What is the sequence of extinguishing a vertical surface. General rules for the use of fire extinguishers. Instructions for the operation of a gas fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are divided into several main types - foam, powder and carbon dioxide. Foam fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, varnish, oil, paint, and so on. They can also extinguish fires of solid materials - except for devices under electrical voltage. Powder fire extinguishers are used to eliminate ignited combustible and flammable liquids, paints, varnishes, plastics and electrical devices, the voltage of which is not more than 1000 volts.

The fire extinguisher should not be too heavy so that any family members, including children, can use it if necessary.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers allow you to put out various substances, liquids and materials, as well as installations connected to the power grid. This type Fire extinguishers are considered the most effective due to their composition, which allows you to eliminate the fire as quickly as possible. Typically, fire extinguishers are used as follows: you need to break the seal, pull out the pin, point the bell at the fire and start extinguishing, holding the fire extinguisher in an upright position. However, there are a number of rules for its use that you need to know.

Rules for the correct use of fire extinguishing equipment

The fire extinguisher must be kept away from direct sun rays, children and heating appliances. The temperature in the room should be average. When used, the charge must be applied in batches, every 3-5 seconds. The charge jet should always be directed from the windward side, and when extinguishing a burning electrical installation, the fire extinguisher must not be brought closer to it than 1 meter.

When using a fire extinguisher, do not touch bare hand to the bell, so as not to get frostbite on the skin.

The fire of oil products is extinguished with foam fire extinguishers, covering the entire burning surface with foam. Burning oil cannot be extinguished with a jet directed from top to bottom. It is necessary to extinguish the fire from the near edge, gradually deepening into the source of ignition. A fire that has arisen in a niche should be extinguished from top to bottom. If a powder fire extinguisher is used, the hearth must be extinguished from the windward side, directing the jet not at the fire, but at the burning surface. If you have more than one fire extinguisher, use them all at the same time. Even an extinguished fire should never be turned one's back, and used fire extinguishers must be immediately recharged.

Improvised means, such as sand and water, have been widely used to fight fires for a long time. But fire extinguishers specially designed for this purpose work much more effectively with fire. Of the many types of fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide and powder are the most widely used today. These devices differ from each other in the principles of operation.

carbon dioxide fire extinguisher

A carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires of the most various substances, combustion of which is impossible without access to air. Such devices are widely used in fire department, on , they are staffed vehicles, apartments, cottages and garages.

The basis of this is a steel cylinder, the active substance in which is under high pressure. The device is equipped with a shut-off valve through which excess pressure is released. For convenience of work the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher has a socket in the form of a cone. The working substance of the fire extinguisher is carbon dioxide.

When the fire extinguisher is actuated, carbon dioxide is expelled through the bell under pressure, forming a cloud at a distance of about two meters from the device. The socket is directed to the flame in the area of the source of ignition, trying to ensure that the largest coverage area of the object with carbon dioxide is provided.

Getting on a burning object, carbon dioxide closes the path for oxygen to enter. The place of ignition is cooled, which prevents the further spread of fire and stops burning. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is especially effective in the first stage of a fire.

Powder fire extinguisher

A powder-type fire-extinguishing device is typically used to act on burning flammable liquids, such as petroleum products. A powder fire extinguisher is also suitable for those that are problematic to extinguish by other means.

The composition of the powder fire extinguisher includes a cylinder for storing the active substance and a shut-off and starting device. The principle of operation of the fire extinguishing system is based on the creation of excess pressure inside the tank, followed by the release of a fire extinguishing composition that covers the source of ignition and stops the burning of materials.

Several methods are used to create pressure. There are models that use pressure gauges that allow you to find out the pressure inside the device. This design allows you to control the health of the fire extinguisher when it is long-term storage. There are powder with gas generators; pressure is created in them after pulling out the safety pins.

A powder fire extinguisher is especially good at extinguishing fires of substances prone to smoldering. These include paper, wood, coal, rubber, plastic and textiles. Therefore, fire extinguishers of this type are widely used in the relevant industries.

Fire extinguisher - essential element in system counter fire safety. To eliminate fires, it is important to understand the types of fire extinguishers and the principles of operation.

Fire is a completely unpredictable element that can cause damage on a catastrophic scale. It is for this reason that it is so important to eliminate the beginning fire in time with the help of fire fighting equipment. Modern industry provides for the production of a large assortment of fire extinguishers, which differ not only in weight and shape, but also in purpose: for different type fires and various fire areas.

Water fire extinguishers

This type includes fire safety equipment designed to neutralize a fire with a high-pressure water jet. Water can be supplied both in the form of a strong directed jet and in the form of sprayed drops.

This type of fire extinguisher is designed to put out paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, plastic or debris. For extinguishing solids water fire extinguishers with a directed jet of water are used. fire liquid substances it is eliminated only with a finely sprayed jet to avoid the appearance of splashes and only with those fire extinguishers that are marked with the addition of special additives to the water.

If the fire extinguisher contains only pure water, then the main restrictions for such fire fighting equipment will be prohibitions on extinguishing flammable liquids and electrical wiring.

Foam extinguishers

The agent that neutralizes the fire in such fire extinguishers is foam, formed either by a gas or as a result of a chemical reaction. Foam blocks the access of oxygen, thereby eliminating the fire. Foam fire extinguishers are used to extinguish both solids and flammable liquids: oils, fuels, etc. on areas not exceeding 1 sq.m. The limitations of use include extinguishing electrical wiring and metals, which, during a chemical reaction with water, release oxygen: potassium, sodium.

Powder extinguishers

The basis for extinguishing the fire of a dry powder of such a fire extinguisher are mineral salts with various additives. The powder fire extinguisher is universal and can be used both for the ignition of solid substances and flammable liquids, and electrical networks under voltage, and gases under high pressure. The only limitation for the use of powder is the combustion of alkaline earth metals and metals that burn without oxygen. The disadvantage of powder fire extinguishers is the need to work in protective ones, because. the air becomes very dusty, and very dirty rooms covered with a layer of used powder.

Carbon dioxide (gas) fire extinguishers

Carbon dioxide effectively extinguishes fire on any type of surface and can be used to extinguish fires of solid, liquid, gaseous substances and electrical wiring. The fire extinguisher leaves no residue, but is limited in use due to inefficiency over large areas. In addition, the accumulation of a large amount of carbon dioxide in the fire room can lead to poisoning, so it is very important to immediately go to the fire after extinguishing the fire. Fresh air.

In accordance with the law Russian Federation all buildings, structures and vehicles must be equipped with fire extinguishing equipment, and first of all fire extinguishers. To choose the right fire extinguisher, you need to know what types of fire extinguishers are available, and in what cases they should be used.

The fire extinguisher is primary. A typical fire extinguisher looks like a red canister with a tube or nozzle. When the fire extinguisher is activated, a substance capable of extinguishing the fire is ejected from its nozzle under high pressure. Fire extinguishers are classified according to the method of delivery to the place of fire, the type of extinguishing agents, their principle, the level of pressure of the displacing gas and the possibility of recovery technical resource.

According to the method of delivery to the place of ignition

According to the method of delivery to the place of fire, fire extinguishers are divided into portable and mobile. Portable fire extinguishers weigh up to 20 kg, they can be hand-held, backpack and thrown. The operator holds hand-held fire extinguishers in his hands, wears knapsacks behind his back, and throws those thrown into the burning zone. Mobile fire extinguishers weigh more than 20 kg, they are a trolley or platform on wheels, on which containers with a fire extinguishing agent are installed.

By type of fire extinguishing agent

Fire extinguishers can be foam, gas or powder. Foam fire extinguishers are filled with air (80-90%) and foam (10-20%), they are effective for extinguishing class A and B fires. Gas extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, which is suitable for extinguishing class A, B and E fires. extinguishing powder, which is effective in extinguishing fires of classes from A to D.

According to the principle of displacement of fire extinguishing agent

According to the principle of displacement of the extinguishing agent, fire extinguishers are divided into injection, with a cylinder of compressed or liquefied gas, with a gas generating element, with a thermal element and with an ejector. The most common are injection fire extinguishers, from which fire extinguishing agents are displaced by their own gases or vapors. To control the internal pressure, the injection fire extinguisher is equipped with a pressure gauge, the arrow of which should be in the green zone.

According to the pressure level of the displacing gas

There are two types of fire extinguishers according to the pressure of the propelling gas: low pressure and high pressure. In fire extinguishers of the first type at a temperature environment 20 degrees Celsius pressure is up to 2.5 MPa. In fire extinguishers of the second type, at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the pressure is from 2.5 MPa and above.

If possible, restore the technical resource

According to the possibility of restoration of the technical resource, fire extinguishers are divided into disposable and reusable. A disposable fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher that cannot be repaired or restored after use. Life cycle reusable fire extinguisher can be extended through repairs and refills. Parts of disposable fire extinguishers (body, locking and starting device) are most often made of plastic, parts of reusable fire extinguishers are made of metal.

What is a fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are mobile or portable compact devices with which it is possible to extinguish a fire. The principle of their operation is based on the ejection (release) of compounds that block the access of oxygen to a burning object or substance. Compositions for extinguishing a fire exit the nozzle of a fire extinguisher, as a rule, under high pressure, which allows you to shoot down an open flame in a matter of seconds.

The first fire extinguishers were used in practice as early as 1881 in Russia. A significant event happened in St. Petersburg, on the Semenovsky parade ground. Ramon de Banolas presented his invention called "fire extinguisher". But the device was officially patented much later by another inventor - Alexander Laurent in 1904.

Modern fire extinguishers are much smaller than the one invented by Laurent. There are several types on the market similar devices, which differ from each other constructively, by the principle of operation and by the substances on the basis of which they function. In addition, they are much easier to use and much more efficient than their predecessors.

Types of fire extinguishers and their purpose

A fire extinguisher is usually a red-colored canister with an outlet nozzle (tube). Devices are classified immediately according to 4 criteria - the principle of operation, active substance, size and purpose.

Classification according to the principle of operation divides fire extinguishers into 3 categories:

automatic,
manual,
combined.

Automatic fire extinguishers work at the moment when the temperature around them reaches a critical point. They are installed where the risk of fire is high.

Hand fire extinguishers are activated by a special lever on their body. Automatic devices can work independently and be put into action by a person.

In a professional environment, the classification of fire extinguishers by purpose is used, which includes 5 classes - A, B, C, D, E. Class A devices are designed to extinguish solid substances, B - liquid chemical compounds, C - gaseous, D - to localize fire objects made of metals or containing them in their composition, E - to extinguish a fire in electrical installations under voltage.

In addition, there is a classification of fire extinguishing devices according to their size. Compact fire extinguishers are designed for cars, portable ones are installed indoors, and large-volume mobile ones on trolleys (frame with wheels) - in production shops, at the gas station.

The main type of classification of fire extinguishers is according to the active substance. There are powder, air-foam and carbon dioxide devices for localizing the source of fire.

Air Foam Fire Extinguishers

Such devices can be portable and mobile. They function on the basis of acid, alkaline mass or water and foaming agents.

The direct purpose of air-foam fire extinguishers is to extinguish substances that burn with the participation of oxygen. Chemical compounds that can burn without access to oxygen cannot be extinguished using devices of this type.

The principle of operation of an air-foam fire extinguisher is based on the supply of a composition that blocks the fire under high pressure. The composition passes through a special nozzle on the cylinder, forming a medium-density foam (expansion).

The foam generator of the fire extinguisher ejects air into the jet passing through it, as a result of which a dense foam is formed on the grid built into the device. Once on the fire, the foam blocks the access of oxygen to it from the atmosphere, and the fire goes out.

Air-foam fire extinguishers can be recharged. This operation can be performed by specialists with the appropriate permission, in a special room designed for recharging.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers

OS (carbon dioxide fire extinguishers) operate on the basis of carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is pumped into a cylinder under high pressure, when the device is activated, it is ejected through a nozzle in the form of foam white color, the jet length can be from 2 to 4 m.

When working with carbon dioxide devices, precautions must be observed. The temperature of the jet coming out of the nozzle is -70˚C, and if it gets on the skin of a person, he will get severe frostbite.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish objects consisting of substances in the combustion of which oxygen is directly involved. In addition, they can be used to localize fires at high voltage facilities, in administrative and industrial premises where sophisticated office or industrial equipment is installed.

It is impossible to extinguish smoldering and fire with such devices. chemical compounds with the content of alloys of aluminum and magnesium, potassium, sodium. Their use for the localization of smoldering over a large area is unacceptable.

Powder extinguishers

OP (powder fire extinguishers) are the most popular, safe and comfortable devices of this series in operation. The basis of their functionality is the release under high pressure of a powder that localizes a fire. chief active substance such a powder can be

salts based on phosphorus and potassium in equal proportions,
alkali metal bicarbonate,
graphite or alkali chlorides,
silica gel saturated with active freon.

As auxiliary substances, manufacturers of powder fire extinguishers can use AM-1-300 brand aerosil (water repellent), organic silicon-based liquids, and white soot. The mass fraction of auxiliary components can be no more than 5% of the mass of the main active substance.

Powder fire extinguishers are recommended for extinguishing fires in places with a large crowd of people, vehicles, including their engines and fuel supply systems, electrical outlets and electrical equipment. The temperature spectrum of their storage and use is from -40 to +50˚С. Before starting work with a fire extinguisher, it must be shaken, as the powder mass can be caked - this is their only drawback.

Storage and maintenance of fire extinguishers

The rules for storing fire extinguishers are the same for all types. Devices should be located in an accessible place where they can be clearly seen from anywhere in the room, access to them should not be limited by furniture or other obstacles.

The location of fire extinguishers and their number is calculated individually for each object, based on its size, operation features, purpose and possible fire risks.

Maintenance of fire extinguishers is carried out by special services. It is absolutely impossible to recharge or seal them yourself. In addition, you should strictly monitor the expiration date of the devices and change or recharge them after it expires.

Operating Instructions for Water Type Fire Extinguishers

It is intended for localization of fires of solid materials and liquids (fires of classes A and B). The balloon contains an aqueous solution, which includes fluorine-containing and other chemically active components. Do not use this product to extinguish electrical networks, equipment under voltage and highly flammable liquids (fire grows). The product is marked with the abbreviation "OV". Dignity this equipment is sanitary and environmental safety for people and the environment.

AT rules for using a fire extinguisher water type instructions provide the following actions:

1. The seal is removed.

2. A safety pin is pulled out on the locking and starting mechanism.

3. The hose is directed to the burning material (substance) and the lever is pressed.

Upon completion of the localization of the fire, the fire extinguisher is given for maintenance and refueling. Safety regulations for working with this device require you to make sure that there are no open sources of electricity before using it.

The procedure for using an air-foam fire extinguisher

An air-foam fire extinguisher, in comparison with a water one, copes better with the elimination of fires of categories A and B. Thus, the apparatus can be used to extinguish liquids that have an oily, combustible structure (petroleum products). The foam coming out of the nozzle blocks the flow of oxygen into the burning substance, which localizes the object of ignition. However, they are prohibited from extinguishing electrical equipment, cables, wires that may be connected to the power supply network. In addition, this device cannot be used when extinguishing products and buildings made using alkali metals (aluminum, magnesium, etc.).

In order to quickly begin to eliminate the ignition, you should know how to use a fire extinguisher of this type:

1. Break the seal, turn the handle (cover) of the locking mechanism 180 degrees.

2. Turn the fire extinguisher upside down. (This is necessary to mix the acidic and alkaline components of the charge, resulting in foaming.)

3. Remove the handset and direct it to the object of ignition, after which you can press the lever.

After the fire is extinguished, the device is transferred for inspection, refueling and sealing. In this case, the solution remaining after the operation of the device is removed in a natural way.

A powder fire extinguisher is a universal type of fire fighting equipment used to eliminate most fires. In addition to localizing fires of class A and B, the device is designed to extinguish fires of category C (combustion of gaseous substances) and E (ignition of electrical equipment under voltage up to 1 kV). However, it is not suitable for extinguishing substances that can burn without oxygen.

The cylinder, which is marked with the abbreviation "OP", contains a powder composition. Its components are mineral salts of fine dispersion, hydrophobic elements, and other additives that allow keeping the powder composition in working condition. The principle of operation is based on covering the place of ignition with fire-retardant powder, which isolates the burning material, substance from the supply of oxygen.

Instructions for fire extinguishers powder type is identical rules for using fire extinguishers water type: removing the seal - removing the pin - directing the hose to the flame - pressing and holding the lever. For proper use of the device, it is necessary to take into account what exist features of the use of powder-type fire extinguishers. Thus, it is not recommended to use the device in small enclosed spaces, as a toxic dust curtain is formed. And the surface of the material on which the powder has fallen can no longer be restored.

This equipment is considered the most effective in extinguishing fires of categories B and E. Ignition of flammable liquids, electrical installations under voltage up to 10 kV is quickly localized due to snow-like flakes flying out of the fire extinguisher socket. The extinguishing agent (carbon dioxide) has low temperature. Covering the burning surface, the flakes absorb oxygen, replacing it with carbon dioxide.

The fire extinguisher is not used to extinguish materials that can burn without oxygen, as well as objects (equipment, lines) with high operating temperature. On the body of the carbon dioxide cylinder, the marking "OU" is applied.

Fire extinguisher instructions carbon dioxide type includes the following actions:

Removal of seals and pulling out checks.
The socket of the device is directed to the source of ignition.
The lever is pressed and held all the time while the fire is extinguished.

According to safety rules, it is forbidden to touch the bell with a bare hand, as this will lead to frostbite of the limbs. For the same reason, the device is not used to extinguish burning clothing on a person.

How to use an air emulsion fire extinguisher

The device is used to eliminate fires of classes A, B, E. The fire is localized by spraying a fire extinguishing emulsion on the source of ignition. The principle of operation of the fire extinguisher is based on the ejection of the emulsion air pressure, blown by compressed air. The emulsion is an aqueous solution with special additives. Coming out of the nozzle, the substance is crushed into finely dispersed particles, which cover the surface of the object of ignition, preventing the penetration of air. At the same time, the devices are capable of extinguishing electrical equipment operating under voltage up to 10 kV.

The procedure for using these fire extinguishers is similar to the use of water and powder devices. The main advantage of water-emulsion devices in sanitary and environmental safety for people and the environment. In addition, the fire extinguishing area is significantly larger than that of other types of fire extinguishers, and extinguished things and materials can be easily cleaned.

Maintenance and storage

Maintenance of fire extinguishers consists in carrying out a set of measures, including diagnostics, repair and recharging of devices. After 5 years, each cylinder is discharged, subjected to inspection for the integrity and performance of all mechanisms. After that, it is charged again and stored.

Every person should know the rules for using a fire extinguisher, since we can all find ourselves in an unexpected and dangerous situation. In principle, the operation of the presented device is not difficult, but it has its own characteristics. For example, you should know when and which fire extinguisher should be used. First, let's look at the types of devices presented.

Types of fire extinguishers

So, there are many classification criteria:

According to the dimensions of the device are manual, industrial and mobile. They differ in the volume of the cylinder: from 2 to 10 liters or more.
According to the type of starting device, the fire extinguisher can be pistol or valve. There are also devices that can operate from a constant source of pressure.
According to the substance contained inside the vessel, there are powder, water, gas fire extinguishers.

Principles of using the device

Before using a fire extinguisher, be sure to understand the principles of its operation. For example, containers with water inside can be used to extinguish solids that burn easily. However, the liquid may contain additional components. They make it possible to extinguish liquid combustible substances. The rules for using a fire extinguisher of the presented type are quite simple: they can only be operated in the situations listed. The fact is that water is able to enter into chemical reactions with other elements and form substances that are quite hazardous to health.

The rules for using a gaseous fire extinguisher provide for compliance with the only safety rule: you can’t touch the tube in them, as you can easily get frostbite. However, such a device will be useless in cases where those objects are burning that can blaze even without oxygen.

In order to extinguish or air-mechanical fire, a foam fire extinguisher is most suitable. However, it is not recommended to use it if electrical equipment is on fire. Naturally, the device cannot be used to extinguish those substances that can react with water.

Features of using an OU fire extinguisher

In principle, it is not difficult to operate such a device. You just need to follow certain instructions. The rules for using the OS fire extinguisher provide for the following stages of actions:

To begin with, you should approach the source of ignition at a distance of at least 2-3 meters.
Now direct the bell exactly towards the flame and hold it as firmly as possible.
In order for the fire extinguisher to start working, it is necessary to break the seal and the check, which protects the device from automatic operation.
Now you can open the lock or press the handle. It all depends on the structure of the device.
After the fire is extinguished, you need to release the handle or tighten the valve.

Reuse of such a device is possible only after a new filling of the cylinder with carbon dioxide.

Features of the use of powder devices

Before using the fire extinguisher of the presented type, you need to read the instruction manual:

Take the device and go to the fire. In this case, the distance to the flame should not be less than 2 meters.
In order for the fire extinguisher to start working, remove the seal and protective pin from it.
Now accurately point the nozzle at the fire, while not touching it, so as not to get injured (frostbite).
Please note that you should hold the device firmly so that the pressure of the contents of the cylinder does not lead to the fire extinguisher falling out of your hands.
Now press the lever or unscrew the valve. close or let go locking mechanism needed only after the fire has been extinguished.
If there are other sources of flame, the device can be used again.

In what cases can not use the powder device?

There are situations in which the use of this device is unacceptable. The rules for using fire extinguishers OP provide for the impossibility of their operation in such cases:

if you need to extinguish those objects that can burn without the help of oxygen;
if ignited electrical network or device;
to extinguish any antique valuables, paintings or books (they may be damaged in the process of extinguishing the fire).

Some nuances of using and storing a fire extinguisher

enough to define a large number of features of the application of the presented device. For example, if you are extinguishing a flame with several types of fire extinguishers, then you should not point them at each other. In any situation, it is necessary to maintain a certain distance from the flame during extinguishing. This is especially true for burning chemicals or products that flare up easily, as well as electrical appliances that are under tension.

The rules for using a fire extinguisher provide for a certain time of continuous operation of the device, which ranges from 2 to 14 seconds. The period is indicated on the information label. During extinguishing, the cylinder must be kept strictly upright. Otherwise, you will not be able to use the entire inner material vessel.

Use is limited indoors, as it causes strong dustiness. The same applies to carbon dioxide devices, because they are able to reduce the already small amount of oxygen in the building. After using the device, it must be sent for recharging, even if there is still a charge inside.

What should not be done during operation and storage of the device:

do not allow any damage and dents to appear on the body of the device;
you can not hit the balloon;
Do not use a fire extinguisher if it has a manufacturing defect or malfunction of the locking mechanism;
in no case do not recharge or disassemble the device yourself;
after use, a fire extinguisher unsuitable for work should be disposed of;
you can not use the device for those purposes that are not related to extinguishing fire;
during the elimination of the source of ignition, it must not be directed towards people.

Over its long history, mankind has learned to fight fires, developed fire safety measures, methods and methods of fighting fire, and invented fire extinguishing means. One of them is a fire extinguisher.

How to handle this fire extinguishing agent, what kind of specifications that fire extinguishers can and cannot be extinguished - our article answers all these questions.

What is a fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a device designed to extinguish a fire. Quenching is done by substance contained in a fire extinguisher capable of extinguishing a flame. The fire extinguisher can be both portable and mobile.

Fire extinguisher first portable, can be used in the primary stage of ignition until the flame has spread over a large area. For large fires, more powerful means are used.

A fire extinguisher is a device that has a cylindrical shape, in other words, a cylinder. The capacity of the device can reach 100 cubic dm. It is equipped with a starter and a nozzle that forms a jet of a flame-extinguishing substance. It is released from a cylinder under high pressure. The pressure in the cylinder is created when the substance is pumped into the fire extinguisher or when the substance exits the cylinder. In the second case, most often the fire extinguisher is equipped with an additional device that contains gas, which creates high pressure at startup.

Classification

Fire extinguishers can be classified according to the way of operation:

Automatic, that is, such devices that do not require the presence of a person. They are usually placed in places of increased fire hazard. They are triggered when the temperature exceeds the set value.
Manual. Launched by a person when a fire is detected.

Classification according to the principle of operation of the device:

. For now, just note that the device uses carbon dioxide.
Air-foam. Used to extinguish liquids, combustible and flammable, as well as smoldering materials.
. They are used to extinguish high voltage devices, gases, solids.
Aquatic. They are used to extinguish fires of combustible liquids, solids.

Fire extinguishers are also classified by body volume:

Manual with weight up to 20 kg. Carried by hand. There are also small-capacity fire extinguishers with a volume of up to 4 liters.
Mobile and stationary - over 20 and up to 400 kg. Typically, mobile fire extinguishers are transported on a trolley.

If you had to put a fire extinguisher into action, then pictures or pictograms will help you quickly figure out the procedure. They must be applied to the body of the fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers can be divided and for download, that is, the pressure in the cylinder is set at the time of injection of the fire extinguishing agent, and devices with additional equipment, a canister of gas or a substance in which chemical reaction. With the help of this cartridge, the necessary pressure is created at the time of launch.

And the last way to classify fire extinguishers: by launchers.

In this case, they are divided into the following types:

with gate type valve;
pistol type;
start, which depends on the pressure;
squib.

Standards
fire extinguishers subject to mandatory standardization. GOST, which the fire extinguisher must comply with, is R51057-2001. Entered into force in 2001. This GOST defines the scope of the device, its equipment, storage conditions, requirements, both safety and technical, marking.

Device labeling

The marking is applied to the body of the fire extinguisher. The text must be written in Russian. The address of the manufacturer, its trademark, the name of the fire extinguisher, its designation must be indicated. TU, GOST are indicated, which fires can be extinguished, what substance this fire extinguisher is charged with, its type, as well as the brand and tolerances, The method of preparation and actuation is shown by a set of pictograms. Pictograms also show the class of fire that is not recommended to extinguish with this device, the conditions for using a fire extinguisher, the temperature range, etc. The mass of the substance and the mass of the entire device are also indicated.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers

Purpose

Use in museums, archives, chemical laboratories, enterprises, offices, cars, electrical installations. It is possible to extinguish substances and materials that burn in the presence of air.

Block in 50% from the beginning of the article article

The device consists of a cylinder, usually steel, a locking and starting device. The bottle is equipped with a carrying handle. Must be sealed and filled with carbon dioxide.

After starting, the dioxide turns into a snow-like substance, cools the fire area, as a result of which the combustion stops.

What is forbidden to extinguish

Categorically it is forbidden to extinguish a burning person with such fire extinguishers. It is also not recommended to extinguish alloys of magnesium and aluminum, sodium and potassium, as well as the above substances themselves.

Air-foam

Purpose

Fire extinguishers of this type designed to extinguish solid materials, flammable liquids.

Device and principle of operation

Fire extinguishers of this type consist of a cylinder with a foaming agent, a working cartridge that contains gas to create excess pressure, and a nozzle. The foaming agent from the main cylinder under the action of excess pressure created with the help of gas from an additional cartridge is pushed into the nozzle, where it mixes with air. As a result, foam is formed, which extinguishes the fire.

What is forbidden to extinguish

Do not extinguish substances that burn without air, alkali metals, energized objects.

Powder

A fire extinguisher is the primary equipment that is used in the event of a fire being detected and allows it to be completely or partially eliminated before the arrival of the fire service. That is why these devices, according to safety regulations, should be in every home, office, enterprise, and even in a car. What types of fire extinguishers can be found today?

General information

A fire extinguisher is a stationary or mobile type of device designed to extinguish small spontaneous fires. All these devices work on the principle of injecting their contents onto a hearth or object engulfed in flames.

Most often they look like a special red balloon equipped with a special nozzle or tube. And the substance contained inside it is under pressure and, if necessary, is brought to the surface by pressing the appropriate lever.

Fire extinguishers: types and characteristics

Depending on their intended purpose and the intended class of fire, all fire extinguishers can be conditionally divided into five types:

liquid;
powder;
gas or carbon dioxide;
air foam;
air-emulsion.

What fire extinguishers are called liquid?

Liquid, or water types of fire extinguishers are fire-fighting agents designed to extinguish fires of class A (ignition of solid substances) and B (combustion of liquid substances).

They have the form of cylinders marked "S" and contain water or a solution on water based containing chemically active substances. It is noteworthy that such devices are not suitable for extinguishing other classes of fire. But it is precisely liquid devices due to the presence natural ingredients in their composition are considered the safest for health.

What are powder fire extinguishers?

Powder devices are universal types used fire extinguishers that can be safely used to extinguish almost all classes of fires: A, B, C (ignition of gaseous substances) and E (burning of electrical appliances and other objects under the influence of electricity). They have the established marking "OP" (devices of general purpose or use).

The composition of such fire extinguishers includes substances that have a powder base, as well as mineral salts and other components that allow you to keep the device in its original state. In other words, they save the powder from moisture and do not prevent the formation of lumps in it.

What subtypes of devices are powder fire extinguishers?

Powder fire extinguishers (purpose, types, application of these devices are listed in this article) are conventionally divided into separate groups:

pumping;
gas generating;
self-triggering.

The composition of injection devices, as a rule, includes two components: a fire extinguishing powder and an inert gas (for example, nitrogen or carbon dioxide can act as its role). Sometimes, instead of inert gas, air is placed in cylinders under pressure of 15-16 atm. With the help of such a device, it is possible to extinguish fires of classes from A to E.

In addition, there is an internal pressure indicator on the head of the injection fire extinguishers, which clearly demonstrates their performance. If everything is in order with the equipment, the indicator scale will turn green.

Gas generating - fire extinguishers operating on the principle of using energy, the generation of which occurs during the extinguishing of a fire (at this moment, gas escapes and the extinguishing agent itself is released). Similar fixtures have general principle start, except for the necessary waiting period (is 6-10 seconds). Here are the types (fire extinguishers of this type can be seen in the photo below) belong to gas appliances.

There are also self-acting fire extinguishers. As their name implies, such devices can work without the direct participation of a person. Most often they are part of the fire extinguishing system and are able to work only at a certain temperature. It is these devices that are usually installed in offices, warehouses, garages and domestic premises.

What are gas fire extinguishers?

Gas or carbon dioxide devices are a large group of devices that have one common “OU” marking. It includes the following types of fire extinguishers:

aerosol;
carbon dioxide-bromoethyl.

Many years ago, the same group included dangerous tetrachloric fire extinguishers, known for their negative effect on human body. The fact is that during the extinguishing of a fire with the help of such equipment, a chemical reaction occurred: a gas was released that was dangerous for breathing. Therefore, it was possible to use the equipment only by wearing a gas mask, which caused extreme inconvenience.

Later, safer carbon dioxide types of fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide began to be produced. Moreover, such devices have acquired both mobile and manual view. Such equipment, as practice shows, is used to extinguish fires of classes B and C. Most often they are used where it is impossible to get rid of the flame with water or powder.

The composition of aerosol and carbon dioxide-bromoethyl fire extinguishers includes the so-called halogenated hydrocarbons. When they are used, a lot of oxygen accumulates in the source of ignition (up to 18%), only at such a concentration of gas does the fire extinguish.

Where should gas fire extinguishers not be used?

However, it is not possible to use everywhere gas species fire extinguishers, and their use directly depends on the combustion process. In particular, flames must not be extinguished on objects made of, for example, aluminium, magnesium or sodium. The fact is that such substances can burn without access to oxygen, so gas devices simply will not work on them.

With their help, it is also impossible to extinguish the pipeline, or equipment with a high operating temperature. This is due to the cooling effect that is observed when using reactive carbon dioxide. Otherwise, a sharp drop temperature regime may lead to subsequent depressurization.

What are foam fire extinguishers used for?

Air-foam fire extinguishers are devices that are used to suppress fires in materials that are prone to smoldering for a long time, such as paper, coal, wood and plastic. In addition, such fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish flames that have arisen on liquids that have an oil base, such as oil, oils and paints.

However, air-foam equipment cannot be used to extinguish buildings and structures made of aluminum, sodium, magnesium, potassium and other alkaline earth metals. They are also not suitable for extinguishing flames in electrical installations that are connected to electricity.

Thanks to water-foam fire extinguishers, it is possible to quickly localize the source of fire due to the foam cover released from them, blocking the access of oxygen to the burning object.

What are air emulsion fire extinguishers?

Air-emulsion fire extinguishers are devices designed to extinguish fires of classes A, B and E. Their principle of operation is based on energy compressed air used when applying a fire extinguishing emulsion to a flame.

Such fire extinguishers cannot extinguish fires associated with gaseous substances (propane, ammonia, household gas), alkaline earth metals and combustion of cotton and pyroxylin.

We examined what types of fire extinguishers are and the purpose of each type.