There is always a need to place different fire protection equipment in buildings or even in average houses. Fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire hoses-all of them must be properly situated in every appropriately visible corner. These safety equipment pieces are few of the bases that local authorities use for inspection and approval of old and new buildings. It is also important that all of them are functional and in good condition.
Aside from the fire equipment mentioned above, an extinguisher control key is one of the most essential. This devise is mainly used to control or put out a small to mid-sized fire. When properly used, it can prevent a small fire to become a more disastrous one and reduce the risk of a larger, serious damage.
Sprinkler
However, it is also as importantto know the different fire extinguisher control key types.
1. Water-This type of extinguisher control key contains water and compressed gases. It acts to reduce the burning fuel to below its ignition temperature. It is very efficient and cost effective to combat Class A fires that are ordinary combustibles like paper, wood, textiles, plastics, cardboard, and rubber.
2. Foam extinguisher control key-This contains a concentrated mixture and water. When discharged, the mixture produces foam and provides a blanket covering to flammable liquid or carbonaceous fire, thus, reducing the ability of fuel to continue burning. Foam extinguishers are effective against Class A and B fires involving flammable liquids and combustible such as papers, woods, textiles, plastics, rubber, paints, oil, petrol, kerosene, and commonorganic solvents used in the laboratory.
3. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP)-This is the most commonly used extinguisher control key suitable for many types of fires. It contains an extinguishing agent and a compressed, non-flammable gas as a propellant. Also when discharged, the non-flammable material becomes a blanket on the extinguished material which reduces reignition.
There are two kinds of dry chemical extinguishers-Type BC which contains sodium or potassium bicarbonate and Type ABC which contains ammonium phosphate.
4. Wet Chemical-This type produces a fine spray that contains aqueous solution best for Class A or F (also known as Class K) fires. Class F or K is classified as kitchen fire which involves various oil and fats found in the kitchen. The agents found in thisspecific extinguisher, on the other hand, form a blanket when reacted with the burning oil or fat. This blanket creates a saionifying action, changing the burning liquid to a soap-like substance, thus extinguishing the flame.
5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - This extinguisher is recommended for use and is suitable for Class B and C fires involving flammable liquids and electrical hazards. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid and cools the surrounding air as it expands. The cooling effect, then, produces the gas that extinguishes the fire. However, be careful not to use this to Class D fires or combustible metals as CO2 may react with these materials.
Put Safety First - Consider the Use of a Fire ExtinguisherFriends Link : Automotive-Household-Mechanics Tool Set