A fire extinguisher has a very crucial part because it supports each other from one part to another.
In plain view, on the outside, there are no complex items that make up a fire extinguisher. But you know, there are many parts of fire extinguisher, even more than ten.
Please note, the parts of this tool have differences according to the type of fire extinguisher available. However, in general, they have almost the same working principles, so that the core parts have in common.
Parts of the fire extinguisher work together with each other and provide the best performance. Here are the parts of a fire extinguisher that you should know.
The general section consists of various items. Regardless of the class and type of extinguishing agent that may differ, extinguishers have these items:
- Cylindrical Tank
- Valves
- Carry Handle
- Operation Lever
- Towing pin
- Damage Seals
- Pressure gauge
- Drain Hose
- Drain Nozzle
- Instruction Label
- Monthly inspection tag
- Annual inspection tag
- Fire Extinguishing Agents and Propellants
The function of each part of a fire extinguisher
Each division works to carry out 3 main functions in APAR, namely storing, issuing, and informing.
- Cylindrical Tank. The fire extinguisher serves to store extinguishing materials and propellants. These tanks are generally made of strong steel and, although small, they are very heavy.
The tube is the main part for storing the extinguishing formula. In addition there is also a part of the fire extinguisher that has the function of removing the extinguishing agent known as the valve assembly.
- Valve. Serves to control (close and open) the flow of contents in the tube. Valve functions in Fire extinguishers is so important, it must use high quality valve.
- Carry Handle: Helps us carry fire extinguishers with ease.
- Operation lever: Depressable part to operate the extinguishing device. This part cannot be operated if the pin has not been pulled.
- Pull pins: We can call them locks, metal pins function to prevent accidental release.
- Damage seal: A plastic seal affixed to keep the pulling pin from being damaged when the fire extinguisher is dropped or hit.
- Pressure gauge: An instrument for measuring pressure whether the fire extinguisher has enough pressure to put out a fire. If the arrow is green, it means that the ingredients have been filled correctly. If the gauge is on the left, the load is underload, if the gauge on the right is green then overload and risk of explosion.
- Drain hose: Hose that serves to drain the contents and sources of ignition.
- Drain nozzle: The tip of the hose is conical to allow the expelled substance to spread.
In addition to the core parts above, there are also additional parts of the fire extinguisher which have an equally important function. Here are among them
- Instruction label: Instruction label and instructions for use
- Monthly inspection sheet: Allows assigned individuals to check APAR eligibility.
- Annual inspection tag: Just like the monthly inspection sheet, it is annual
Each part of a fire extinguisher has a function that is interconnected to work effectively. Extinguishing materials that are in the tube, must be controlled and can be used optimally to extinguish the fire efficiently and quickly.
Safety Tips
The use of safe extinguishers is important so that the extinguishing process can run smoothly and the user can be safe. In addition, the correct classification of APAR is also important, for example:
- Class A extinguishers can be used when ordinary fuels are involved
- Class B extinguishers may be used in the presence of flammable liquids
- Class C extinguishers are used if electrical equipment is involved in the fire.
If you have the correct extinguisher, then remember the PASS:
- Pull. Pull the pin
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire from a safe distance from user.
- Squeeze the lever to discharge the agent
- Sweep. Route the hose from one side to the other at the fire object evenly until it goes out.