Fire Extinguisher Service Leeds
If you ask anyone what the first line of fire protection is, chance are they’ll say an extinguisher. They’re an ever-present in the workplace, and that we barely notice their presence is undoubtedly a good thing.
Yet just because most people will probably never have to use an extinguisher doesn’t mean they should be ignored. The difference between something probably not happening and something definitely not happening is vast. As such, the necessary precautions must be taken.
And it’s of vital importance that the right choice of extinguisher is made. Why? Because there are different types of fire – fuelled in different circumstances – and some ways of extinguishing them are more effective than others.
There are five types – water, foam, powder, CO2 and wet chemical – and here at HR Fire & Safety, we supply and install Firepower and Gloria extinguishers, which are known for their reliability and quality.
Water Fire Extinguishers
This is one of the most popular and effective types, particularly on Class A fires i.e. those involving materials such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber and furniture.
They do not contain any harmful chemicals and can be safely used near food, and where children or vulnerable adults are present. Refilling them is cheap and uncomplicated.
Yet compared with other extinguishants, water is inefficient i.e. a lot is needed to douse even the smallest fire.
Moreover, if an extinguisher of this type is to be used near electrical equipment then additives should be used to stop the current flowing through the spray and resulting puddles.
They combine high-performance with low cost, and so can be used in a wide variety of commercial properties.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
A combination of water and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), this type can be used on Class A and Class B fires – meaning paper, wood, textiles and flammable liquids.
The foam forms a flame-smothering seal, thus starving the fire of oxygen and preventing re-ignition.
As such, they can be used on flammable liquid fires i.e. petrol, paraffin, paint and oil, but not on live electrical equipment or flammable metal fires.
Powder Fire Extinguishers
The most versatile type, in that they can be used on Class A, B and C fires, as well as those caused by live electrical equipment.
Powder extinguishers are particularly useful for domestic/leisure use and also vehicle protection.
They utilise ABC general-purpose dry powder, which is non-toxic and non-abrasive.
However, care must be taken when they are used because the powder can be hard to clean e.g. from soft furnishings.
Powder extinguishers are not recommended for use in office-based environments.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
These are filled with liquid carbon dioxide which vaporises when discharged, suffocating the fire. They’re harmless and leave no residue.
CO2 extinguishers are ideal for use in modern offices, and premises with expensive electrical equipment such as large computer servers.
They’re suitable for Class B fires, so cannot be used on oil, spirits, gas or any other flammable materials.
Like powder extinguishers, CO2 safely puts out electrical fires – but without the resultant mess.
However, they shouldn’t be stored next to a radiator or in direct sunlight because heat might cause the pressure to rise.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
This type should be used in domestic or commercial kitchens on cooking oils and other fats e.g. on a chip pan or deep-fat fryer, both of which are highly combustible.
A wet chemical extinguisher (the chemical is a solution of potassium acetate, sometimes mixed with potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate) allows you to quickly blanket and extinguish the flames, thus cooling the hot oil and preventing it from re-igniting…
At HR Fire & Safety, all our new extinguishers have a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, provided they are serviced by us in accordance with BS 5306. We offer on-site maintenance via our fleet of service vehicles, meaning a fast response.
Moreover, we also provide fire extinguisher and marshal training , so everyone is prepared should an emergency occur.
To ensure that you have the right fire extinguisher for your requirements, we can provide you with all the relevant advice and information. That way, you will have complete peace of mind – the knowledge that your property is suitably protected.
HR Fire & Safety cover Yorkshire and have been in business now for upwards of 40 years – a breadth and depth of experience that is hard to rival.
So take your first step towards a higher standard of fire safety by using the safest pair of hands of all. To find out more call us on 0113 208 9960 or email your enquiry here.
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