Fire Extinguisher Guide

Guide to Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications

Fire extinguishers are essential safety tools designed to combat different types of fires. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous, especially on a construction site or support area where there may be flammables and materials in the vicinity.

This guide explains the various types of fire extinguishers and their appropriate applications, including recommendations for construction sites, offices, and canteens.

HIRE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they can extinguish. The classifications are as follows:

1. Water (Red Label)

• Use: Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles)
• Not Suitable For: Electrical fires, flammable liquids, or metal fires

2. Foam (Cream Label)

• Use: Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and paints)
• Not Suitable For: Electrical fires or metal fires

3. Dry Powder (Blue Label)

• Use: Class A, B, and C fires (solid combustibles, flammable liquids, and gases)
• Not Suitable For: Confined spaces due to inhalation risk, metal fires unless specified as "L2 powder"

4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) (Black Label)

• Use: Class B fires and electrical fires
• Not Suitable For: Class A fires, cooking oil fires

5. Wet Chemical (Yellow Label)

• Use: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats), some Class A fires
• Not Suitable For: Flammable liquid or electrical fires

Fire Extinguisher Requirements by Environment

1. Construction Site

• Recommended Extinguishers:
  • Dry Powder Extinguishers: To handle flammable liquids, gases, and general fires
  • CO2 Extinguishers: To combat electrical fires from machinery and equipment
  • Water or Foam Extinguishers: For general Class A fires (wood, paper, debris)
• Placement: Located near high-risk areas such as fuel storage, electrical panels, and work zones

2. Office

• Recommended Extinguishers:
  • CO2 Extinguishers: Essential for electrical equipment and computer fires
  • Foam or Water Extinguishers: For general fire risks like paper, wood, and furniture
• Placement: Near electrical equipment, exits, and along escape routes

3. Canteen or Kitchen

• Recommended Extinguishers:
  • Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Specifically for cooking oil and fat fires
  • CO2 Extinguishers: To combat electrical fires from kitchen appliances
  • Dry Powder Extinguishers: As a backup for general flammable substances
• Placement: Near cooking areas but at a safe distance from potential fire sources

Understanding fire extinguisher types and their appropriate applications is vital for workplace safety. Construction sites, offices, and kitchens each require different fire extinguishers to address their specific fire hazards. Proper placement and regular maintenance of fire extinguishers ensure preparedness in the event of a fire emergency.