Fire extinguishers are a shield that turns small fires from turning into catastrophe. They are often the first line of prevention against fire emergencies in homes, offices, and public spaces. But how do fire extinguishers work, and what provides the assurance that it works in an emergency.
Understanding how they function and why fire extinguisher inspection is crucial can save lives and property. Read ahead to learn more about the fire extinguisher and its role.
What Is a Fire Extinguisher?
This portable device is very useful in putting out the flames. It contains the water and other essential elements to combat the flames effectively. This device is available in different forms depending on the type of fire it is going to suppress.
Let us walk you through the brief history of this modern-fire extinguisher device which was invented back in 1818 by George William Manby. According to the data, this device was able to put out 95% of the fire incidents in different locations.
Fire extinguishers usually come in monochrome bright red colour, with labels and operating instructions. These are installed in the places where it can be easily accessible if any emergency occurs.
Portable fire extinguisher should be kept near the equipment within the distance between 5 and 15m. This goes without saying that fire extinguisher cannot be the substitute of fire experts. It can lower the spread of the fire.
How Do Fire Extinguishers Work?
The primary objective of a fire extinguisher is to stop one element from spreading. It could be heat, oxygen, or fuel. By eliminating one element, the extinguisher stops the chemical reaction for which the fire starts in the first place. Regular Fire Equipment Service ensures the extinguisher remains fully functional when needed.
- Pre-compressed Agent:
- Within the fire extinguisher is a pre-compressed agent, whether a gas or liquid. Once activated, this agent is expelled out of the extinguisher.
- Activation:
- A safety pin is pulled to break the tamper seal on the extinguisher. After this, a lever or handle is squeezed to allow the agent to be released.
- Agent Dispersion:
- The agent water, foam, powder, or gas is propelled out through the nozzle. It is directed at the base of the fire for maximum effectiveness.
- Suppressing the Fire:
- The process is to stop the burning material first and dislocate the oxygen. It depends on the type of extinguisher and its efficiency.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Usages
Four different types of fire extinguishers work differently. Following are the details of the extinguishers with distinctive features explained below:
1. Water Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are the most common form of fire devices which are primarily full of water. Nitrogen and CO2 work propellant to help the water coming out. This extinguisher primarily works by eliminating the heat from the fire.
It helps to remove the oxygen supply from the fire. Water extinguishers are even suitable for the equipment up to 1000 volts such as computers and printers. Here are the three features of this type of extinguisher:
- Best for Class A fires that involve combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
- Cool the flames by reducing heat.
- Not suitable for electrical or flammable liquid fires.
2. Foam Extinguishers
Compressed nitrogen is the primary element of this extinguisher. It smothers the fire by cutting the fuel from the oxygen around it. Foam extinguisher absorbs the heat by spreading cool water. Following are the roles foam extinguisher plays:
- Effective against Class A and B fires involving solids and flammable liquids.
- Smothers flames and cools the burning material.
3. Dry Powder Extinguishers
Like foam extinguisher, dry powder extinguisher contains the compressed nitrogen which is primarily chemical substance that absorbs heats and melts. This stops the vapours and stops the oxygen supply. Here are three roles that dry powder extinguishers play:
- Work on Class A, B, and C fires, including flammable gases.
- Interrupt the chemical reaction in the fire triangle.
- Can leave remainingwhich become difficult to clean.
4. CO2Extinguishers
CO2 combats the fire triangle in two ways: one dispels the oxygen and sucks the enormous amount of heat. Look below to understand how it prevents fire from spreading further:
- Ideal for electrical fires and Class B fires involving flammable liquids.
- Displaces oxygen and cools the area without leaving residue.
How To Use a Fire Extinguisher?
To make sure you manage the fire efficiently, you need adhere to a few simple procedures before placing a fire extinguisher. How do fire extinguishers work? Fire extinguishers produce a liquid that can either extinguish, cool, or interrupt the chemical reaction that is causing the fire to burn.
The PASS approach is a useful way to identify when to use a fire extinguisher:
- Pull:
- Drag the safety pin to open the seal.
- Aim:
- Keep your focus at the base of the fire and not to reduce the flames.
- Squeeze:
- Release the extinguishing agent to smother the fire.
- Sweep:
- Sweep the nozzle in the side to reduce the flame.
Before using the fire extinguisher, you need to ensure that you can handle the fire and have an escape route. You must create the evacuation plan beforehand.
How Should You Inspect Your Fire Extinguisher?
Thoroughly running the fire extinguisher inspection is essential to manage if any emergency arrives. Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection are centred on many things which are explained below:
1. Accessibility: Ensure that the extinguisher is in its place and not blocked.
2. Seal Check: Check if the seal and safety pin are in place.
3. Check the Pressure Gauge: It should read that the extinguisher is fully charged. The needle being in the red indicates a need for servicing.
4. Check for Damage: Check for any dents, cracks, or signs of damages on the cylinder, and handle.
5. Check Label: The operating instructions and inspection labels should be clearly readable.
6. Weight Test: The extinguisher should have a full feel from its weight. Make checks monthly and record the outcome.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Fire extinguisher inspection is all-encompassing service providing finest serviceability for long time. This includes the following:
- Annual Servicing:
- It requires a qualified technician to service extinguishers yearly. It checks the internal parts and functionality.
- Hydrostatic Testing:
- Based on the type, hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of the cylinder for every 5-12 years.
- Refilling:
- You must recharge extinguishers to restore their full capacity after using them.
- Replacement:
- Replace damaged or expired extinguishers.
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FAQs
1. Where do you visit for recharging?
Ans: You can recharge fire extinguisher at any licensed provider. They ensure proper refilling and functionality.
2. What size of fire extinguisher do you require?
Ans: The size depends on the potential fire risk and location.
3. How often do you service the fire extinguishers?
Ans: Check the device on monthly basis by any professionals.
4. Does fire extinguisher last more than 15 years?
Ans: Operational life for this device is primarily more than 10 years.
Also Read: How Does Fire Sprinkler Systems Work To Protect Your Business?