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'''Fire extinguishing''' refers to the extinguishing of a fire. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher#Dry_chemical chemical powder extinguisher] is nowadays used for pretty much any type of fire, however appropriate fire extinguishing assumes analysing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_classes fire class] first, and then selecting a (environmentally harmless) extinguishing agent. | '''Fire extinguishing''' refers to the extinguishing of a fire. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher#Dry_chemical chemical powder extinguisher] is nowadays used for pretty much any type of fire, however appropriate fire extinguishing assumes analysing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_classes fire class] first, and then selecting a (environmentally harmless) extinguishing agent. For powder extinguishers, this means using particulate matter (ie sand, soil, ...), and for foam extinguishers, this means using a ecological soap mixed with water. CO² and FM 200 extinguishers can be used as is (already ecological). Both however only work in confined spaces (indoors). | ||
==Fire classes== | ==Fire classes== | ||
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==Appropriate extinguishers depending on fire class== | ==Appropriate extinguishers depending on fire class== | ||
* Class A: use water, or water + foam | |||
* Class B: use powder, or CO² or FM 200 | |||
* Class C: use powder, or CO² or FM 200 | |||
* Class D: use powder, or CO² or FM 200 | |||
[[File:Fire_triangle.png|thumb|right| | Note: never use water with class B fires, the water can spread the combustible fuel making the fire larger. Foam with water can also not be used with B fires, for the same reason. CO² finally can be used indoors, but make sure not to use it when inside the room (can asphyxiate the user). | ||
==How the agents extinguish the fire== | |||
[[File:Fire_triangle.png|thumb|right|150px|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_triangle Fire triangle] ]] | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right" | |||
|+ How the agents extinguish the fire | |||
|- | |||
! Extinguishing agent | |||
! Cooling | |||
! Expelling of oxygen | |||
! Negative catalysis | |||
|- | |||
| water | |||
| very good | |||
| good | |||
| no | |||
|- | |||
| water + foam | |||
| very good | |||
| very good | |||
| no | |||
|- | |||
| powder | |||
| no | |||
| good | |||
| yes (good) | |||
|- | |||
| CO² | |||
| no | |||
| very good | |||
| no | |||
|- | |||
| FM 200 | |||
| no | |||
| no | |||
| yes (very good) | |||
|- | |||
|} | |||
[[Category:Health and safety]] | [[Category:Health and safety]] |
Revision as of 02:21, 2 August 2012
Fire extinguishing refers to the extinguishing of a fire. The chemical powder extinguisher is nowadays used for pretty much any type of fire, however appropriate fire extinguishing assumes analysing the fire class first, and then selecting a (environmentally harmless) extinguishing agent. For powder extinguishers, this means using particulate matter (ie sand, soil, ...), and for foam extinguishers, this means using a ecological soap mixed with water. CO² and FM 200 extinguishers can be used as is (already ecological). Both however only work in confined spaces (indoors).
Fire classes
Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D |
---|---|---|---|
Ordinary combustibles | Flammable liquids | Flammable gases | Combustible metals |
wood, paper, textile, artificial materials | gasoline, diesel, petroleum, paint thinner | propane, butane | magnesium, natrium, potassium, aluminum, alloys |
Appropriate extinguishers depending on fire class
- Class A: use water, or water + foam
- Class B: use powder, or CO² or FM 200
- Class C: use powder, or CO² or FM 200
- Class D: use powder, or CO² or FM 200
Note: never use water with class B fires, the water can spread the combustible fuel making the fire larger. Foam with water can also not be used with B fires, for the same reason. CO² finally can be used indoors, but make sure not to use it when inside the room (can asphyxiate the user).
How the agents extinguish the fire
Extinguishing agent | Cooling | Expelling of oxygen | Negative catalysis |
---|---|---|---|
water | very good | good | no |
water + foam | very good | very good | no |
powder | no | good | yes (good) |
CO² | no | very good | no |
FM 200 | no | no | yes (very good) |