Fire Extinguisher- All you need to know

Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often used in emergency situation.

A fire extinguisher can help save lives and property by putting out small fires or containing it until fire fighters arrive.

(Parts of Fire extinguisher)

Types of fire extinguishers

There are four basic types:

1) APW (Air Pressure Water)

2) DCP (Dry Chemical Powder)

3) CO2 (Carbon dioxide)

4) Foam based.

When choosing Fire extinguisher it is necessary to select the correct fire extinguisher based on Class of fire. 

Following is a Fire extinguisher Chart showing the right type of fire extinguisher for type of fire.

Never use Water or Foam based fire extinguisher's on fires of electric origin or on live electrical equipment. Because it can conduct electricity and may cause electrocution.

Based on mode of transportation, it can be either Handheld extinguisher or Cart-mounted

extinguisher.

How to use fire Extinguisher?

As for the person intending to use the fire extinguisher he should know:

>How to use the extinguisher quickly without taking time to read the directions during an emergency situation.

>Be strong enough to lift and operate it.

>Keep in mind that your extinguisher must fit the type of fire.

>In order to use extinguisher keep in mind- P.A.S.S (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Keep in mind that portable extinguishers are not designed for fighting large or spreading fires. Also, one must not endanger his life by fighting fire with wrong, insufficient equipment.

Out of reach Extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher-Placement:

•  30 meters apart from one place to another

•  Minimum two locations on any floor

•  Readily visible on escape routes

•  Away from any source of fire

•  Properly mounted and within reach or easily accessible.

When you need to Replace a Fire Extinguisher!

Do Fire Extinguisher expire? This is a question that we get all the time. Well, Fire extinguishers of any kind don't typically expire. They may occasionally need recharging especially after you discharge them. According to manufacturers, most extinguisher should work for 5 to 15 years. But you may not know that you got yours 3 years ago or 13. So how can you be sure it will work?

(Pressure gauge- Needle in green zone)

Well, Its recommended to inspect the pressure gauge once a month-by yourself and annually by a professional fire extinguisher inspection company who will place month and year inspection tags on the extinguisher. Most important thing to do is to make sure that the needle in the pressure gauge is in the green zone- this means its functional. If it falls anywhere else, the extinguisher is unreliable and should be serviced or replaced. For older model without gauge, have it checked by any professional. 

When do we need to Replace it?

Replace or service Fire Extinguisher right away if it's been used or if you notice any of the following:

• The Hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or blocked with debris.
• The safety pin on handle is missing or seal is broken.
• The handle is broken or wobbly.
• The inspection sticker or hang tag, with record of checkups and maintenance, is missing. 

 Is it better to Replace or Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?

It depends. If your Extinguisher is still fairly new (less than 5 years old), recharging may be an option. However, the Extinguisher's replacement is just as good! Because it typically costs about the same as recharging and will guarantee the extinguisher works perfectly.

Note:
In addition to having your extinguisher inspected annually, should should have it hydro-tested every 12 years. A Fire Extinguisher hydro-test is the best way to check for any cracks or degradation of the Fire extinguisher shell and will help you you to tell weather your old Fire extinguishers are upto the task.

For details on Standards check following:
- NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.

- OSHA  Standard Number: 1910.157, Title: Portable Fire Extinguishers :

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9811


Also check these Inspection videos: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3c7CFF0rDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YTE5ewqO28

Hope you've found this article helpful.  Keep visiting for more topics.