How to use an ABC powder extinguisher?

It is mandatory to place a fire extinguisher on all workplace. The type and size of this or how many pieces you need depends on the size of the workplace and the type of activity they do in the building.

The most commonly used extinguisher

Most often, an ABC powder extinguisher is used because it is capable of extinguishing almost any type of fire. The “ABC” mark on the unit is important because this indicates the type of fire we can extinguish with it. The following materials:

A: Solid combustible materials,

B: Flammable liquids, and

C: For extinguishing the fires of combustible gases

suitable for the device. However, type D fires (melts of combustible metals) cannot be extinguished using powder extinguishers. So, if a company engages in activities that could result in fire from the melting of combustible metals, we should have an other type extinguisher that can eliminate this kind of fire.

Also, the information on the bottle shows that we can extinguish electric fires with the device up to 1000V, but for any such fire, it is better to unplug it first, if possible, where the fire main switch is located.

It is worth knowing that determining the number and type of fire extinguishers in the workplace is considered a fire protection activity, so the involvement of a fire protection specialist is absolutely necessary.

There are 6 sizes of ABC powder extinguishers available. It is available in packs of 1, 2, 6.12, 50 and 250 kg.

The process of extinguishing is as follows: the extinguishing powder consists of small particles which, when placed on the burning material, first extinguishes the flame (dilutes the oxygen) and then, when covered, melts on the burning surface, begins to foam, thus blocking the oxygen.

How to use?

The device is easy to use:

1. shake the device (mix extinguishing agent and propellant),

2. the nozzle shall be directed at the fire

3. the transport insurance nail must be removed

4. the lever must be pressed together.

It is important to know that if a flammable liquid is extinguished, do not direct the nozzle directly at the burning liquid, as doing so may expose the fluid escaping from the bottle to the burning fluid under high pressure. The consequence of this may be that spreading the burning liquid will cause the fire to spread more easily, or, if one is near it, the burning liquid may get caught and cause burns.

In this case, the fire should be extinguished by aiming the nozzle a little above the fire, making lateral spray movements while releasing the extinguishing agent intermittently.

Control

Fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by a qualified technician who will inspect and affix the hologram with the date, validity, and signature of the inspector.

In addition, even the employer must personally inspect the device on a quarterly basis and document its compliance.

The following should be checked on the device:

1. Is the pressure gauge clock located in the center of the green zone, if yes, it is pointing to the left, there is no pressure, and if it is pointing to the right, there is overpressure.

2. The transport safety pin is included in the unit and the seal is affixed.

3. Is the information sticker on the bottle intact and legible.

4. Other components (nozzle, crank arm) intact.

5. The device is authenticated and expires.

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