Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers For… Fires Involving Flammable Liquids or Gases.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers UK – Colour Blue – Class A, B & C fires.

Standard or Multi-Purpose Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers are safe to use on most kinds of fire, (Class A, B & C).E.g. Fires caused by petrol, oil, fat, paint, solvents, grease, propane, butane and natural gas, as well as electrical equipment.

The effect of the powder is to “knock down” the flames and it is best for fires involving flammable liquids or gases. Standard powders work well only on burning liquids, however the multi-purpose type is more effective on other types of fire, especially on burning solids.   Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers UK- Come in a variety of types, which are filled with powder and pressurised with nitrogen.The range of the jet is 4-7M. – discharges time 6-21 seconds- both variables according to type.Some incorporate a controlled discharge facility and a check control device, for maintenance verification.

BC – This is the standard type of dry powder fire extinguisher, which is filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. In use they leave a mildly corrosive sediment which must be cleaned off immediately to prevent damage to materials.

ABC – This is the multipurpose powder fire extinguisher, which is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder which again leaves a sticky residue that could cause damage to electrical equipment. E.g. computers.

Application- Read the instructions and make yourself familiar with HOW TO USE IT. Don’t leave it until you have a fire!  

• Squeeze grip operation.

• Aim the jet at the base of the flames and quickly sweep it from side to side.

• On fires in containers or spilled liquid, aim the jet or horn towards the near side of the fire and with a fast sweeping motion, propel the fire towards the far edge until the flames are extinguished.

• If flowing liquid is on fire, direct the spray at the base of the flames then upwards.

• On electrical fires, switch off the current, then aim the jet directly at the fire.

• As soon as the fire appears to be extinguished, wait until the air clears, then if flame is still visible discharge again.

How do Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Work?
Dry powder extinguishers are filled with powder and pressurised with nitrogen.When activated the powder is released under pressure and on contact with the flames, it overlays the fuel with a layer of powder, separating the fuel from the oxygen around it, thus putting out the fire.

All fire extinguishers should be sited in a conspicuous position on a wall, (brackets are usually supplied) or on a stand; they should have a sign above to identify the extinguisher type and application.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance is Important.-You should inspect your fire extinguishers at least once a month and have them serviced once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer. Powder extinguishers only require simple, low-cost maintenance.

Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested after a number of years in use, to ensure that the cylinder is still safe. Consult your extinguisher manual, the label, or the manufacturer to find out when yours need testing.

N.B.The colour coding of fire extinguishers has changed.- The NEW types now comply with the European Standard BS EN3. They have red bodies with a section of colour, up to 5% of the surface, to indicate the contents of the extinguisher.