Posted on November 21, 2010.
Types of extinguisher - Your workplace the right type of fire extinguishersa The Regulatory Reform Order in the United Kingdom places a duty of care on what he describes as the "person responsible" in every workplace to ensure that there is an adequate supply of the fight against fire and that such equipment is maintained in good condition.
The person responsible is the person in charge of the workplace, usually either the owner or business manager. This responsibility can be shared within the premises used by several organizations.
In other words, provision of appropriate fire extinguishers in your workplace is not an option, you are legally obliged to do so. This article should help you verify that you have fire extinguishers are the best type and you have enough of them in appropriate places.
Keep in mind that the presence of fire extinguishers in your workplace is not that people can stay and fight against fire, but in case they are needed to help out the building safely.
Types of extinguisher - Color Coding
The color coding of fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom has changed a while ago to bring the UK in line with other European Union countries. Away from a system where the extinguisher was a certain color to display only one color block was regarded by some as a step backwards. The United Kingdom has a highly efficient sprinkler easily identifiable, but it was considered easier to get to the standard EU trying to bring all countries up to standard in the United Kingdom.
The color coding system now is that most fire extinguishers are red, with a block of color that matches the type extinguisher just above the instructions. The color codes are:
Water: Red
Carbon dioxide: Black
Foam: Cream
Dry powder blue
Chemical liquid yellow
That each type of extinguisher is used for
Sprinklers
These extinguishers are ideal for use on fires involving common materials such as paper, wood and fabrics. They produce a steady stream of water can be directed to the fire. They are not suitable for use on fires on electrical equipment or oil or fat.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
These extinguishers are thought to live in situations involving electrical hazards or flammable liquids. Because they are only producing a gas that caused little damage and are therefore good for use on printers, fax, photocopiers, etc. While they can be safely used on perfectly electrical equipment, they can not be guaranteed not to cause any damage to delicate electronic devices and computer equipment.
Foam extinguishers
These extinguishers are safe on the same materials that you use a water extinguisher, and most can be used on flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel, solvents and spirits. They produce a foam that insulates the vapors to prevent re-igniting light. These extinguishers are not, however, can be used on deep fryers.
Powder extinguishers powder
This is a multipurpose fire extinguisher, which can be used on fires with flammable gases such as butane and propane. They are also safe on electrical fires, but may cause more damage than a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Due to the nature of the fine powder product, they are not recommended for use in confined spaces or by people with respiratory problems.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers
These extinguishers are the only type suitable for use on burning oil such as cooking grease or lard. The fire extinguisher produces a soft spray that reacts to seal the surface of burning oil or fat to prevent it from re-igniting.
Halon fire extinguishers
Halon has been banned in the UK since.