What are the 5 Main Types of Fire Safety Equipment?
7th Aug 2023
With over 35 years in the fire safety business, we know just how important fire safety equipment is. It plays a vital role in protecting lives and property. Whether it’s a residential building, workplace, or public space, having the right tools and equipment at your fingertips can make a significant difference in minimising the risk. Let’s have a look at the five main types of safety equipment and talk about how important they are.
Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are perhaps the most recognisable and widely used item of fire safety equipment. They come in four different types, each designed to handle specific types of fire.
Water Extinguishers: Used for fires involving ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth. They are not suitable for fuel, gas fires or electrical fires.
Foam Spray Extinguishers: The foam creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel on burning liquid. Designed for liquids such as petrol, oil, grease and some kinds of paint. You can’t use these on gas fires or deep fat fryers.
CO2 Extinguishers: Designed to deal with fires involving computers, generators, or other electrical fires. This will also work on burning liquid, but not for gas fires or deep fat fryers.
Dry Powder Extinguishers: These are multi-purpose and can be used on most fires including liquids. In common with the above you can’t use powder on gas fires or deep fat fryers.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers: These are specially developed to deal with fires involving cooking oil or animal fat. They work by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen.
Fire extinguishers save lives. They should be strategically placed throughout your building, and all staff or residents should know how to use them properly.
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Fire Alarms:
Fire alarms are crucial for early detection of fire. They consist of smoke detectors, heat detectors, or a combination of both. Smoke detectors are most common and can sense the smallest presence of smoke particles in the air. Heat detectors react to increased temperature. When triggered, fire alarms emit a loud warning allowing everyone to get out fast. They really are lifesavers.
Fire Blankets:
Fire blankets are specially treated sheets made of fire-resistant material. They are used to smother and extinguish small fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids or cooking oil. Fire blankets are designed to be quickly and easily wrapped around a person's body or used to cover fires. Fire blankets are especially important in kitchens where most fires start. They’re inexpensive and they save lives.
Emergency Lighting, Exit Signs and Escape Routes:
During a fire, visibility within a building can be severely compromised due to smoke and power failure. Emergency lighting systems guide occupants to the nearest exit safely. They consist of battery-powered lights placed throughout the building, ensuring that escape routes remain visible even in the event of a power cut.
Fire Hose Reels:
Fire hose reels are an effective means of controlling and extinguishing larger fires. They consist of a strong hose, typically mounted on a reel, connected to a water supply. Fire hose reels are commonly found in commercial buildings, warehouses, and industrial premises.
Fire safety equipment plays a vital role in cutting the risks associated with fires and protecting lives and property. By getting to grips with the five main types of fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire blankets, emergency lighting, and fire hose reels, individuals and organisations can make informed decisions and help put in place the necessary measures to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Remember, proper installation, regular maintenance, and knowing what to do are crucial aspects of fire safety. Stay informed, be prepared, and prioritise fire safety in every environment. Remember, being proactive in fire safety really is a matter of life and death.
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