Types of Fires, Extinguishers, and Equipment Selection Streaming Video on Demand

Understanding the types of fires is the critical first step to ensuring workplace safety and selecting the right equipment . This course will hone in on the fuel type to classify the five main types of fires and detail which fire extinguishers are specifically designed for each class.

The five classes of fires are:

• Class A fires (Ordinary Combustibles): Involve materials like paper, wood, cardboard, and certain plastics. These are typically extinguished with water-based agents .
• Class B fires (Flammable Liquids): Involve liquids such as gasoline, oil, diesel, solvents, and grease (excluding cooking oils). These fires require a blanketing agent like foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical to displace oxygen .
• Class C fires (Electrical Equipment): Involve electrically energized equipment and must be fought using non-conductive agents such as dry chemical or carbon dioxide to prevent electric shock .
• Class D fires (Metals): Involve combustible metals like titanium, magnesium, or sodium, and often require specialized extinguishing agents designated for that specific metal .
• Class K fires (Kitchen): Involve cooking oils and fats (vegetable/animal-based) and require specialized wet chemical agents .

While some extinguishers are rated for only one class, many common workplace models are "tri-class," "Type ABC," or "multi-purpose," designed to handle ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment using a dry chemical agent.

Equipment selection and placement are paramount. Each extinguisher is clearly labeled with letters and symbols corresponding to the classes of fire it can handle. It is crucial to position extinguishers according to the types of fire hazards present in the specific workplace area.

Beyond selection, maintenance is a non-negotiable safety requirement. A licensed vendor must service all your fire extinguishers annually. Furthermore, monthly in-house inspections are mandatory and must include verifying:

• The annual service and inspection have been completed (checking the service tag).
• The extinguisher is properly located.
• The extinguisher is ready for use.
• The extinguisher is fully charged.
• The extinguisher is readily accessible.

This training will ensure you have the knowledge to correctly select, place, inspect, and maintain your fire extinguishing equipment, dramatically increasing your facility's safety readiness.


KEYWORDS: Fire safety, fire classes, fire extinguishers, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class K, extinguisher selection, fire equipment, ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, electrical fire, combustible metals, kitchen fire, extinguisher maintenance, fire inspection, workplace safety, dry chemical, multi-purpose extinguisher

Identify the five classes of fire based on fuel type
Match fire classes to appropriate extinguisher designations
Describe the proper use of Class A, B, C, D, and K extinguishers
Outline placement, inspection, and maintenance requirements
Verify key elements of a monthly in-house extinguisher inspection

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