The water fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is used on certain kinds of fires. Though no fire extinguisher fits all types of fires, the water extinguisher is quite useful for a number of fire types. This kind of extinguisher is colour coded with a red label and comes in many different sizes, as well as two different release functions: mist and spray.
Water fire extinguishers are used on fires involving organic solids, like paper, wood, and fabric, as well as electrical fires. These are classified as class A fire types and electrical fire types respectively.
When using water fire extinguishers, the water solution from the extinguisher effectively cools down the fair and eventually extinguishes it. The water from these water fire extinguishers can even make its way into burning fabric as well as deep into the core of the fire.
Both mist and spray water fire extinguishers are used for class A (combustible materials) and electrical fires.
Water mist extinguishers are quite versatile fire extinguishers. They utilize technology that allows them to work across many classes of fire. The way that these mist extinguishers work is through the use of minuscule water molecules that fight fires on multiple levels. First, a great amount of water is released in the form of a fog-like material. Then, the level of oxygen in the air around the fire goes down, effectively suffocating the fire from its fuel source.
The particles of water also move toward the fire to cool it down, which helps with decreasing the temperature of the fire. Additionally, part of the function of water mist extinguishers is to de-ionize the water they are using to fight fires. This means that this type of extinguisher can be used on many types of fires, including electrical fires and those involving burning liquids or gases. De-ionized water won’t become a conductor in this case, which allows this type of mist extinguisher to be as versatile as it is.
There are a few easy steps to using a water fire extinguisher.
Once you notice the fire and obtain the extinguisher, ensure that there is no electrical equipment in the surrounding area. This is vital to avoid electric shock. Then, pull the safety pin on the extinguisher that will break the seal. Squeeze the level to start releasing the water from the extinguisher. If the fire is spreading horizontally, Aim the nozzle toward the base of the fire and move it across the area of the fire. If the fire is spreading vertically, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and move it upward, following where the fire seems to be going.
As the fire starts to die down, move closer to it carefully and ensure that the entire fire has been put out. After that, try to find hot spots that could re-ignite and spray them a little more.
A: Water fire extinguishers should never be used on class B fires (flammable liquid), class C fires (flammable gas) or class F fires (grease and cooking oil). Using the correct type of fire extinguisher for different types of fire is vital to making sure that the fire won’t get even worse.
A: Places like hospitals or schools, that are made of materials such as wood are best for using a water fire extinguisher. This is because these types of buildings have a lot of the materials that are extinguishable by a water fire extinguisher. This is why it’s so important for places such as these to have fire extinguishers on hand, and why extinguishers are required in many places.
The water fire extinguisher is a versatile fire safety tool perfect for public places. This is one of the most common types of fire extinguisher, used for class A fires, a common type of fire. Knowing how to use a water fire extinguisher is a great step to improving your fire safety skills.
