All Fires Extinguishers
What types of fire should an All Fires extinguisher be used on?
All Fires extinguishers can be used on a wide range of fire categories:
Class A fires
Class A fires such as on wood, paper and fabrics.
Class B fires
Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol or solvents.
Class C fires
Class C fires involving flammable gases.
Class D fires
Class D fires involving metals or electricity
Class F fires
Class F fires, caused by cooking. Such as from a chip pan.
When not to use an All Fires extinguisher
Although designed for all categories of fire, if the fire is large or out-of-control then evacuate immediately and do not attempt to put out the fire. This goes for all situations when tackling a fire, regardless of the type of extinguisher you have available to you.
How to recognise an All Fires extinguisher
All Fires extinguishers are red in colour and have the manufacturer and the classes of fire prominently displayed on the side of the extinguisher. In addition to this, you should find an identification sign above the extinguisher.
What are the common All Fires extinguisher sizes available?
All Fires extinguishers come in 2 litre, 6 litre and 9 litre sizes. Consideration must be given to the weight and capacity of each size option. For example, the 9 litre All Fires extinguisher is significantly heavier, making it less easy to handle and move.
How do All Fires extinguishers work?
The exact composition of an All Fires extinguisher is a trade secret but is foam based, with additives designed to address several aspects of a fire:
The contents cool the fire, smother the flames, interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire and create a barrier between the fire and the oxygen in the fire. All of which is undersigned to quickly and safely extinguish the fire.
Which environments require an All Fires extinguisher?
As a versatile extinguisher, All Fires extinguishers are suitable in any setting; warehouses, industrial buildings, restaurants, schools and offices amongst others.
How to use an All Fires extinguisher
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Ensure the fire is small and contained and that it is safe to approach the fire without risking your safety. If the fire is electrical, ensure the power is turned off.
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At a safe distance away, remove the metal safety pin to break the plastic tamper seal.
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Hold the handle with one hand and the hose with the other. Aim the hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames themselves.
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Squeeze the handle to propel the contents of the extinguisher towards the source of the flames.
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Use a sweeping motion to move the jet from side to side until the fire is extinguished.
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Once the fire is extinguished, you should call your fire protection company to service the extinguisher.
To learn more about fire and how to use fire extinguishers, there is online learning available here.