Fire Extinguishers Classifications

Fire Extinguishers Classifications

Introduction

A flame extinguisher, a fire extinguisher or simply an extinguisher, is referred as a dynamic protection device from fire. Fire extinguisher is used to control or extinguish small fires, usually in the situations of emergency. It is usually not sued in the situations where the fire reaches the ceiling or in extreme hazardous situations (i.e. smoke, no escape route, explosion hazard etc.) (Conroy, 2003).

In these situations, the victims may require the fire department's expertise. It is often observed that, fire extinguishers contain a hand held cylinder containing pressure vessel. The pressure vessel contains a special chemical agent which helps in extinguishing the fire (Nelson & Grubbs, 2000).

Fire extinguishers or flame extinguishers are rotated or classified according to the kind of the combustion which is intended to extinguish. This rotating or classification is represented or demonstrated by an alphabetic representation (A, B, C or D). It is often observed that fire extinguisher can be rated for one or more than one categories of fire, depending on the kind of extinguishing agent used (dry powder, Co2, dry chemical, water etc.) (Iafc, 2012). In addition to the letter rating; pictures, symbols and colors can also be used to demonstrate what class of fire the extinguisher is used for (National Fire Protection Association, 2008). The proceeding paper demonstrates the classification of fire extinguishers which are widely used in the field of aviation.

Discussion

Fire and Fire Extinguisher Classifications

All kinds of fires are classified in to different classes, depending on the kind of resources that are burning. Each fire extinguisher has different classification and specification, depending on the burning material or resources. In order to select the correct type of fire extinguisher, it is necessary to understand the type of fire, which is intended to control (National Fire Protection Association, 2008). Some of the classifications of fire and fire extinguishers are discussed in the proceeding discussion.

Class A

This class of fire incorporates combustible materials like plastics, cardboard, wood and paper. Fire extinguishers which are rated for this class of fires are planned to utilize on fires concerning normal combustibles including plastics, cloth, paper and wood (Conroy, 2003). These types of extinguishers are rated from 1 A to 40 A. The numerical value before A demonstrates the quantity of water (National Fire Protection Association, 2008). It also demonstrates the quantity of any other extinguishing agent in the ratio of water. The water extinguisher of class 1 A incorporates 11/4 gallons of water, the extinguisher of class 2 A has water with the ratio of 21-2, or double the capacity of 1A (Nelson & Grubbs, 2000).

Class B

The fire of class B incorporates combustible or flammable liquids like oil, grease, paraffin, kerosene and petrol (Bennett, 2009).

A fire or flame extinguishers rated for t5he fire of class B are planned for utilize on fires which involves combustible and flammable gases and liquids. These gases and liquids may include alcohol, mineral spirits, paints, lacquer, oil and gasoline (Bennett, 2009). The extinguishers of class B are ...