(Even though it may sound appropriate to have a Class K extinguisher in a home kitchen, it isn’t really.) It’s important that your fire extinguishers be UL-approved. Every single one of the experts we spoke with recommended an extinguisher with an ABC rating. Simply put, ABC extinguishers are the standard for home use.

Water

Nitrogen is not heavier than air, so it will not cover the fire so as to displace oxygen. Water works to put out fire because it cools the fuel down below its flash point, but it does not work on all fires, hence several types of extinguishers are made. Nitrogen gas does not absorb enough heat to have that effect.

water

Classes of fire Class A – fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles. Class B – fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils. Class C – fires involving gases.

What are the fire safety rules? Class A – fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles. Class b – fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils. Class c – fires involving gases.

Fires can be classified in five different ways depending on the agent that fuels them: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class K. Each type of fire involves different flammable materials and requires a special approach. In fact, trying to fight a blaze with the wrong method might make the situation worse.

In fire classes, a Class B fire is a fire in flammable liquids or flammable gases, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, or alcohols. For example, propane, natural gas, gasoline and kerosene fires are types of Class B fires.

“B” LIQUIDS Fire extinguishers with a Class B rating are effective against flammable liquid fires. These can be fires where cooking liquids, oil, gasoline, kerosene, or paint have become ignited. Two commonly used chemicals are effective in fighting these types of fires.

Class B fires involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, lacquers.

What types of fires can be extinguished with carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers? Class B fires which involve flammable liquids and gases, solvents, oils, greases (excluding cooking oils/greases in depth) tars, oil-based paints and lacquers. Class C fires which involve energized electrical equipment.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle, and by removing the heat with a very cold discharge. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used on Class B and C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.

Class C. Fires caused by flammable gases such as butane and propane make up those in Class C, and are arguably the most dangerous given their propensity to explode.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

ABC Powder is a multi-purpose extinguisher medium suitable for all classes of fire, however although effective, a Powder Extinguisher will leave a residue that can damage sensitive electrical equipment. If this is a concern it may be wise to use a CO2 Extinguisher.

The dangers of using the incorrect fire extinguisher: Applying water to a metal fire could cause hydrogen to be given off resulting in an explosion. Special dry powder fire extinguishers are available for use on metal fires.

A fire extinguisher that is rated 2A:10 BC means it has a fire fighting capacity equivalent to: 2.5 Gallons of Water and 10 Square Feet for a BC Type Fire.

These numbers are a UL/ULC rating that indicates the amount of firefighting capacity with the square feet covered for the type of fire. Therefore a 2A: 10 BC extinguisher means 2.5 gallons of water (firefighting capacity) for 10 square feet covered for a BC Type fire.

A higher number means the extinguisher can battle a bigger blaze. A fire extinguisher with a 1A rating is equivalent to 1.25 gallons of water. A 2A rating equals 2.5 gallons of water and a 4A rating equals 5 gallons of water.

Fire Extinguisher Size Ratings The Class A size rating represents the water equivalency. Each number represents 1 ¼ gallons of water. For instance, 2A means the extinguisher is just as effective as 2 ½ gallons of water.

CORRECT WAYS TO PUT OUT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE

1. Use a fire extinguisher. You should use a multipurpose fire extinguisher with C in its label.
2. Use baking soda. Is there anything baking soda can’t fix?
3. Use a heavy blanket. Without oxygen, the fire can’t burn.

class C fire extinguisher

Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number. Yell “Fire!” several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.

Maintain all fire systems Whatever measures are in place to alleviate fire must be maintained. These systems must be in an acceptable working condition, and available at all times. This includes everything from fire extinguishers to sprinkler systems, and proof of maintenance must be recorded.

The answer is yes; under the provisions of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 you are obliged to offer both general fire safety training for all members of staff, and specialist fire warden or fire marshal training for appointed staff members. …