Friday, 17 March 2023

Make Sure You Get The Right Fire Extinguisher!

 A fire extinguisher is an integral part of any fire safety plan, whether it be for a home or a business. You can avoid potentially hazardous circumstances by using this crucial fire safety gear, often known as first aid response to fire.

If you are a business owner, you must know that your business premises require fire extinguishers to protect your valuable assets. However, as per government regulations, it is also necessary to install good quality fire safety equipment and keep them well-maintained in fire extinguisher cabinets


Apart from this, you should know that a single fire extinguisher will not be suitable for all types of fire. You may find different types of fire extinguishers for different classes of fire. 


In this blog, we'll review the various available fire extinguisher options and provide some maintenance pointers to ensure they work as required by law. Thus, read on!

Major Types of Fire Extinguishers.

  • Water-Fire Extinguisher.

This is the most versatile equipment that uses newer technology to work across most classes of fire. Many business premises may require this type of fire extinguisher to fight a fire that involves paper, cardboard, fabrics, textiles, wood, and coal. However, it would help if you never used water fire extinguishers on burning oil and electrical appliances. 

  • Foam Fire Extinguisher.

Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for class B fires involving organic materials such as paper, fabrics, and wood and flammable liquid like paint and petrol. These fire extinguishers spray foam that expands when it hits the air and eliminates the fire. Foam is mixed with water to provide a cooling effect as well. A foam fire extinguisher is the best choice if you have a business of liquid fires, such as gasoline fires. 

  • Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher.

This type of fire extinguisher is generally used for electrical fire risks and also puts out class B fires that are caused by paint and petroleum. These carbon dioxide fire equipment in NY can effectively suffocate the fire by displacing oxygen in the air. Therefore, they perfectly fit offices and workshops to minimize fire damage. 

You should avoid using this on hot cooking oil and fat, as it may even spread the fire. Another important thing to remember is not to hold the horn, base, or pipework while operating this type of fire extinguisher because the gas becomes extremely cold and can injure your hands.

  • Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are the best solution to stop fires that are of exceptionally high temperatures, such as cooking oils and fats. A wet chemical fire extinguisher comes with an extended hose so you can easily hold and point. It will gently discharge and put out the fire. In the event of a fire, you must empty the contents onto the fire to prevent re-ignite. 

  • Powder Fire Extinguisher.

A standard powder fire extinguisher is designed to combat class A, B, and C fires that involve wood, textiles, paint, petrol, liquid petroleum gas, and flammable metals like titanium and magnesium. Also, due to their non-conductive nature, you can use these to fight electrical fires. However, you must avoid using this in enclosed spaces as the powder can be easily inhaled. 

Tips to Maintain the Fire Extinguisher- 

  • It would be best to remember to recharge your fire extinguisher even after a single use. Also, you must ensure that tamper seals are in place and not damaged. For this, you should keep this equipment in fire extinguisher cabinets

  • You must check for any sign of damage, like dents, cracks, leaks, or rust on the outside of the fire extinguisher. 

  • Always shake the equipment to make sure that dry chemicals won’t settle at the bottom of the fire extinguisher.

  • Make sure extinguishers are easily reachable to every person and not blocked by any other object. Also, avoid placing them on higher shelves or anywhere you might face difficulty reaching them. 



The bottom line!

A fire extinguisher can eliminate a small fire before it can turn into a massive blaze and destroy your property. Therefore, If you understand the Value of a fire extinguisher and want to purchase this high-grade fire equipment, immediately contact William Hird & Co., Inc

Their expert team provides a wide range of top-quality fire safety equipment with competitive pricing and excellent service. So, feel free to call 718-499-4881 and schedule a consultation today!





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