Friday, July 16, 2021

Why are Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers the Best Choice for Class F Fires?

Today, people know how disastrous fire can be, and they understand the significance of having fire extinguishers in their homes and workplace. However, some still do not know that one type of fire extinguisher won't do the job of suppressing the fire. There are different types of fire extinguishers, and each of them can extinguish specific classes of fire. 

There are six different categories of fire classes:

  • Class A Fires: This type of fire is mostly caused by combustible materials like wood, fabric, and paper. 
  • Class B Fires: Fires caused by flammable liquids are class B fires.
  • Class C Fires: These include fires caused by flammable gases.
  • Class D Fires: Fires caused by combustible metals are class D fires. 
  • Class F Fires: These include fires caused by cooking oils 
  • Electrical Fires: This type of fire involve electrical equipment

Here, we'll discuss the wet chemical fire extinguisher.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers can rapidly and easily douse the fires involving materials like paper, wood, and plastic. But for kitchen fires, these fire extinguishers can create an unsafe environment and are not enough to keep flames down. For fires like these, you need the best chemical fire extinguisher.

Significance of Having Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers:

This type of fire extinguisher can deal with cooking oils up to and above 680F, such as the kinds used in industrial-sized catering kitchens, restaurants, or anywhere that uses big deep fat fryers or oils in cooking. 

Wet chemicals contain an extinguishant that reacts with oil to form a soapy substance. When applied to burning liquids, the soapy substance cools and blends, dousing the flame and sealing the surface to prevent reignition.

Benefits of Using Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

  1. They offer a fast reduction in the event of class F fires. They reduce the chances of fire reignition by leaving a foam-like barrier. 
  2. The low pressure of the extinguisher cancels out the danger of the hot fats and oil splashed around. It prevents injury from burns and reduces the risk of the fire spreading. 
  3. Clean up after the usage is fast and straightforward. 
  4. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are also suitable for Class A fires. 

How to use a Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher?

  • Make sure the extinguisher is fully charged by checking the pressure gauge, which should be in the green area, and the safety pin should not be bent. 
  • If possible, try to turn off the heat source
  • Remove the safety pin 
  • Hold the lance at arm’s length and squeeze the level slowly to discharge the extinguisher
  • Apply the spray in slow circular motions. 
  • Discharge the entire contents of the extinguishers

If you work in places like industrial-sized catering kitchens, restaurants, or canteens, you should have the best chemical fire extinguisher so that you can extinguish fires involving cooking oils and fats (Class F fires). You can also use these extinguishers for fires caused by various organic materials, including wood, coal, textiles, cardboard, and paper. 

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