Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in all workplaces regardless of whether other fire protection measures are present. As an early response to a developing fire, the successful performance of a fire extinguisher depends on appropriate placement, proper maintenance, and trained users.
There are different types of extinguishers, each designed to extinguish a specific class of fire. They are selected according to the potential fire hazard, the construction and occupancy of the building, and the asset to be protected. It is important to have the right type of extinguisher to fight the fire risk for different areas of your premise to avoid potentially damaging the asset or equipment you are trying to protect and to minimise the chances of exacerbating the fire itself.
Wet Chemical
Class A & F
Water Fire
Class A
Foam
Class A & B
Dry Chemical
Class A, B & E
Carbon Dioxide
Class B & E
Class A
Wood, paper, cloth, plastics, rubber, coal, carbon based compounds etc.
Class B
Petrol, oil, paint, thinners, kerosene, alcohol, etc.
Class C
L.P.G., Butane, Acetylene, Hydrogen, natural gas and Methane etc.
Class D
Magnesium, aluminium, sodium or potassium etc.
Class E
Computers, switchboards, power-boards, etc.
Class F
Cooking oils and fats usually found in industrial kitchens etc.
Fire Blankets
Fire Blankets are ideal for settings where small Class F fires are a risk such as in kitchens or wherever oils or fats are exposed to potential ignition. They can also be used if a person’s clothing has caught fire.
A Fire Blanket cuts off a fire’s supply of oxygen, smothering it either permanently or until more effective fire-fighting equipment can be employed.
As with any emergency situation, you should alert others to the fire, evacuate the area and have someone contact the fire department in case the fire cannot be extinguished. You should also ensure that you have an escape route – the fire should not be between you and the exit.
Open the fire blanket and hold it in front of you to shield your body, hands and face from the fire. Cover the burning material completely, ensuring there are no gaps for oxygen to reach the fire. Shut off any gas or other fuel supply involved in the fire, and contact the fire department if you have not done so already. Leave the blanket in place for at least 30 minutes to allow the oil or fat to cool.
Always read the instructions for your Fire Blanket before use.
Note: Fire Blankets are not designed for re-use! It is essential that you dispose of your Fire Blanket once it has been deployed.
Fire Boar supplies Fire Blankets, that are all manufactured to comply with AS/NZS 3504.
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