Knowing the fire fighting equipment for different types of fire could mean the difference between life and death. It could also mean that your business saves thousands of dollars in damages.
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we are fire equipment experts. We provide fire equipment testing services as well as the supply and installation of equipment.
Why do you need to know which fire equipment is right for you? Business fires are a frequent occurrence in New Zealand. Just this month, a fire broke out in an industrial business in North Auckland. Fires like this are regularly attended to by Fire and Emergency New Zealand but they could potentially be controlled if you have the right equipment on hand.
Types of Fire Fighting Equipment
There are lots of different types of fire fighting equipment for different types of fire. To figure out which equipment is right for your building, conduct a risk assessment and then identify the corresponding equipment.
Fire Extinguishers
There are multiple types of extinguishers. The fire extinguisher use will depend on the contents of the canister.
Dry Powder – this canister comes in BE and ABE forms. BE dry powder extinguishers are suitable for fires fuelled by flammable liquids, electrical fires, cooking fats and oils, or combustible gasses. ABE extinguishers can be used to combat all of these fires except cooking fats and oils. It is also suitable for use on class A fires (involving paper, rubber, cloth or wood).
CO2 – this extinguisher is designed for use on electrical fires.
Wet chemical – can be used on class F fires (cooking oils and fats) as well as class A fires.
Foam – can be used on class A fires as well as fires involving flammable liquids.
Water – designed for use on class A fires. It is imperative that this type of extinguisher is not used on fires involving electricity or flammable liquids.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are mainly designed for use on fires in the kitchen. That is, it is most effective when used on class F fires (cooking oils and fats). The fire blanket can also be used to stop clothing fires. When a person is on fire, you can wrap the blanket around them to cut off the supply of oxygen to the flame. If you want to know how to use a fire blanket on a person check out this handy guide from Jim’s Fire Safety Australia.
Fire Hose Reels
Fire hose reels are designed to combat fires involving combustible solids (class A fires). Again, it is imperative that you are familiar with fire fighting equipment for different types of fire. Water is a conductor of electricity and must not be used on fires where electricity is a factor.
Fire Inspection Services
Now that you know about fire fighting equipment for different types of fire, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Once you have the equipment, it needs continuous maintenance.
If you own or operate a business in New Zealand, you are obligated to conduct regular inspections of your fire safety equipment. These tests will ensure your employees have access to functional equipment whenever they need it.
To find out more about our services, browse through our website and get in touch for more information.
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