Portable dry powder fire extinguishers are likely to be your first line of defence during a fire emergency. You can carry them to the scene of the fire and potentially tackle it before it gets out of control. That’s why the right storage solution for your dry powder fire extinguisher is so important.
You need to be sure
that your fire extinguishers are secure and correctly located within your
building. That’s what makes fire extinguisher brackets so important. They allow
you to store your fire safety equipment and make it easy to access them
whenever you need them.
In this guide,
we’re going to look some of at the different types of fire extinguisher bracket
that we have available. We’ll discuss why they’re important and the value of
finding the right location to store your dry powder fire extinguisher. Then we
will look at the types of extinguisher bracket and why you might want to choose
them.
The importance
of fire extinguisher brackets
Ensuring that your
dry powder fire extinguisher is properly secured is absolutely essential for a
number of reasons. For one, it allows you to place your fire extinguisher in a
location that’s easy to access. You need to be sure that you can quickly and
easily access your fire extinguisher in the event of a fire emergency.
A fire extinguisher
bracket is also important for the safety of the extinguisher itself. It’s
surprisingly easy for dry powder fire extinguisher to become damaged if they’re
not properly secured. They can be knocked over by people or doors which can
result in dents and weaknesses in the cylinder. Similarly, if the extinguisher
is standing on a wet floor, it can rust and corrode.
Where your store
your fire extinguishers
When you conduct
your Fire Risk Assessment, you should consider the areas where there are likely
to be fire hazards and place your extinguishers accordingly. Dry powder fire
extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B, C, and Electrical (below 1000v)
fires, so they should be located near to areas of high risk for these fires.
However, there are
some places you should make sure to avoid when choosing where to locate your
fire extinguisher. These include:
According to
British Standards
BS5306-8, Extinguishers in areas that are likely to get dislodged, such
as schools and fast-food outlets, should be installed in recessed housing or
cabinets where possible.
Fire extinguishers
should be located near to potential fire hazard but no so close that it puts
you in danger in the event of a fire. They should be placed in a local where
you need to travel too far to get it during a fire. The distance depends on the
type of fire but it an extinguisher should never be more than 30m away from a
fire hazard.
If you need to go
through any doors to reach the extinguisher, you should reduce the travel
distance by 5m per door. That way, you can reduce the amount of time it takes
you to reach the extinguisher as much as possible.
To find the
specific distances for different fire classes, you should refer to the British
Standards and seek specialist advice.
Different types
of extinguisher bracket
Wall-mounted
brackets
These are the most
commonly used method for securing a fire extinguisher within a building. These
brackets are designed to fasten the extinguisher securely to a wall or other
vertical surfaces. They typically consist of a metal bracket with either adjustable
straps or hooks that hold the extinguisher in place. If the bracket does
feature adjustable straps, that makes it possible for you to fit extinguishers
of different sizes into it. Many of these are suitable for multiple types of extinguishers,
including dry powder fire extinguishers. It’s important to be aware that some
fire extinguishers, particularly CO2 extinguishers, require specific brackets
that don’t fit other types.
Transport brackets
These brackets are
specifically designed for mounting
extinguishers in vehicles such as cars, vans, or boats. Vehicle
brackets are built to withstand the vibrations and movements associated with
vehicular use. They ensure that extinguishers remain upright and securely in
place during travel, avoiding any potential damage, and can be easily accessed
when needed.
Cabinet brackets
These brackets are
used to mount dry powder extinguishers inside protective cabinets. These are
typically used in areas that have high levels of traffic or if dry powder fire
extinguishers are at risk from the elements. The
cabinets provide an extra layer of protection against dust, moisture,
and accidental damage.
Ceiling or overhead
brackets
These brackets are
designed to suspend dry powder extinguishers from a ceiling or overhead
structure. They are commonly used in locations where wall mounting is not
practical or when quick access to the extinguisher is essential. Ceiling
brackets often feature a hinged or swivelling mechanism that allows the
extinguisher to be easily lowered for use. Many
automatic dry powder fire extinguishers feature mounts that attach them to the
ceiling.
Combination
brackets
Some brackets are
designed to accommodate multiple types of fire extinguishers, including dry
powder extinguishers. These versatile brackets usually have adjustable straps
or holders that can securely hold different sizes and types of extinguishers.
Combination brackets offer flexibility in mounting various extinguisher types
in one location.
It's a good idea to
note that different manufacturers may have specific designs and variations of their
brackets. Not only that, but there may be specialized brackets available for
specific extinguisher models or sizes. It is essential to refer to the specific
guidance and recommendations provided by the extinguisher manufacturer or
consult with experts in fire safety to ensure proper bracket selection and
installation.
If you need any advice or guidance on choosing the right bracket for your dry powder fire extinguishers, you can speak to one of our BAFE qualified engineers on 0330 058 0631, or click here to get in touch with us online.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are some of the most popular extinguishers on the market thanks to just how versatile they are. They are used for a wide range of fire safety situations. They have even earned the name ABC extinguishers due to their ability to fight Class A, B, and C fires.
However, no matter how versatile or useful an extinguisher might be, that’s only true if you understand how to use it safely. An improperly used dry powder fire extinguisher is not only not going to be as effective as it could, but it could potentially be very dangerous.
In this blog, we’re going to look at how to use a dry powder fire extinguisher. We’re going to discuss how dry powder extinguishers work and where they are most useful. After that, we will discuss the potential dangers that misuse of dry powder fire extinguishers can cause. Finally, we will go through the process of safely using a dry powder extinguisher in the event of a fire.
The agent inside a dry powder fire extinguisher is usually made up of mono-ammonium phosphate. There are other powders used in fire extinguishers such as sodium bicarbonate and B plus powder. These each have different uses for different classes of fire, but you will find that they are often clearly labelled. If an extinguisher is simply called a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher, it’s likely that it contains mono-ammonium phosphate.
When the extinguisher is used, the powder is pushed out by a compressed gas. The powder falls over the fire and creates a blanket that covers it. This removes one of the central things that a fire requires to burn: oxygen. A fire needs oxygen, a fuel, and an ignition source. If you take away even one of these things, the fire won’t be able to spread.
When choosing a fire extinguisher, you need to be sure that you carefully consider what your needs are. No fire extinguisher can cover all possible classes of fire, which means you need to know the kinds of fire that you’re at risk for to decide on the right fire extinguisher.
To find out what kind of fire extinguishers you need, it’s essential that you conduct a Fire Risk Assessment. A Fire Risk Assessment is the process through which you assess the fire hazards in your building, recognise who might be particularly at risk, reducing risks documenting findings, and consistently reviewing your findings.
Without a Fire Risk Assessment, you’re not going to be able to accurately recognise the right fire extinguisher for your needs.
When it comes to dry powder fire extinguishers, they are most useful in environments where you might be at risk for Class A (combustible solids), B (flammable liquids), C (flammable gases), and some electrical fires (below 1000v).
While dry powder fire extinguishers are very useful for a range of situations, they aren’t without potential issues that you should be aware of.
Dry powders typically do not provide a cooling effect on a fire, which means that they do come with a small risk of re-ignition. This risk can be reduced by ensuring that you always use a dry powder extinguisher on the right types of fire, and you never try to fight a fire that is too large.
Dry powders can sometimes pose potential issues when it comes to mess. When dry powder fire extinguishers are discharged, they can create a large amount of mess when used which requires time and effort to clean up. It can even leave residue that may require multiple cleans to remove.
When used in enclosed spaces, dry powders can obscure vision which can make escape from a fire more difficult. There is also an increased chance of inhaling the powder when they are used indoors. When inhaled, the powder inside dry powder fire extinguishers can cause shortness of breath and coughing.
When it comes into contact with moisture, ABC powder can become corrosive. That means that, while dry powder fire extinguishers can be used on some electrical fires, there are risks involved in using them on sensitive electronic equipment like computers. The powder can corrode and damage the equipment, leading them to need to be replaced. Though, it is important to remember that equipment can be replaced. Human life can’t.
When it comes to fighting any kind of fire, remember that you should only attempt to tackle small, controlled fires. If you are in doubt about your ability to fight a fire, you should leave the building immediately and wait for the fire brigade.
However, if you do feel equipped to tackle a fire, there are some important steps that you need to take to use a dry powder fire extinguisher safely.
Before you use a dry powder fire extinguisher, you should check the pressure gauge is in the green. This ensures that the extinguisher is safe to use. Then, remove the safety pin to break the anti-tamper seal. The extinguisher is now ready to use.
There are several factors that you need to consider when it comes to the fire you are attempting to tackle. The first is the fire classification. A dry powder fire extinguisher is usually able to tackle Class A, B, C, and Electrical fires (below 1000v). If you are dealing with another type of fire, such as one resulting from cooking fats or high voltage electricity, a different fire extinguisher should be used.
You should also assess the size of the fire. If the fire is small and controlled, you may be able to fight it yourself. However, if the fire is large and appears to be spreading quickly, you are much safer simply exiting the building and calling the fire brigade. Your safety should always come before attempting to fight any fire.
Before you begin operating the dry powder extinguisher, make sure that you have a clear path of evacuation. You need to be able to make a safe exit. Your fire extinguisher bracket should be installed in a location with multiple exit options nearby. When fighting the fire, make sure that you always keep your back to an exit.
You’re now ready to begin using your dry powder fire extinguisher. To remember the process, use the acronym: PASS.
If, after using the PASS method, you find that the fire has still not died down, do not continue to fight it. Exit the building right away and retreat to a safe place from which to call the fire brigade.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are a valuable addition to many environments. As with all aspects of fire safety, understanding how to properly use a dry powder fire extinguisher is an essential part of keeping yourself and others safe.
If you think that your building needs dry powder fire extinguishers, your existing dry powder fire extinguisher needs replacing, or you want additional guidance on using dry powder fire extinguishers safely, get in touch with one of our qualified engineers on 0330 058 0631, or contact us online here.
When it comes to fire safety, it’s crucial that you have the right
fire extinguisher for your environment. One of the most commonly overlooked
places where a fire extinguisher is necessary is in vehicles. However, vehicles
of
all kinds have fire safety requirements that need to be
carefully considered.
Vehicle extinguishers are not a legal requirement for private
cars, but they are required in some commercial and public vehicles like HGVs
and public transport.
In this guide, we will help you decide on the best vehicle fire
extinguisher. We will explore the types of fire extinguishers that are used in
vehicles, the different types of vehicles that require fire extinguishers, and
how to use your vehicle fire extinguisher safely.
Whether or not you require a vehicle fire extinguisher is going to
depend on a number of factors. These include the type of vehicle that it is as
well as what it will be used for.
In the UK, fire extinguishers are not required in private cars.
However, it is still advisable to have an extinguisher in your car for the sake
of increased safety and peace of mind. A lot of people assume that business
vehicles are legally required to have fire extinguishers but this is not
necessarily the case. Many company vehicles do not legally require a vehicle
fire extinguisher. That being said, there is a requirement for employers to
conduct a health and safety assessment for any vehicles, and this should
include a fire risk assessment.
Some vehicles are required to carry a fire extinguisher. These
include PCVs, or passenger carrying vehicles, such as minibuses. These are
required by law to carry a fire extinguisher. The same is true for taxis and
private hire vehicles. In order to legally work as a taxi driver, you are
required to carry a vehicle fire extinguisher.
As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to have a vehicle fire
extinguisher, even if it’s not a legal requirement.
While there isn’t any current legislation that requires private
cars to carry fire extinguishers, there are real risks when driving any vehicle
that need to be considered. This is especially true if the car is used by the
employees of a company. An employer has a duty of care to ensure that their
employees are safe and that makes it crucial that a fire risk assessment is
carried out.
An ABC powder fire extinguisher is usually recommended as the best
fire extinguisher for a car. Any extinguisher should be securely fixed in the
car with a bracket to prevent damage in the case of an accident.
It is a legal requirement for taxis, as well as other private hire
vehicles, to carry a fire extinguisher as well as a fire aid kit. The capacity
of the fire extinguisher required will depend on the local vehicle licensing
authority.
If a personal hire vehicle can carry more than 9 people, a 2L AFFF foam extinguisher is legally required.
It’s recommended that commercial vehicles and vans that aren’t
carrying dangerous goods carry at least an ABC dry powder fire extinguisher. If
a commercial vehicle is carrying any dangerous goods, the size of the
extinguisher will usually be specified, depending on the permissible mass of
the vehicle.
Some public transport vehicles, including buses, coaches, and minibuses,
are legally required to carry at least one 2L fire extinguisher. Vehicles like
minibuses often contain multiple forms of combustible materials so the
appropriate level of protection is essential. The number of extinguishers
required does not change depending on the size of the vehicle but a wheelchair
accessible vehicle may require more extinguishers.
Local authorities may also have additional regulations set out
regarding fire safety on public transport vehicles, including some minibuses.
While HGVs that are not carrying dangerous goods are not legally
required to carry a vehicle fire extinguisher, most are recommended to carry at
least one portable fire extinguisher that can tackle Class A, B, and C fires.
This makes dry powder fire extinguishers an ideal choice.
If an HGV is transporting dangerous goods, there are additional
regulations that it has to comply with, where the tonnage of the vehicle
dictates the minimum amount of dry powder it must carry. The HSE has
released guidance on the minimum dry
powder provision for HGVs.
Thanks to the presence of electrical equipment in caravans and
motorhomes, water mist fire extinguishers are ideal for these vehicles, thanks
to their ability to fight Class A, B, C, and electrical fires.
ABC dry powder extinguishers were once recommended for caravans
but they aren’t typically recommended anymore due to the potential danger of
inhaling the powder in closed spaces.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are ideal for tackling Class A, B,
and C fires. This, combined with their compact size makes them the ideal choice
for private cars. A 1kg or 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher is usually
sufficient for use in a car and they can be stored in the boot.
AFFF fire extinguishers, or Aqueous Film Forming Foam, are
required for public transport vehicles like buses and minibuses. Typically, 2L
AFFF fire extinguishers are advised due to their effectiveness and performance
when tackling Class A and B fires.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are suitable in vehicles that
contain kitchens such as food trucks and caravans. Wet chemical fire
extinguishers are designed to extinguish Class F fires. These are fires caused
by flammable cooking oils and fats. The high flash point of these liquids makes
other types of extinguishers unsuitable.
You can safely store a dry powder fire extinguisher in your car.
Since the UK rarely reaches temperatures that are either hot or cold enough to
damage the extinguisher, keeping a powder extinguisher in your car is safe.
However, it’s a good idea to keep your extinguisher out of direct sunlight by
storing it in the boot.
No matter what vehicle you’re using, you need to make sure that
your extinguisher is safely secured using an appropriate bracket to ensure that they
don’t get damaged or pose a risk to you during travel.
When using a vehicle fire extinguisher, it’s important to take all
of the same precautions that you would when using an extinguisher in a
building.
Storing your extinguisher in the boot of your car also forces you
to get out of the car to tackle the fire, which is the safest option by far. As
with any other fire safety situation, you need to make sure that you have the
correct fire extinguisher for your needs. If the vehicle is used for commercial
purposes, a fire risk assessment should always be carried out to ensure the
correct fire extinguisher is in place.
As with any situation regarding fire safety, it’s important to
make sure that you assess the kinds of risks present when choosing the right vehicle
fire extinguisher. When choosing a vehicle fire extinguisher, you should
always return to your Fire Risk Assessment to ensure that you are keeping
yourself and your vehicle as safe as possible.
If you want more information on the right vehicle fire extinguisher for you, speak to one of our trained experts on 0330 058 0631 or click here to get in touch online.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are some of the most versatile and useful fire extinguishers currently available. You may have heard a dry powder fire extinguisher described as an ABC fire extinguisher. This is because they can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.
In this guide, we explain how dry powder fire extinguishers
function, what makes them so useful, the kinds of places where they’re most suited,
the types of dry powder available, and how you can identify a dry powder
extinguisher.
A dry powder fire extinguisher contains, as the name
suggests, a dry powder that is expelled to fight fires. Typically, the powder
inside an extinguisher is primarily made from mono-ammonium phosphate mixed
with other powders to add bulk or improve the flow. The powder is propelled out
of the extinguisher using a compressed, non-flammable gas like nitrogen.
The powder then forms a ‘blanket’ over the fire, starving it of oxygen. A fire requires a source of ignition, a fuel, and oxygen in order to
burn and spread. A dry powder extinguisher cuts it off from the oxygen it
needs, smothering the fire and preventing it from reigniting.
One of the best things about dry powder fire extinguishers
is just how versatile they are. The sheer variety of different fires that they
can be used on makes them an essential addition to any fire safety plan.
Of course, it’s still vital to ensure that any fire
extinguisher is used on the correct fire classification. Here are the types of
fires that a dry powder fire extinguisher is suitable for:
Class A fires are caused by combustible, solid materials.
Usually, they result from a flame or high temperature object coming into contact
with combustible materials like wood or paper. Class A fires are common in all
kinds of environments including schools, offices, hospitals, and warehouses.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are particularly effective against Class A fires.
Class B fires are caused by a source of ignition coming into
contact with a flammable liquid like petrol and spirits. These kinds of fires are
typically common in settings like bars, restaurants, workshops, and
laboratories. Thanks to the lack of water in ABC fire extinguishers, they won’t
simply help the fire spread and are effective at starving the fire of the oxygen
it needs.
A Class C fire is caused by the burning of flammable gases such
as butane and propane. These gases are commonly found in gas canisters. This
makes a dry powder fire extinguisher essential for any setting that stores
large quantities of these gases such as industrial warehouses and chemical
plants. A dry powder fire extinguisher is essential if your building is at
risk for Class C fires. Any other type of extinguisher will just spread the fuel
and flames. The dry powder cools the flames, bringing down the heat until the
fire can no longer burn.
Electrical fires, otherwise known as Class E fires, are a risk for any building that uses electricity. This makes them one of the more common types of fire that will come up in your risk assessment. Dry powder extinguishers can be extremely useful as electrical fire extinguishers thanks to their low level of conductivity. However, dry powder fire extinguishers should only ever be used on fires caused by electrical currents under 1000v. For electrical equipment above 1000v, the best choice for an electrical fire extinguisher is a CO2 fire extinguisher.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are very useful and versatile.
However, there are still some types of fire where they’re not suitable.
For instance, dry powder fire extinguishers should never be
used on Class F fires. Class F fires result from cooking oils and fats. This is
because these fires typical burn at very high temperatures that dry powders
are unable to extinguish. Likewise, a water-based agent will just spread the
fire and make it worse. In the case of Class F fires, you should have a wet
chemical fire extinguisher on hand.
You should also exercise caution when using ABC fire extinguishers
on equipment like computers and scientific instruments as the powder can be
corrosive to sensitive electrical equipment. Likewise, using dry powder fire
extinguishers in enclosed spaces can be hazardous as inhalation of the powder
can cause potential health issues.
The most common form of dry powder
fire extinguishers is commonly known as an ABC fire extinguisher. This is because of their ability to fight Class A, B,
and C fires. These extinguishers contain a mix of ammonium sulphate and mono ammonium
phosphate. You may see some ABC fire extinguishers labelled with the term “MAP
50.” This means that they have a 50% concentration of mono ammonium phosphate,
maximising their firefighting power.
You may also see dry powder fire extinguishers labelled as
BC fire extinguishers. These extinguishers contain a sodium bicarbonate agent.
As the name suggests, these extinguishers are used for fighting Class B and C
fires. These smaller extinguishers are commonly used in cars, taxis,
caravans, and small boats.
B+ dry powder fire extinguishers are particularly useful
when fighting liquid fires resulting from petrol and diesel. If you are in a
setting that is at high risk for Class B fires, like petrol stations and petrochemical
plants, a B+fire extinguisher is a great option.
You can identify dry powder fire extinguishers by the blue
coloured label on the front of the extinguisher that reads “POWDER.” Make
sure that, wherever you require fire extinguishers, that their labels are
clearly on display and they can be easily accessed.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are one of the most useful and
valuable extinguishers that you can use in a wide variety of settings. If you
think that a dry powder fire extinguisher is right for your needs, or you think
your existing dry powder extinguishers need servicing,
the best thing that you can do is to reach out to the experts. At Fire Protection Shop, our BAFE qualified engineers can give you the support you need
to keep yourself and your building safe from fire.
To discuss your firefighting needs, you can call us on 0330 058 0631 or click here to get in touch online.
To prevent the spread of a fire, fire doors are ideal as they work by containing the blaze long enough for the occupants to safely evacuate the building. The fire door will only work in the event of a fire if the fire door is closed. Having a fire door closer will close the door as soon as the fire alarm is activated.
At Fire Protection Shop our customers are our top priority,
this is why we have answered your most frequently asked questions to make your
shopping experience with us as smooth as possible. To make it easier we have
split the questions into a range of categories to make finding your answer easy
including delivery, refunds, payments and order queries etc.
It’s important for hair, beauty and cosmetic salons to ensure their employees, clients and premises are protected and safe from the risk of fires. For fire safety, salons are considered to be a low risk as they are usually smaller premises. As salons are usually smaller premises, staff will know the building well and will be able to guide customers outside in the event of a fire.
To keep your business and premises safe it is crucial to follow fire safety laws which is the responsibility of the business owner but an employee can take on this role also.
If you are going to use a fire extinguisher you will need to be trained in how to use it. You will also need to know which type of fire extinguisher is used for on different types of fires. To determine what fire extinguisher you will need, we have listed the different types of fire extinguishers and what they can be used on.
Construction sites are notorious for being a high risk area for a fire breaking out. If a fire occurs on a construction site, this can be highly destructive causing damage to materials which will result in the delay of the construction. Not only this but it’s also a risk to life.