Fire extinguishers are designed to prevent fires from spreading. They contain chemicals that break down flammable materials in an area. The most effective way to use a fire extinguisher is to aim at the base of the flames and spray the liquid into the center of the fire.
Know what type of fire extinguisher you need.
There are two main types of fire extinguishers: dry chemical and wet chemical. Dry chemical extinguishers work by breaking up the fuel source of a fire, while wet chemical extinguishers work by cooling the burning material. Wet chemical extinguishers are more effective than dry chemical ones because they cool the burning material faster. However, they require water to function properly.
Find out how much it costs.
You should consider the cost of purchasing a fire extinguisher when choosing one. It is recommended that you purchase an extinguisher with a rating of at least A1 (Class 1) or higher. This will ensure that it has sufficient power to deal with any type of fire. If you need to use it regularly, then you should buy a larger capacity extinguisher.
Decide whether you need one for each room or just one centralised unit.
There are two main types of fire extinguishers available – manual and automatic. Manual fire extinguishers require you to press the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Automatic fire extinguishers work automatically by detecting heat and releasing the extinguishing agent.
Check the size of the extinguisher.
You should choose an extinguisher based on its capacity. A small extinguisher will only be able to deal with small fires, while a large extinguisher will be capable of dealing with larger fires.
Determine where you will store it.
If you plan to keep the fire extinguisher in a cupboard, make sure there is enough space for it. Also, consider how easy it would be to access the extinguisher when needed.
If you're unsure about fire extinguishers on your property then call Metro-PAT 24/7 on 0800 014 6728 and we'll be happy to assist you.
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