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According to the NFPA many catastrophic fires could have been avoided
had they been extinguished while they were still small. Having the
correct portable fire extinguisher nearby can save lives and property
if used properly.
There are many different types of fire extinuishers available, each
designed to protect against certain fires. Interstate Fire Systems
services and sells all types of fire extinguishers for any hazard.
If you call or visit our office our knowledgable staff will be happy
to assist you in determining what type of portable fire extinguisher
is right for you. The following information will also help you better
understand the different classes and types.
Classes of fires
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Class A fire extinguishers
are designed to put out fires of ordinary combustible materials
such as wood, paper, cardboard, etc. |
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Class B fires include those that
involve flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc.
Water should never be used on this kind of fire as it may spread
the fire without putting it out. |
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Class C fire extinguishers are
used on electrical types of fires such as appliances, electric
panels, power tools, etc. Water should not be used on electrical
fires because of the risk of electric shock. |
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Class D fires involve combustible
metals such as magnesium or titanium. These fires burn at very
high temperatures and may react violently to water or other
chemicals. |
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Types of
fire extinguishers
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Water Extinguishers
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Pressurized water type fire extinguishers are suitable for
class A fires, but not for class B, C and D fires. These types
of fires can react or spread, becoming more of a hazard. |
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Dry Chemical |
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Dry chemical fire extinguishers are usually rated for multi-use,
and have more than one designator(A-B, B-C, or A-B-C, etc.).
It is important to have the correct dry chemical fire extinguisher
as each is filled with a different checmical. A general purpose
fire extinguisher with a rating A-B-C is usually suitable for
most homes, and many businesses, depending on the particular
hazzard. The advantage to dry chemical is that they leave a
blanket of residue over the fire preventing reignition. |
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Carbon dioxide |
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CO2 fire extinguishers are used for class B and C fires.They
work by displacing the oxygen in a given area, suffocating and
cooling the fire. These extinguishers should not be used on
class A fires because they may reignite.They also should not
be used on class D fires as reaction may occur. The advantage
to using carbon dioxide is that is does not leave behind any
hrmful residues, making it suitable for fires involving delicate
electronic equipment. |
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Clean Agent |
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Clean agent fire extinguishers are ideal for protecting valuable
electrical equipment, such as computer rooms, communication
equipment, and data storage facilities because they leave no
residue. These fire extinguishers replace Halon 1211 with environment
friendly chemicals. |
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Using A Fire
Extinguisher
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A portable fire extinguisher is only effective
if used properly. The following tips will help you determine
when and how to use your fire extinguisher. |
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Before attempting to control the fire be sure the following
conditions apply. |
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The building has been notified and is being evacuated.
The fire department has been called.
The fire is small and contained.
Your path to the exit is clear behind you.
You can stay low and avoid the smoke.
You have the proper extinguisher for the hazard.
You have read the instructions. |
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Remember the word PASS,
it will help in remembering the correct use of a fire extinguisher. |
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Pull the pin from
the fire extinhguisher.
Aim towards the base
of the fire.
Squeeze the handle
on the extinguisher, releasing the chemical.
Sweep from side to
side, pushing the fire backwards until extinguished.
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For more information visit the NFPA
and learn more about fire prevention. |
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