Fire safety - check with a Fire Authority.
Also, the types of extinguishers and their chemicals vary from country to country, maybe even state to state.
Are you talking about general flammables, or flammables in the presence of electricity, for example?
Big differerence: the wrong extinguisher may kill you.
Burning liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, acetone, and so on.
That's correct. Water can react with flammable liquids, spreading the fire instead of extinguishing it. It is best to use a fire extinguisher specifically designed for flammable liquid fires, such as a foam or CO2 extinguisher, to put out these fires effectively.
There is no liquid powder extinguisher on the market.
A CO2 fire extinguisher will work on flammable liquid and electrical fires only. If used on any other type of fire they will just give it more oxygen and it will spread.
Burning liquid fires require a U.L. Class B fire extinguisher, or ABC, or BC.
A BC fire extinguisher is not suitable for fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, or fabric (Class A fires) and fires involving flammable metals (Class D fires). It is specifically designed for flammable liquids (Class B) and electrical fires (Class C). Using a BC extinguisher on Class A or D fires can be ineffective and potentially dangerous. Always use the appropriate extinguisher type for the specific fire class.
red = water and is used for wood paper textiles and solid material fires. DO not use on liquid elictrical or metal fires. blue = powder and is used for liquid and electrical fires. DO not use on metal fires. yellow = foam and is used for liquid fires. DO not use on electrical or metal fires black = carbon dioxide (CO) and is used for liquid and electrical fires DO not use on metal fires. halon can be used on all fires as well as dry chemical
Since petroleum is a flammable liquid, a Class B fire extinguisher would be used.
The PKP fire extinguisher, or Potassium Bicarbonate Powder extinguisher, is a type of dry chemical fire extinguisher primarily used for extinguishing flammable liquid fires and electrical fires. It works by discharging a cloud of potassium bicarbonate powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of combustion. PKP extinguishers are effective on Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires, making them suitable for various industrial and commercial applications. They are often recognized by their red color and are commonly found in settings where flammable substances are present.
Use a foam extinguisher to smother the fire without spreading it.
Using an incorrect fire extinguisher, such as a foam extinguisher on a fire involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment, can worsen the situation. Foam extinguishers are not suitable for electrical fires, as they can conduct electricity and pose a serious risk of electrocution. Additionally, applying foam to flammable liquid fires might spread the fire instead of extinguishing it, leading to larger flames and increased danger. It's crucial to use the appropriate extinguisher type for the specific fire class to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The designation "B" on a B-2 fire extinguisher indicates that it is suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. The number "2" signifies the extinguisher's capacity or effectiveness in dealing with such fires, typically indicating its ability to handle a moderate level of flammable liquid fires. B-class extinguishers are essential for environments where these types of materials are present.