Portable Fire Fighting Equipment

The main types of Portable Fire Fighting Equipment are Fire Extinguishers.

In most countries portable appliances must be coloured red and display a distinguishing coloured label, usually on its collar, to identify the type of extinguishing agent contained. These are as follows:

• Water : Red
• Chemical foam : Cream
• Carbon dioxide : Black
• Dry powder : Blue

In addition, each appliance has to have the date of its last inspection marked on it.

Water Extinguishers:

Stored - pressure extinguishers must be checked to ensure that the pressure is correct, that the hoses and nozzles are not blocked and there is no corrosion. They should be discharged annually.

Gas - cartridge extinguishers should be opened annually and the working parts and contents checked. The gas cartridge should be weighed to check for losses and the sealing washer examined. They should be discharged every five years.

Foam Extinguishers:

These should be opened annually and checked to ensure that no clogging has occurred and all the working parts are in good order. Gas cartridges should be weighed and losses in excess of 10% will require replacement. 

The Extinguisher, if pre-mixed, should be discharged every two years, or if the compound is kept separate, every four years. All foam extinguishers must be thoroughly washed out after discharging.

Dry Powder Extinguishers:

Examination should be once a year for all the features covered for the other extinguishers. With the gas cartridge type, which can be opened, the powder should be checked to ensure it has not caked. They should be discharged every five years.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers:

The contents should be checked by weighing or by gamma ray to ensure there is no loss. The working parts should be examined and the horn checked for freedom of movement. Every 10 years, or when discharged, the cylinder should be hydraulically tested.  After 20 years the test should be every five years.

Vaporising Liquid Extinguishers:

Annual working order checks are required by weighing the contents. The extinguishers should be checked by discharge every five years.

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Fire extinguishers are colour-codes

Fire extinguishers are colour-coded; each colour denotes the type of extinguishing agent that is contained in the extinguisher.

The different types are: Water, AFFF Foam, Dry powder, Carbon Dioxide and Wet Chemical.

Fires are Categorised into Classes:

Class A - Flammable solids or freely burning material
Class B - Flammable liquids,
Class C - Flammable gases,
Class F - Cooking oils. There is also the hazard of electrical fires involving electrical appliances or wiring.

It is always important to use the correct extinguisher on each type of fire. Use of the wrong type could cause the fire to flare up.

Class A fires should be tackled with Water, AFFF foam or dry powder extinguishers.

Class B fires should be tackled with AFFF foam, Dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers.

Class C fires should be tackled by isolating the gas/liquid supply and not primarily by use of a fire extinguisher. Only a Dry Powder extinguisher should be used.

Class F fires should be tackled with only a Wet Chemical fire extinguisher.

Electrical hazards should be tackled with either Dry Powder or Carbon Dioxide extinguishers.

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