Fire is one of the most common and dangerous hazards in any industrial setting. Whether it is caused by faulty wiring, flammable materials, or human error, fire can quickly spread and cause serious damage to property, equipment, and lives. That is why it is essential to have the right fire extinguishers in place to control and extinguish fires before they get out of hand.
But not all fire extinguishers are the same. Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to tackle different classes of fire, depending on the fuel source and the nature of the fire. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous, as some agents can react with certain fuels and create more hazards.
In this article, we will explain the different types of fire extinguishers for industrial use, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right fire extinguisher for your business, based on the fire risks and the environment.
Key Takeaways
- There are six classes of fire: A, B, C, D, E, and F. Each class requires a specific type of fire extinguisher to put it out effectively.
- The main types of fire extinguishers for industrial use are water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, wet chemicals, and clean agents.
- Each type of fire extinguisher has a color code and a label that indicates its suitability for different classes of fire.
- The choice of fire extinguisher depends on the type and quantity of fuel present in the area, the potential electrical hazards, the environmental conditions, and the ease of use and maintenance.
Types of Fire Extinguishers for Industrial Use
There are six main types of fire extinguishers for industrial use:
| Type | Colour Code | Suitable for | Not Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Red | Class A fires (solid combustibles) | Class B, C, D, E, and F fires (flammable liquids, gases, metals, electrical equipment, and cooking oils) |
| Foam | Cream | Class A and B fires (solid combustibles and flammable liquids) | Class C, D, E, and F fires (flammable gases, metals, electrical equipment, and cooking oils) |
| Dry Powder | Blue | Class A, B, C, and E fires (solid combustibles, flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment) | Class D and F fires (flammable metals and cooking oils) |
| Carbon Dioxide | Black | Class B and E fires (flammable liquids and electrical equipment) | Class A, C, D, and F fires (solid combustibles, flammable gases, metals, and cooking oils) |
| Wet Chemical | Yellow | Class A and F fires (solid combustibles and cooking oils) | Class B, C, D, and E fires (flammable liquids, gases, metals, and electrical equipment) |
| Clean Agent | Green | Class A, B, C, and E fires (solid combustibles, flammable liquids, |
gases, and electrical equipment) | Class D and F fires (flammable metals and cooking oils) |
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers are the simplest and most common type of fire extinguishers. They work by cooling down the burning material below its ignition point and preventing re-ignition. Water fire extinguishers are effective against class A fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and plastics.
Water fire extinguishers are not suitable for class B, C, D, E, and F fires involving flammable liquids, gases, metals, electrical equipment, and cooking oils. Water can spread the burning liquid or gas, cause an electric shock, or react with certain metals.
Water fire extinguishers have a red color code and a label that says “WATER”. They are usually stored-pressure units that contain water or water with additives such as antifreeze or wetting agents. They discharge water as a solid stream or a fine spray.
Some advantages of water fire extinguishers are:
- They are inexpensive and widely available.
- They are easy to use and maintain.
- They do not leave any residue or cause environmental damage.
Some disadvantages of water fire extinguishers are:
- They are heavy and bulky.
- They have a limited range and duration.
- They can freeze in cold temperatures.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers are another common type of fire extinguishers. They work by creating a layer of foam on top of the burning material, which smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching it. Foam fire extinguishers are effective against class A and B fires involving solid combustible materials and flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, oil, and paint.
Foam fire extinguishers are not suitable for class C, D, E, and F fires involving flammable gases, metals, electrical equipment, and cooking oils. Foam can conduct electricity, spread the burning gas, or react with certain metals.
Foam fire extinguishers have a cream color code and a label that says “FOAM”. They are usually stored-pressure units that contain water and foam concentrate such as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) or FFFP (film-forming fluoroprotein). They discharge foam as a jet or a spray.
Some advantages of foam fire extinguishers are:
- They are versatile and effective against two classes of fire.
- They have a longer range and duration than water fire extinguishers.
- They can seal the surface of the burning liquid and prevent reignition.
Some disadvantages of foam fire extinguishers are:
- They are more expensive and less available than water fire extinguishers.
- They require more training and care to use properly.
- They leave a sticky residue that can be hard to clean up.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers are also known as ABC or multi-purpose fire extinguishers. They work by releasing a fine powder that covers the burning material and interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. Dry powder fire extinguishers are effective against class A, B, C, and E fires involving solid combustible materials, flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are not suitable for class D and F fires involving flammable metals and cooking oils. Powder can ignite or explode with certain metals, or create a slippery surface with cooking oils.
Dry powder fire extinguishers have a blue color code and a label that says “DRY POWDER”. They are usually stored-pressure units that contain dry chemical powder such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate. They discharge powder as a jet or a cone.
Some advantages of dry powder fire extinguishers are:
- They are versatile and effective against four classes of fire.
- They have a high extinguishing power and can knock down flames quickly.
- They are safe to use on electrical equipment.
Some disadvantages of dry powder fire extinguishers are:
- They create a lot of dust and mess that can impair visibility and breathing.
- They do not cool down the burning material and can allow reignition.
- They can damage sensitive equipment and corrode metal surfaces.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are also known as CO2 fire extinguishers. They work by displacing the oxygen around the burning material and suffocating the fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are effective against class B and E fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are not suitable for class A, C, D, and F fires involving solid combustible materials, flammable gases, metals, and cooking oils. CO2 can spread the burning solid or gas, have no effect on certain metals, or cause splashing of hot oil.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers have a black color code and a label that says “CARBON DIOXIDE”. They are usually cartridge-operated units that contain pressurized liquid CO2. They discharge CO2 as a jet or a horn.
Some advantages of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are:
- They do not leave any residue or cause environmental damage.
- They are ideal for protecting delicate and costly electronic equipment.
- They have a high penetrating power and can reach hidden fires.
Some disadvantages of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are:
- They have a limited range and duration.
- They do not cool down the burning material and can allow reignition.
- They can cause frostbite or asphyxiation if used in confined spaces.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are also known as class F or kitchen fire extinguishers. They work by spraying a liquid solution that reacts with the burning oil or fat and creates a soap-like layer that seals the surface and prevents oxygen from reaching it. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are effective against class A and F fires involving solid combustible materials and cooking oils.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are not suitable for class B, C, D, and E fires involving flammable liquids, gases, metals, and electrical equipment. Wet chemicals can spread the burning liquid or gas, cause an electric shock, or react with certain metals.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers have a yellow color code and a label that says “WET CHEMICAL”. They are usually stored-pressure units that contain water and potassium acetate, potassium citrate. or potassium bicarbonate. They discharge wet chemicals as a fine spray.
Some advantages of wet chemical fire extinguishers are:
- They are the only type of fire extinguisher that can safely and effectively put out class F fires involving cooking oils.
- They have a cooling and saponifying effect that prevents reignition and reduces the risk of burns.
- They are also suitable for class A fires involving solid combustible materials.
Some disadvantages of wet chemical fire extinguishers are:
- They are relatively expensive and less available than other types of fire extinguishers.
- They require special training and care to use properly.
- They can cause damage to some surfaces and equipment.
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Clean agent fire extinguishers are also known as halogenated or halon fire extinguishers. They work by releasing a gas that interferes with the chemical reaction of the fire and stops the combustion process. Clean agent fire extinguishers are effective against class A, B, C, and E fires involving solid combustible materials, flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment.
Clean agent fire extinguishers are not suitable for class D and F fires involving flammable metals and cooking oils. Clean agents can have no effect on certain metals, or create a hazardous reaction with cooking oils.
Clean agent fire extinguishers have a green color code and a label that says “CLEAN AGENT”. They are usually cartridge-operated units that contain pressurized gas such as halon, halotron, or FE-36. They discharge clean agents as a jet or a horn.
Some advantages of clean agent fire extinguishers are:
- They do not leave any residue or cause environmental damage.
- They are ideal for protecting sensitive and valuable equipment and materials.
- They have a high penetrating power and can reach hidden fires.
Some disadvantages of clean agent fire extinguishers are:
- They are very expensive and scarce due to environmental regulations and restrictions.
- They do not cool down the burning material and can allow reignition.
- They can cause asphyxiation if used in confined spaces.
How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Business
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your business depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and quantity of fuel present in the area. You should identify the potential sources of fire in your workplace and classify them according to the six classes of fire. You should also consider the size and spread of the fire risk and the amount of fuel available to feed the fire.
- The potential electrical hazards. You should check if there are any live electrical equipment or wires in the area that could cause or worsen a fire. You should also consider the voltage and current levels of the electrical sources and the risk of electric shock.
- The environmental conditions. You should consider the temperature, humidity, ventilation, and visibility of the area where the fire could occur. You should also consider the impact of the fire extinguisher agent on the environment and the health and safety of the people in the area.
- The ease of use and maintenance. You should choose a fire extinguisher that is easy to operate, transport, store, and service. You should also consider the training and skill level of the people who will use the fire extinguisher and their familiarity with its operation.
Based on these factors, you can select the most suitable type of fire extinguisher for your business from the table below:
| Type | Fuel | Electrical | Environmental | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Class A (solid combustibles) | No | Low temperature, high humidity, good ventilation, good visibility | Easy |
| Foam | Class A (solid combustibles) Class B (flammable liquids) | No | Moderate temperature, moderate humidity, moderate ventilation, moderate visibility | Moderate |
| Dry Powder | Class A (solid combustibles) Class B (flammable liquids) Class C (flammable gases) Class E (electrical equipment) | Yes | High temperature, low humidity, poor ventilation, poor visibility | Moderate |
| Carbon Dioxide | Class B (flammable liquids) Class E (electrical equipment) | Yes | Low temperature, low humidity, good ventilation, good visibility | Moderate |
| Wet Chemical | Class A (solid combustibles) Class F (cooking oils) | No | Moderate temperature, high humidity, moderate ventilation, moderate visibility | Difficult |
| Clean Agent | Class A (solid combustibles) Class B (flammable liquids) Class C (flammable gases) Class E (electrical equipment) | Yes | High temperature, low humidity, poor ventilation, poor visibility | Difficult |
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are vital tools for preventing and controlling fires in any industrial setting. However, not all fire extinguishers are the same. Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to tackle different classes of fire, depending on the fuel source and the nature of the fire. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous, as some agents can react with certain fuels and create more hazards.
Therefore, it is important to know the different types of fire extinguishers for industrial use, their applications, advantages, and disadvantages. It is also important to choose the right fire extinguisher for your business, based on the fire risks and the environment. By doing so, you can ensure the safety and protection of your property, equipment, and lives.
