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What are the pros and cons of different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires in the lab?

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Fire safety is a crucial skill for anyone working in a laboratory, where flammable substances, electrical equipment, and high temperatures can create potential hazards. However, not all fires are the same, and not all fire extinguishers are suitable for every situation. In this article, you will learn about the pros and cons of different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires in the lab, and how to use them effectively and safely.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare…

1 Classifying fires

Fires are categorized into five groups, based on the fuel source and the extinguishing agent. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth, or plastic, and can be extinguished with water, foam, or dry powder. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, alcohol, acetone, or oil and can be put out with foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder. Class C fires involve flammable gases like propane or hydrogen and are extinguished with dry powder or carbon dioxide. Fires in Class D involve combustible metals such as magnesium or sodium and require specialized dry powder or sand to put out. Lastly, Class K fires involving cooking oils or fats are extinguished with wet chemical or dry powder.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare Organizations
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Understanding the classification of fires is crucial for selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher. Fires are classified into different classes based on the type of fuel involved: ??Class A: Ordinary combustibles (e.g., paper, wood) ??Class B: Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, solvents) ??Class C: Electrical fires (e.g., electrical equipment) ??Class D: Combustible metals (e.g., magnesium, titanium) ??Class K: Kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats For example: ??If a fire erupts from an overheated electrical device in the lab, it falls under Class C. Identifying the class of fire helps determine the appropriate response and type of extinguisher needed.

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Amin Mohsenzadeh

Medical Microbiologist | Research Assistant at Tehran Heart Center | Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute | Tehran University of Medical Science | Microbiome, CardioMicrobiology & NeuroMicrobiology
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1. Water-based: Good for Class A fires, but not for electrical or flammable liquid fires. 2. CO2: Effective for electrical and flammable liquid fires, but can displace oxygen. 3. Dry chemical (ABC): Versatile for Class A, B, and C fires, but leaves residue. 4. Halon (phased out): Effective but harmful to the ozone layer.

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2 Choosing fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are labeled with symbols or letters indicating the classes of fire they can handle, such as an ABC rating for Class A, B, and C fires. However, some fire extinguishers may have limitations or drawbacks for certain types of fires. Water is effective for Class A fires, as it cools down and smothers the burning material, but should never be used for Class B, C, D, or K fires, or near electrical sources. Foam is effective for Class A and B fires, but not for Class C, D, or K fires near electrical sources. Carbon dioxide is effective for Class B and C fires but should not be used for Class A, D, or K fires in confined spaces. Dry powder is effective for Class A, B, C and D fires but should not be used for Class K fires in sensitive areas. Wet chemical is effective for Class K fires but can cause a violent reaction if it comes into contact with some metals or other substances; therefore it should only be used with caution.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare Organizations
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Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to combat specific classes of fires. Here are common types: ??Water (Class A fires) ??Foam (Class A and B fires) ??CO2 (Class B and C fires) ??Dry chemical (Class A, B, and C fires) ??Wet chemical (Class K fires) For example: ??Selecting a CO2 fire extinguisher for electrical fires is effective because it does not conduct electricity, making it safe to use on energized equipment.

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3 Using fire extinguishers

Before using a fire extinguisher, it is essential to assess the situation and follow general fire safety steps. This includes raising the alarm, checking the fire class and extinguisher rating, ensuring a clear escape route, and following the PASS technique (Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side). Additionally, it is important to keep a safe distance and avoid inhaling the extinguishing agent. If the fire extinguisher is empty or ineffective, stop using it and evacuate if necessary.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare Organizations
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Proper training is essential for using fire extinguishers effectively and safely. Remember the acronym PASS: ??Pull the pin. ??Aim at the base of the fire. ??Squeeze the handle. ??Sweep from side to side. For example: ??During a training exercise, a lab technician follows the PASS method to extinguish a small Class B fire caused by a solvent spill.

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4 Maintaining fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly and serviced by qualified professionals to ensure that they are in good working order and ready for use. To ensure the fire extinguisher is in good condition, you should check that the pressure gauge is in the green zone, the nozzle is not blocked, the safety seal is intact and the pin is in place, the body is not damaged or corroded and there is no leakage, the label is legible and matches the fire class, and the expiry date has not passed.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare Organizations
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??Regular maintenance ensures that fire extinguishers are functional when needed. Maintenance tasks include monthly visual inspections, annual professional inspections, and recharging or replacement as necessary. For example: ??Performing monthly visual inspections ensures that fire extinguishers are in their designated locations, unobstructed, and properly pressurized.

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5 Learning fire safety

Fire safety is not only about knowing how to use fire extinguishers, but also how to prevent and respond to fires in the laboratory. To ensure safety, it is important to follow the laboratory rules and regulations regarding fire hazards and emergency procedures. Additionally, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and avoid loose clothing or jewelry when working with flammable substances. Electrical equipment should be used safely and any faults or defects should be reported. Furthermore, it is important to keep your work area clean and tidy, disposing of waste materials properly. Finally, it is necessary to participate in fire safety training and drills regularly in order to stay up-to-date with knowledge and skills.

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Abdullah Bin Arshad

Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare Management | I Streamline Laboratory Operations for Healthcare Organizations
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??Educating laboratory staff about fire safety protocols and procedures is paramount. Regular fire drills, training sessions on fire prevention, and familiarization with the location and operation of fire extinguishers contribute to a safe work environment. For example: ??Hosting regular fire safety workshops enhances awareness among lab personnel, empowering them to respond effectively to fire emergencies.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the pros and cons of different types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires in the lab?

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1 Classifying fires

2 Choosing fire extinguishers

3 Using fire extinguishers

4 Maintaining fire extinguishers

5 Learning fire safety

6 Here’s what else to consider

Laboratory Safety

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