1.3  Fire Extinguishers

1. There are 4 types of fire extinguishers:

 

Type Label Type of Fire Water Red Solid substances (A) Foam Cream or white Solid substances (A) Liquid (B) Gas (C) Carbon dioxide Black Electric (E) Gas (C) Dry powder Blue All types of fire

 

2. Type of fire and fire extinguishers that are suitable for use

 

 

Type of Fire Fire Type of fire extinguishers Class A Fires that involve flammable solids (except metals) such as cloth, wood, paper, fabric, rubber, rubbish and any flammable material Water  Foam Dry powder Class B  Fires that involve liquids such as petrol, kerosene, diesel, paint and varnish Foam Dry powder Carbon dioxide Class C Fires that involve gases such as LPG, LNG and oxygen Dry powder Carbon dioxide Class D Fires that involve metals such as magnesium, aluminium, sodium and potassium Dry powder Class E Fires that involve electrical appliances Dry powder Carbon dioxide  Class F Fires that involve fats and oils Dry powder Carbon dioxide

 

3. Other fire extinguishers:

 

Equipments Functions ABC fire extinguishers Can be used for all type of fire except fire caused by metal or gas that will not allow the explosion Not harmful to human and animal Does not pollute the soil Easy to maintain (at least once a year) Moisture produced lasts longer, thus preventing the fire from spreading again. Fire blanket Made of two layers of glass fibres Able to extinguish small or moderate fires that are difficult to extinguish with water Extinguishes fire on the victim when it is wrapped around him

 

4. Ways to use fire extinguishers

 

i. Pull the safety pin ii. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire source iii. Squeeze hard on the handle iv. Spray from side to side

 

5. Carrying out an audit on fire extinguishers at school

• Location of the fire extinguishers in the emergency route plan in the laboratory classroom, canteen and other locations in the school
• Types and numbers of fire extinguishers
• Expiry date and other information in the Rescue and Fire Department certificate attached to the fire extinguishers