Types of Fire Extinguishers NZ

What Are The Five Main Types Of Fire Extinguisher Found In NZ?

The fire extinguishers in New Zealand are a little different from the ones you find in other countries. It’s important to be aware of the different kinds of extinguishers and which fires they are best suited for. It’s easy to differentiate between different types of fire extinguishers NZ thanks to the coloured band at the top of the extinguisher. 

There are five main types of fire extinguishers NZ, including; 

1. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam 
2. Carbon Dioxide 
3. Dry Chemical Powder
4. Water
5. Wet Chemical 

Dry Chemical Has a White Band 

A dry powder extinguisher eliminates the chemical reaction that creates fire. The dry powder extinguisher, which has a white band, is the most common type of dry powder extinguisher because it works so well on Class A, B, and E fires. What makes these extinguishers so effective is that they create a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel for a Class A fire. 

Carbon Dioxide Has a Black Band

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers (or CO2 extinguishers) work by removing the oxygen from the fire. They also eliminate the heat with their cold discharge. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are effective on Class B and E fires but are no good against Class A fires. Carbon dioxide is also considered environmentally acceptable because it is a natural element in the air around us. 

Foam Has a Blue Band 

Foam extinguishers are effective against Class A and Class B fires. They are great for extinguishing liquid fires such as diesel or petrol fires. The foam seals the surface of the liquid to prevent flammable vapours from reaching the air and combusting, which quickly puts out a liquid flame. These extinguishers can only be used on Class A and Class B fires. They become a shock hazard if used on Class E fires. 

Water Extinguishers Have No Band

Water extinguishers work by removing the heat elements of fire with water. They should only ever be used with Class A fires (fires caused by combustibles such as cloth, paper, wood, plastics, and trash). Using them with Class B fires (flammable liquids, gas, and paint), as the water could help to spread the flammable liquids and gases. When used on Class E (electrical) fires, it can create a shock hazard. 

Wet Chemical Extinguishers Have a Beige Band 

A wet chemical extinguisher works by removing the heat from a fire and creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen to prevent the fire from re-igniting. Wet Chemical extinguishers are designed for Class F (cooking oil, animal fat, vegetable fat, and grease) fires. They are essential for people in the cooking industry. They are typically paired up with fire blankets in commercial kitchens. 

They can be used with Class A fires too, but they shouldn’t be used with live electrical equipment. While contact with the wet chemicals in the extinguishers isn’t dangerous, it can irritate eyes and skin. 

from
https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/types-of-fire-extinguishers-nz/

Fire Extinguisher Band Colours: What Do They Mean?

Not all fires are equal – some chemicals are more efficient at putting out certain types of fires

Where combustible substances vary in your office or workplace, so should the contents of your fire extinguishers. Knowing fire extinguisher colour codes are important to safety and wellbeing. It can be the difference between completely putting out a fire or causing further damage to property and possible harm to people. You can locate the colour code of your fire extinguisher on the band around the cylinder. The different colour codes are as follows:

No Band 

Contents:

Water

How it works:

Commonly known as Stored Pressure Water, water extinguishers are excellent at putting out normal fires caused by wood, paper and fabric. Being common distilled water, they won’t leave behind any chemical residue.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving natural combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products

Not suitable for:

• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids such as oil, petrol and solvents
• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas or acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals like aluminium shavings or magnesium
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances. NEVER use on live electrical equipment
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

Black Band

Contents:

Carbon Dioxide

How it works:

A CO2 extinguisher offers great protection against flammable liquids and electrical fires. They’re mainly found in electrical switchboards server rooms and areas with sensitive electrical appliances installed. Carbon Dioxide is not only a highly effective chemical for fighting fires, but it’s also a clean agent and doesn’t leave behind a mess.

Suitable for:

• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids such as petrol, oil paint and solvents
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases such as LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals such as aluminium shaving or magnesium
• Class F Fires – Caused by fats and cooking oils

Blue Band

Contents:

Foam

How it works:

A Foam fire extinguisher emanates a film that rapidly suffocates the fire’s oxygen supply, knocking down its flames. They offer exceptional protection against oils, petrol and other flammable liquid based fires.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids like petrol, oil paint and solvents

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals like aluminium shaving or magnesium
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

White Band

Contents:

Dry Powder

How it works:

Dry Powder ABE fire extinguishers provide excellent protection against paper, wood, oils and electrical fires. This wide range of industrial and commercial applications make them notably versatile in different usage situations – from residential to commercial, caravans, boats and large machinery.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids like petrol, oil paint and solvents
• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

Not suitable for:

• Class C Fires – involving combustible gases like LPG, Natural gas and acetylene
• Class D Fires – involving combustible metals such as aluminium shavings or magnesium

Beige Band

Contents:

Wet Chemical 

How it works:

Intended to extinguish fires on kitchen ranges caused by fats, cooking oils, butter and lard, Wet Chemical fire extinguishers store a fluid extinguishing agent that becomes soapy when released. This liquid seals the surface of the flame, prevents re-ignition and quickly returns your kitchen to safety.

Suitable for:

• Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic or rubber products
• Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats

Not suitable for:

• Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards and electrical appliances

From https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/fire-extinguisher-band-colours-what-do-they-mean/

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

Every day we walk past fire extinguishers in our workplaces, public areas and possibly in our homes. But can you say that know how to use a fire extinguisher?
We are going to explain how to use a fire extinguisher correctly and ensure you are ready in case of an emergency.

Before Using A Fire Extinguisher

Only use a fire extinguisher when:

• It’s safe to do so acknowledging the size and location of the fire.
• You’re positive you know how to use the fire extinguisher correctly.
• Everyone has left the area and accounted for at your evacuation area.
• The fire department has been called.
• You can safely enter and escape from the fire.

Remember, life is more important than property. Don’t put yourself or others at risk.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher, PTASS Technique

The PTASS Fire Extinguisher technique should be common knowledge to EVERYONE!
PTASS is the acronym used to describe the four necessary steps of operating a fire extinguisher.

Pull
The very first step is to pull the safety pin at the top of the fire extinguisher. This pin is in place to stop the handle from being accidentally squeezed.
Test
Give a quick test squirt to make sure the extinguisher is working.
Aim
Standing at a safe distance from the fire, aim the extinguisher nozzle toward the base of the fire.
Squeeze
Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. Always make sure you are at a safe distance from where the fire was before releasing the handle as the fire could flare up again.
Sweep
Sweep the hose and nozzle of the fire extinguisher from side to side, directing your aim at the base of the fire.

Knowing How To Use A Fire Extinguisher

A fire always starts small. It can cause extensive damage to property and threaten lives if not handled appropriately within the first few minutes of combustion.
If you have a maintained fire extinguisher and you also know how to use it, possible accidents can be limited.

Understanding The Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers

All Fire extinguishers have a coloured band at the top of the cylinder to indicate their contents.
The five most common types of fire extinguishers in New Zealand are:

• Dry Powder
• Carbon Dioxide
• Water
• Wet Chemical
• Foam

Remember that each of these different types of fire extinguishers is designed for fighting different classes of fire.

Common Misconceptions And Mistakes

Since the majority of people have only seen a fire extinguisher being used on TV, they aren’t knowledgeable of the different types of fire extinguishers and their different capabilities.
It is a common mistake that all fire extinguishers are the same. It is essential to recognise that this is not the case, and using the incorrect fire extinguisher can often cause additional damage.
For example, if you used a Water extinguisher to fight an electrical fire, you stand the chance of getting a shock or cause even more damage.

Additional Tips About Fire Extinguishers

• Under NZS 4503 all fire extinguishers must be inspected every 12 months.
• All fire extinguishers must be hydrostatic pressure test after five years and refilled after they have been discharged.
• Always place your fire extinguishers in an easily accessible position.

from
https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/how-to-use-a-fire-extinguisher/

How To Source Good Fire Extinguisher Suppliers

If you are looking for fire extinguisher suppliers for your business, then you are making a smart decision. Not only is it required for you to have them throughout your business, but it will also help to create a safer work environment for the business you run. There are a few different places that you will be able to find the supplier that you are looking for. If you want to know what a few of them are, then take the time to read the information found here, and you will know where to look.

Shop Local

One option you will want to look at is going for a company that specialises in fire extinguisher sales in your geographical area. By finding a local company to buy from you will be able to get them faster and you will be able to save money on the cost of shipping. This is something that will help lower the expenses in your business and will allow for you to spend money in other areas of your fire safety plan. If you do not have a local company that makes these sales, then you will have to turn elsewhere.

Buy Online

Another place that you will be able to buy fire extinguishers is on the internet. You will be able to find a few different companies that supply them and are more than happy to work with your business. All you have to do is find a link to one of the businesses or do a basic search and take a look at the results you come up with. You will want to look for commercial fire extinguishers to get the ones that are required for your businesses. There are a lot of different ones to choose from, so if you find that a particular supplier does not have the ones you are looking for, then keep looking until you find one that does. Taking the internet route may work out cheaper due to the competitive nature of this market, and because fixed costs of providing multiple stores or outlets are reduced.

Deciding What You Need

Seek expert knowledge from these sources, but also do your own independent research to determine the full service you will need. For example, there will be a requirement to have your fire extinguishers regularly tested by a trained professional, so you may be able to save money by incorporating this into a long term contract with a provider, along with the supply of additional equipment as required.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Training staff in the use of extinguishers, and determining correct placement are other areas where suppliers may be able to help, and again packaging everything together may prove more economical than purchasing these services separately.

Summing-up

Finding effective and reasonably priced fire extinguisher suppliers is not especially hard to do if you put a little bit of effort into it. If you want to find one in your area, then all you have to do is take out the phone book and look for one. If you're going to find one on the internet that is located in another town then all you have to do is search for one. Either way, you will be able to find a supplier and get the fire extinguishers you need.