Types of Fire extinguishers used by CFS.
Water:
A water Fire extinguisher comes with a 13A rating. This fire extinguisher is designed to deal with Class A fire risks, Wood, paper, textiles etc and has passed the 35kv conductivity test which means it is safe if accidently sprayed on to electrics (Not designed for use on electrics). It should be accompanied by a CO2 extinguisher for electrical equipment fires.
Co2:
A CO2 extinguishers is the only extinguisher suitable for electrical equipment fires. Best combined with a water or foam extinguisher in offices and shops.
Powder:
A Dry powder fire extinguisher is good for most situations however care in the selection of this extinguisher needs to be taken following the changes to BS5306-8:2012. Effective on all fires, dry powder fire extinguishers knock fires down fast.
British Standard 5306-8:2012 for the Selection and Positioning of Portable Fire Extinguishers
5.4.3 Use of powder extinguishers
The discharge of a powder extinguisher within buildings can cause a sudden reduction of visibility and can also impair breathing, which could temporarily jeopardize escape, rescue or other emergency action. For this reason, powder extinguishers should generally not be specified for use indoors, unless mitigated by a health and safety risk assessment.
Foam:
A Foam fire extinguisher comes with a 13A rating This Fire extinguisher is designed to be used on Class ‘A’ Wood, paper, textiles etc & Class ‘B’ Flammable Liquids Fires and has passed the 35kv conductivity test which means it is safe if accidently sprayed on to electrics (Not designed for use on electrics). It should be accompanied by a CO2 extinguisher for electrical equipment fires.
Wet Chemical:
A Wet chemical fire extinguisher is designed to deal specifically with cooking oil fires. Due to the high burning temperatures of modern oils this extinguisher works by covering the surface with a soapy layer of foam which both removes the oxygen and cools the oils at the same time, this process is known as saponification.
