Fire Fighting Equipment: The Basics Of Fire Extinguishers
One of the most essential tools for fighting fire is the fire extinguisher and knowing at least the basics about this type of fire fighting equipment can save your life one day. Read all about the different types of fires and the extinguishers that match according to FETA or BAFE standards.
Fires are generally classified as follows:
* Class A fires involve solids like wood and paper among others
* Class B fires involve flammable liquids like petrol and turpentine among others
* Class C fires involve flammable gases like ammonia and carbon monoxide
* Class D fires involve metals
* Class F fires involve cooking oil and fat fires
Fire extinguishers are colour coded, for example water extinguishers are coloured signal red; foam extinguishers are coloured cream and so forth. Fire fighting equipment in the form of extinguishers should be situated at escape routes on every floor.
Some useful tips when sitting your fire extinguishers are as follows:
* Fix the extinguisher at an elevated height – the handle should be 1-1.5 metres off the floor depending on the weight of the extinguisher.
* Never place an extinguisher over a cooker or other heating apparatus.
* Do not place the extinguisher in areas which have extreme cold or hot temperatures.
* The extinguisher should be easily visible and reachable. There really is no sense in fixing extinguishers inside cupboards or behind the door!
Every office should have fire marshals for Fire Safety and they should be trained in the correct use of fire extinguishers.
Tags: Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Detection Systems, Fire Fighting Equipment, Fire Risk Assessment, Fire Safety, fire safety director, fire safety inspection, fire safety procedures, fire safety regulations, Fire Safety Training