A Fire Extinguisher can be an effective tool for fighting a small
fire. Keep one in a location that's easy to access. If a
fire continues to burn after using a Fire Extinguisher, exit the
building immediately and call 911 from a neighbor's house.
For a printable brochure on how to use a fire extinguisher ,
click
HERE.
For a printable brochure on how to inspect a fire
extinguisher , click
HERE.
There are basically six different types or classes of fire extinguishers: ABC Dry
Chemical, Carbon Dioxide, Class D, Class K , Halotron 1, Water, each of which extinguishes
specific types of fire.
Newer fire extinguishers use a picture/labeling system to designate which types
of fires they are to be used on. Older fire extinguishers are labeled with colored
geometrical shapes with letter designations.
Types of Extinguishers
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ABC Dry Chemical
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This type of extinguisher utilizes a dry chemical agent that suppresses Class A,
B and C fires. It can be used to extinguish common combustibles, flammable liquids
and electrical equipment fires. ABC extinguishers are great for home, office, flammable
liquid storage, boiler room, chemical facility and warehouse applications.
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Carbon Dioxide
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This extinguisher is a high pressure vessel filled with either 5 or 10 pounds of
liquid CO2 which dispenses as a white cloud that smothers the fire by eliminating
its oxygen. It is a clean, non-contaminating odorless gas and is safe for use on
clothing, equipment, valuable documents or food. CO2 extinguishers are particularly
useful for computer rooms, flammable liquid storage areas and hospital operating
room fires.
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Class D
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Class D extinguishers contain a sodium chloride based dry chemical extinguishing
agent. Heat from the fire coats the metal, excluding air and dissipating the heat
from the burning metals. This type of extinguisher is designed for use in areas
where combustible metals are present.
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Class K
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This extinguisher contains a potassium-based liquid, which is specifically designed
for grease fires common in kitchens. The special design does not splash grease fires,
but cools and smothers them instead. These extinguishers are for exclusive use in
areas where "combustible cooking equipment" is present.
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Halatron 1
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Halatron fire extinguishers are an environmentally acceptable Halon-1211 alternative,
designed to meet any special hazard need where Halon 1211 was traditionally used.
This extinguisher offers the best discharge range for outdoor applications. They
are ideal for uses in office computer areas, data storage, telecommunications and
high tech clean rooms.
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Water
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Water extinguishers utilize a cooling and soaking stream that is very effective
on Class A fires. They are perfect for home or office use for paper, cloth, wood,
trash and other common combustible fires.
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