Know Your Fire, Choose Your Technique
Fire extinguishing techniques are an essential component of fire safety. When it comes to extinguishing a fire, selecting the appropriate technique is crucial to ensure that the fire is put out safely and efficiently. Choosing the wrong technique can result in wasted time and resources, and may even exacerbate the situation. The most common fire types are Class A, B, C, D, and K fires, and each class requires a unique approach to extinguishing.
Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles. These blazes can be doused with water, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers. There must be no remnants of a Class A fire if it is to be put out permanently.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases. Foam or dry chemical extinguishers are most suited for putting out these fires, as they require a different strategy. While dealing with Class B fires, it is critical to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases.
Class C fires involve electrical equipment such as appliances and wiring. Non-conductive extinguishers, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers, must be used on such fires. Power must be turned off before any attempt is made to put out a Class C fire.
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Dry powder agents or sand must be used in specialized extinguishers to put out these fires. Never use water on a Class D fire because it can cause a reaction between the metals involved.
Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, typically found in commercial kitchens. High-temperature fires like these can only be put out with wet chemical extinguishers or similar equipment. While dealing with Class K fires, it is crucial to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases.
In addition to choosing the appropriate extinguisher for the fire type, it is important to remember that the technique used to extinguish the fire is equally important. The PASS method, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep, is a simple and effective technique for extinguishing most fires. It involves pulling the pin, aiming the nozzle at the base of the flames, squeezing the trigger, and sweeping the nozzle from side to side until the flames are extinguished.
For more reliable tips on fire extinguishing, you can never go wrong with Advanced Firestop Solutions, LLC, a trusted fire protection service provider in the Fort Myers, FL area. Call us (239) 240-2540 today for inquiries.