Strengths and Weaknesses of the different types of fire extinguishers
Water Fire Extinguishers are good for tackling fires involving burning paper, wood and soft furnishing (Class A fires), as the water soaks into the materials and cools them, while extinguishing the fire. This type of extinguisher does not contain harmful chemicals but has a low fire fighting rating. Due to this water fire extinguishers are usually large and heavy to overcome their lack in fire fighting power. It is also important to remember that water is an electrolyte and conducts electricity. Care must therefore be taken with regards to accidental use on exposed power cables. However, both the weight and the conductivity problems can be overcome by using water extinguishers with environmentally friendly additives. Water extinguishers with additives have a higher fire fighting rating which, therefore, allows the use of smaller and lighter extinguishers. Neither do they conduct electricity. As they are mostly free of harmful substances, water fire extinguishers are especially suitable in households where children have access to the extinguishers and an accidental discharge is possible.
Foam Fire Extinguishers also called AFFF FOAM (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). Create a smothering film of foam over the fire, which starves the fire of oxygen. The foam also penetrates porous materials and cools the fire through evaporation of the water content in the foam. As the foam creates a foam carpet on burning liquids like petrol, foam extinguishers are particularly suitable for flammable liquids and areas where manmade fibres in soft furnishings and carpets might liquidise under the influence of heat. Foam extinguishers are safe for use with electrical equipment, although the electrical equipment will be seriously damaged by the liquid.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers contain only pressurised CO2 gas and therefore leave no residue. This type of extinguisher is suitable for use on fires involving burning liquids (Class B fires), but is also an excellent solution for quenching fires involving computer equipment and other electrical appliances, as it does not cause damage to the electrical items and does not cause the system to short circuit. It is important to remember that when using CO2 extinguishers there is a possibility that once the smothering CO2 gas has floated away the fire may re-ignite if the source of the fire is not removed (eg switching off the power supply) or if the materials are still very hot. Please be aware that CO2 extinguishers that are not fitted with double-lined swivel horns may cause your fingers to freeze to the horn during the deployment of the extinguisher. CO2 extinguishers are NOT suitable for deep fat fryers, as the strong jet from the extinguisher carries the burning fat out of the fryer and into the room!
Powder Fire Extinguishers, also called ABC powder extinguishers or dry powder extinguishers, are suitable for fighting class A,B and C fires. ABC powder extinguishers have a very good fire fighting capacity, but the powder does not soak into materials and does not have a good cooling effect on the fire. This can result in the fire re-igniting, if it is not properly extinguished. Care must be taken when using powder extinguishers that you do not inhale the powder. Powder extinguishers should therefore not be used in small, confined spaces where there is a risk of inhaling the powder. The clean up after applying a powder extinguisher is very difficult and the powder causes damage to soft furnishing, carpets and computer drives etc. So a careful balance has to be struck between the generally quite cheap but powerful powder extinguishers and the cleaner, but less powerful and sometimes more expensive foam/water (with additive) extinguishers.
For a household be careful not to buy just BC rated powder fire extinguishers, as they generally are not suitable for burning solids. BC rated powder extinguishers however, can be used for cars.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers are especially designed for use on kitchen fires involving burning oil and deep fat fryers (Class F fires). These extinguishers come with a special, long application lance which allows you to safely lay a cooling layer of foam on top of the burning oil. They can also be used on Class A fires, although their fire fighting power for general risks is not very strong.
Alternatively, a (kitemarked) fire blanket can be placed over the pan containing the burning oil/fat. The pan should then be left to cool down. NEVER carry the pan outside or lift the fire blanket after a short period of time to inspect the burning oil as the introduction of oxygen through this action can reignite the fire. NEVER use pressurised water, powder, CO2 or foam extinguishers on fires involving burning fat, as the pressurised jet can cause the burning oil to be carried out of the pan onto surrounding surfaces causing more damage and a larger fire to tackle.
Application of fire extinguishers
Water and powder fire extinguishers
Aim the jet at the base of the flames and briskly sweep it from side to side.
Foam and wet chemical fire extinguishers
For solids, aim the jet at the base of the flames and move it over the area of the fire. For liquids, don't aim the foam straight at the fire - aim it at a vertical surface or, if the fire is in a container, at the inside edge of the container.
Fire Extinguisher Disposal
For disposal from business premises companies can use specialist service providers, for example Thomas Glover's disposal service. Residentially used extinguishers can either be discharged and disposed of through the residential waste or be dropped off at the local recycling centre. Please be aware that it can be very difficult to discharge an extinguisher as a lay person, especially powder fire extinguishers, as the powder will get absolutely everywhere!
Points to note before tackling a fire
- Don't attempt to use an extinguisher on a fire unless you feel it is safe for you to do so.
- Position the extinguisher where you can get to it quickly, like the hall.
- Buy extinguishers that you can carry easily.
- Don't position extinguishers over a heater or fire, but do fix them to the wall, so they are out of reach of children but still easily accessed.
- Read the instructions and be familiar with how to use your extinguishers. Don't leave it until you have a fire.
- If you require the extinguishers for a business (including letting premises) you must have them serviced once a year.
- If you are using a fire extinguisher on a fire, keep yourself on the escape route side of the fire.
Extinguisher Update
Safelincs has finally introduced their own fire extinguisher range with a ground-breaking 10 Year Warranty on all components! The extinguishers are manufactured in the UK and have been designed with longevity and ulterior quality in mind. The extinguishers are manufactured in semi-shell design, which reduces the required weld length and increases crush-test resistance. The armatures were designed for strength and can be serviced with all standard tools! The strong head design ensures that the extinguishers will not get damaged in transit. And all at a price level that can compete with all other major brands