Dangers and limitations of extinguishers – Part 3
Last month Part 2 of this series on Fire Safety and Prevention by CIA Insurers dealt with fire classification. This month in Part 3 CIA look at the correct extinguisher for each class of fire and the limitation and dangers of the fire type. The table below shows which extinguisher is best for a specific class and what the dangers and limitations are when using the wrong extinguisher.
Extinguisher: Water
Class: Best for a Class A Fire
Limitation/Danger:
Will cause B fires to spread
highly dangerous C fire
D may cause violent explosions
Extinguisher: Dry Powder
Class: Best for a Class D, Safe for class C fires
Limitation/Danger:
Dry power does not prevent re-ignition
Extinguisher: Foam
Class: Safe for a small Class B Fire
Limitation/Danger:
Highly dangerous class C fires
Extinguisher: Carbon Dioxide
Class: Safe for small Class B and C Fire
Limitation/Danger:
Care should be taken when used in confined spaces
CO2 dones not prevnt re-ignition
Extinguisher: Wet Chemical
Class: Safe for Class K
Limitation/Danger:
Not suitable for class C fires
Can cause corrosion of certain metals
Next month in Part 4 CIA will look at the distribution and siting of extinguishers.
The information contained in this article must be seen as a set of guidelines and does not purport to provide legal or other professional advice. If such advice is needed, consult with your legal or other qualified adviser. CIA will not accept any responsibility towards any person relying upon the contents hereof nor accept any liability whatsoever for the accuracy of information supplied by a third party or the consequences of relying upon it.   
Commercial & Industrial Acceptances (Pty) Ltd (CIA) can be contacted on www.cia.co.za
Scheme Executives are advised to contact their scheme’s insurance brokers to get advice on the requirements for provision and positioning of fire extinguishers in their scheme to comply with any insurance requirements.