Portable fire extinguishers are generally provided as "first attack" units in fire fighting and should only be used in early stages of fire before it can spread and develop heat. There are five different types of extinguishers, and selection of extinguishers must be made with the class of fire in mind:
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Air Water Red in colour, it contains nine litres of water under pressure and is to be used in an upright position. It is designed for use on carbonaceous solids such as wood, paper, rubbish or textiles, and has a discharge period of 60 - 100 seconds. Water extinguishers are unsuitable for flammable liquid fires. This extinguishers must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. |
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Foam Blue in colour, it contains nine litres of an aqueous film-forming foam additive, and is to be used in an upright position. It is designed for use on flammable liquid fires such as petrol, oils and paint and has a discharge period of 40 - 90 seconds. This extinguishers must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. |
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Carbon Dioxide Red in colour with a black band, it is designed for use on fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment. The discharge period depends on the size of the extinguisher. |
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Dry Chemical Red in colour with a white band, it contains a bi-carbonate based powder and is suitable for fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment. The discharge period depends on the size of the extinguisher |
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Wet Chemical Gold in colour, it has a liquid alkaline extinguishing agent, and is specifically designed for use in kitchens on deep fryer fires involving fat and cooking oil. This extinguishers must never be used on fires involving live electrical equipment. |
Firewize can provide guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers, contact our sales team on 1300 30 88 22 for more information.
Portable fire extinguishers are generally inspected checked twice per year in accordance with Australian Standard AS1851.
Note: BCF (halon) extinguishers are yellow in colour. These extinguishers have been withdrawn in accordance with environmental guidelines since 1 January 1997. Please return any existing units to Maintenance Essentials for safe and secure disposal!