How to Identify the Proper Fire Extinguisher

Using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous.

Fire extinguishers, found in many homes and all business premises, are a vital safety aide. When used correctly they can be a lifesaver. Extinguishers are available for different fire hazards; using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can be dangerous and may even make the fire worse. Extinguishers carry color-coded labels on the body to indicate for which type of fire they are suitable. Understanding the color-coding will help you know right away which extinguisher you should or should not use if you discover a fire.

Instructions

1. Look at the color code on the side of the extinguisher. A green triangle denotes that it is a class A extinguisher and should be used for fires that are comprised of rags, paper, wood and similar materials.

2. Use a class B extinguisher on liquid fires such as gasoline, oil or paint. A Red square on the code panel denotes this type of extinguisher.

3. Extinguish electrical fires with a class C fire extinguisher, identifiable by a blue circle. These extinguishers can be used on electrical appliances and are safe to use when the electricity supply is still on, unlike water-based extinguishers.

4. Tackle fires that are burning metal with a class D extinguisher. These carry a yellow star for identification. This type of extinguisher is manufactured to tackle fires burning specific metals and are normally found in factories or workshops.

5. Put out fires that are burn from cooking oil with a class K extinguisher. This carries a letter K on a white background. These type of extinguishers are usually found in restaurants where the risk of this type of fire is high.

References

• U.S. Fire Administration: Fire Extinguishers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish