ALERTING EVERYONE TO A FIRE
Fire extinguisher in Pakistan
A fire extinguisher is a device that contains a chemical agent, typically an inert gas or dry chemical powder. It can be hand-held, vehicle-mounted, or installed as a stationary unit. The agent is released from the container by manual pressure from the user, automatic devices such as photoelectric smoke detectors and heat sensors, or controlled remotely via computerized systems. A typical type of home fire extinguisher has a metal cylinder with a handle on top and operates with a pull pin mechanism to release the handle and discharge the agent. Firefighters use this equipment to put out fires by spraying it onto flames to deprive them of oxygen so that they go out due to the lack of fuel (e.g., oxygen) necessary to maintain the fire. They are most useful for fires within electrical appliances and flammable liquids and gaseous fuels, where the fire is not easily separated from fuel or heat sources.
A fire extinguisher has the ability to suppress the fire and also used to get rid of or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not considered for use on an out-of-control fire, for example, one which has reached the ceiling
endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoldering, hazardous area), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire department. Fire extinguishers are composed of non-cylindrical pressure vessels has not crucial nowadays.
In addition to firefighting, many fire extinguishers have a secondary role as safety signs. In general, fire extinguishers are not designed to be used on extremely hot fires such as those that pour out of ovens or large open flames; instead, they are intended for the cooling and quenching of smaller fires.
In most developed countries fire extinguishers are generally available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, from small units made for individual use in private homes up to large pressure vessel units mounted on fire trucks. Fire extinguisher performance is indicated by fire rating labels. This fire rating system indicates the type of fire for which a fire extinguisher is designed to provide protection.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are many different types of fire extinguishers; they come in several sizes for various uses. Knowing which type of fire extinguisher you need can help prevent damage to your property when there is an emergency situation.
The fire extinguishers are divided into the following types:
- Water fire extinguisher
- Dry Chemicals fire extinguisher
- Foam fire extinguisher
- Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher
- Halon gas fire extinguisher
There are two types of water extinguishers
Pump-style fire extinguisher, which includes a hand pump and hose attached to the nozzle of the unit. This type is intended for use on Class A fires only (ordinary combustibles such as paper and wood).
Squeeze grip "pencil" types without a hose and with a trigger nozzle. This type is intended for use on Class B and C types of fires (flammable liquids and gases) as well as ordinary combustibles.
Dry Chemicals Fire Extinguisher
Dry chemical types of extinguishers can be discharged by simply depressing the lever on top of the unit, which releases a cloud of dry chemicals that smothers the fire. One advantage of dry chemical extinguishers is that they are approved for use on all types of fires, including Class B and C types of fires (flammable liquids and gases) as well as ordinary combustibles.
Foam Fire Extinguisher
This type of fire extinguisher shoots foam straight onto the base of the flames. It is an effective tool for fighting Class B types of fires (flammable liquids).
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide types of extinguishers are pressurized cylinders that discharge CO2 gas, smothering the fire and cooling the surrounding area. This type of fire extinguisher is useful only on Class B types of fires.
Halon Gas Fire Extinguisher
Halon types of extinguishers are pressurized cylinders that discharge Halotron gas, smothering the fire and cooling the surrounding area. This type is useful only in Cla