How do you choose which fire extinguisher class to use in your business? In the United States and Canada, most fire extinguishers come in one of five class types: Class A B C D K fire extinguishers.
- Class A – For fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper or cloth.
- Class B – For fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil or grease.
- Class C – For fires involving energized electrical equipment such as appliances or wiring
- Class D – For fire involving heavy metals.
- Class K – For fires involving combustible cooking media such as fat or oil.
Each type has its own uses and limitations. Knowing how each works will help you make sure your fire extinguisher is up to snuff and ready to put out any potential flame emergencies your business might face.
10 Key Facts About Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are sometimes used incorrectly by people in or around businesses and homes, but they do save lives. There are several different types of fire extinguishers classed as Class A, Class B, Class C or Class K. Each is rated for different types of fires and has to meet certain criteria set out by legislation that relates to fire protection and safety.
It’s important to know which type of fire extinguisher you need before a fire occurs. Here are 10 key facts about Class A B C D K Fire Extinguishers:
1) Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper or cloth
2) Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil or grease
3) Class C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as appliances or wiring
4) Class K: Fires involving combustible cooking media such as fat or oil
5) Different types of fires require different types of fire extinguishers.
6) Smokey fires are often associated with electrical and flammable liquids, although wood and paper can also be burning. Class B fire extinguishers are best for these types of fire.
7) Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical fires and are suited to compact wiring boards and other electrical components. Most home fires involve appliances, but larger businesses should also have a Class C fire extinguisher on hand in case of electrical fires.
8) Class K fire extinguishers are designed for cooking fires where grease or oil is involved. Some kitchen fires involve flammable liquids and should be extinguished with a Class B or Class A extinguisher.
9) You should never leave a fire extinguisher lying around after it has been used in case it’s damaged and releases its contents. Treat them with respect at all times as they can be dangerous if you don’t know how to use them correctly.
10) The law requires all buildings with commercial cooking facilities to have a fire blanket and fire extinguisher. If you’re opening a new business and planning on using cooking equipment then you should speak to your local council or landlord about installing one if they haven’t already done so. Class K fire extinguishers should also be in place, especially if your food is prepared on-site as it’s often associated with cooking fires.
Why Should You Care About the Class of Your Fire Extinguisher
You should care about it because your workplace is likely at great risk of fire hazards. In 2015, over 32% of reported fires in New York were started by machinery while 24% were caused by electrical failures. While these two sources make up a significant portion of reported fires, they also suggest that equipment and wiring are often not being well maintained. So, what does this have to do with Class Fire Extinguishers? When it comes to classifying fires we have different classifications for different types of fuel.
Class A extinguishers fight common combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth and plastics. Class B extinguishers fight flammable liquids such as gasoline or cooking oil. Class C extinguishers fight energized electrical fires which can be extremely dangerous if you’re exposed to them without proper protection. Class D extinguishers work on metal fires such as magnesium which can create toxic smoke when exposed to water or air.
READ: Halon Fire Extinguisher: How It Works And Its Limitations
All fire extinguishers have different classes and need to be used correctly for maximum effectiveness. Always make sure you’re using a fire extinguisher that has been approved for use in your building by checking its label.
Hence, you should care about the class of your fire extinguisher as one type of fire extinguisher cannot be used to extinguish all types of fire.
Class A B C D K Fire Extinguishers and What Are They Used For
Class A B C D K Fire Extinguishers is all about the different fire extinguisher classes (A B C D K) and what they are used for; i.e, the type of fire it should be used for.
Class A extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, cloth and most plastics.
Class B extinguishers are for use on fires involving flammable or combustible liquids, including gasoline, oil, paint and solvents.
Class C extinguishers are used on electrical equipment and will not damage computers or other electronics.
Class D fire extinguishers are used in labs or other locations where combustible metals may be present.
Class K extinguishers are used for fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
Make sure that you are familiar with which type of fire extinguishers (Class A B C D K) you should use, before a fire starts. Knowing what extinguisher to use will save precious time and could potentially save your life or someone else’s.
How To Select The Right Class Of Fire Extinguisher For Your Needs
Buying a fire extinguisher can be intimidating. There are many different types of fire extinguishers, with unique features and capabilities that vary between classes. Different classes of extinguishers are made for different types of fires, and knowing which class is right for your needs can mean the difference between saving your building or losing everything.
How do you know which class is right for your business? First, consider your location. Different cities, states and countries all have different fire safety regulations in place. These will dictate which type of extinguisher you need to keep on-hand to protect yourself and your assets.
READ: Learn How To Operate Your Fire Extinguisher
The type of building you own or operate will also be a factor in selecting an appropriate class of extinguisher. Your property’s size and construction materials can determine whether one class is better suited than another to handle a particular fire.
Finally, you should consider your specific needs when choosing a class of fire extinguisher. If there are multiple types of fires that could occur at your location, it may be worth investing in several different classes to ensure that you have enough coverage for all potential emergencies.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Fire Extinguisher
If you have a business that’s open to public, such as a restaurant or office building, you should consider buying your fire extinguisher from a company that makes fire extinguisher inspection/maintenance part of its business. They can perform regular checks to make sure your extinguisher is in good condition, just in case an emergency ever arises.
When looking to buy a fire extinguisher for your home, consider these:
First, is it rechargeable and where can you take it for charging?
Second, does it need a special mounting bracket or do you have somewhere to hang it? If you don’t have anywhere to hang a fire extinguisher, it will be worthless because you won’t be able to grab it in time in case of emergency.
Finally, do you have children or pets at home that might tamper with it or try to play with it? If so, consider looking into a more child- and pet-proof fire extinguisher. There are models that need to be activated by pulling on both sides at once or twisting simultaneously to help reduce chances of being accidentally activated.
READ: Fire Extinguisher Service; How It Is Done
In an ideal world, you should have multiple fire extinguishers in your home. While a regular-size one can be used to fight fires from most common causes, such as grease in a pan or candles on a birthday cake, you’ll want to keep two for bigger blazes that may require two types of extinguishing agents. You should also consider having them in each level of your home, including basement or garage areas.
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