Fire Extinguisher - Dry Chemical, CO2 & Powder Suppliers in Melbourne

There are four types of fire extinguishers that are commonly used in homes and businesses:

• Class A extinguishers: Suitable for fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
• Class B extinguishers: Suitable for fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease.
• Class C extinguishers: Suitable for fires involving electrical equipment like appliances and power tools.
• Class D extinguishers: Suitable for fires involving combustible metals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

It is important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for your specific needs and to ensure that it is properly maintained and easily accessible in case of emergency.

Requirements vary based on the size of the property, its use, and potential fire hazards. As a general rule, a single-family home should have at least one fire extinguisher on each level, including the basement and garage. A commercial property may require more extinguishers based on the size and nature of the business. It is recommended to consult with a fire safety professional to determine the specific requirements for your property.

Certification in Australia is regulated by the Australian Standards AS 1841-2007 and AS 1842-200 Look for the certification mark or label on the fire extinguisher, which should indicate compliance with these standards. Additionally, the fire extinguisher should have a compliance plate on it indicating the date it was last serviced and inspected by a licensed technician. It's important to ensure that the fire extinguisher is appropriate for the type of fire it may be used for, such as Class A, B, C, or D fires. It's recommended to have your fire extinguisher inspected and serviced annually by a licensed technician to ensure it is in good working condition.

A fire extinguisher's lifespan is generally 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and inspection, which typically includes an annual inspection by a certified professional and periodic testing and recharging as needed. Additionally, fire extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly to ensure they are in the proper location, fully charged, and have no signs of damage or wear. It is important to replace or dispose of any extinguisher that is damaged, expired, or has been used, even partially. Regular maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers can help ensure they are ready to use in case of an emergency.

A dry chemical fire extinguisher uses a chemical powder to extinguish fires, while a CO2 fire extinguisher uses carbon dioxide gas to displace oxygen and suffocate the fire. Dry chemical extinguishers are effective for most types of fires, including flammable liquids, gases, and electrical fires, while CO2 extinguishers are best for electrical fires and fires involving flammable liquids and gases. Dry chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can be messy and corrosive, while CO2 extinguishers do not leave any residue but can be ineffective in outdoor or windy conditions.

Assess the situation: Before using a fire extinguisher, make sure that the fire is small and contained. If the fire is too large or out of control, leave the area immediately and call emergency services.

• Grab the fire extinguisher: Make sure you are holding the fire extinguisher properly, with the nozzle facing away from you.
• Pull the pin: Most fire extinguishers have a safety pin that needs to be pulled before use.
• Aim at the base of the fire: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames. This will help extinguish the source of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Use a sweeping motion to extinguish the fire, starting from the base and working your way up.
• Keep an eye on the fire: Even if you have extinguished the fire, keep an eye on it to make sure it does not reignite. If it does, use the fire extinguisher again.
• Evacuate: If the fire cannot be put out or is too large to handle, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services.

Remember, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and make sure you know how to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency occurs.

The answer depends on the type of fire extinguisher you have. Some types, such as dry chemical extinguishers and CO2 extinguishers, can be refilled by a professional fire extinguisher service company. It is important to check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific fire extinguisher to determine if it can be refilled or needs to be replaced. It is also important to ensure that any refilling or servicing is done by a qualified professional to ensure the fire extinguisher is functioning properly in case of an emergency.

Fire extinguishers should be stored in a visible and easily accessible location, away from heat sources, and in a dry and cool area. Extinguishers should be mounted on brackets or placed in a stand to prevent them from falling over. They should also be inspected regularly and serviced annually by a certified technician to ensure that they are in good working condition. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintenance and usage of the fire extinguisher.

Disposal of an old or expired fire extinguisher depends on the type of extinguisher. If it is still functional, it can be donated or given away to someone who needs it. If it is no longer functional, it should be taken to a local hazardous waste facility or recycling center. Some fire departments also offer disposal services, so it is worth checking with them as well. It is important to never throw away a fire extinguisher in the regular trash, as it can be dangerous and harmful to the environment.