What type and class of fire extinguishers are there

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# 1910.157 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ## 1910.157(c) General Requirements. 1910.157(c)(1) The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury. ## R 408.[redacted postal code] Location. Rule 831. In a location where a visual obstruction cannot be avoided, a sign, color symbol, or other means shall be used to indicate the extinguisher's location. - 1910.157(c)(2) Only approved portable fire extinguishers shall be used to meet the requirements of this section. 1910.157(c)(3) The employer shall not provide or make available in the workplace portable fire extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents. - 1910.157(c)(4) The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use. - 1910.157(c)(5) The employer shall remove from service all soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid or self-generating foam or gas cartridge water type portable fire extinguishers which are operated by inverting the extinguisher to rupture the cartridge or to initiate an uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel the agent. - 1910.157(d) Selection and distribution. 1910.157(d)(1) Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided for employee use and selected and distributed based on the classes of anticipated workplace fires and on the size and degree of hazard which would affect their use. - 1910.157(d)(2) The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class A fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 75 feet (22.9 m) or less. - 1910.157(d)(3) The employer may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system installed for emergency use by employees instead…

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# START OF LIFT (cont.) A Fires in wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials. These fires are extinguishedby the cooling and quenching action of water and water-based agents or by insulating with general purpose dry chemical. B Fires in flammable liquids. These are smothered by carbon dioxide, dry chemical, foam and loaded stream. c Fires in live electrical equipment. Extinguishing agents are dry chemical, carbon dioxide, all electrical nonconductors, except as noted in Section 1922 (a)(7). D Fires in combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium and potassium. Extinguishing agent is coarse powder which seals the burning surface and smothers the fire. History 1. Amendment filed 11-14-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No.46). 2. Change without regulatory effect providing more legible illustrations filed 8-4-2008 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2008, No. 32). PLATE C-13-b TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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## Fire extinguisher selection and distribution (cont.) PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Class A - ordinary combustible fire; travel distance for employees to extinguisher is 75 feet or less. Class B - flammable liquid and gas fires; travel distance for employees to extinguisher is 50 feet or less. Class C - electrical fires; usually Class A or Class B fires involving energized electrical wiring and equipment; travel distance based on the fuel source (flammable or combustible). Class D - combustible metals; travel distance for employees to extinguisher is 75 feet or less. Class K - cooking/restaurant kitchen fires; travel distance is no more than 30 feet. ## Extinguisher inspection, maintenance, and testing Employers are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers, and must conduct monthly visual inspections. Employers must ensure that fire extinguishers are fully charged, operable, and in their designated place at all times; employers must provide equivalent protection when extinguishers are removed for maintenance or recharging. Likewise, have trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities conduct hydrostatic testing based on OAR [redacted phone](3) requirements, and remove extinguishers that fail this testing. ## Employee training Employers must provide training to new employees, and at least annually for employees whose employers either require or allow the use of fire extinguishers. A training program must familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use, fire hazards, and the use of appropriate equipment. ## Emergency exit requirements Every workplace must have enough exits suitably located to enable everyone to safely evacuate the facility during an emergency. Considerations include: the type of structure, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available, the type of industry involved, and the height and type of construction of the building or structure. …

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# PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ## Date Published: 05/12/2025 Fire extinguishers can be essential in preventing a small fire from growing, but they are not recommended for use against large or rapidly spreading fires. In case of a fire, the most important thing to do is to get yourself to safety and immediately call the proper authorities to fight the fire. When used appropriately, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or allowing safe egress for escape. However, it's important to note that portable extinguishers intended for home use are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Even when dealing with small fires, it's essential to use them only under certain conditions: • The operator should know how to use the extinguisher with a few exemptions as defined by WAC [redacted identifier] Portable Fire Extinguishers. • The extinguisher must be fully charged, within easy reach, and in working order. • Some models are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires. ## Selection of Extinguishers When choosing a fire extinguisher, it is important to select the right one for the type of fire you may encounter. Look for an extinguisher that is labeled with the type of fire it is intended to extinguish. You should also ensure that the extinguisher is large enough to put out a small fire or allow safe egress. It is recommended to choose an extinguisher that has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory. There are three classes of fires, and each class requires a specific type of extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. If you see a red slash through any of the symbols, it means that the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. If a symbol is missing, it means that the extinguisher has not been tested on that particular class of fire. Remember that most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds,…

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# Fire Extinguishers - Portable (cont.) ## What should I know about fighting fires? (cont.) - You do not know what type of fire extinguisher to use. - You do not know how to use the fire extinguisher. - The fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started. - Your instincts tell you not to. If you are not confident about your ability to handle the situation (even if you are trained in fire fighting), or if you do not have the correct type of fire extinguisher, do not fight the fire. Pull the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and then call the fire department. ## What are the different classes of fires? Fires are grouped into classes which depend on the material or substance that is present. - Class A - Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, or plastics. - Class B - Fires involving flammable liquids, gases, oil, paints, or lacquer. - Class C - Fires involving energized (live) electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, or power tools. - Class D - Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium. - Class K - Fires involving combustible cooking oils, or fats in cooking appliances. ## What are the different types of portable fire extinguishers? To fight the different classes of fires, there are different types of fire extinguishers. Each has its own characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. Three main types of portable fire extinguishers include: Water extinguishers: Water extinguishers are filled about two-thirds with water and then pressurized with air. When used for Class A fires, these extinguishers remove the heat from the burning materials. - Do not use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water is a good conductor and can increase the possibility of electrocution. - Do not use water to extinguish flammable liquid or cooking oil fires. Water is ineffective as it helps to spread the liquid and the fire. Fire Extinguishers - Portable CCOHS

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# Fire Extinguishers - Portable (cont.) ## What are the different types of portable fire extinguishers? (cont.) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers: The extinguishing media is pressurized CO₂. When used for Class B and C fires, the CO₂ covers the fuel by blanketing it, and stops the reaction at the surface by displacing oxygen. Be thorough when using a CO₂ extinguisher. It has a moderate spray range and last only 10 to 30 seconds. A hard horn attached to the end of the spray tube helps to contain and aim the spray at the target area. - Do not use CO₂ extinguishers in confined spaces as CO₂ can displace the oxygen in the air, making breathing difficult. Only use in a confined space if workers have appropriate respiratory protection. - Do not use CO₂ extinguishers for Class A fires because the fire may continue to smolder and re-ignite after the CO₂ disperses. Dry Chemical extinguishers: Dry chemical extinguishers are the most common and available in few types. These extinguishers will be marked for the classes they are designed to extinguish (e.g., ABC type extinguisher will put out Class A, B and C fires). The extinguishers discharge a blanket of fine powder which creates a break between the fuel and the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to break the chemical reaction. Be accurate when using as they have a short to moderate spray range and last only 10 to 25 seconds. Be cautious of the residue after using dry chemical extinguishers. The residue can damage motors, computers and other electrical equipment. Below is a summary of these and other common extinguishers. Fire Extinguishers - Portable CCOHS

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# Fire Extinguisher Safety Checklist <table><tr><th></th><th>Types of Fire Extinguishers</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Are Class A extinguishers located in areas where there is a potential for fires involving combustible items such as wood and paper?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Are Class B extinguishers located in areas where there is a potential for fires involving flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline or grease?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Are Class C extinguishers located in areas where there is a potential for electrical type fires?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Are Class D extinguishers located in areas where there is a potential for fires involving flammable metals such as sodium, magnesium, etc.?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Do you have the correct type of portable fire extinguishers?</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table> <table><tr><th></th><th>Inspection of Fire Extinguishers</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Have all fire extinguishers received an annual service inspection by a trained and certified inspection company?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Is an up-to-date annual inspection tag located on each extinguisher?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Has someone been trained within your facility to inspect all extinguishers on a monthly basis?</td><td>ㅁㅁ</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Is the pressure gauge in the “normal” or “green” charged position/range?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Is the pin in the extinguisher and has it been secured with a safety seal?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Does the fire extinguisher have any visible defects such as a damaged hose, leaks, damaged pressure gauge, rust or corrosion etc.?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Is a monthly inspection tag located on each extinguisher?</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Is the individual doing the monthl…

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WORK SAFE KENTUCKY Free safety resources provided by KEMI HOME SAFETY RESOURCES SAFETY TRAINING SAFETY BLOG ABOUT KEMI CONTACT US O # Portable Fire Extinguishers ## Print a Sign-In Sheet | Spanish Version ## Fire Triangle To understand how fire extinguishers work, you need to understand a little about fire. Fire is a very rapid chemical reaction between oxygen and a combustible material, which results in the release of heat, light, flames, and smoke. For fire to exist, the following four elements must be present at the same time: • Enough oxygen to sustain combustion. • Enough heat to raise the material to its ignition temperature. • Some sort of fuel or combustible material. • The chemical reaction that is fire. ## How a Fire Extinguisher Works Portable fire extinguishers apply an extinguishing agent that will cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen, or stop the chemical reaction so a fire cannot continue to burn. When the handle of an extinguisher is compressed, agent is expelled from the nozzle. ## Types and Applications: There are 4 classes of Fire Extinguishers A,B,C,D Class A - Will put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. These types of fires produce glowing embers or char. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish. - Aim the hose at the base of the fire - DO NOT aim the hose at the flames. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher. Class B - Should be used on fires involving flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire that a nonexpert can expect to extinguish. Class C - Are suitable for use on electrically energized fires or in materials near electrically powered equipment. This class of fire extinguisher does not have a numerical rating. The presence of the le…

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# Fire Extinguishers - Portable (cont.) ## What are the different types of portable fire extinguishers? (cont.) <table><tr><th colspan="5">Extinguisher Comparison Table</th></tr><tr><td>Extinguisher</td><td>Class</td><td>Range</td><td>Empties</td><td>Other</td></tr><tr><td>Water</td><td>A</td><td>Long</td><td>60 sec</td><td>Fights re-ignition</td></tr><tr><td>CO₂</td><td>B and C</td><td>Short</td><td>10-20 sec</td><td>May make breathing difficult in enclosed areas</td></tr><tr><td>Dry Chemical</td><td>B and C Some A</td><td>Moderate</td><td>10-25 sec</td><td>Leaves residue</td></tr><tr><td>Liquid Gas</td><td>B and C Some A</td><td>Short</td><td>10 sec</td><td>May make breathing difficult in enclosed areas</td></tr><tr><td>Chemical Foam</td><td>A and B</td><td>Moderate</td><td>10-30 sec</td><td>Leaves residue</td></tr><tr><td>Bucket of Sand / Dry Powder</td><td>D</td><td></td><td></td><td>Check with your supervisor regarding equipment for Class D firefighting</td></tr><tr><td>Media designed to extinguish combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, titanium, and potassium.</td><td>D</td><td>Moderate</td><td>(quickly)</td><td>Use a Class D extinguisher that is compatible with the metals present</td></tr><tr><td>Wet Chemical</td><td>K</td><td></td><td></td><td>Prevents re-ignition</td></tr></table> ## How will portable fire extinguishers be marked? Portable fire extinguisher may use the following markings to indicate which class of fire they are designed to fight. These symbols are recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the USA. The symbols may be shown using colours. Fire Extinguishers - Portable CCOHS