Common types of fire extinguishers and their usage methods

Common types of fire extinguishers and their usage methods:

Fire extinguishers come in various types and should be selected based on the nature of the fire source. Only by using them correctly can effective firefighting be achieved. The following are the common types and operation guidelines:

I. Types of Fire Extinguishers and Applicable Scenarios

1.Dry powder fire extinguisher (Type ABC)

Applicable fires: solid (wood, paper), liquid (oil), gas (natural gas), electrical equipment fires.

Features: Wide coverage, strong versatility, the first choice for shops and households.

2. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher

Applicable fires: Electrical equipment, precision instruments, archival materials and other electrified fires.

Features: No residue, non-conductive, but be aware of the risk of suffocation in confined Spaces.

3. Water-based fire extinguishers

Applicable fires: Fires involving solid materials (Class A), and some models can extinguish fires involving edible oil (Class F).

Features: Environmentally friendly and non-toxic, capable of cooling and preventing re-ignition, suitable for households and clothing stores.

4. Foam fire extinguisher

Applicable fires: Oil and liquid fuel fires (Class B), such as fires in kitchen oil pans.

Features: Cover and isolate oxygen. Prohibited for use on electrical equipment.

Ii. General Usage Method (Four-Step Mnemonic

Lift the fire extinguisher and shake it up and down to loosen the dry powder (only the dry powder fire extinguisher needs to be shaken).

Pull: Remove the safety pin and unlock the safety lock.

Hold: Grasp the front end of the nozzle and aim it at the base of the flame (keep a safe distance of 3 to 5 meters).

Press: Press down the handle and sweep forward left and right until the fire is extinguished.

Iii. Precautions

Wind operation: Avoid standing against the wind to prevent the fire from flaring up or smoke from being inhaled.

Electrical fire: Cut off the power first and then extinguish the fire. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers need to be protected from frostbite.

Regular inspection: The pointer of the pressure gauge should be in the green zone, and the bottle body should be free of rust. The validity period is generally 5 to 10 years.

Escape first: Evacuate immediately when the fire gets out of control and call 119 to report it.