No matter where you live or where you work, there is always the risk that a fire may start. A conveniently placed fire extinguisher could be your first line of defense, and may save lives and property. Fire extinguishers are mandatory at places where the incidence of fire is higher than normal, notably places like service stations and restaurants.

Fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes. There are the heavy duty types that you would find at places like oil refineries. These ones may require more than one person to carry them conveniently. Next you’ll find the smaller portable types that you find in small shops or residences.

There are four main ‘classes’ of extinguishers. They are classified according to the types of fires they are designed to extinguish. First, we have Class A fire extinguishers that are used to extinguish fires comprised of solid combustible materials. Next come the Class B types which are used to stop liquid fires. This fire fighting equipment is most suitable for highly flammable liquids such as gasoline. Class C extinguishers are used for fires when there is electricity involved. This kind of extinguisher will not conduct electricity back to the fire fighter and is good to use if there is the slightest suspicion that electricity may be present. The final type of extinguishers are the ‘Class K’ versions. These units can be utilized to put out cooking oil fires in commercial kitchens.

In terms of how fire extinguishers operate, we have 2 major types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure appliance, followed by the cartridge design. The stored pressure variation houses the particular substance that extinguishes the fire, together with a propellant of some kind inside the extinguisher itself. As you press the handle, the gas is expelled from the extinguisher unit and a resulting powder gushes out of the nozzle to extinguish the fire. In the cartridge design, there is no such pressure stored in the main tank. Instead you have a tiny propellant cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you press the trigger. This way, it becomes identical to a stored pressure tank which then puts out the fire.

As a principle, you need to locate the fire extinguisher in a place that is easy to get to. It is most logical to store them in places unlikely to catch fire first or close to entrances and exits. You should not install them higher than four feet off the ground, otherwise you will risk not being able to get it down. You might also consider storing them in places where they can be spotted quickly. It isn’t advisable to keep them inside cupboards or boxes. As a precaution make sure that you educate your children about where your extinguishers are and what they need to do in case a fire breaks out.

Extinguishers require regular upkeep. Generally they are serviced annually by the seller or by the Fire Department. Servicing involves cleaning the equipment, inspecting for rust and charging of the gas which may have gone stale. The technicians will also check out the nozzle and handles to make sure they are functioning properly.

Extinguishers are useful equipment. They protect your business, property and most importantly, lives against fire. A small investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and inconvenience.

Tags: Home Security