Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguishers

I’m sure that you have noticed fire extinguishers located at various points on this job or mounted on equipment. They’re all well marked and are pretty easy to spot.

You may have noticed that there are several types of extinguishers and that they are intended for different types of fires. If you have ever taken the time to look closely at these extinguishers you have seen that they have operating instructions printed on them. How many of you have ever read the instruction label on a fire extinguisher?

One basic type of extinguisher contains water. These are usually placed in or mounted on buildings. They are intended for use on fires in wood, paper, cloth and rubbish where the quenching and cooling effect of water is desired. They should not be used on burning liquids such as gasoline. The burning liquid will float on the water and the fire will spread. They should not be used on live electrical equipment because water is a good conductor of electricity.

The other common types of extinguishers contain carbon dioxide or dry chemicals. These are usually mounted on or beside machinery, equipment and containers of flammable liquid. Carbon dioxide and chemicals cut off the air supply necessary for a fire and smother it.

Next time you have a minute, read the label on the fire extinguisher closest to your work. It may save your job from burning up.