can i still use fire buckets

Can I still use a Fire Bucket?

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

Is a Fire Bucket still useful?

When can I use a Fire Bucket? What types of fire can it be used on? And why should I use it over an Extinguisher? 
can i still use fire buckets
plastic fire bucket and lid

A Fire Bucket is filled with sand or water and is used to extinguish fires. Sand is often used where there is a risk of spilled flammable liquid which might ignite and spread by flowing across the ground. The sand is deployed to act as a barrier so it can stop flowing liquid. Sand fire buckets are used on Class B fires.

Water filled fire buckets are sometimes used where a water extinguisher might not be convenient, or where a supplement is prudent. Water fire buckets are used on Class A fires.

Want to learn more about the history of the fire bucket? If so check out this fascinating page into their history by H&O Plastics here.

The advantages that fire buckets offer are:

  • Highly effective on small fires.
  • Very affordable.
  • Reliable.
  • Easy to operate (No training is required).
  • Easily and quickly refilled by any one.

Please note: Fire buckets are helpful for initial stage fires or for small fires, and are not suitable for large fires. If you cannot control the fire then call 999 and get help from professional fire fighters. A fire bucket is not appropriate for extinguishing all types of fire.

Do fire buckets sound like the right fit for your fire safety needs and that they will make a great addition to your safety package? Because if so, you need to check out Fire Buckets on our website TODAY!

can fire extinguishers freeze

Can Fire Extinguishers Freeze?

by Information

When purchasing a new fire extinguisher, the location it is going to be stored in is integral. If that location is prone to low temperatures, the fire extinguisher you want might not be suitable, find out now.

can fire extinguishers freeze

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers should be kept at a temperature range of +5°C to +60°C. If kept at a temperature below 5°C Water fire extinguishers will not work properly and will freeze when the temperature gets to 0°C. This also goes for Water Plus as well as Water Mist extinguishers. To find out more about these extinguishers, click here.

6 litre water fire extinguisher
6 litre foam fire extinguisher

AFF Foam Fire Extinguishers

AFF Foam fire extinguishers should also be kept at a temperature range of +5°C to 60°C. If kept at a temperature below 5°C Foam fire extinguishers will not work properly and will freeze. To find out more about these extinguishers, click here.

 

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers should be kept at a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C. If kept at a temperature below freezing Wet Chemical fire extinguishers will not work and will freeze. To find out more about these extinguishers, click here.

2 litre multichem fire extinguisher

MultiCHEM Fire Extinguishers

MultiCHEM fire extinguishers are usable when kept in the temperature range of -5°C to +60°C. This means MultiCHEM fire extinguishers will freeze and will not be functional at any temperature below -5°C. To find out more about these fire extinguishers click here.

 

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Regular Dry Powder fire extinguishers can be kept at a temperature as low as -10°C with no further additional freeze protection. These therefore are perfect for situations where the temperatures might drop below freezing because they are designed to cope with these temperatures. To find out more about these extinguishers, click here.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers can be kept in the incredible temperature range of -20°C to +60°C. This allows them to stay useful in almost all locations because of there usability in pretty much any weather. CO2 extinguishers are therefore able to be used after being stored outside and in locations down to -20°C. To find out more about these extinguishers click here.

Low Freeze Additive Fire Extinguishers

Low Freeze Additive Fire extinguishers are able to be stored in temperatures down to -9°C. These are available for Water and AFF Foam Extinguishers. This is a very common choice for low temperature locations because of the usability of Water and Foam extinguishers. To find out more about these extinguishers, click here.

low freeze ad fire extinguisher - can fire extinguishers freeze

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

What are they? Why are they different? What is so good about them?

Clean agent extinguishers act to extinguish a fire by smothering it without damaging the delicate electronic equipment it is commonly used on and also leaving no residue. The Clean Agent does not conduct electricity back to the user making them also effective on electrical fires. Clean Agent is effective on Class B and C fires typically petrol, oil, propane, butane etc.

A fire can only occur when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If one element is not present or is blocked, the fire will be extinguished. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen elements to extinguish the fire. 

Clean agent extinguishers act to extinguish a fire by smothering it without damaging the delicate electronic equipment it is commonly used on and also leaving no residue. The Clean Agent does not conduct electricity back to the user making them also effective on electrical fires. Clean Agent is effective on Class B and C fires typically petrol, oil, propane, butane etc.

A fire can only occur when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If one element is not present or is blocked, the fire will be extinguished. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen elements to extinguish the fire. 

Clean agent suppression systems are activated by smoke rather than heat. As a result, clean agent systems are able to suppress fire at its incipient stage by dispersing either an inert or Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas. Clean agents also are designed to prevent re-ignition.

Clean agent suppression systems are specifically beneficial to buildings holding mission critical data such as telecommunication switches, server rooms, museums, vaults, or process control rooms. This is because when clean agent systems are used to extinguish fire, instead of sprinkler systems, there’s no concern over water damage. With a system like these water damage can be as bad as the damage from the fire, if not worse.

Typical applications include Boats, Computer Rooms, Clean rooms, switch rooms and telecoms, Data Storage Areas and art storage rooms. 

Still not found what you are looking for? You can check out more here on the CheckFire website.

Sounds like the right fix for your fire safety needs? Check them out on our store here.

fire safety regualtions for lorries

Fire Safety Regulation for Lorries/ Trucks

by Rules and Regulations

The fire safety regulations for lorries and trucks explain how many extinguishers are required in terms of weight of the vehicle. The table below sets out a summary of the minimum requirements for fire extinguishers depending on weight of the vehicle for HGVs or Lorries. Dry Powder extinguishers are specified because it is known that they are suitable for tackling fires of Class A (solids such as wood, paper or any carbonaceous materials), Class B (fires involving liquids) and Class C (fires involving gases) therefore they are commonly known to be the best fit for a vehicles fire safety needs.

Vehicle (max permissible mass) Minimum dry powder fire extinguisher provision
Up to 3.5 tonne 2kg for cab
plus 2 kg
Over 3.5 tonne and up to 7.5 tonne 2 kg for cab
Total 8 kg (usually one 6 kg but other provision is acceptable as long as there is one 6 kg)
Over 7.5 tonne 2 kg for cab
Total 12 kg (including at least one 6 kg)
Any vehicle carrying dangerous goods under the” small load” limit or carrying only infectious substances One 2 kg only
fire safety regulations for signs

Fire Safety Signs Regulations Summary

by Rules and Regulations

The basic fire safety regulations for signs are as follows. According to this legislation, workplaces should follow the below stipulations:

  • All fire safety signs should clearly and effectively mark escape routes and exits
  • Fire doors and escape routes must be clearly marked
  • Signage must be displayed along an exit route
  • All fire safety signs should be illuminated
  • Escape route signs should feature direction arrows
  • Emergency exit signs above fire doors should not have arrows
  • All fire escape route signs should be in picture form
  • Braille and tactile fire safety signage should also be displayed
  • Signage should be visible from a distance and at an appropriate height
  • Employees should be trained in the use of fire extinguishers
  • Employees should be aware of the location fire alarms
  • Employees should be trained in what to do in the event of fire
  • All fire-fighting equipment must be clearly identified

What are the Fire Safety Signs?

Fire safety signs are designed to provide safety information, warnings about hazards, or to give information. Fire safety signs and symbols come in the different colours such as red, green, yellow or blue. In the fire safety regulations for signs it states how signs must be visible. Therefore quite often, fire safety signs are photo-luminescent so that they can be seen in the dark or through smoke.

There are four main categories of fire safety signs:

Fire Action Notice Signs

These signs provide information on what to do in case of fire. They will display the phone number of the fire brigade, what exits to use if there is a fire, where the assembly points are, and any additional information. Fire action notices must be displayed by fire alarms and at final exit doors.

Fire Exit, Fire Door and Fire Assembly Signs

Although some premises that have simple layouts may not require fire exit signs, they are mandatory for complex buildings. Some premises may require directional signs that show the shortest escape routes.

Fire doors must carry a sign that states: ‘Fire door, keep shut’. Some fire doors will require signage that provides instructions on how to open the door.

Fire assembly signs show where employees or inhabitants must gather once they have exited the building. The assembly point should be far enough away from the premises to avoid hazardous debris and ensure that the emergency services personnel can operate without hindrance. Assembly points should be accessible for old, young, or disabled people.

Fire Equipment and Fire Alarm Signs

If a fire breaks out, then employees will need to know what firefighting equipment they should use and where to access it. These signs will usually be affixed to the walls next to fire extinguishers or on the extinguishers stands themselves.

Fire alarm signs must be clearly positioned next to alarms and call-points. They will often have fire action notices next to them to provide information for the person who is raising the alarm.

Warning and Prohibition Signs

Warning signs alert employees to fire hazards on the premises. This can include flammable substances such as gas, chemicals or oil. Prohibition signs are used to stop people from engaging in activities that may heighten fire risks, for example, smoking or using naked flames. Warning and prohibition signs are often grouped together.

What do Blue Signs Mean in Fire Safety?

Blue safety signs contain information on mandatory actions that must be carried out to maintain fire safety. They are circular and feature white text or graphics.

What do Red Signs Mean in Fire Safety?

Red fire safety signs provide information on the location of firefighting equipment, supplementary information, or information on prohibited actions. Prohibition signs are circular with red borders, white backgrounds and black text and graphics. Fire equipment signs are square shaped with red backgrounds featuring white text and graphics.

What do Yellow Signs Mean in Fire Safety?

Yellow fire safety signs are warning signs that provide information on flammable substances in the immediate area. They are usually – although not always – triangular in shape with yellow backgrounds, black borders and black text and graphics.

the best fire extinguisher for cars

The Best Fire Extinguishers for Cars

by InformationTypes of Fire Extinguisher

What is the best fire extinguisher for cars? To answer that question, first the features of a great fire extinguisher for cars must be looked at. So for an Extinguisher to be the right fit for a car, it has to be able to deal with:

  • Class A Fires (Wood, Paper or Any Carbonaceous materials)
  • Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids)
  • Class C Fires (Flammable Gases)

Bearing this in mind there are only a few extinguishers that can combat all of these classes of fire.

This then makes a Dry Powder fire extinguisher the most suitable and affordable choice. These extinguishers however aren’t recommended for use within a confined space so should be avoided for use inside motorhomes and caravans when there are people close. But instead for those cases a AFF Foam fire extinguisher is recommended.

Here at Fireology we have a great range of products that would be suitable for use in cars, caravans and motorhomes. It is important that the right type of extinguisher is used on each fire, we aim to aid that choice with our expertise here at Fireology. 

Our pick of the best fire extinguisher for cars is :

  • CommanderEDGE 1kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Or

  • CommanderEDGE 2kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

In the UK fire extinguishers aren’t required by law, but in other European countries they do. So to find out what safety equipment is required in different countries across Europe, click the link here and find our blog post about safety regulations whilst driving across Europe.

fire extinguishers in films

Fire Extinguishers in Films

by Information
fire extinguishers in films

Fire Extinguishers in Films

Fire Extinguishers in films are a pretty popular prop, so here are 5 popular encounters with the big red cannisters in famous movies.

1. Gravity (2013)

This film features a notorious scene where Sandra Bullock’s character Dr. Ryan Stone ejects herself from her Soyuz spacecraft and propels herself towards Tiagong. To do this she uses a fire extinguisher as a makeshift thruster to travel to the rapidly deorbiting spacecraft. The fire extinguisher is shown to push Dr. Stone through space and is used to project her towards the passing spacecraft. This scene was actually busted on MythBusters Jr. where they attempted to see if it would actually work. They found that the fire extinguisher lacked enough force to fully change the direction of the user and just didn’t have enough force like it was shown to have in the movie.

gravity
irreversible

2. Irréversible (2002)

This psychological thriller starts off with a horrific and graphic scene featuring a man getting his face smashed in by a fire extinguisher. This comes from Vincent Cassel’s character Marcus thinks he has found the man that killed his girlfriend. The fight then starts in a gay bar in Paris. With the potential murderer getting the advantage in the fight, Marcus’ friend steps in and beats the potential murderer’s face using a fire extinguisher. This scene then gets very graphic and disturbing to watch as the man beats the potential murderer’s face to a pulp, using the fire extinguisher. This film plays in a reverse order of the scenes creating an interesting look on the events that happened on that Paris night.

3. WALL-E (2008)

This fantastic childhood staple film is an absolute classic. The scene near the end of the film shows WALL-E launched into space in a space shuttle in an attempt to retrieve the plant. EVE then projects herself out to save WALL-E but then sees the spacecraft explode. WALL-E bursts past EVE using a fire extinguisher as a thruster in space to project himself through space. The scene then follows on with EVE and WALL-E shooting through space around the giant ship (The Axiom). WALL-E uses his fire extinguisher to propel him around with EVE in celebration of saving the plant. This film tells an amazing story and was selected for preservation in the United States Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. 

extinguishers in films
fire extinguishers

4. Salt (2010)

This American action-thriller film is about the woman Evelyn Salt being accused of being a Russian sleeper agent. She then goes on the run in an attempt to clear her name. The scene depicts Salt stuck in a room with armed police closing on her location. Salt then creates a weapon using chemicals and a fire extinguisher to then shoot at the police when they get into the room to allow for her escape. This then works with her shooting the fire extinguisher at them as they are about to enter. This then leaves them unconscious on the floor, allowing for Salt to steal a gun and escape the complex. In her escape she shoots at security cameras to restrict the over watchers vision on her location.

5. Nightmare at the Museum (2006)

The fantastic fantasy film depicts a museum night guard played by Ben Stiller. His simple job quickly turns into something else when the exhibits come to life after dark. In the scene where the cavemen are depicted ‘discovering fire’, the fire spreads and Ben Stiller’s character Larry quickly puts out the fire with his foam fire extinguisher. This quickly turns into the cavemen tasting the foam and throwing it at Larry’s face. Then follows Larry’s famous quote “Why?”, which erupts the cavemen into laughter. The scene continues with Larry having foam on his face and around his mouth. This then leads to the infamous slapping the monkey scene. Larry and a monkey continuously slap each other over a set of keys to the museum. 

fire extinguishers in films
history of fire extinguishers

History of Fire Extinguishers

by Information

Look into the History of Fire Extinguishers

A brief look into the history of the fire extinguisher, the red cannisters that we see every day.

history of fire extinguishers

1819

In the history of fire extinguishers, this one is an important one. In 1819 Captain George William Manby invented the first version of the modern fire extinguisher. His extinguisher was a copper vessel and contained 3 gallons of pearl ash solution under compressed air pressure.

history of fire extinguishers
history of fire extinguishers

Late 1800's

In the late 1800’s the soda-acid extinguisher was invented. These extinguishers would work by containing 1 or 2 gallons of water and had sodium bicarbonate mixed in. In the cylinder a vial was suspended and contained concentrated sulphuric acid. 

This vial was then broken, using two different methods depending on the style of extinguisher. Once the acid was mixed with the bicarbonate solution, carbon dioxide gas would be expelled and this would in turn pressurise the water. The pressurised water was forced from the canister through a short length of hose and a nozzle.

1912

Around 1912 Pyrene pioneered the carbon tetrachloride or CTC extinguisher, these extinguishers projected the liquid from a brass or chrome container by hand pump, onto the fire. They worked by interfering with the chemical reaction that takes place. This extinguisher was suitable for liquid and electrical fires. The vapours and combustion by-products emitted were highly toxic and did lead to multiple deaths when used in a confined area.

old fire extinguishers

Mid to Late 1900's

In the mid to late 1900’s the modern type of fire extinguisher used different extinguishing agents. Manufacturers of extinguishers generally use some type of pressurised vessel to store and discharge the extinguishing agents.

The first type of extinguisher used pressurised air to approximately 1 bar (approximately 5 times a car tyre pressure). 

The second type of fire extinguishers are the “gas cartridge” type. These operate in a similar manner, but the pressure source is a small cartridge of CO2 gas at 130 bars, rather than air.

2011

In 2011 Britannia introduced the first self-maintenance extinguishers, which for the first time in extinguisher history do not require service engineers to visit sites and maintain them. These units overcame the problem of corrosion, lining damage and pressure loss by being designed of composite plastics, Aramid and brass. 

This extinguisher can withstand higher pressures than ordinary steel extinguishers. Britannia’s self-maintenance extinguishers cannot corrode and do not require any attention other than ensuring that the units are not missing, damaged or discharged. They do not require refills after 5 years, either. Also they are kitemarked and MED approved. 

To find out more about these types of extinguisher, click the link here and learn more about them on Britannia’s website.

guide to the classes of fire

A Guide to the Classes

by Classes of Fire

Introduction

This is a guide into all the different classes of fire that our extinguishers aim to combat. This guide is designed to help you make the correct decision with fire safety. When it comes to choosing the correct type of fire extinguishers for your specific needs, we are here to help.

This guide of the classes will show what the differences between the classes are and what makes each class of fire unique. We will also tell you what extinguishers are able to combat each class of fire.

Class A Fires

Class B Fires

Class C Fires

Class D Fires

Electrical Fires

Class F Fires

Class A Fires

Class A fires are generally caused by a naked flame or items of high temperatures coming into contact with combustible materials. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item fires are defined as Class A fires. This is the most common type of fire as these items are the most combustible and are the most common type of fuel.

Almost all premises are at risk of Class A fires due to the common use of such materials. There are many types of fire extinguisher that can be used on Class A fires. These are: Water, Foam, MultiCHEM, Powder, Wet Chemical and Water Mist.

Class B Fires

Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids, these can be any of the likes of:  Cleaning fluids, Solvents, Fuels, Inks, Adhesives and Paints. Class B fires only make up for 2% of all fires but make up a massive 21% of all fire deaths. This Class of fires are extremely dangerous, this is why many different types of extinguisher aim to tackle them to try to protect the users. The main key to staying safe from Class B fires is prevention, this is why up to date COSHH assessments are key. For the initial stages of Class B fires, a fire bucket could be used, link to our blog post on fire buckets here.

Many settings may have a risk of a potential Class B fire. This is why most locations must have a fire extinguisher that is fit to fight such a fire. Fire extinguishers suitable for Class B fires are: MultiCHEM, Foam, Powder and CO2.

Class C Fires

Class C fires are fires involving flammable gases. This could be natural gas, LPG or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Class C fires can be tackled with fire extinguishers. Although, the best method of stopping these types of fires is shutting off the supply of the gas.

Manufacturing and industrial warehouses, chemical plants or anywhere that stores large quantities of flammable gases are at particular risk of Class C fires. Class C fires must be tackled using a Powder fire extinguisher.

Class D Fires

Class D fires are niche so therefore are not covered by the conventional types of fire extinguishers. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium, lithium and magnesium. This type of fire is uncommon but is more prevalent in laboratories, warehouses and metal fabricators.

Only specialised fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class D fires. These are: L2 and M28 fire extinguishers.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than a fuel. Electrical fires are a risk to all premises that use electricity. They occur when live electrical equipment is involved in a fire. They must not be tackled by a liquid-based fire extinguisher. This is because water is a conductor and will spread the current across a greater area if used. This could potentially endangering the user of the fire extinguisher.

As a result, only Powder (for electrical currents under 1000v) and CO2 fire extinguishers are suitable here, as they do not rely on a liquid agent.

Class F Fires

Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. This type of fire poses the highest risk to restaurants and kitchens. These types of fires can be made significantly worse by using a liquid-based agent to extinguish it.

As a result, specialised MultiCHEM, Water Mist and Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are essential. These extinguishers are used in settings that use cooking fats or oils.

water vs water plus vs water mist fire extinguishers

Water vs Water Plus vs Water Mist Fire Extinguishers

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

What are the differences of Water vs Water Plus vs Water Mist fire extinguishers? Which is best and what is the best for certain situations?

Water fire extinguishers are the most accessible fire extinguisher, this is likely due to their low price point and their ability to fight the most common type of fire. The Water extinguishers are given an A fire rating, meaning they are capable and suited for extinguishing Class A type fires.

Water Plus extinguishers are an easy upgrade on the regular water extinguishers. They feature a wetting agent which allows them to achieve a greater fire rating. This helps to meet regulations on minimum fire ratings per floor or room of a building. This extinguisher still only features an A fire rating, meaning it can only extinguish Class A fires.

Water Mist extinguishers are another option as an upgrade from the regular water extinguisher. This is due to it having an AF fire rating. This means they are capable of extinguishing Class A and Class F fires. Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. These are often found in kitchen environments. The Water Mist extinguisher doesn’t offer an increased A fire rating from the Water extinguisher but instead offers an F fire rating. This is useful if there is a risk of a Class F fire but if not it is a wasted feature.

The Water Plus extinguishers’ boosted A fire rating is great when the fire risk is higher. This is because the boosted fire rating allows the location meet regulations. The increased price point of this extinguisher is justified if the extra A fire rating. This makes it useful when the fire rating is needed to meet regulations of what fire rating is required.

Water extinguishers are the basic option with the lowest price. These are still a great option when the paired with another extinguisher. If the only main fire risks in the area fall into the Class A fire group. When the premise is small, this standard water extinguisher is the perfect choice.

In summary each of these types of extinguisher meet the basic need for a Class A fire extinguisher. The Water Plus and the Water Mist are both upgrades from the standard Water extinguisher in their own ways. The Water Plus offers an increased A fire rating and the Water Mist offers an AF fire rating over the basic A fire rating of the other two extinguishers. So, in the Water vs Water Plus vs Water Mist fire extinguishers debate. There is no ‘best one’ of the three, it is just a case of what is need or a certain scenario.