Posted on Wed, Apr 08, 2009 @ 12:57 PM
by Andy Joy, Life Sciences Account Manager
Now I'm sure most of you know that there are different types of fire extinguishers; but, do you know the purpose of each type. Below I outlined the different types, and the type of fire they are used for. You wouldn't want to use the wrong fire extinguisher in an emergency...the event might get worse!
1. Class A Fire Extinguishers
Class A extinguishers put out fires in ordinary materials (i.e. - cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and many plastics)
2. Class B Fire Extinguishers
Class B extinguishers are used to put out fires involving flammable liquids (i.e. - grease, gasoline, oil, solvents, diesel fuel, oil-based paints)
3. Class C Fire Extinguishers
Class C extinguishers are suitable to put out fires involving electrical appliances or tools, or other equipment this is electrically energized or plugged in (i.e. - Power saw, drill, toaster oven, lamps, refrigerators)
***never use water for these kind of fires - there is a risk of electric shock***
4. Class D Fire Extinguisher
Class D extinguishers are great to use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question. Typically, these extinguishers are only found in factories working with these metals (i.e. - magnesium, titanium, metal shavings, potassium, sodium)
***never us water for these kind of fires - they are most commonly water reactive***
5. Class K Fire Extinguishers
Class K extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve oils most commonly found in cooking appliances/kitchens (i.e. - vegetable oils, animal oils, fats)
Your typical fire extinguisher is a combination of A, B, and C. Does anyone know which active chemical in the ABC fire extinguishers is used to put out a fire?