Before putting out a fire, it is important to know the source and nature of the fire.
There are different classifications of fire.
But first we need to know the source of the fire
There are there sources of fire.
Oxygen
specific temperature
Combustible materials
If there is not a single thing in them, then there will be no fire, this term is also called "fire triangle".
Classifications of fire.
The fire looks the same but technically it has been placed in different classes as given below.
Class A fire.
The fire that is created from items made of wood, cardboard and cotton is called class A fire۔
Class B fire.
Fires from petrol, diesel, kerosene, spirits, body sprays and perfumes have been classified as Class B.
Class C fire.
This classification includes fires caused by gases. These gases include Natural gas, CNG, LPG, Ethene, Meethene and Propane gas etc.
Class D fire.
This class includes flammable metals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium,lithium etc.
Class E fire.
This classification includes electrical short circuit and high voltage and over current fires.
About 60% of all fire incidents in the world fall into the class E category.
Class F or K.
Edible oil fires used in kitchens are classified as F or K.
We usually use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
There are five types of fire extinguishers.
All fire extinguishers used are usually red in color but have different color tags or their nozzles are colored according to their types to make them easier to identify.
Black colour.
Fire extinguisher with black color tag or nozzle contains carbon dioxide gas which is used to extinguish class B and class E fires.
Cream or off white colour.
The fire extinguisher with off white color tag or nozzle has foam which is used to extinguish class A and class B fires.
Yellow colour.
Fire extinguisher with yellow colour tag or nozzle filled with wet chemical which is used to extinguish class F or K fires.
Red colour.
The fire extinguisher with red tag or nozzle filled with water which is used for class A fire.
Bluecolour.
The fire extinguisher with blue tag or nozzle filled with powder which is used for class A,B and E fires.
Before using a fire extinguisher, it is important to check some of its points. The first thing to check is that its pressure gauge is pressurized and its needle is on green indication. And its nozzle must be checked that it is not cracked or blocked. And most importantly that it The expiry date must be checked.
All of the above should have a checklist on a weekly basis so that the fire extinguisher is usable.
How to use Fireextinguisher?
To use it, a term is used all over the world which we call PASS۔.
P; pull the safety pin.
A; aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S; squeeze the top handle.
S; sweep side by side.
It is important to check the direction of the wind before extinguishing the fire..
Thanks for reading,
Stay safe and healthy.
All images are free and taken from pixabay and Wikimedia.