Summary
Highlights
The video introduces the five common types of fire extinguishers: water, foam, powder, carbon dioxide, and wet chemical, and notes that different types are used for different classes of fire.
Water fire extinguishers are red with white writing and cool fires to extinguish them. They are suitable only for Class A fires (solids like wood, paper, plastics) and must never be used on or near electrical equipment.
Foam fire extinguishers are red with a cream label. They smother fires by starving them of oxygen. They can be used on Class A fires and Class B fires (liquids like petrol, paints). Like water extinguishers, they should not be used on or near electrical equipment as they contain water.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are red with a blue label. They smother fires and can be used on Class B liquids, Class C gases, Class D metals, and electrical fires, with limited use on Class A fires. Despite being multi-purpose, they are messy, can cause visibility and inhalation issues, and may damage electrical equipment internally.
CO2 extinguishers are red with a black label and a large cone-shaped nozzle. They extinguish fires by replacing oxygen, preventing combustion. Best for electrical fires, they don't use water and won't damage equipment like powder. They can also be used on small Class B fires, though re-ignition is possible due to limited cooling. Never use them in confined spaces or hold the nozzle directly due to freezing temperatures.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are red with a yellow label. They chemically alter burning oils, making them non-combustible. Specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking fats and oils), they are commonly found in kitchens with deep fat fryers.
The video concludes by stressing the importance of proper training for selecting and using fire extinguishers, and that they should only be used if one knows what to do and it is safe.