Latest posts:
Rate this!
Chris Johnson
Member - 1 post
Portable Fire Extinguishers are fitted to deal with a small fire, if you feel competent to do so, without putting yourself or others at risk. Or to help you escape the building.
The Fire Risk Assessment should clearly specify the Classification of Risks in all areas, the equipment specified, commissioned on site (many units are damaged or lose charge in transit), installed to BS Requirements and Maintained. All by a Competent Qualified Person. Far too many "Authorities" are specifying 9L Water or Powder Extinguishers when they pose other risks and are limited value.
Often the specification reads, install a 9L Water Extinguisher. This in general gives you a 13A Fire Rating, the better ones 21A. It gives you lift and drop risks and can be a danger near live electrical equipment. 13 or 21A can be specified as the protection required, but better comprehensive protection can be obtained with a smaller, lighter 3L or 6L AFFFoam Extinguisher, the latter can give up to 27A (OVER DOUBLE THE PROTECTION OF A 9L WATER!). They also give B Class protection for flammable liquids and liquefiable plastics, being a spray, it is safer for indirect use in the proximity of live electrical equipment; beware the puddle! Have a 35kv test.
Powder Extinguishers are great at putting out fires, A, B, C, E. You can get a 13A Fire Rating in a 2kg unit. (Beware the cheap plastic heads, non serviceable or rechargeable), or the B,C units, often used for vehicles. However, the powder cloud will obscure exits. Not just for you, but others that could be following you. They often create panic and choking. Not nice in the eyes, ears and lungs! Again specify a C Risk but ensure the location of the equipment is in a safe place, and as with all-important subjects, good Training is so important.
Trade Tip, ask your Fire Extinguisher Engineer to let your staff fire off the Fire Extinguishers, when they are due 5 year extended service. This requires test discharge; some companies use this to give free or cost effective training in a comprehensive service (and you know, the test discharge/internal inspection/service and recharge has been done!) Chris Johnson 18/102007
0 (0)
