Business owners are responsible for their employees’ and guests’ safety at work. A massive chunk of protection includes preparing for accidents and emergencies, including fires. Although the standard directive for fire safety is by having a fire extinguisher readily available, it might also help to distinguish the different classes of fire.

There are various types of fire extinguishers that are better suited to certain types of fires. However, which among the many fire extinguishers work best in extinguishing the different classes of fires?

• Class A

Class A fires are for ordinary combustible materials. They are materials that easily burn upon exposure to fire. Items such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and most plastics are under this type. Since they are ordinary combustibles, they are easy to put out, usually with water or mono ammonium phosphate. 

However, be careful as the Class A type is the most common cause of accidental fire in different industries. Although typical, some people are not geared and fully informed to put out common fires, especially in workplaces.

• Class B

Unlike Class A fire, Class B fires are caused by a flammable liquid or gas as its fuel base. These include liquid-based fuel sources such as petroleum-based oils and paints, kerosene, and gasoline. Combustible gases, such as Butane or Propane, are also typical causes.

The Class B fire is more common in industries dealing with fuels, lubricants, and certain types of paint. The easiest way to put out this type of fire is by removing oxygen from the source to prevent the chemical reactions that cause flames.

• Class C

Electricity and electrical equipment usually cause Class C fires. Electrical fires are often fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. Although they are more common in industries dealing with energy or heavy equipment, they can also occur in small-scale businesses due to a power surge, overload, or bad wiring.

Class C fires shouldn’t be extinguished with water as their use might further cause danger to people within the fire’s premises. Instead, the best thing to do in a Class C fire is to cut off the power source and use non-conductive chemicals to extinguish the fire. Extinguishing the different classes of fire should be done calmly.

The Class C fire is defined as a fire that uses electrical components or energized equipment as its fuel source. Electrical fires are often fueled by motors, appliances, and electronic transformers. They are common in industries that deal with energy or make use of heavy equipment. 

However, electrical fires can occur on smaller scales in all businesses (i.e., an overloaded surge protector or bad wiring) and should be taken seriously. To extinguish such fires, cut the power off and use non-conductive chemicals to extinguish the fire.

• Class D

Combustible metals, such as titanium, magnesium, aluminum, and potassium, are the leading cause of Class D fires. Distinguishing the different classes of fire, such as Class D fires, is essential for workplaces that deal with these materials. 

It’s important to remember that there are other metals with combustive properties workers may encounter on site. Extinguishing Class D fires is dangerous. Instead, a dry powder agent should be used to absorb the heat and make the flames burn slower.

• Class K

A Class K fire is more typical in workplaces where liquids used in food preparation catch fires, such as kitchens. Also called a liquid fire, Class K fires can produce another classification.

Cooking fires are fueled by various cooking materials, such as grease, cooking oils, vegetable fat, and animal fat. Since they are common in the food service and restaurant industry, Class K fires are dangerous and destructive for business. Extinguishing these fires might be challenging. However, wet chemical extinguishers can work well enough.

Conclusion

Regardless of the industry, people in workplaces should be ready for any fire that might ignite anytime. Although distinguishing the different classes of fire can be challenging at first, as long as people keep their calm during a scenario, no one should be hurt from danger and accidents.

Legacy Fire Services is a fire protection company built on a foundation of traditional yet proven practices. As we try to innovate how people approach cost-saving designs and utilization of new products, we also bring 70 years of combined experience and knowledge for a well-rounded efficiency at all times. Contact us through our website to learn more about our services.