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Home Safety As a business owner you are responsible for the safety of your employees and customers. Please call 425-793-8788 for a free on-site evaluation. The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for home/personal information only. Fire safety is all about being prepared. The 30 seconds it takes to locate your fire extinguisher can mean life or death. Please examine your fire extinguisher, test your smoke detectors, and practice your escape routes. Being prepared is no accident.
Operation
To operate a fire extinguisher. Remember this simple acronym: P A S S -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being accidentally pressed. Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire. Stand approximately 8-10 feet away from the fire and Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguisher. If you release the handle, the discharge will stop. Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire. After the fire appears to be out, watch it carefully since it may re-ignite! Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers. They all operate in a similar manner. Just remember the PASS Word.
Fire Extinguisher Basics
Fire extinguishers are cylinders filled with a variety of chemicals. Most are pressurized with 100-240 pounds of pressure. If it has a gauge it is a pressurized cylinder. If it doesn't have a gauge it could still be pressurized. This is why, it's very important that you read all markings on you fire extinguisher, before you begin examining it. It will say on the service label to fill to ***PSI. This is a safety precaution. We cannot emphasize enough that caution should be used when inspecting or handling fire extinguishers, whether they are pressurized or not.
A couple of fire extinguishers that don't have gauges: Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers do not have gauges but they do have four times the pressure of any other fire extinguishers.
Cartridge operated fire extinguishers also have no gauge. The pressure is stored in a cartridge which floods the cylinder with pressure right before use. Cartridge operated extinguishers are made for remote areas where service centers are not readily available.
A quick note on plastic fire extinguishers: We are not fans of these mass-produced plastic topped fire extinguishers. They are more likely to leak. They should be disposed of after 6 years, period. It is recommended that you not use a child safety seat that is over 5 years old, Because the plastic becomes brittle and loses a lot of it's strength. At 100 plus pounds of pressure this rule should apply to fire extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers should be recharged immediately after use. If it's a rechargeable model. The powder in most dry chemicals will corrode the valve. Making the fire extinguisher non repairable. So if you use it get it recharged ASAP. Non-rechargeable models will say discard and replace on the gauge.
Symbols & Ratings
The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has a universal system to match fire extinguishers with hazards. Here is a brief explanation of the hazards, letters, numbers and symbols given to each. The rating is printed somewhere on the fire extinguisher label. Look for it in the Underwriters Laboratory box.
1A10BC - the standard rating for a 2 1/2 pound all purpose dry powder extinguisher. 3A40BC - the standard rating for a 5 pound dry powder extinguisher. Please take the time to locate the rating on your fire extinguisher, this will help determine its effectiveness. And once you know what you're looking look for its easy to locate on all fire extinguishers. Also, see how these ratings match up with the hazards in your environment.
"A" is for ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, garbage, etc.) "1A" equals one cubic foot of fire. "2A" equals two cubic feet of fire. One cubic foot is 1 X 1 X 1, UL uses wood and excelsior to determine ratings in this class.
"B" is for flammable liquids (gas, kerosene, oil, etc.) "1B" equals one square foot of fire up to 2 inchs deep. "10B" equals 10 square feet. One square foot is 1' X 1' X 2" , UL uses a flammable liquid called N-Heptane for test fires. This "B" rating doesn't include pressurized flammable liquids or fires with a vertical aspect (dripping, running, pouring.).
"C" is for electrical It either works on live electrical or you'll get shocked. The "C" ratings refers to a fire extinguishers usability, not fire type. The electrical spark will cause an "A" or "B" class fire.
"D" is for metal Fires. This class is rarely needed. They are found in metal production centers. Most body shop will soon see them. As car manufactures are starting to use magnesium in auto bodies. A class D is the only fire extinguisher rated to work on these fires.
K
"K" is for cooking media, which is a new class. "K" Class extinguishers contain a wet chemical designed to put out grease fires. They are becoming required in most metro areas and will soon be the standard. These are very effective fire extinguishers. They can be expensive, but the cost is worth every penny if used. Highly effective and clean up is more cost effective than dry chemical.
Types of Fire Extinguishers, Uses and Discharge Times
NOTE: Nitrogen gas is used to expel the chemical out of fire extinguishers. This is a very dry gas, so it must be used in dry chemical fire extinguishers. It gets used in most other fire extinguishers because it's readily available.
ABC Dry Chemical.
A B C
The most common of all extinguishers, it works on A, B and C fires (i.e. wood, flammable liquids and electrical). It contains an acidic based dry chemical (Mono Ammonium Phosphate) that acts like water when in a fluffy state. When heated the chemical melts creating a barrier to cut off the fire's oxygen supply.
Click here for the material safety data sheet (MSDS).
This dry chemical is very damaging to metals and paint if not properly cleaned up. And since it is acidic in nature, clean up should begin ASAP. To clean up, sweep or wet/dry vacuum it up. Do not use an expensive vacuum since this is highly corrosive stuff. Wiping it up with a wet cloth should complete the cleanup.
Note: Don't get it in cuts or open wounds. It stings very much like salt. Helpful note from experience.
ABC Dry Chemicals have a range of 8-10 feet and discharge times vary depending on size of fire extinguisher. Usually, 12 seconds or less. Please consult instruction label, before you need to use it.
BC Chemical
B C
These type of extinguishers contain the dry chemical Sodium Bicarbonate. This alkaline based agent works on grease and electrical fires.
Click here for the MSDS for regular dry chemical.
According to the NFPA this will slow an A class fire but will not extinguish. It also states this should only be attempted by experienced personnel.
For this reason, deep wood fires will not be completely extinguished and water should be used on hot spots. Be careful when applying water to a fire as it causes deadly steam.
This white powder is not corrosive like its yellow counterpart. It should be vacuumed or swept up.
Beware of the effects of high pressure at close proximity to the fire. A standard dry chemical extinguisher does not penetrate the fire, it smothers and coats preventing oxygen from accessing the fire. For this reason expelled fire should be monitored for re-flashes.
Most Dry Chemicals have a range of 8-10 feet and discard times vary greatly on size of fire extinguishers. Usually, 12 seconds or less. Please consult instruction label, before you need to use it.
CO2/ Carbon Dioxide
These are compressed gas cylinders. The gas displaces the oxygen as a means to extinguish flames.
Special care should be taken when transporting. As they are higher pressure then other models. For this reason hydro testing is required at 5 year intervals. For comparison dry chemicals are to be hydro tested every 12 years. Basically proper upkeep is going to cost twice as much as any other fire extinguisher.
Since the only chemical is a gas. No clean up is necessary. However, snow-type particles may be wiped up or left to evaporate.
Larger models of this type of fire extinguisher require two hand operation to discharge. Time is anywhere from 8-30 seconds depending on size.
The most common application is to start at the edge of the fire and sweep side to side, covering the entire base of the fire.
Halon
(under 9lbs) (over 9lbs)
This is a liquid chemical agent. Nitrogen is used to expel from the cylinder. This liquid evaporates very quickly when it comes in contact with oxygen. Here is the MSDS
There is no residue left for continued fire containment. This agent has a very effective cooling effect. Discard times are 8-10 seconds, range 6-10 feet for 3 pound and under and 9-16 feet for 5-22 pound fire extinguishers.
Note: Halon is toxic when used in confined areas, four percent (4%) is enough to cause health problems; seven percent (7%) can be fatal. This agent comes with EPA Hazard label, about the same category as freon. The market value varies greatly by location and dealer. A good average is about $20.00 a pound. I have charged as much as $30.00/LB.
This fire extinguisher has no cleanup or residue left behind. Can be used on all fires. However, they're not rated for "A" fires till 9 pounds+.
Halons should be mounted vertically, as the liquid inside will corrode the valve stem and neck. Causing it to leak or the valve will fill-up with a crystal type material. Halon is a naturally expanding gas, leaking may not cause gauge pressure loss until it's almost empty.
Operation and range are similar to Dry Chemical. Instruction manuals should be consulted before fire extinguisher operation is required. The only operational difference is to sweep the fire off the base.
Halotron/FE-36/Clean Agents
These are diluted Halon formulas. Not as environmentally bad as Halon but not as effective.
These type of fire extinguishers should be located by computers and other sensitive (i.e. expensive) equipment. Instruction manuals should be consulted before extinguisher operation is required.
Discard times are 8-10 seconds, range 6-10 feet for 3 pound and under 9-16 feet for 5-22 pound fire extinguishers. These work on all fires, but are not rated for class A fires till 13 pounds.
The only operational difference is to sweep the fire off the base. There is no residue left for continued fire containment as with dry chemical. This agent has a very effective cooling effect.
Water
A
These are basically a pressurized water gun. They contain water, some have soap or an anti-freeze added to them to protect from freezing. Calcium chloride should not be used on stainless steel.
They should still be kept indoors. They will rupture or crack when frozen. Creating a 2 1/2 gallon mess and a broken fire extinguisher.
Clean up as you would any spill. For use on "A" fires only. Keep one by wood-burning fireplaces, stoves and campfires.
Foams are rare and should only be used by professionals. A triple F is a foam based liquid with a fire rating and may be used on water based flammable liquids.
These work on approximately two cubic feet of Class A fire. The range on these is 30-40 feet and discharge time is about 50 seconds.
Consult the manufacturer's label for complete instructions. Not to be used on flammable liquids or electrical.
Home Placement.
When considering where to mount a fire extinguisher. Ask yourself, will someone else will be able to find it? One ABC fire extinguisher within 50ft of Garage and kitchen or one within 75ft of anywhere in the house and at least one per floor. Preferably by an exit or door. It is better to have multiple small fire extinguishers versus one large one. Having one fire extinguisher means your putting all your eggs in one basket. Fire extinguishers DO leak on occasion so check them regularly, and have a back up.
Home Maintenance Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly. This entails looking to make sure it is still there and the gauge is in the green. The fire extinguisher should be in an appropriate place, The path to this place should be unobstructed.
Semi-annually, 1. The gauge should be checked to make sure it is in the green. 2. Dry Chemicals should be shaken, tapped or inverted to loosen the powder chemical. 3. Inspect the extinguisher for damage, leakage or corrosion. 4. The discharge hose should be checked for obstruction. 5. The instruction label should be clean and readable. 6. Don't break the plastic tamper seal.
Any doubts, have it looked at by a professional or replace it.
At a minimum every six years you should have it professionally serviced or discarded and replaced if it's a plastic model. Note, not all plastic models say discard but they are very prone to leaking after any service. My experience says dispose of it.
Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed semi-annually. We recommend that they are replaced every eight years. Ionization or Photoelectric smoke detectors are your choices. Ionization are more sensitive and have a quicker response time. They should not be used by kitchens or bathrooms as false alarms may occur. Photoelectric are less sensitive and work better near kitchen and bathrooms. The most important thing is that they are checked regularly and are in working order! From the cpsc: THE
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR SMOKE ALARMS: If you need more information on smoke detectors. Click here
Home Escape Routes Every room needs two exit options. Two doors or a door and window.. If the window is over five feet off the ground, invest in an escape ladder (about $30).
An escape plan should be tested at least semi-annually. Do it in three minutes or less. All escape options should be tested, not just the front door. For more on escape planning Click here.
First Aid Everyone should have a stocked first aid kit. This should be checked semi-annually for proper contents and replenished as needed. They should also be replaced every six years as plastic and adhesives will break down over time. We are not a first aid expert so here is a few links with more information. For information on first aid and What to do visit the Virtual Naval Hospital , Ready.gov First aid for the British. UK Health.
We hope you found the information useful and educating. Together, we can make your home and business a safer place.
Remember, Being prepared is your best prevention.
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Call Infinity Fire for: Fire extinguisher, fire alarm and fire system service, maintenance and certification. Servicing Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, Kent, Bellevue, Burien, Newcastle, Sammamish, Issaquah, Federal way, Des Moines, Skyway, Kirkland, Woodinville, Fall city, North bend, Auburn, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Ballard, Fremont, Rainer Valley. We service all makes and models including: Ansul fire extinguishers systems, Amerex fire equipment, Badger fire systems and equipment including range guard, PyroChem, Silent knight, Firelite, NOTIFIER, BRK Brand, Detection Systems, Edwards, ESL, Firelite, Firex, Gentex, Detection Systems Sensor, and Wheelock, fire alarm control panels, Addressable Control Panels, Conventional Control Panels, Conventional Control Panels with a Built-In Communicator. We also service Fm-200, FE-227, MicroMist fire suppression system, Carbon dioxide or CO2 clean agent fire suppression systems, Just to name a few. Copyright 2005 Infinity-Fire.com |
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