For fans of the show “American Pickers”, you know that Frank Fritz is an avid collector of antique fire extinguishers. However, they are more than just a collector’s item. They come in many shapes and sizes and are very useful- when used correctly.
Turns out, fire extinguishers have been an instrument of fire safety for a very long time. Firesafe.org reports that the first version of a portable fire extinguisher came about in 1819 and was invented by Captain George William Manby. The extinguisher was made of copper and held 3 gallons of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) held under compressed air. Captain Manby gave us a great option for fighting fires, both at home, and at work.
For safety’s sake, we need to understand that portable fire extinguishers are only intended for very small fires, often referred to as “insipient stage” fires. One burning in a trash can, for instance. OSHA regulates that if employers ask their employees to use a fire extinguisher, the employee must demonstrate that they can effectively and safely do so. They must be trained and authorized in the use of that fire extinguisher.
Here are some common types of fire extinguishers:
- Class A extinguishers– Designed to fight fires involving wood, paper, plastic, cardboard (carbon-based solids). Not designed to fight electrical, flammable liquid, or grease fires.
- Class B extinguishers– Designed to fight flammable liquid and flammable gas fires (paraffin, petroleum, diesel, etc.).
- Class C extinguishers– Designed for electrically energized fires.
- Class D extinguishers– Designed for metals fires such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum shavings, etc.
- Class K extinguishers– Designed for fires involving appliances and cooking media, such as vegetable oils and fats burning on top of a stove. Typically used in conjunction with a ventilation hood. They are common in restaurant kitchens.
Fire extinguishers essentially work by taking away one of the parts of the “fire triangle”, also called a fire tetrahedron. The portable fire extinguisher, depending on the class, will take away either the oxygen from the fire, the heat needed to maintain combustion, or the fuel source of the fire. There’s more to fire extinguishers and their safe use, however, we did cover the basics in this discussion.
A-C-T offers training to meet the applicable OSHA standards concerning portable fire extinguishers. Call today and speak with one of our training professionals!
