graphite or copper alternatives should be used instead.

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Foam-type fire extinguishers are made to tackle Class A and Class B fires. Class A fires involving solid matter and class B fires containing burning liquids.

How it works: The formula of the Foam Extinguisher is mainly water-based but contains a foaming agent allowing it to float on top of burning liquids and suffocate them.

How to use: Depending on the fire class, a different method will be used. Point the nozzle towards the base of the flame while fighting solids-related fires (Class A) and move quickly back and forth. However, for flammable liquids (Class B), DO NOT point the nozzle straight at it because this could cause the liquid to splatter and spread the fire. Instead, direct the nozzle toward the flame's edge and wait for the foam mixture to spread. If the burning liquid is within a container, the same method still applies: point the nozzle at the edge of the container to prevent splash-back.

WARNING: Due to the foam extinguisher containing water, do not use it on class F fires containing combustible cooking oils.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers are made to tackle electrical fires and sometimes class B flammable liquids.

How it works: A CO2 Extinguisher works by directly tackling the oxygen fueling the fire. By taking away the oxygen needed for the fire to continue it can successfully put out a fire.Be warned that once the CO2 has dispersed and the oxygen can return to the area, the fire may ignite again.

How to use: Point the discharge horn in the direction of the flames' base and sweep it back and forth, as you would with most conventional extinguishers.

WARNING: Use is not permitted on class F fires involving flammable cooking oils. Watch out for re-ignition because this type of extinguisher does not effectively cool the flames. When deployed in small areas, CO2 extinguishers can cause asphyxiation. As soon as the fire has been put out, make sure you ventilate the space. Additionally, you need to use a frost-free horn since when the gas is released, it gets quite cold and might possibly cause your hand to freeze to the horn.

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Wet Chemical Extinguishers and made to tackle solely Class F fires such as those containing cooking oils and fats such as lard, olive oil and butter.

How it works: Most Wet Chemical Extinguishers work by creating a chemical reaction. The extinguisher features a mixture of alkali solutions, such as potassium acetate, potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate, which transform the oil and fat into soap.

How to use: The Wet Chemical Extinguisher features a long applicator in order for the user to be able to stand at a safe distance. Make small, gentle circular motions over the burning pan until the surface is soapy and all flames have been quenched.

WARNING: Do not use on class B fires containing flammable liquids such as petrol.