Water
Type A Fire
Powder
Type A, B, C
Foam
Type B Fire
CO2
Type C Fire
WHAT IS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER?
A fire extinguisher is a handheld active fire protection device usually filled with a dry or wet chemical used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergencies. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the equipment, personnel, resources or expertise of a fire brigade. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent that can be discharged to extinguish a fire. Fire extinguishers manufactured with non-cylindrical pressure vessels also exist but are less common.
DISCOVER 5 TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO HANDLE ANY FIRE EMERGENCY
Do you know how to work a fire extinguisher in case of a fire? To be prepared for unpredictable emergencies, it is recommends familiarizing yourself with your fire extinguisher, as well as the different types of fires they are used to put out.
If you look at a fire extinguisher, you'll notice there are a series of symbols denoting what type of fire that particular model can extinguish. Depending on what kind of facility you work in, your fire extinguisher will have the following types of fire listed on its label:
Class A: This type of fire is caused by combustible materials like paper, cloth, and wood.
Class B: More serious than a fire involving wood or paper, a Class B fire is fueled by flammable liquids like oil or gasoline.
Class C: If you experience an electrical fire, it's a Class C fire. Your extinguisher will work for flames occurring on fuse boxes, appliances, and wiring.
Class D: This fire is caused by combustible metals like sodium or magnesium.
Class K: For fires that occur on the stovetop, like burning oil or grease, a fire extinguisher must include a Class K symbol such as wet chemical.
In addition to these single use extinguishers, some fire extinguishers carry multiple symbols representing the different types of fires they can handle. Once you've determined the type of fire you are experiencing, verify you have the correct fire extinguisher to douse that particular fire.
Here are some links for more information on fire extinguishers:
1. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Fire extinguishers: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Fire-extinguishers
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Portable Fire Extinguishers: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.157
If you have a specific code-related question about fire extinguishers, please provide more details so I can assist you better.