Fire Extinguishers
History
In 1813, George Manby created the first known portable fire extinguisher: a two-foot-tall copper cylinder that held 3 gallons of water and used compressed air as a propellant.
In 1849, William Henry Phillips created the first extinguisher to use a chemical extinguishing agent, and not just water.
In 1872, Thomas J. Martin created the first commercial and residential sprinkler system.
What a Fire needs
Fire needs these four essential elements which are Oxygen, Heat, Fuel and Chemical Reaction, also called the firetetrahedron: which is a triangular pyramid having four sides including the bottom. So what does a fire extinguisher do? It removes one or more of these elements by applying an agent that either cools the burning fuel, or removes or displaces the surrounding oxygen.
How Fire Extinguishers work
At the top of the cylinder, there is a smaller cylinder filled with compressed gas. A release valve acts as a locking mechanism and prevents this gas from escaping. When you squeeze the lever, the lever pushes on an actuating rod which presses the valve down to open a passage to the nozzle. The compressed gas is released, applying a downward pressure on the fire-extinguishing material. This pushes the material out the nozzle with high amounts of pressure.
A typical fire extinguisher contains ten seconds of extinguishing power. Always read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarized with its parts. It is highly recommended that you get hands-on training before operating a fire extinguisher.
It is vital to know what type of extinguisher you are using. Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the wrong type of fire can be life-threatening.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
Class A
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "A" is for use on Class A fires. Class A fires are fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
Class B
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "B" is for use on Class B fires. Class B fires are fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel oil, oil-based paints, lacquers, etc., and flammable gases.
Class C
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "C" is for use on Class C fires. Class C fires are fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
Class D
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "D" is for use on Class D fires. Class D fires are fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.
Class K
A fire extinguisher labeled with letter "K" is for use on Class K fires. Class K fires are fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. This is for commercial kitchens, including those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers.
IMPORTANT: If your Fire Extinguisher is damaged, out of date, rusty or needs recharging, replace it immediately!
Types of Fire Extinguishers
BC - This is the regular type of Dry Chemical Extinguisher. It is filled with Sodium Bicarbonate or Potassium Bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a mild corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent any damage to materials.
ABC - This is the multipurpose Dry Chemical Extinguisher. The ABC type is filled with Ammonium Phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Dry Chemical Extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a combination of class A, B and C fires. Dry Chemical Extinguishers are filled with either a powder or a foam, usually Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) or Potassium Bicarbonate, and pressurized with Nitrogen. Baking soda is effective because at 158 degrees Fahrenheit it decomposes and releases Carbon Dioxide which smothers Oxygen. Dry Chemical Extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of foam or powder, separating the oxygen from the fuel.
Water Extinguishers
Water Extinguishers are filled with tap water and pressurized with Oxygen. The best way to remove heat is to put water on the fire but, depending on the type of fire, this is not always the best option.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
CO2 Extinguishers are filled with Carbon Dioxide, a non-flammable gas, and are highly pressurized. The pressure is so great that it is not uncommon for bits of Dry Ice to shoot out. Carbon Dioxide is heavier than Oxygen so these extinguishers work by taking away Oxygen from the surrounding area. CO2 is also very cold so it also works by cooling the fuel.
It is vital that you know how to use your fire extinguisher.
There's no time to read the instructions after a fire starts.
How to use a Fire Extinguisher
Use the ( P.A.S.S. ) procedure.
The acronym "P.A.S.S." describes the four-steps used in operating a fire extinguisher.
P - Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed.
A - Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the handle to discharge the material Stand approximately eight feet away from the fire. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop.
S - Sweep the nozzle back and forth side to side at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite!
Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, about eight feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!
Never Fight A Fire If:
The fire is spreading rapidly. Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is in its early stages. If the fire is already spreading quickly, evacuate and call the fire department.
You don't know what is burning. Unless you know what is burning, you won't know what type of fire extinguisher to use. Even if you have an ABC extinguisher, there could be something that will explode or produce highly toxic smoke.
You don't have the proper fire extinguisher. The wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous or life-threatening.
There is too much smoke or you are at risk of inhaling smoke. Seven out of ten fire-related deaths occur from breathing poisonous gases produced by the fire.
Important: All fires can be very dangerous and life-threatening. Your safety should always be your primary concern when attempting to fight a fire.
How to Fight a Fire Safely:
Use the correct extinguisher for the type of fire.
Always stand with an exit at your back.
Never turn your back to a fire.
Stand eight feet away from the fire, moving closer once the fire starts to diminish.
Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the fire.
Although the temptation is to aim the extinguisher at the flames, the proper way to use the extinguisher is to aim it directly at the fuel.
If possible, use a "buddy system" to have someone back you up or call for help if something goes wrong.
Once the fire is out, don't walk away! Watch the area for a few minutes in case it re-ignites. Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.
Important: Recharge all extinguishers immediately after use regardless of how much they were used.
Smoke inhalation
Smoke inhalation occurs when you breathe in hot gaseous the products of combustion during a fire. Combustion results from the rapid breakdown of a substance by heat. Any sort of fire will produce some amount of carbon monoxide, the most deadly gas produced by a fire.
Smoke inhalation or exposure to fire itself can be life threatening and is responsible for a large number of the deaths. In many cases, people do not show symptoms of smoke inhalation until twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the fire. Because of this, their medical problem may not be treated soon enough. Smoke inhalation harms the body because it cuts off the oxygen supply it needs. Cells and tissues need oxygen in order to function normally and stay alive. If too much smoke is present in the body, it can prevent oxygen from reaching cells. Cells and tissues then begin to die from oxygen starvation.
Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Inspect fire extinguishers at least once a month. Here are some basic things to check on your monthly inspections.
Make sure your fire extinguishers are not blocked by anything that would prevent easy access in the event of a fire.
Make sure your fire extinguishers are in open view.
Make sure all fire extinguishers pressures are at the recommended levels. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle should be in the green..
Make sure your fire extinguishers nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
Make sure your fire extinguishers pins and tamper seals (if it has one) are intact.
Make sure your fire extinguishers have no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of abuse or wear.
Make sure your fire extinguishers are within the service date and not expired.
Make sure you have the correct fire extinguisher for the area or room it’s placed.
Make sure you read the fire extinguishers manual some manufacturers recommend shaking your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling or packing.
Make sure your fire extinguishers components and nozzle are Wiped down and kept clean.
Make sure your fire extinguishers are pressure tested a process called hydrostatic testing after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use. Consult your owner's manual, extinguisher label or the manufacturer to see when yours may need such testing.
Make sure you practice the use of the fire extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. procedure with your family members.
Make and practice escape and evacuation plans, also have a designated outside meeting area a safe distance away from your home in case there is a fire in your home. Practice it with your family.
What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and fire extinguisher maintenance?
INSPECTION
An inspection is a “quick check” to give reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of an inspection lies in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness with which it is conducted. Inspections should always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately thirty day intervals.
MAINTENANCE
Fire extinguishers should be maintained at regular intervals (at least once a year), or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.