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A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection tool that is used to extinguish or control small fires, generally in emergency situations. Fire extinguishers are not designed for use in uncontrolled fires, for example when the fire is burning the ceiling.
Each country has specific specifications or provisions for each fire extinguisher used. It can be said that the standards of each country are different. This is also adjusted to the environmental conditions in a country. But generally Fire Extinguisher or Extinguisher is shaped like a tube which has various weights. The heavier the fire extinguisher, the wider the coverage area to extinguish the fire.
Different types of agents or content media for fire extinguishers are not much different for each country. The following are various media for fire extinguishers:
Dry Chemical Powder
Dry Chemical Powder is a powder-based medium that separates the four parts of the flame tetrahedron. This is able to prevent chemical reactions involving heat, fuel and oxygen. This stops the production of fire and retains free radicals so that it can extinguish the fire.
Foams
Able to extinguish flames from fuel sources. Foams are also well blended and used in branch pipes. By forming a lot of foam, it is able to seal the fuel so that oxygen cannot reach it.
Water
By cooling the fuel with water it is very effective to use for fires against furniture, fabrics and others. But used properly because water can conduct electricity.
Wet Chemical and Water Additives
Wet Chemical and Water Additives are wet chemicals (potassium acetate, carbonate, or citrate). Used to extinguish fires by becoming a blanket (soap foam) when the oil material burns. Wet Chemical is able to cool oil below the point at which it is reached.
Clean Agents
Useful to replace oxygen (CO2 or Inert gas) and able to remove heat from the combustion area (halotron and FE-36) or able to inhibit various chemical reactions. This media leaves no residue and is good for use in electronics and document files.
Carbon Dioxide CO2
Carbon Dioxide CO2 is a clean gas that replaces oxygen. However, CO2 is not suitable for use in fires that contain oxygen as the source, such as metals or cooking media. Do not spray directly on humans (face) as CO2 can cause cold sores and shortness of breath.
Class D Powder
Class D Powder is an extinguishing agent capable of extinguishing metal and other types of fire.
Halon 1211 / BCF
No longer allowed to use, except in the UK it is still used for certain situations such as aircraft, military and police.
Fire Extinguisher globally must also be adapted for use. Each medium of a fire extinguisher has functions to extinguish various types of fire classes. A country has its own criteria for classifying a type or type of fire.
Always have a light fire extinguisher available in your work space or workplace. Wherever the place is, you should always provide this tool. And below is an inspection checklist for fire extinguishers that you may need.
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