People seem to take Fire Extinguishers for granted, however tackling a small fire with a fire extinguisher may make all the difference between a small incident and a full scale fire and disaster for the business.
30% of business’ who suffer a large fire either do not reopen or cease trading within three years because of the loss of custom.
Fire Extinguishers are both a legal requirement and essential for the safety of staff and visitors.
They protect property and also ensure the continuity of your business should a small fire occur.
It must be noted that the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 requires ALL EMPLOYERS to train EMPLOYEES in Fire Procedures and the use of Portable Fire Appliances.
Not all Extinguishers will tackle all fires and some fires require very specialist fire fighting equipment and training.
Basically there are six different types of extinguisher. They are:
1. WATER Class ‘A’ – These are general purpose extinguishers for tackling freely burning materials such as wood, paper and textiles. This extinguisher is not suitable for flammable liquid fires (Class ‘B’) or where electricity is involved. Water extinguishers are being replaced by Foam extinguishers as these cover flammable liquid fires and can be used in the vicinity of electrical fires.
2. FOAM Class ‘B’ – These are also general purpose extinguishers but offer more effective cover for wood, paper, textiles and also flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel. Although they cannot be used on electrical fires, they can safely be used in the vicinity of electrics.
3. DRY POWDER Class ‘C’ – Very versatile extinguishers for Class ‘A’, Class ‘B’ and Class ‘C’ freely burning materials, petrol and oils, gas and electrical equipment with the exception of deep fat fryers (See Wet Chemical below). They will extinguish flammable gas fires but it is essential to isolate the gas supply or a very dangerous situation will exist.
4. CARBON DIOXIDE – Highly effective against fires involving electrical equipment. Also a ‘clean’ extinguisher which does not leave any residue. Very short duration however and does not stop the chance that the fire could reignite.
5. FLAMMABLE METALS Class ‘D’ – Specialist extinguishers made for flammable metal fires such as sodium, lithium, manganese and aluminium (swarf and turnings).
6. WET CHEMICAL Class ‘F’ – These are extinguishers developed specially for deep fat fryer fires involving cooking oils.
All extinguishers must now conform to BS EN3, be kitemarked and stamped with the CE Mark.
Installation of extinguishers must be to BS 5306-8, 2012 and the Commissioning and Maintenance to BS5306-3, 2009.
ESI have engineers qualified to service Fire Extinguishers. call us on 01663 719520 for a quote.