EHS TODAY- 18th April 2019

FIRE EXTINGUISHER-TYPES.
Fire Extinguisher are available in different types with each one
having specific fire classes that they are suitable for use on.
Fire Extinguishers meeting BS EN3 should have a red body
(RAL 3000) and an agent specific colour band covering
between 05-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher’s
content.

1.Water Extinguisher
Used for Class A Fires
Water removes the heat and extinguishes the fire.
Water must not be used on fires involving electrical
equipment as it can cause electrocution.
 Water must not be used on metal fires.

2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

 Used for Class B and Class C Fires
 Carbon dioxide extinguish fire by displacing oxygen in
surrounding air.
 Its principal advantage is that it does not leave any residue
behind.
 Can be used on electrical and electronic equipment.
 Carbon dioxide is not suitable for fire involving metals.

3. AFF Foam Type Extinguisher

 The extinguishing agent is aqueous film forming concentrate
in water which forms air foams when discharged through an
Figure: Water and Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher.
aspirating nozzle.
 It has blanketing effect excluding oxygen from the surface of
the fuel as it spreads on the fire.
 Prevents the vapour formation from surface of the burning
liquids.
 It develops a floating aqueous film of solution under the
foam on fuel surface and cool the burning surface
 AFF extinguisher must not be used on electrical or metal
fires.

4. Dry Chemical Powder Extinguisher

 The main base chemical used in DCP extinguishers are
sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.
 DCP extinguishers puts out fire by coating the fuel surface
with the chemical powder. Figure: AFF Foam Type and DCP Extinguishers
 This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air and
prevent vapour formation.
 The powder also interrupts the chemical reaction of fire.
 The disadvantage is that it leaves residue particularly
making it difficult to clean up in case of sensitive equipment.

5. Special Dry Powder Extinguisher

 Special extinguishing agents are used for extinguishing
metal fires.
 Dry powders extinguish the fire by forming a crust on metal
surface excluding air and also absorbs heat from the metal
surface.
 E.g. Blended sodium chloride based dry powder, ternary
eutectic chloride (TEC) powder, graphite.etc.