what type of fire extinguisher

[JustStillin]

Hello all,

Quick question, what type of fire extinguisher to have on hand when stilling (other than a big one or a garden hose)?
Powder (ABE or AB)
Wet Chemical
Foam
CO2

(I have no idea about fire fighting, i found the above types when looking and got confuzzled :oops: ).

Thanks,

JS

[Kimbo]

Hi Mate,
Water will work just fine ;)

[8-ball]

i have just acquired a dry powder from work but any should do

[maheel]

i have a old water one siting close by, i charge it up with AIR at the servo (using their compressor) every month or so

i save my CO2 ones for gassing up the beer kegs

but a close by garden hose would sort out any fire real quick

electricity is an issue but

[devotus]

Even though water would do the job its probably the last on the list to use


1) Foam = fuels/fats ..This will smother the fire without risk of spreading it however the risk is as Maheel said IF you have some electric circuitry somewhere then the foam may conduct and or hide open circuitry. Therefore when you've put out the fire, kill the power to the house before you clean up the Foam.

2)Powder = electrical ...This will still work and in my opinion still better than water for an ethanol fire as again this will starve the fire of o2 without the risk of spreading it and is non conductive the risk is that a fuel fire may still burn low under the powder and re ignite when the powder is disturbed.

3)Co2= depending on the size of the fire will work fine if its too large though then the Co2 may struggle.

4) Water= combustible materials, water is the least desirable in my opinion although will work if you're careful. IF you have a container of fuel on fire then spraying water directly on it will spread the fuel and fire from arsehole to breakfast and then you'll have dramas. IF you aim the water high and mist it to starve the fire of O2 then thats a better plan. The other disadvantage is that its conductive and if you have electrics ......well you know.

I know ethanol is not a strong burner but still I'd treat it with the respect of burning fats/fuels anyway.

[R-sole]

I have two Co2's

[QLD.Andy]

I have a red one on hand :laughing-rolling:

[JustStillin]

A red one like this?


:text-lol:

Seriously, thanks for the feedback, think i'll go for a Powder one, got some electricity in the shed and best be safe.

:text-thankyoublue:

[4runnin]

here is an interesting article on putting out Ethanol fires http://www.fireworld.com/ifw_articles/e95_08_07.php

[devotus]

That's a good read, basically a tick in the box for dry chem. Foam will also work on a small fire but if you have a twenty thousand litres of 96% on fire in your shed then probably not. Interesting about the water being ineffective at a dilution rate of 500. :geek:

[Icarus]

Hi all

This is a link to a chart of Australian firextinguishers and their approved application.

Alcohol is classed as a flammable liquid.

http://www.wormald.com.au/__data/assets ... _Chart.pdf

cheers
Icarus

[MacStill]

I just did a fire extinguisher course on Friday as part of my Rio Tinto inductions & what an eye opener that was, we basically put out a few different fires with different extinguishers and for fuel the best option was definitely foam.

Cheers.

[wynnum1]

Good access to water is needed for first aid .
Apply cold running water over the surface of the burn for 20 minutes- start as soon as possible after the accident.

[Icarus]

Hi all,

I also have to do a fire course every 12 months and have great fun putting out all sorts of fires from paper and foam to LPG and oil amongst other things and trying all of the various extuinguishers.

Please note that a special foam extinguisher is required for alcohol fires, a standard foam extinguisher shouldnt be used. See the note on the chart in the link I posted earlier.

Co2 (carbon dioxide) or dry powder extinguishers are fine on alcohol fires.

Cheers,
Icarus

[stubbydrainer]

I've keep a couple of dry powder type REAL handy, and a garden hose of course !