A pan of oil starts to smoke. Someone places a space heater near window curtains. Or a worker drops something hot into a wastebasket filled with scrap paper. In these and more scenarios, an accidental fire catches everyone off guard but can quickly be controlled with the right response and fire extinguisher.
Whether you’re adding a layer of safety to your household or ensuring your workplace complies with local regulations, learn more about the types of fire extinguishers available and how to select one for your environment and its hazards.
The Types of Fire Extinguishers
As a secondary suppression strategy, fire extinguishers deploy one of five methods to put out a just-ignited or small fire: water, carbon dioxide, foam, dry chemicals or wet chemicals. These solutions cut off contact with oxygen to smother the fire, cool the heat source or separate the fuel from other combustion agents.
Based on hazard, fire extinguisher types include:
- Class A: This fire extinguisher controls flames from combustibles, like wood, paper or plastic.
- Class B: The solution inside Class B fire extinguishers targets flammable liquids, like gas and oil.
- Class C: This class is formulated for electrical and equipment fires.
- Class D: If your workplace stores or uses combustible metals like lithium or titanium, you need this type of fire extinguisher on hand.
- Class K: These fire extinguishers were specifically created for restaurants and commercial cooking environments that heat oils and animal fats.
How to Select a Fire Extinguisher for Your Home or Workplace
Effective preparation comes down to three factors: Selecting a fire extinguisher to address the hazards present, storing it properly and knowing how to use it during an emergency.
Identify the Hazard
Most homes and businesses share similar hazards: combustible materials, flammable liquids and appliances and power tools. Multipurpose fire extinguishers — labeled Class AB or ABC — tackle this broad group of concerns.
Outside of these hazards, go through each room of your home or workplace to look for:
- Cooking oils and grease
- Metals that could catch fire under certain conditions
- Live electrical equipment
Unsure about which fire extinguishers you already have on hand? Based on their age, the label will display the Class or a picture of the hazard it’s designed to put out.
Know How Many Fire Extinguishers You’ll Need
Even in homes, one might not be enough. And if you only have one fire extinguisher for your facility, you might be jeopardizing your staff’s safety and the integrity of your equipment and products.
For a general framework:
- In homes, aim to have at least one fire extinguisher per floor. You may need additional units for the garage and kitchen.
- In industrial and commercial settings, most safety guidelines require at least one fire extinguisher near the hazard and additional units along escape routes.
- Pay attention to the UL rating, which indicates how much fire the extinguisher can put out. Class A numbers range from 1 to 40 and indicate the extinguisher’s capacity in gallons when multiplied by 1¼. Class B:C ratings tell you how far in feet the stream will go.
Fire Extinguisher Size Considerations
An extinguisher that is too large to maneuver and too heavy to lift benefits no one. At the same time, size is also relative to hazard and the square feet of a facility or space. Along with UL rating, the most common sizes for fire extinguishers are:
- 2 lbs., designed for cars and trucks.
- 5 lbs., ideal for households, office spaces and other places where a multipurpose extinguisher suffices.
- 10 lbs., sized for commercial garages, workshops, warehouses and industrial spaces storing, transporting or using hazardous materials.
Don’t Ignore Maintenance
Fire extinguishers aren’t a set-it-and-forget-it safety solution. You’re advised to conduct your own checks and have a professional service your fire extinguisher once a year for:
- Operation, especially the pressure gauge and pull pin.
- Signs of visible damage; hoses, nozzles or a canister with dents, cracks or rust should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Access and identification.
- Debris, dirt and residue that could affect its performance.
Train Your Household or Team
Make sure all adults, teens, and children in your household and all members of your team know what to do when they smell smoke or see flames:
- Train them on the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method for using the fire extinguisher.
- Incorporate fire extinguisher use into your overall emergency preparation plan.
- Make sure everyone knows when to use the extinguisher and when it’s wise to leave the area as soon as possible.
Searching for your first home fire extinguisher or an upgrade for your facility? Fire Safety USA’s selection considers all types of environments and hazards. Browse today before placing an order online, through our call center or via our direct fax line.