Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different fire extinguishers are best used for different fires, so it’s important to know which to grab should a fire ever occur. Today’s Safety Saturday moment explains the different types of fire extinguishers.
Approved, operable fire extinguishers are in place anywhere people gather or there’s equipment in use. They are best used on small fires; for larger fires, the area must be evacuated and given space for your local fire department to handle.
Fire extinguishers come in types A, B, C, D, and K, and we have a handy way to remember which is used for which fires. Type A is anything wish ash: wood, paper, and other common combustibles. Type B is for boiling, flammable liquids like gasoline. Type C is circuits, so any electrical fires. Type K is for kitchens, such as any cooking oils or fats. Though we don’t have anything for type D, that type of extinguisher is used for combustible materials like magnesium, lithium, and titanium. Types A, B, and C are most commonly found, but any place that would require a specialty extinguisher must have one accessible.
Until next time, from all of us at the W. L. French Safety Department, stay safe out there.