EUTN02E - 02 Fire Extinguisher

Engineering Utilities 2

Fire Extinguishers

  • Introduction to fire protection systems essential for safety, detecting, controlling, and extinguishing fires.

  • Importance for anyone involved in building design, construction, and safety management.

Topics

  • Introduction

  • Fire Extinguishers

  • Classification of Fire

  • Types of Fire Extinguisher

  • Selecting and using Fire Extinguisher

  • Maintenance and Inspection

  • Placement, Accessibility, and Limitations

Fire Exctinguishers Overview

  • Portable devices designed to suppress small fires.

  • Serve as a crucial first line of defense in fire emergencies.

Fire Classification

Class A

  • Involves ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, rubber).

  • Extinguish with water, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers.

Class B

  • Involves flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease).

  • Use foam, CO2, or dry chemical extinguishers.

Class C

  • Involves electrical equipment (appliances, wiring).

  • Use non-conductive agents (CO2, dry chemical).

Class D

  • Involves combustible metals (magnesium, sodium).

  • Requires special dry powder extinguishers designed to handle metal fires.

Class K

  • Involves cooking oils and fats (common in commercial kitchens).

  • Use wet chemical extinguishers to smother and cool.

Types of Fire Extinguisher

Water Extinguisher

  • Best for Class A fires.

  • Not suitable for Class B, C, or D fires.

Dry Chemical Extinguisher

  • Effective for Classes A, B, and C.

  • Interrupts chemical reactions of fires.

CO2 Extinguisher

  • Ideal for Class B and C fires.

  • Displaces oxygen, leaving no residue.

Foam Extinguisher

  • Used for Class A and B fires.

  • Cuts off oxygen supply and prevents re-ignition.

Wet Chemical Extinguisher

  • Specifically for Class K fires.

  • Forms a soapy foam that cools the fire.

Specialized Extinguisher

  • For specific hazards like Class D fires.

  • Limited to certain fire classes.

Water and Sand Buckets

  • Traditional methods for small fires.

  • Limited effectiveness compared to modern extinguishers.

Using Fire Extinguishers

Situations to Use

  • Small, contained fires with a clear escape route.

When Not to Use

  • Rapidly spreading fires or overwhelming smoke.

PASS Method

    1. Pull the pin

    1. Aim at the base of the fire

    1. Squeeze the handle

    1. Sweep from side to side

Proper Placement

Key Locations

  • Residential Areas: kitchen, garage, living areas.

  • Commercial Buildings: corridors, electrical panels, kitchens.

  • Industrial Facilities: near storage and machinery.

  • Public Buildings: accessible hallways and exits.

Mounting Height Requirements

  • Extinguishers ≤ 40 lbs: top ≤ 5 feet from floor.

  • Extinguishers > 40 lbs: top ≤ 3.5 feet from floor.

Distance Requirements By Class

  • Class A: max 75 ft apart.

  • Class B: max 30-50 ft.

  • Class K: within 30 ft of cooking equipment.

Visibility and Accessibility

  • Extinguishers must be visible, with no obstructions.

Maintenance and Inspections

Inspection Types

  • Monthly Visual: User checks pressure, seals, and damage.

  • Annual Maintenance: Professional full check and servicing.

  • Hydrostatic Testing: Every 5-12 years to test integrity.

When to Recharge or Replace

  • After discharge, low pressure, or visible damage.

Steps to Recharge

  • Depressurize, clean, refill, and reattach components.