A fire extinguisher has a function to control fire and extinguish the fire.
The fire extinguisher itself is made of alloy steel which has been applied in chemistry, metallurgy, and mechanics. The purpose of using this material is to withstand chemicals as well as measured pressure.
There are several types of fire extinguishers based on their contents, including the following:
1. Water Fire Extinguisher
The first type of fire extinguisher is a water fire extinguisher, where this extinguisher has high-pressure water content. This type of fire extinguisher is suitable for extinguishing fires caused by rubber, cloth, paper, plastic, or non-metallic solid materials.
And the most important thing to know is that this fire extinguisher should not be used for equipment that uses electricity or chemical liquids.
2. Foam Fire Extinguisher
This fire extinguisher is made of chemicals that form foam. The way it works is to remove foam which aims to cover the burned part so that oxygen cannot enter the firing process.
This fire extinguisher is suitable for use in fires caused by non-metallic solid materials such as paper, cloth, and rubber. Besides that, it is also suitable for fires because the liquid ingredients are oil, alcohol, and solvents.
3. Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher
A chemical powder fire extinguisher is also called a dry chemical powder fire extinguisher. This fire extinguisher contains dry chemical powder and mono ammonium and ammonium sulfate.
The way a chemical powder fire extinguisher works is to remove a chemical powder and cover the burning material, thus separating oxygen from the fire.
This fire extinguisher is effective for dealing with various fires that occur due to other materials. One type of fire extinguisher is not suitable for use in the industry because it can cause damage to production equipment.
4. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide to aid in fire fighting. Most suitable for use in fires caused by flammable liquid materials. While the nature of carbon dioxide itself is a type of gas that does not burn and is heavier than air.
5. Halon HCFC Blend Gas Replacement (Halotron)
This type of fire extinguisher is classified as a clean fire and leaves no residue. This fire extinguisher contains a chemical compound hydrochlorofluorocarbon, equipped with a compound of 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoro ethane and chemical abstracts.
This is widely used in factory areas, laboratories, and workshop areas. The drawback of this APAR is that it cannot be used for areas with electronic equipment. In addition, this fire extinguisher contains hydrogen halide which is toxic if any metal is burned.
This type of fire extinguisher was also developed with the aim of extinguishing fires that occur in aircraft. How it works by releasing steam and gas which can help get rid of oxygen so that it can speed up the fire fighting process.
6. HFC 236 FA 36 Halon Gas Replacement
The sixth light fire extinguisher is a gas substitute for halon HFC 236 FA 36, where this uses HFC 236 FA 36 as a halon replacement gas extinguisher. This type of fire extinguisher is very multipurpose and friendly to the surrounding environment.
How to Use A Fire Extinguisher
Those are some types of fire extinguishers that can be used as needed. In addition, it is also necessary to know how to use the fire extinguisher properly with the aim of accelerating the fire fighting process and preventing the fire from spreading to other buildings. Here are the steps you can practice:
- Remove the lever locking pin from the fire extinguisher tube
Aim the hose right at the center of the fire point
Then press the lever to release the contents of the light fire extinguisher
Brush evenly until the fire goes out
Be careful when using a fire extinguisher. Also, while you’re at it, check out valve functions in fire extinguishers and lever functions in fire extinguishers.