A fire extinguisher is a portable fire extinguishing tool that is mainly used to extinguish various fires. Common types of fire extinguishers include dry chemical fire extinguishers, water-based fire extinguishers, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, each of which has its own scope of application and method of use
Types of fire extinguishers and their scope of application
Dry chemical fire extinguisher: suitable for extinguishing all kinds of flammable and combustible liquid and gas fires, as well as electrical equipment fires. Dry chemical fire extinguishers interrupt the chain reaction of combustion by eliminating the active free ions produced by combustibles, while absorbing a large amount of heat and releasing carbon dioxide to cool and dilute the oxygen in the combustion zone.
Water-based fire extinguisher: suitable for extinguishing solid combustibles, oil fires, etc. Water-based fire extinguishers have the advantages of non-toxic, non-polluting, high fire extinguishing efficiency, flame retardant and anti-re-ignition performance, and are suitable for initial fires.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher: mainly used to extinguish flammable and combustible liquid and gas fires, as well as initial fires such as valuable equipment and library archives. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fires by suffocation and partial cooling.
How to use the fire extinguisher
When using a fire extinguisher, general steps include:
Lift the fire extinguisher: Quickly lift the fire extinguisher to the fire scene and keep it steady.
Remove the safety seal: Remove the safety pin.
Aiming at the source of the flame: Holding the pressure handle in your right hand and holding the nozzle in your left hand, aim at the root of the flame and spray. Dry chemical fire extinguishers should be used 2-3 meters away from the fire source, while carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should be sprayed upwind.
Maintenance and inspection
Fire extinguishers need to be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are in proper working order. Inspections include:
Pressure gauge reading: The pointer indicates normal in the green area, insufficient pressure in the red area, and excessive pressure in the yellow area.
Visual inspection: check whether there is damage, air leakage and other phenomena.
Annual inspection: Inspect at least twice a year to ensure that the dry powder is not agglomerated and the CO2 fire extinguisher needs to be inflated and replaced regularly.
Common problems and solutions
Dry powder agglomeration: Check whether the dry powder is agglomerated twice a year, and replace it in time if there is agglomeration.
Water-based fire extinguisher: It shall not be refilled after use, and maintenance shall be carried out after 3 years of factory life, and the tank should be punctured to release the preset gas after use.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher: wear gloves to prevent frostbite when using, and if the voltage exceeds 600 volts when extinguishing electrical fires, the power should be cut off before extinguishing the fire.
By understanding this knowledge, fire extinguishers can be better used and maintained, ensuring that fires can be effectively responded to in the event of an emergency.