![]() Metals includes lithium, magnesium, sodium, or aluminium, for example. M28 and L2 are unique extinguishers in that they are designed for tackling Class D fires – those involving combustible metals including swarf or powder, which are often produced in engineering factories. They will state below the rectangle whether they are M28 or L2. Do not confuse these with the ABC powder extinguishers, as they are not designed for class A, B, or C fires. They are often referred to as special powder. These types of extinguishers are best identified by their unique hose, though they will also say ‘powder’ in white text in a signal violet rectangle. This is why it’s advised you use a different type of extinguisher for fires involving electronics, such as in an office with computers. They also leave residue behind that is difficult to clean up and causes damage to soft furnishings, carpets, and electrical equipment. The downside to ABC powder extinguishers is that they pose a danger of inhalation when used in confined spaces, so they must not be used in them. Warning: do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires (class F). However, they do not effectively penetrate the spaces in equipment easily, so the fire could still re-ignite. Due to their non-conductive nature, they are also suitable for fighting electrical fires. ![]() The powder acts as a thermal blast that cools the flames so burning cannot continue. These types of extinguishers will say ‘powder’ in white text over a blue rectangle, and underneath the rectangle will be written ‘ABC powder’.Īs their name suggests, these are designed to combat class A, B, and C fires – those involving solids, liquids, and gases. There are three types of powder extinguisher: ABC powder, M28 powder, and L2 powder. Other types will be better suited for fighting electrical fires, but dry mist extinguishers have usually had dielectrical tests carried out on them, which means that if they are accidentally used on electrical fires, they will not pose as significant a hazard as normal water extinguishers. Warning: Although they are not currently classified as suitable for fighting class B (liquids) and C (gases) fires, dry water mist extinguishers have been identified by .uk as effective against them. They are also effective for fire-fighting because they form a safety barrier between the user and the fire – which repels some of the heat – and do not leave hard-to-clean residue behind. The extinguisher’s nozzle converts water into ‘dry’ microscopic particles, which are then drawn into the fire and simultaneously cool and suffocate it to extinguish the flames. These types of fire extinguishers will be solid red and will usually have the words ‘water mist’ printed within a white rectangle.ĭry water mist extinguishers are unique in that many of them can combat almost all types of fires, including class F fires that are usually difficult to attack. The chemicals remove the water’s natural surface tension so that it soaks into burning materials more effectively when used. Water extinguishers can sometimes contain chemical additives that improve their effectiveness by up to 300%. Warning: do not use water extinguishers on burning fat and oil fires and electrical appliances. Class F – Fires that involve hot cooking oils and fats, such as vegetable oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, maize oil, lard, or butter (typically those used for deep-fat fryers).Although it is not recognised as a separate class of fire in Europe, electrical fires that involve live equipment and electrical sources are also a type you should bear in mind. Class D – Fires that involve combustible metals including metal swarf, such as magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium, titanium, or aluminium.Class C – Fires that involve flammable gases, such as propane, butane, or methane.Class B – Fires that involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, petroleum oil, paint, or diesel.Class A – Fires that involve solid flammables and dusts, such as wood, plastics, paper and cardboard, fabric and textiles, and dusts such as grain dust and flour.That is why they have been classified in 6 different categories: Throughout this article, we will explain the different classes of fires, the symbols that identify these, and the different types of extinguishers and their uses.įires must be fought carefully depending on the materials involved. Being able to immediately distinguish which extinguisher you need in an emergency could make a lifesaving difference. Each extinguisher is suitable for fighting certain types, and it’s important for you to know the differences if it’s your job to fight fires at work. There are different types of fire extinguishers because there are various types of fires.
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