Fires affect millions of people every year, causing thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in property damage. Typically, these fires are a result of natural disasters or human-caused incidents such as arson or carelessness. All of them, however, can be prevented with proper safety precautions.
The role of fire extinguishers in fire safety
One of the most important elements of fire safety is the use of fire extinguishers. It is possible to quickly put out small fires before they spread and cause significant damage. Additionally, they allow people to escape from burning buildings in a safe and effective way without putting themselves in danger.
Fire extinguishers come in various sizes and types, and can be used to put out different types of fires including electrical, flammable liquids, combustible materials, and cooking oils. Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher correctly is key to preventing a fire from spreading or going out of control.
Different classes of fires and types of fire extinguishers
There are different types of fire extinguishers available, each designed for a specific type of fire. It is important to know which type of fire extinguisher is best suited for a particular situation or class of fire to prevent dangerous consequences.
Types of fires
- Class A fires involve combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, or rubber.
- Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil (not for cooking), or grease.
- Class C fires involve flammable gases such as butane, propane, or methane.
- Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, or potassium.
- Class F fires involve cooking oils and fats used in commercial kitchens.
Different types of fire extinguishers:
1. Water fire extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers can only fight Class A fires.
Water fire extinguishers are an important tool for fighting fires. They are designed to quickly put out fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. Water fire extinguishers work by using a jet of water to cool the burning material and stop the spread of the fire. They can also be used to prevent a small fire from becoming a larger one by cooling down hot surfaces and reducing the risk of reigniting.
This extinguisher is a safe, non-toxic, and cost-effective way of controlling small fires. It works by cooling the fuel and smothering the oxygen supply, which helps to prevent the fire from spreading further. Water fire extinguishers are also commonly used in homes, offices, and other public places where there is a high risk of fire outbreaks.
2. Foam spray fire extinguishers
Foam spray fire extinguishers can fight Class A and B fires.
A foam spray fire extinguisher is an invaluable tool for fighting fires. It is designed to quickly and effectively put out fires caused by combustible liquids, such as oil, gasoline, and paint. This type of fire extinguisher is filled with a foam-based solution that expands when sprayed to create a thick layer of foam that smothers the flames.
Moreover, it is an ideal choice for homes, businesses, and other areas where a fire may occur – especially if you live or stay in a high-risk place where homes or establishments are connected or in close proximity.
3. Carbon dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers
Carbon dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers can specifically target Class B and D fires.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are a type of fire suppression device used to put out fires in emergency situations. They utilise a pressurised CO2 gas to suffocate the fire, eliminating the oxygen it needs to burn.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are often used in commercial and industrial settings, as they can be effective on Class B and D fires, which involve combustible liquids or electrical equipment. This makes CO2 fire extinguishers ideal for use in computer rooms and other places where there is a risk of fire due to electricity. They are also non-toxic and leave no residue behind after use.
4. Wet chemical fire extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers can specifically target Class A and F fires.
A wet chemical fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that uses a special agent to put out fires caused by wood, paper, combustible liquids, and cooking oils. This type of extinguisher creates a foam barrier over the burning material (with the added combination of water and potassium acetate), which then smothers the flames and prevents them from spreading. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for use in kitchens, restaurants, and other areas where classes A or F fires may be present.
5. ABE fire extinguishers
ABE or powder fire extinguishers can fight Class A, B, C, and E fires.
Out of all the other fire extinguishers mentioned above, ABE fire extinguishers are considered the most productive because they can target four types of fires – unlike their counterparts.
Powder fire extinguishers use a combination of dry chemical powder, which is compressed into cylinders or cartridges. This powder is able to smother the flames and prevent them from spreading further while also cooling the surrounding area. These extinguishers are so effective that they can even fight electrical fires caused by short circuits or faulty wiring – unlike water, foam spray, or wet chemical fire extinguishers.
ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers are available in different sizes and shapes depending on the type of fire they are intended for. They are easy to use and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for emergency situations.
Advantages of using ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers
ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers offer several advantages over other types of fire extinguishers, including their ability to quickly put out small fires, their non-toxic nature, and their ability to be used on multiple types of combustible materials.
1. Quick action
The dry chemical powder is made up of mono ammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, and ammonium sulphate that work together to quickly smother and kill the fire. This makes them ideal for use in commercial buildings, industrial sites, and home kitchens as they can be used safely with minimal disruption.
2. Compact and portable
Dry chemical ABE powder fire extinguishers are compact and portable, making them easy to store and transport. Portable fire extinguishers play an important role in fire safety. They are considered a must-have in any building as they can be used to hurriedly put out small fires before they spread and cause serious damage, injuries, or worse – death.
3. Safer compared to other types of fire extinguishers
The ingredients used for ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers are safer compared to other types of fire extinguishers as they are non-toxic and non-corrosive. Plus, the contained powder helps to reduce the amount of smoke produced by the fire, which makes it easier for people to evacuate the area safely.
4. It can be used in many classes of fires
ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers use a combination of chemicals to quickly extinguish fires, and can be used on both common combustible materials such as wood and paper, as well as flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil. With their ability to quickly put out different types of fires, ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers are an invaluable tool for any home or business owner.
5. Less expensive and cost-efficient
ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers are less expensive than other types of fire extinguishers, making them ideal for small businesses or homeowners who don’t have a large budget for fire protection.
However, the most accepted consideration when looking for an ABE fire extinguisher is its quality standard. For instance, an Australian Standard ABE dry chemical fire extinguisher should comply with AS/NZS 1841.5 and must be identified with a white coloured strip around the top of its cylinder. To know the proper standard available in your country, it’s important to do your due diligence to research. Otherwise, you might be doing more harm than good or you are not going to make the most of your investment when it comes to ABE fire extinguishers.
Maintenance tips for ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers
To ensure the safety of your property and personnel, it is important to maintain your ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers regularly. Regular maintenance will ensure that the extinguisher is in proper working order and ready to be used when needed. With this in mind, here are some maintenance tips for your ABE dry chemical fire extinguisher.
1. Regular inspection
Regular inspection of these fire extinguishers helps to identify any potential issues and allows for early detection of any problems that could arise in the future. Regular inspections also help to ensure that these fire extinguishers are up-to-date and compliant with all relevant regulations. This can help to prevent costly fines or penalties as well as ensuring that the premises remain safe and secure from potential fires.
2. Ordered and reliable recharging
Recharging ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers is a task that should only be performed by a qualified professional. Not only does it help ensure safety and compliance with local regulations, but it also helps keep your fire extinguisher in peak condition and ready for use in the event of an emergency.
3. Must be tested annually
Testing of ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers should be done on an annual basis by a qualified technician who is knowledgeable in fire safety and extinguisher maintenance.
4. Proper placement around the property
ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers are designed to be placed strategically throughout a building or area to ensure they can be accessed quickly and easily in the event of a fire.
5. Personnel training on using ABE dry chemical fire extinguishers
The ABE dry chemical fire extinguisher is an effective and reliable tool to use in the event of a fire emergency. However, it is important that personnel are trained in the proper use and safety protocols for this type of fire extinguisher. Training courses should include instructions on how to identify what type of fire extinguisher is needed, how to properly operate it, and what safety measures should be taken when using it.
With proper training, personnel will be able to confidently handle any fire emergency situation they may encounter in the workplace.
Commander 4.5kg ABE powder fire extinguisher
The Commander 4.5kg ABE powder fire extinguisher is a certified and approved fire extinguisher that meets the Australian Standard. It is made to provide maximum safety and security in an emergency situation. This fire extinguisher has an epoxy-coated red finish, making it aesthetically pleasing and easy to spot in an emergency. It also has a large capacity of 4.5kg of ABE powder, which will be able to tackle any kind of fire quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, it has a heavy-duty steel cylinder, stainless steel handle and safety pin, and a brass valve – giving you a high-quality ABE fire extinguisher that can save lives and prevent costly damages to your property.
Checkpoint Group is proud to offer the Commander 4.5kg ABE powder fire extinguisher with a 1-year warranty. It comes with a wall bracket for easy installation and has a corrosion-resistant finish that ensures long-term reliability. Most importantly, it’s equipped with the AS1851 Australian Standard maintenance tag.
ABE fire extinguishers are one of the most popular types of extinguishers on the market today, offering many advantages over other models. We hope that this article provided you the best reasons why it’s best to get an ABE fire extinguisher for your residential or commercial property. It’s also important to remember the maintenance tips mentioned to keep them in top condition.
References:
https://www.ifsecglobal.com/global/choose-right-type-fire-extinguisher/
https://www.grainger.com/know-how/safety/emergency-response/fire-protection/kh-portable-fire-extinguishers-qt-135
https://www.fireproductsdirect.com.au/post/dry-chemical-powder-fire-extinguisher
https://dorsetfireprotection.co.uk/fire-extinguisher-maintenance/
https://www.fcfnational.com.au/blog/dry-chemical-fire-extinguisher
