Fire Safety- I finally learned something!

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have taken literally dozens of fire safety the courses for a variety of reasons.  I am horrified at how few people never seem to know that there are different kinds of fire extinguishers, let alone remembering which one is which.

The most recent course I have taken has done one thing that I feel should have been in EVERY course, and I think is important enough to share here.

So, if you don't remember which kind of xtinguisher to use, remember this:

Class A- ASH.  Wood, paper, textiles, things that result in ash are things you want to use a Class A on.

Class B- BOIL.  Liquids boil when heated, so Class B extinguishers are used for flammable liquids.

Class C- Current.  As in electrical current, use Class C on electrical fires.

Class D- Die Cast.  We all played with die cast metal cars and planes when we were little, we all remember the term, so this will remind you that Class D extinguishers are for use with flammable metals, such as magnesium, titanium and aluminum- which, let's face it, is a bigger problem with this crowd than anyone here wants to admit! 

Class K- Kitchen.  Animal fats, flare ups and anything else that could become all hot and bothered in  kitchen, use a Class K system.

Admittedly D and K classes are pretty specific and any professional work areas that are susceptible to these issues (like professional kitchens and metal shops) should have these systems installed and appropriate extinguishers handy.

But, if even one of you remembers which extinguisher to use at the right time, I will consider this post a success.

Def

[Sos24]

Thanks for sharing, I think that is a helpful way of remembering.

What to use with what fire was drilled in my head in the Navy, but I usually remembered based on type of system or extinguisher we had on the ships.  This method would have been helpful.

[Barry Rowland]

I agree 💯. I wish there were regular updates for everyone Def.

[Hevy (CT-782)]

Thanks for sharing Def

That's a valuable knowledge.

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[Smashie]

Nice and easy to remember that!

BTW dont mix Aluminium with Iron Oxide in a ratio of 1:3 and expect to able to put it out!

In the UK and Europe it's a bit different and by that I mean complicated

[Don Pablo]

Nice and easy to remember that!

BTW dont mix Aluminium with Iron Oxide in a ratio of 1:3 and expect to able to put it out!

In the UK and Europe it's a bit different and by that I mean complicated

(Image removed from quote.)

A: the first to resort to.
B: the second you might need.
C: at this point you GTFO.


Edit: oh, the types of fire extinguishers are on the other columns. And the ABC stuff is the TYPE of fire. shows how's much I know!

Revised:
F: the one you almost always need.
CO2: for almost everything else.
ABC: for when you want to make a mess.

[comis]

Thanks for sharing, I just trying to catch up with this, does it mean dry powder extinguisher is suitable for most situation? 

Got this chart from a company, not verified:

[Etherealicer]

Thanks for sharing, I just trying to catch up with this, does it mean dry powder extinguisher is suitable for most situation? 

Got this chart from a company, not verified:
(Image removed from quote.)

Good chart...

For home use, pretty much go for dry powder, thinking when in panic is hard and that one works for almost everything (though it is very messy).

[Grant Lamontagne]

There are extinguishers that are listed for multiple categories and I personally think that, due to the lack of understanding of different types of fires and extinguishers, all extinguishers sold for private use should be of the ABC type.  That way, no one has to even think about it.

But, different regions may have different classes/codes, so yes, a dry chemical extinguisher is probably a good choice- just don't jeep it in the kitchen as the wrong extinguisher will often make things much worse.

A more universal thing to remember about fire extinguishers is to always use the PASS method.

Pull the pin
Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep over the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

All of this, by the way, is not for you to be a hero and save everything.  If the fire is small, just starting and isn't spreading fast, an extinguisher is a viable option.

If the fire is larger or growing then an extinguisher is only an option to help you get out.  Always get everyone out as fast as you can, and don't use an extinguisher if you can't easily stop the fire.  Instead, save it in case fire is blocking your exit.

I've been studying fire safety since I was a boy, and you really do need to keep your wits about you.  Take some time to learn about fire safety and, more importantly, teach your family and friends simple methods of staying safe.

This thread could get HUGE discussing fire safety in general.... its amazing how many things we all do (including those of us that should know better!) that we shouldn't.   I even used to know the commandant of the fire academy at a huge military training base who smoked in bed.   

But, at least if you know better you can at least assess the risks and determine for yourself if they are worthwhile.  :-)

Def

[comis]

If the fire is larger or growing then an extinguisher is only an option to help you get out.  Always get everyone out as fast as you can, and don't use an extinguisher if you can't easily stop the fire.  Instead, save it in case fire is blocking your exit.

Def

This is something new I just learned from your post, great point and I sure hope I will remember this when I do need it.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I hope you never need it!   

But yeah, there are a lot of gravestones dedicated to people who thought the fire extinguisher would put out a fire.

There are also a lot of gravestones dedicated to people that used the wrong extinguisher- for example, using a Class A (pressurized water) on a grease fire (might as well use a flame thrower) or on an electrical fire and the current ran straight up the flow, through the extinguisher and into the person.

Unfortunately most people don't know, or forget the types of extinguishers and use the wrong one even on a manageable fire, so its worth mentioning again.  And again.  And again.

And that is why I love the reference in the original post.  It may have only taken me a second to remember B or C fore extinguishers in the past, but remembering Ash, Boil, Current etc gives me confidence in a quick response.

Def

[nitram]

A more universal thing to remember about fire extinguishers is to always use the PASS method.

Pull the pin
Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire
Squeeze the handle
Sweep over the base of the fire until it is extinguished.

Also, if I may add, don’t start to spray when you are far away. An extinguisher doesn’t last long at all, you wouldn’t be the first to waste most of the capability spraying it into the air.

Fire is hot and the situation can be intimidating, if you have an opportunity to take some training you really should take it. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Absolutely agreed.

Last year here a family was killed when their house burned down because they had put a couch over top of the heater.

There are very few of us that do not have the potential of being touched by fire  and it seems very irresponsible to not have some training regarding it.

Def

[Altis]

I think I've only seen class ABC extinguishers here in Canada at the stores. Perhaps I should look into one specific to the kitchen.

I believe using a fire extinguisher is very much like using a can of spray paint -- sweeping back and forth, releasing at both ends. It's something I think a lot of people struggle with if they haven't been taught but it's key to actually using one and not having it go empty straight away.

[pfrsantos]

Thanks for sharing Def

That's a valuable knowledge.

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+1

Never quite got the codes, this is really helpful!

 

This is something new I just learned from your post, great point and I sure hope I will remember this when I do need it.

Again, +1

Simple, but important!

Also, if I may add, don’t start to spray when you are far away. An extinguisher doesn’t last long at all, you wouldn’t be the first to waste most of the capability spraying it into the air.

Fire is hot and the situation can be intimidating, if you have an opportunity to take some training you really should take it. 

Once more, very helpful.

Thank you awl for sharing this!

 

[McStitchy]

Great idea for a thread Grant 

I've been with the local fire fighters from age 10 to 22, that's where my life got different ways then 
However, I've occasionally instructed new recruits in the Air Force about fire safety etc.

I don't have any new info to add that not been mentioned already. You guys are good, and that's great to see 

What might help you to remember what can be used to extinguish a fire is physics.

To know what happens with water when it hits hot/burning oil, or burning metal.

And how powder, water, co2, sand actually put out a fire in different ways (cooling down, covering it up, replacing the available oxygen...).

We always kept some expired extinguishers for training purposes. It's an exciting experience for most and soo useful to know how things work before an actual real fire situation comes up.

That reminds me, I should check our extinguishers at home for their expiration dates 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm wondering if we should post any other fire training info we all have- in certain the Air Force has more involved fire training than what I have posted.

I grew up on air bases and fire safety was drummed into us by military fire fighters, including my cub scout leader.  I remember wondering why firefighters would need bolt cutters, but it was explained to me that, in downed military aircraft it was important for a firefighter to cut a cable inside an access panel by the cockpit that would disable the ejection seat.  Apparently the last thing a firefighter wants during a rescue operation is to be blown apart by an ejecting pilot.  I couldn't help but agree with that assessment!

Def

[McStitchy]

I've left the service some 15 years ago and did not keep any info material. Anyways, the fire safety instructions for the new recruits were general, not Aircraft specific 

I think Aircraft/Airfield fire fighting technics are not of much help for the average person. That area is just too specific.

If you have an expired extinguisher and a safe place for it you can run a cold test with it.
Or maybe a hot test on a wooden fire.

Don't try anything with burning oils! They are nasty and I would stay away from that, not even for a test. Things can go wrong quickly!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yeah, I have seen that first hand.

One of my tenants (and me as well!) got lucky one time.  He had a grease fire in the kitchen and panicked.  Rather than put the lid over it (sensible) or hot it with the extinguisher (also sensible) he pulled it off the stove and put it in the middle of the linoleum floor.

Then he grabbed the extinguisher and put it out.

Made a hell of a mess of my floor.  I wasn't happy about having to replace the floor, but I was happy that the cabinets above the stove didn't catch on fire and burn my house down.

Easier to replace a floor than a house.

Def

[dks]

CO2 is quite useful in the house, putting out most fires whilst not damaging the house/kitchen units etc. Not that good in windy areas outside. or if cooling is required (e.g. wood will re-ignite if it is at a high enough temperature). Generally expensive.

Powder is very efficient, but, it will destroy anything it gets into, being your cooker, stereo, TV, computer, car engine, thus not the best to use in an area with valuables that could be damaged. Cheap.

Water has its uses, though generally not for small fires in the house. kitchen, electric equipment. Cheap, and can be obtained from the tap too.

I keep a CO2 fire extinguisher for general house use and a powder one, for really desperate situations close by.

I was also advised to get a fire-blanket for pan fires.

[nitram]

Fire blankets are a good method to put out a grease fire. Familiarizing yourself with the blanket and it’s usage and mounting it in an easy to reach place also help. Don’t just buy one an lay it on a shelf.

While we can talk about extinguishers for a long time you need to remember Smoke detectors are vitally important, they absolutely save lives. Make sure you have them in your home In the proper place and check regularly that the batteries are fresh. A CO detector, while expensive, is also a good idea.

[Aloha]

 

We've always had extinguishers strategically placed within our home and vehicles.  Smoke detectors are mandatory here in my city.  We have them in each room. 

Some great advice given 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Smoke detectors are mandatory here too.  We are required to have wired in ones on all new construction but battery operated ones are grandfathered in on older buildings like mine.  Even so, when I was upgrading the wiring ten years ago I had wiring run for wired in smoke detectors.  I have three wired in ones (one on each floor) and I think two battery powered ones.

I'd really like to upgrade to the Nest ones, but at $150 each thats a bit of an investment.

Def

[Aloha]

When we bought our home the seller installed the 10 year smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in every room.  We've got fire extinguishers placed strategically within our home.  We've got them in our garage and shed as well. 

Having working in commercial kitchens thru my younger years and I know full well how a grease fire can get out of control fast.  Luckily in the commercial kitchens they have auto dry chemical extinguishers in the hood.  We keep a B/C dry chemical extinguisher in our kitchen and always have.  A pot lid is a good first step if the fire is in the pot/pan but if it spills onto the cook top then you'll need other methods.

Stay safe y'all.   

   

[Alan K.]

Don't forget to check those old extinguishers that have been in your home or office for years.  Kidde extinguishers with plastic handles manufactured between 1973 and 2015 have been recalled since 2017 but you have to check the serial number to confirm the recall status then call the company to exchange it.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/kidde-recalls-fire-extinguishers-with-plastic-handles-due-to-failure-to-discharge-and

https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/product-alerts/recall-kidde-fire-extinguisher/

[Aloha]