Fire Extinguisher can Really Put Out the Fire?

Bangladesh is a densely populated country. There are reports of fires in different parts of the country. Since fire is a combustible substance it burns itself and helps others to burn. Since the position of Bangladesh is ahead in terms of fire accidents. So there is no substitute for fire extinguisher to be careful about fire. Therefore, it is important to keep fire extinguishers in every office, house, or factory to strengthen security. Currently, Fire Extinguisher at low price is available everywhere in Bangladesh. Let us know about the types and functions of fire extinguishers:-

What is a fire extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a device used to extinguish a fire. Equipment required for emergency fire extinguishing. Electric short circuits, gas leakage, and refrigerator compressors, or due to various misconduct, are more likely to get on fire at home, offices, and mill factories. The same fire extinguisher is not used to extinguish all types of fire. Different types of fire extinguishers are used based on the type and condition of the fire.
 

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

There are currently 4 types of fire extinguishers available in the market of Bangladesh. These fire extinguishers are:-

Water Type Fire Extinguisher:

Water Type Fire Extinguisher is usually available in our country at a low price. Water-type extinguishers are mainly capable of putting out paper, wood or furniture fires. To identify this type of extinguisher, 'water' is written in red on the bottle. The job of this type of fire extinguisher is to help extinguish the fire.

Foam Type Fire Extinguisher:

Foam type fire extinguishers are mainly used to extinguish oil, wood, paper fires. Currently, foam fire extinguishers are made by mixing 95 to 97 percent water with 3 to 5 percent aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) solution. Foam type fire extinguisher basically help extinguish the fire as quickly as possible by reducing the amount of oxygen in the fire by 'smothering' it. The bottle of this type of fire extinguisher has 'foam' written on it in cream color.

Gas Type Fire Extinguisher:

Gas type fire extinguishers are made by bottling carbon dioxide gas under high pressure. This type of fire extinguisher bottle is larger than other fire extinguishers and the head of the bottle is horned which is easily recognizable. Gas type fire extinguishers mainly play a significant role in extinguishing electrical fires. Besides petrol, kerosene helps in extinguishing fire. The bottle of this type of extinguisher has "CARBON-DI-OXICIDE (CO2)" written on it in black.

Powder / ABC Type Fire Extinguisher:

Powder fire extinguishers are mainly made of dry chemical powder. However, two types of chemicals are used in such fire extinguishers, one is sodium bicarbonate mixed powder and the other is mono ammonium phosphate mixed powder. Ammonium phosphate has a higher fire extinguishing capacity than sodium bicarbonate. Such fire extinguishers are capable of extinguishing any kind of fire besides chemical fire. Because if the powder is sprayed on the fire, the powder stops the flow of oxygen in the fire and extinguishes the fire by inhibiting the chemical reaction in the fire. So this type of fire extinguisher is also called ABC type fire extinguisher. Powder type fire extinguisher bottle has “POWDER” written on it in blue color.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance:

Fire extinguishers should not only be stored for use after purchase, these require periodic maintenance.

• Fire extinguishers have a specific shelf life due to differences in materials. If it is not used within that period, it will have to be refilled later.
• Care should also be taken to ensure that the contents of the fire extinguisher do not get damaged during storage.
• Check the hydraulic pressure of the fire extinguisher every three years.
• But water type fire extinguisher 1 year, foam fire extinguisher 2 years and powder fire Extinguisher should be refilled after 5 years.
• Carbon dioxide gas fire extinguishers have a maximum lifespan of 15 years.

Precautions in using fire extinguisher:

Fire extinguisher should be used from near the fire place.

• Do not use fire extinguishers directly on people.
• Before using the fire extinguisher, it should be sprayed in the direction of the wind flow.
• Fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide gas should be avoided in small rooms, as use in small spaces may put the user at risk of death.
• When using carbon dioxide gas fire extinguishers, the discharge horn must be handled carefully
• When using fire extinguishers mixed with chemical powder, care should be taken not to enter the body through inhalation.