Knowing which fire extinguisher to install in your business can be tricky. You need to know the use of each extinguishing solution, as well as the type of fire most likely to occur in your business. Being informed and well researched will help you maintain safety in your building. Awareness, coupled with regular extinguisher testing, can only benefit your business.
In the midst of a fire emergency, you don’t want your employees to have any confusion about which piece of equipment to use. Each second wasted could mean the difference between life and death. Familiarise your employees with each type of fire extinguisher and what they are used for. By eliminating confusion in an emergency, you will help your staff make informed choices when confronted with a fire. You can contact our team of experts at Jim’s Fire Safety for more information and advice about fire protection equipment, as well as extinguisher testing requirements. We are fully aware of your safety obligations, and we can help you prevent unnecessary risk in the workplace.
Dry Powder
This canister is branded with a white band and comes in BE and ABE solutions. Each solution is suitable for multiple fire sources. You can use the white BE extinguisher on fires fuelled by flammable liquids, combustible gases, electrical fires, or fires started by cooking oils and fats. You can use the ABE solution on class A fires (fuelled by carbonaceous solids including wood, paper, cloth, and rubber), fires caused by flammable liquids, combustible gases, and electrical fires.
The white banded model comes in a variety of sizes. You can purchase a 1.5Kg extinguisher for buses, small kitchens, and services vans. 2kg extinguishers are often utilised in office areas, kitchens, garages, and retail stores. Warehouses, large offices, and fuel stations commonly install 4.5kg and 9kg dry powder fire extinguishers. You can maintain each device with a fire extinguisher test from Jim’s Fire Safety.
CO2
The CO2 extinguishing agent is most suitable for use against electrical fires. This variety is marked with a black band for easy identification. The black extinguisher possesses a limited capacity to smother fires with other sources, so it is safest to have more than one type available, depending on the associated risks of your workplace.
The CO2 extinguisher comes in 2kg, 3.5kg, and 5kg options for workplaces where electrical fires may occur. These businesses may include workshops, welding areas, service bays for vehicles, server or computer rooms. Regular extinguisher testing is available with our fire safety team who service all types of businesses across Australia.
Wet Chemical
This device comes with an oatmeal stripe across the cylinder. It is suitable for use on fires caused by hot fats and oils (class F fires), and can also be used on class A fires (carbonaceous solids). You can install a 2L extinguisher for smaller food retail businesses, or a 7L option for larger businesses, such as commercial kitchens.
Foam
The foam fire extinguisher can be identified by the blue stripe at the top of the cylinder. You can use this device on fires fuelled by flammable liquids or carbonaceous solids. If your business deals with flammable liquids frequently, having a blue foam fire extinguisher installed and maintained is a necessity. You can easily maintain each device with a regular fire extinguisher test from Jim’s Fire Safety. We have a free reminder service that ensures every Jim’s customer remains compliant. Our capable team members will let you know when your next test is due to eliminate any stress.
Water
This fire extinguisher is plain red. You can use water to extinguisher paper, timber, and textiles. It’s really important to avoid fires with electrical sources, or fires involving fuel. You might find a water fire extinguisher at a school, or in businesses that deal largely in timber, paper, cloth, and rubber.
Fire protection devices are most effective when they are maintained. To ensure your equipment is functional and effective in an emergency, invest in extinguisher testing services.
We hope this blog post has been helpful in determining which fire extinguisher is best for your business. If you have any remaining questions or concerns regarding fire safety in your building, we insist that you contact our friendly team today. We can give you expert advice and support that will help you make an informed decision when installing and maintaining fire protection equipment in your business.
Want to know how to use a fire extinguisher? Check out our other blog post!
