Types of Fire Extinguishers NZ

What Are The Five Main Types Of Fire Extinguisher Found In NZ?

The fire extinguishers in New Zealand are a little different from the ones you find in other countries. It’s important to be aware of the different kinds of extinguishers and which fires they are best suited for. It’s easy to differentiate between different types of fire extinguishers NZ thanks to the coloured band at the top of the extinguisher. 

There are five main types of fire extinguishers NZ, including; 

1. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam 
2. Carbon Dioxide 
3. Dry Chemical Powder
4. Water
5. Wet Chemical 

Dry Chemical Has a White Band 

A dry powder extinguisher eliminates the chemical reaction that creates fire. The dry powder extinguisher, which has a white band, is the most common type of dry powder extinguisher because it works so well on Class A, B, and E fires. What makes these extinguishers so effective is that they create a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel for a Class A fire. 

Carbon Dioxide Has a Black Band

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers (or CO2 extinguishers) work by removing the oxygen from the fire. They also eliminate the heat with their cold discharge. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are effective on Class B and E fires but are no good against Class A fires. Carbon dioxide is also considered environmentally acceptable because it is a natural element in the air around us. 

Foam Has a Blue Band 

Foam extinguishers are effective against Class A and Class B fires. They are great for extinguishing liquid fires such as diesel or petrol fires. The foam seals the surface of the liquid to prevent flammable vapours from reaching the air and combusting, which quickly puts out a liquid flame. These extinguishers can only be used on Class A and Class B fires. They become a shock hazard if used on Class E fires. 

Water Extinguishers Have No Band

Water extinguishers work by removing the heat elements of fire with water. They should only ever be used with Class A fires (fires caused by combustibles such as cloth, paper, wood, plastics, and trash). Using them with Class B fires (flammable liquids, gas, and paint), as the water could help to spread the flammable liquids and gases. When used on Class E (electrical) fires, it can create a shock hazard. 

Wet Chemical Extinguishers Have a Beige Band 

A wet chemical extinguisher works by removing the heat from a fire and creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen to prevent the fire from re-igniting. Wet Chemical extinguishers are designed for Class F (cooking oil, animal fat, vegetable fat, and grease) fires. They are essential for people in the cooking industry. They are typically paired up with fire blankets in commercial kitchens. 

They can be used with Class A fires too, but they shouldn’t be used with live electrical equipment. While contact with the wet chemicals in the extinguishers isn’t dangerous, it can irritate eyes and skin. 

From https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/types-of-fire-extinguishers-nz/

Fire Extinguisher Band Colours: What Do They Mean?

Not all fires are equal – some chemicals are more efficient at putting out certain types of fires

Where combustible substances vary in your office or workplace, so should the contents of your fire extinguishers. Knowing fire extinguisher colour codes are important to safety and wellbeing. It can be the difference between completely putting out a fire or causing further damage to property and possible harm to people. You can locate the colour code of your fire extinguisher on the band around the cylinder. The different colour codes are as follows:

No Band 

Contents:

Water

How it works:

Commonly known as Stored Pressure Water, water extinguishers are excellent at putting out normal fires caused by wood, paper and fabric. Being common distilled water, they won’t leave behind any chemical residue.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving natural combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products

Not suitable for:

• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids such as oil, petrol and solvents
• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas or acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals like aluminium shavings or magnesium
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances. NEVER use on live electrical equipment
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

Black Band

Contents:

Carbon Dioxide

How it works:

A CO2 extinguisher offers great protection against flammable liquids and electrical fires. They’re mainly found in electrical switchboards server rooms and areas with sensitive electrical appliances installed. Carbon Dioxide is not only a highly effective chemical for fighting fires, but it’s also a clean agent and doesn’t leave behind a mess.

Suitable for:

• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids such as petrol, oil paint and solvents
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases such as LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals such as aluminium shaving or magnesium
• Class F Fires – Caused by fats and cooking oils

Blue Band

Contents:

Foam

How it works:

A Foam fire extinguisher emanates a film that rapidly suffocates the fire’s oxygen supply, knocking down its flames. They offer exceptional protection against oils, petrol and other flammable liquid based fires.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids like petrol, oil paint and solvents

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals like aluminium shaving or magnesium
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

White Band

Contents:

Dry Powder

How it works:

Dry Powder ABE fire extinguishers provide excellent protection against paper, wood, oils and electrical fires. This wide range of industrial and commercial applications make them notably versatile in different usage situations – from residential to commercial, caravans, boats and large machinery.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids like petrol, oil paint and solvents
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals such as aluminium shavings or magnesium

Beige Band

Contents:

Wet Chemical 

How it works:

Intended to extinguish fires on kitchen ranges caused by fats, cooking oils, butter and lard, Wet Chemical fire extinguishers store a fluid extinguishing agent that becomes soapy when released. This liquid seals the surface of the flame, prevents re-ignition and quickly returns your kitchen to safety.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

Not suitable for:

• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

Article from https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/fire-extinguisher-band-colours-what-do-they-mean/

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Every day we walk past fire extinguishers in our workplaces, public areas and possibly in our homes. But can you say that know how to use a fire extinguisher?

We are going to explain how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and ensure you are ready in case of an emergency.

Before Using A Fire Extinguisher

Only use a fire extinguisher when:

• It’s safe to do so acknowledging the size and location of the fire.
• You’re positive you know how to use the fire extinguisher correctly.
• Everyone has left the area and accounted for at your evacuation area.
• The fire department has been called.
• You can safely enter and escape from the fire.

Remember, life is more important than property. Don’t put yourself or others at risk.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher, PTASS Technique

The PTASS Fire Extinguisher technique should be common knowledge to EVERYONE!

PTASS is the acronym used to describe the four necessary steps of operating a fire extinguisher.

Pull

The very first step is to pull the safety pin at the top of the fire extinguisher. This pin is in place to stop the handle from being accidentally squeezed.

Test

Give a quick test squirt to make sure the extinguisher is working.

Aim

Standing at a safe distance from the fire, aim the extinguisher nozzle toward the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. Always make sure you are at a safe distance from where the fire was before releasing the handle as the fire could flare up again.

Sweep

Sweep the hose and nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side, directing your aim at the base of the fire.

Knowing How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

A fire always starts small. It can cause extensive damage to property and threaten lives if not handled appropriately within the first few minutes of combustion.

If you have a maintained fire extinguisher and you also know how to use it, possible accidents can be limited.

Understanding The Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers

All Fire extinguishers have a coloured band at the top of the cylinder to indicate their contents.

The five most common types of fire extinguishers in New Zealand are:

• Dry Powder
• Carbon Dioxide
• Water
• Wet Chemical
• Foam

Remember that each of these different types of fire extinguishers is designed for fighting different classes of fire.

Common Misconceptions And Mistakes

Since the majority of people have only seen a fire extinguisher being used on TV, they aren’t knowledgeable of the different types of fire extinguishers and their different capabilities.

It is a common mistake that all fire extinguishers are the same. It is essential to recognise that this is not the case, and using the incorrect fire extinguisher can often cause additional damage.

For example, if you used a Water extinguisher to fight an electrical fire, you stand the chance of getting a shock or cause even more damage.

Additional Tips About Fire Extinguishers

• Under NZS 4503 all fire extinguishers must be inspected every 12 months.
• All fire extinguishers must be hydrostatic pressure test after five years and refilled after they have been discharged.
• Always place your fire extinguishers in an easily accessible position.

From https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher/

Picking The Correct Fire Extinguisher For Your Needs

As you may know, there are various types of fire extinguishers in the market today. There are portable ones. Some are specifically for vehicles. The main objective of fire extinguishers is to extinguish the fire and stop it from spreading.
To stop the fire before it can spread, one must use the right equipment. In this case, it should be the right extinguisher type. You have to consider several factors before purchasing and installing such a device. Here is what you should pay attention to before choosing one:

Where are you going to use it?

Such devices have various types. As mentioned earlier, you can have a portable device. You can take this if you go camping with the kids. This will help ease your worries about flames getting out of control in the camp. Firefighters also use such equipment.
There are also those made for cars. This is very helpful because of the increasing incidents on car fires. If it is for a race car, it is best to have automatic fire extinguishers.

What are the possible hazards in the area?

This is a significant consideration. In fact, you should check this first. Manufacturers developed the different types of extinguishers due to the various fire sources. Most laboratories will have a different kind of extinguisher compared to those in the offices and houses. Kitchens have a different type of extinguisher from those in the other parts of the room.
Check the label. It will indicate what type of fuel source the extinguisher can deal with. The classifications have the labels A to F. The letters correspond to a fuel source of the flame such as wood, oil, electricity, and metal.

What type of fire extinguisher should you pick?

Another reason why people invest in extinguisher is that it can reduce the damage done to their property. You should also consider the toxicity levels in the device. If you are going to use it in the office, will it damage the office equipment? Find out what you can about the type of extinguisher you are purchasing.

The size of the fire extinguisher

Check the area that the device will cover. Will it be able to contain a fire inside the room or is it just good enough to allow you to escape? You have to assess the room or the area. Knowing the area will allow you to choose the right size of the equipment.
Before you pick an automatic fire extinguisher, check the size of the room. Will it be able to stop the fire in case one starts there?

Are you going to purchase a refillable or disposable fire extinguisher?

This is a matter of preference. Many find the use of refillable fire extinguisher better. It can last longer, and you can refill it after using. However, some prefer the disposable kind because it is less expensive but performs just the same.

Extinguishers are very helpful. However, if you do not take the necessary steps in choosing the right device, it will not be beneficial. Always consider the possible fuel sources in the area. This will enable you to select the equipment suited for your need.