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Fire Extinguishers - A Handbook On Types And Uses
No matter where you live or work, there is always the risk that a fire may break out. A conveniently positioned fire extinguisher will probably be your first line of defense, and may save lives and property. Fire extinguishers are mandatory at places where the probability of fire is higher than normal, notably places like petrol stations and commercial kitchens.
Fire extinguishers come in various sizes. There are the very large types that you will find at places like oil refineries. These ones may require more than one person to carry them into position. Then you have the smaller portable styles that you find in small shops or homes.
There are 4 main types of fire extinguishers. They are categorized according to the types of fires that they are designed to extinguish. First, we have Class A extinguishers which are designed to put out fires comprised of solid fuels (such as wood, paper, plastics etc.). The next class of fire extinguishers are the Class B types which are designed to put out liquid fires. This fire fighting equipment is designed for flammable liquids such as gasoline. Class C extinguishers are used for fires when there is electricity involved. This type of fire extinguisher won't provide a return conduction path back to the fire fighter and is safe to use if there is the slightest suspicion that electricity may be present. The last class of fire extinguishers are the 'Class K' versions. These units are utilized to put out cooking oil fires in commercial kitchens.
In terms of how they work, we have two main types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure appliance, followed by the cartridge design. The stored pressure variation contains the particular substance that extinguishes the fire, together with a propellant in the form of compressed air or nitrogen stored directly inside the extinguisher itself. As you depress the trigger, the extinguishing agent is propelled from the extinguisher unit and a resulting agent gushes out of the nozzle to put out the fire. In the second design (the cartridge variant), there is no such pressure stored in the main tank. Instead you have a tiny ancillary carbon dioxide cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you press the trigger. In this fashion it becomes identical to a stored pressure tank which then puts out the flames.
As a general rule, you should store the extinguisher in a place that is simple to get to. It is best to store them in places unlikely to catch fire first or near or behind doors. You shouldn't locate them higher than 4 feet off the ground, otherwise you'll risk not being able to get it down. You might also consider storing them in places where they can be easily seen. It isn't recommended to keep them inside cupboards or boxes. As a precaution make sure that you inform your children about where the extinguishers are and what they need to do in case a fire breaks out.
Extinguishers require ongoing maintenance. Generally they are serviced bi-annually by the seller or by an agent thereof. Servicing involves cleaning the equipment, inspecting for corrosion and refilling of the gas which may have exceeded its expiry date. The technicians will also inspect the nozzle and triggers to see if they are in working condition.
Fire extinguishers are useful equipment. They can help to protect your business, property and most importantly, lives against fire. A little investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and a great deal of inconvenience.
About the Author Paul is a publicist with more than 10 years writing experience. Paul is presently working as a national correspondent for fuzing.com, and has become the resident expert on Fire Extinguisher and Portable Fire Extinguishers.
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