What should a foam extinguisher not be used on

Either way, the additional risks caused by working confined spaces include;. Confined spaces are capable of causing serious injuries, and even death, very quickly while it is often harder to evacuate the areas. When the source of danger is a fire, immediate action by a trained employee that knows how to use the right fire extinguisher will save lives.

Once again, though, avoiding the wrong equipment is imperative. Fire extinguishers fall under several categories. Currently, in the UK fire extinguishers include; water , water mist , water spray, foam , dry powder standard , dry powder specialist , carbon dioxide CO2 , and wet chemical.

When protecting employees and guests in confined spaces, the following fire extinguishers should be avoided:. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are the worst type of equipment for fighting fires in confined spaces. The sudden increase in CO2 levels, combined with the consequential displacement of oxygen will make it harder to breathe, leading to asphyxiation for the user as well as others trapped in the area.

When mixed with the fumes from the fire, it can be deadly. Furthermore, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers may cause visibility issues as the CO2 replaces oxygen in the air and combats the flames, which is another cause for concern.

While dry powder fire extinguishers are not technically as dangerous as CO2 variants, they are often unsuitable for confined spaces, which can indirectly lead to safety concerns. The two primary concerns relate to inhaling the powder or causing reduced visibility. If an employee needs to use this type of fire extinguisher in a confined space, care must be taken at all times.

Still, if you do, it should be noted that they are banned in most workspaces, including confined spaces, due to the fact they emit ozone gases that cause major damage to the environment. Unless you are working in a very distinct setting, they should be avoided. They are;. Water extinguishers are recommended for environments that store large amounts of combustible materials such as warehouses, paper mills and storage facilities.

Powder extinguishers can be used on wood, paper and fabric fires. They can also be used on flammable liquid fires, gaseous fires and even electrical fires. Powder extinguishers are recommended for outdoor environments with a lot of space which involve chemicals, fuels or even vehicles.

They are suitable for large commercial boiler rooms, large workshops and storage facilities containing flammable liquids. These can be used for wood, paper and fabric fires.

Foam extinguishers are also safe for use on flammable liquid fires. They CANNOT be used on electrical fires or flammable metal fires as this extinguisher could end up exacerbating the fire. Foam extinguishers are ideal for premises which have multiple fire risks including offices, factories, warehouses and hotels. CO2 fire extinguishers are safe for use on flammable liquid and electrical fires. They are NOT for use on wood, paper or fabric fires.

Class C - fires involving gases. Class D - fires involving metals. Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus. Types of extinguishers Water extinguishers Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles.

Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning materials, cooling them and preventing re-ignition.

They should not be used on live electrical equipment. Water spray extinguishers use a very fine spray of water droplets, each droplet is surrounded by air which is non-conductive. Most water spray fire extinguishers carry a 35 kV dielectric test approval which means they have been tested on a 35, Volt electrical source at one meter. Water extinguishers with additives are water extinguishers with foaming chemicals added.

The water loses its natural surface tension meaning that it can soak into the burning materials more effectively. Adding the chemicals to the water means that a smaller extinguisher can produce the same fire rating as a larger, water only, extinguisher. Water mist, or fog, extinguishers apply water in the form of mist, or fog, the droplets are much smaller than those from the water spray extinguisher.

The smaller the droplet, the larger its surface area in relation to its size, the quicker the droplet evaporates which absorbs the heat energy faster. The downside is the smaller the droplet the less it weighs and therefore the less powerful the cloud of water.

All water extinguishers have a red label. Foam extinguishers Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. Foam extinguishers have a cream label.