Fire Extinguisher Classes and Their Uses: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Ranga

To effectively handle fires in your workplace or home, it’s essential to understand the various firefighting devices, as they play a vital role in fire suppression or extinguishing. This lesson will guide you through the different Fire Extinguisher Classes and provide practical knowledge on how to use them effectively for various types of fires.

Fire Extinguisher Use Training

This lesson is part of a comprehensive fire extinguisher use training program, divided into three sections:

1. Fire Safety Awareness
2. Fire Extinguisher Classes
3. Fire Emergency Protocol

Categories of Firefighting Equipment

Firefighting equipment is categorized into two types:

1. Portable Equipment – Commonly used by security guards or employees. Examples include:
   • Fire extinguishers
   • Fire blankets
   • Fire buckets (sand, powder, or liquid)
2. Fixed Equipment – Used by fire defense units. Examples include:
   • Sprinkler systems
   • Hose reels
   • Hydrants

Fire Extinguishers: Usage and Types

Fire extinguishers are primarily designed to control small fires. Attempting to use them on large, well-established fires is dangerous and should be avoided.

Types of Fires

• Class A: Fires involving solid materials like paper, wood, or cloth.
• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids like petrol or diesel.
• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as propane or methane.
• Class D: Fires involving metals.
• Class E: Electrical fires.

Fire Extinguisher Classes

1. Water: Effective for Class A fires.
2. Foam: Effective for Class A & B fires.
3. CO₂: Effective for Class B, C, and E fires.
4. DCP (Dry Chemical Powder): Suitable for Class A, B, C, D, and E fires.

Extinguisher Color Codes

• Water: Red
• Foam: Cream
• CO₂: Black
• DCP: Blue

Safety Instructions for Fire Extinguishers

• Never use water extinguishers on flammable liquid fires, as they can spread the fire.
• When using foam, aim at the side of the fire to allow it to spread over the base.
• CO₂ extinguishers release compressed gas at -78°C, so avoid contact with the nozzle.
• Never use a fire extinguisher on a person directly.

Inspection Guidelines

• Check for visible damage to the cylinder or valves.
• Verify the last technical inspection date and the next due date.
• Ensure the pressure gauge is at the correct reading.
• Confirm the agent label is marked and visible.
• Report and address any issues immediately.

PASS Technique for Extinguishers

The globally recognized PASS method:

• • P = Pull the safety pin.
  • A = Aim the nozzle at the fire’s base.
  • S = Squeeze the trigger.
  • S = Sweep the nozzle side to side.

The effective range of the Fire extinguisher

• Water = 10 -12 meters
• Foam = 3 meters
• Co2 = 1 to 3 meters
• DCP = 2 to 6 meters

Fire blankets

Fire blankets are commonly found in the workplace are made of non-flammable fibers and are mostly used in the kitchen or small fire.

When you cover the fire with this blanket, it reduces the oxygen in the fire the cause of that fire can stop. It is one of the examples of Smothering which is a fire extinguishing method.

How to use the fire blanket?

1. Remove the blanket from its pouch.
2. Hold the corners, keeping fingers behind the fabric for protection.
3. Place the blanket over the fire source.
4. Keep your head shielded behind the blanket.

Key Points

• Fire blankets take time to smother the fire completely.
• Do not move the blanket once it’s in place.
• Replace used fire blankets immediately.

Using a Fire Blanket on a Person

• Stop: Avoid running.
• Drop: Fall to the ground.
• Roll: Use the blanket to smother flames on the person.

Conclusion

Fire extinguisher use training is essential for security personnel. A strong theoretical understanding of firefighting equipment boosts confidence and enhances career prospects in fire safety and security.

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