In Australia, fire is never too far away. From the bushfires that ravage New South Wales (NSW) to the kitchen fires in Melbourne, the threat is there. For those who live in high-risk areas, the ability to fight a fire should not be overlooked or underrated.
And while firefighters consider using a fire extinguisher as a last resort, they are sometimes the best bet in fighting a fire until help arrives. But, as important as it may be, many don't know much about fire extinguishers and what types of fires they can fight.
Importance of fire extinguishers
When a fire breaks out, it's important to have an effective fire extinguisher
When a fire breaks out, it's important to have an effective fire extinguisher. Depending on the type of fire, residents may need to use a different extinguisher.
When it comes to having a fire extinguisher, the most common question is, "What type of fire extinguisher should I get?"
Fire is one of the most likely ways to have a home destroyed by natural causes.
Fires happen often and Can spread rapidly
Fires happen often and they can spread rapidly. Fires can also lead to dangerous situations, such as smoke inhalation, burns, unconsciousness and other problems. Having a fire extinguisher will help put out the fire and save the home from danger.
The four common fire extinguisher types in Australia are water, powder, foam and gas. Each is designed to put out fires using different methods. Spray water onto flames to decrease temperature and the length of time a fire burns.
Water and powder-based fire extinguishers
Water-based agents can also be used in areas prone to electricity-related fires, due to the conductivity of water. Powder extinguishers are essentially metal particles dispersed at high speeds. This smothers flames by negating the fuel source of most combustible fires.
Foam extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are another popular choice, as they can be used on both electrical and non-electrical fires, as well as on flammable liquids such as oil or gasoline. Foam works by reducing oxygen flow to the flame; it's also useful for putting out grease fires that might otherwise reignite themselves, if left unattended for too long.
Gas fire extinguishers
Gas fire extinguishers work by dousing flames with carbon dioxide (CO2)
Gas fire extinguishers work by dousing flames with carbon dioxide (CO2), which displaces oxygen around the area affected by the fire so it cannot support combustion anymore.
CO2 fire extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers are often preferred over CO2 cylinders (which require constant refilling) because they don't require any extra equipment beyond what's already installed in most homes and businesses already - namely a CO2 tank mounted on an outside wall somewhere nearby.
Regardless of the type of fire, having a working fire extinguisher on hand is an essential component for keeping homes or businesses safe.
Choosing the ideal extinguisher
Based on the information provided, residents should be able to choose an extinguisher to use. But before they do, there are a couple of things they should know. Firstly, never try to extinguish a fire, if not properly trained on how to handle the extinguisher. It is easy to make mistakes and no one wants a fire to get worse instead of better.
Secondly, remember that extinguishers require recharging after they have been used. Thirdly, use caution around flames and don't take any unnecessary risks because the risk of injury or even death is very real.
FCF Fire & Electrical offers expert advice on extinguishers
Although the common four fire extinguisher types are quite similar, they are each suited for different uses. Contact FCF Fire & Electrical to learn how to select the right fire extinguisher for any commercial property or industrial building.
Also, be sure to check out their official website on upcoming fire safety tips, news and updates. The advice above will come in handy for anyone looking for a professional fire extinguisher company.
