Facts and Tips

Consumer – Be Aware
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Proper Use
Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Maintenance
The ABC’s of fire
Things to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher:
Common fire extinguisher applications…
Obsolete Fire Extinguishers

Consumer – Be Aware

Some notable changes, in the fire extinguisher service industry, that we fully endorse, are:

Licensing of fire extinguisher service technicians by the Province of NB-Public Safety.

The implementation of “Verification of Service Collars”. (Proof that the unit has been discharged and serviced.)

The annual replacement of an approved dated tamper seal.

Cylinders that have passed a high-pressure testing will bear a “seven digit” code, which includes a government issued “registered mark”, either stamped into the cylinder or a label affixed by epoxy to fiber wrapped cylinders.

Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Proper Use

Proper Use:

1.    Remove extinguisher from bracket

2.    Remove pull pin (twist & pull)

3.    Test before approaching fire (squeeze briefly)

4.   Approach fire and aim at base of fire – squeeze handle

Hand Portable Fire Extinguisher – Maintenance

Brief summary – does not replace NFPA-10

Inspection – (monthly)

1.    Check that the fire extinguisher is properly secured on/in bracket.
2.   Check that there is no sign of tampering. (pin secured with tamper seal)
3.    Check for obstruction in nozzle.
4.   Check that tag on fire extinguisher is current – inspected annually by an authorized firm.

The ABC’s of fire

Fires are classified as…

Class A    Wood, Paper, Trash
Class B    Flammable Liquids, Combustible Liquids
Class C    Energized Electrical Equipment
Class D    Combustible Metals
Class K    Cooking Appliances involving Combustible Cooking Media

Things to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher:

  • What are you protecting?               
  • Type of hazards or combustibles present
  • Risk Factor – high, low

In a building:

  • How many levels 
  • How much space
  • Exits

Common fire extinguisher applications…

2.5 lb ABC

Smaller vehicles, small motorized boats, lunchrooms

5 lb ABC

Office, Homes (1 per level), vehicles

10 lb ABC

Office, Commercial, Trucks, Homes (high risk situations like wood burning stoves & furnaces)

20 lb ABC

High risk industrial areas, Forestry

CO2

Electrical Rooms, Server & Computer Rooms

Class K

Commercial Kitchens

10 lb BC

Fuel Storage

Obsolete Fire Extinguishers

In an effort to ensure that all fire extinguishers are safe and can be properly maintained, NFPA-10, has come up with guidelines for determining obsolete fire extinguishers- to be removed from service.