Fire Extinguishers
Galway Fire Equipment Ltd. supply and install fire extinguishers and you can be assured they have been tested and certified to CE and EN3, meaning that the manufacturer has undertaken the important responsibility to ensure that each of their products meets every single requirement which is set out by Irish legislation, and European directives.
In addition to product supply, we also provide a full refill and maintenance program at Galway Fire Equipment Ltd to ensure you are in line with requirements for testing and refilling your portable firefighting equipment in your business.
We provide both portable fire fighting and fixed equipment such as the following:
-
Portable Fire Extinguishers
-
Fire Blankets
-
Hose Reels
-
Equipment boxes and portable stands.
If you have any requirements that are not seen here, please feel free to get in contact and we will assist.
All our Galway Fire Equipment Ltd engineers have been accredited with the relevant certifications for I.S.291:2015+A1:2022 to carry out this work in a competent manner.
Classifications of Fires
The selection of the appropriate fire extinguisher type is crucial for effective fire suppression. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous. Understanding the different classes of fires is essential in choosing the right extinguisher for the situation.
Fires are categorised into different classes based on the cause and the medium which is fuelling the fire, so that we can assess the likelihood of what fire will manifest where, and the best extinguishing means.
Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics.
Class B: Fires fuelled by flammable liquids or gases, such as petrol, oil, propane, and butane.
Class C: Fires caused by flammable gases like methane and butane.
Class D: Fires involving highly reactive and combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium.
Class E: Fire involving electricity or electrical appliances.
Class F: Fires in cooking oils and fats, commonly found in kitchens. It is worth noting that a fire suppression system is a legal requirement to have in all Irish commercial kitchens where the existence of a deep fat fryer is present.
Fire Extinguisher Types
For each classification of fire, there is a specific extinguisher which holds the best material which will put out the fire.
Water fire extinguishers are the most common type and are primarily used to tackle Class A fires.
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. The water acts by cooling the fire, reducing its temperature, and suppressing the flame. It should be noted that these types of extinguishers are under no circumstances to be used on an electrical fire, as water conducts electricity and therefore has the potential to worsen the fire and will also electrocute the person operating the fire extinguisher.
Foam fire extinguishers are versatile and can be used on both Class A and B fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases such as petrol, diesel, oils, and solvents. Foam extinguishers smother the fire by forming a layer of foam that prevents the release of flammable vapours that then cools the fire's surface.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat Class B fires and electrical fires. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen, reducing the oxygen concentration, and suffocating the fire.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are among the most versatile types, suitable for extinguishing fires involving Class A, B, C, and electrical equipment. They contain a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reactions of the fire, extinguishing it. The powder also forms a barrier that helps prevent re-ignition.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers will help put out class F fires which generally involves fats and oils and is most commonly experienced in commercial kitchens. Under Irish legislation, a fire suppressant system also needs to be installed in kitchen environments where fats and oils are heated to high temperatures.
Fire extinguishers may exist in a fixed or portable state, meaning they may be operated manually, or triggered automatically, depending on the fire extinguishing system installed on the premises.
Fire Extinguisher Use
In an emergency situation like being faced with a fire, it is understandable for the person using a fire extinguisher to forget what they have learned. This is why the acronym ‘PASS’ can be very beneficial, as it will aid and remind the user about the steps they need to take next.
P – Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher
A – Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep from side to side in an even motion until fire is extinguished.