Fire Protection
There are three main types of fire extinguisher which are all available for you to use in your home, or work places:
- Dry Powder
- Water
- Foam
Dry Powder and Foam each come in two types: only one type of powder and one type of foam is suitable for having at home. No single type of extinguisher is totally effective on every kind of fire. So before buying one, it’s vital to look carefully at what kinds of fires it can be used on.
Standard or Multi Purpose Dry Powder.
Application
The powder “knocks down” the flames. These are safe to use on most kinds of fire, but the multi-purpose powders are more effective, especially on burning solids. Standard powders work well only on burning liquids.
Dangers
The powder does not cool the fire well.
Fires which seem out can reignite.
The powder doesn’t penetrate small spaces, like those inside burning equipment.
The jet could spread burning fat or oil around.
How to use
Aim the jet at the base of the flames and briskly sweep it from side to side.
Water Extinguishers.
Application
The water cools the burning material. You can only use water on solids, like wood or paper. You must never use water on electrical fires or burning fat or oil.
Dangers
The water can conduct electricity back to you.
Water actually makes fat or oil fires worse – they can explode as the water hits them.
How to use
Aim the jet at the base of the flames and move it over the area of the fire.
Foam or AFFF FOAM (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)
Application
The foam forms a blanket or film on the surface of a burning liquid. Conventional foam works well only on some liquids so it’s not good for use at home, but AFFF is very effective on most fires except electrical and chip pan fires.
Dangers
“Jet” foam can conduct electricity back to you, but “spray” foam is much less likely to do so. The foam could spread burning fat or oil around.
How to use
For solids, aim the jet at the base of the flames and move it over the area of the fire. For liquids, don’t aim the foam straight at the fire – aim it at a vertical surface or, if the fire is in a container, at the inside edge of the container.
What’s Best for Home Use ?
Multi-purpose dry powder or Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) are probably the best choices. They have the fewest dangers and are effective on many types of fire.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are good to use on fat pan fires on the cooker or for wrapping round someone whose clothing is on fire. They’re ideal to keep in the kitchen, but they aren’t good for general use. If you get one, make sure it conforms to British Standard BS 6575.
Extinguisher tips
- Don’t attempt to use an extinguisher on a fire unless you feel it is safe for you to do so.
- Position it where you can get to it quickly, like the hall.
- Buy one you can carry easily.
- Don’t put it over a heater or fire, but do fix it to the wall, so it’s out of reach of children but easily accessed.
- Read the instructions and be familiar with how to use it. Don’t leave it until you have a fire.
- Get it serviced once a year or as the manufacturer recommends.
- If you’re using it on a fire, keep yourself on the escape route side of the fire.