Fires need three crucial things to burn; fuel, oxygen, and heat. As long as you can get rid of at least one of these elements, you can keep people and properties safe. Fire extinguishers focus on this too, but different types do it differently. We want to have a closer look here, then if you want to arrange fire extinguisher service & supply in Hartlepool, you can trust us.
Three ways to stop a fire
Extinguishers generally do one of three things to extinguish a fire. Firstly, they could cool it rapidly, removing the heat. The idea here is to get the material below the ignition temperature. This will stop the combustion, preventing the fire from sustaining itself. Just imagine what happens when you blow out a candle; you remove the heat from the wick and it goes out.
The second option is to starve the fire of oxygen. This literally suffocates and smothers it. Oxygen is essential to allow the combustion chemical reaction. Without it, a fire cannot sustain itself.
Finally, an extinguisher could create separation between the heat and fuel. Most fires need a supply of fuel to continue burning. Just think about what happens with a barbecue; the fire starts off strong but gradually diminishes as the coals burn away. If you can remove the fuel, you can extinguish many fires.
Choose the right type of extinguisher
Now you know how extinguishers stop fires, you can look at the right ones for different types of fire. Rely on us if you need any help with fire extinguisher service & supply in Hartlepool.
Water fire extinguishers are one of the most common types. They using the liquid because it can absorb a large amount of heat, cooling the fire. However, this is not appropriate for many types of fire. Crucially, adding water to oil or chemical fires can make them worse; it simply spreads the fuel out more. You should also never use water on electrical fires because the liquid conducts electricity. Plus, cooling may not be an option if fires are burning incredibly hot.
CO2 fire extinguishers work effectively because the carbon dioxide displaces oxygen. The key here is CO2 is heavier than air, so it actually sinks and pushes it away from the fire. This is one of the best options for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
Wet chemical extinguishers are one of the most interesting types. They are best for kitchen fires, especially when you are dealing with cooking oil and fat. Crucially, they provide two benefits here; they cut off oxygen and remove the heat. This is important to prevent re-ignition.
Ask us about fire extinguisher service & supply in Hartlepool
Knowing how to tackle fires is crucial for protecting people and properties. It can ensure you know what type of extinguishers to put in each location. Always consider the type of fire that is likely and select an appropriate extinguisher to deal with it. Never choose one that could potentially make it worse.
ABC Fire Safety & Security offers a great selection of services to help save lives. For starters, we can conduct fire risk assessments and check the condition of fire doors. Plus, we provide and install alarm and evacuation systems. Additionally, we provide fire extinguisher service & supply in Hartlepool and other areas in the Tees Valley.
So, get in touch if you need any kind of service or want to arrange a bespoke package for your property.
