Class B Fires

Understanding Class B Fires:  Prevention and Extinguishing

by Classes of Fire

When it comes to fire safety, understanding the different classes of fires is crucial for effective prevention and response. Class B fires, often referred to as flammable liquid fires, are a common type of fire hazard. In this informative blog post, we’ll explore what a Class B fire is, its causes, and the fire extinguishers that can be used to combat them.

What Is a Class B Fire?

Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids. These can include a wide range of liquids, such as gasoline or oil. These types of fires are characterised by their ability to spread rapidly, producing intense flames and potentially hazardous situations. They can occur in various settings, from industrial facilities to homes, making it essential to be prepared for such emergencies.

Causes of Class B Fires

Class B fires can be sparked by various factors, including:

1. Spills and Leaks: Accidental spills or leaks of flammable liquids are common causes of these types of fires. Even a small spill can ignite if exposed to a spark or open flame.

2. Electrical Faults: Faulty wiring or electrical equipment can produce sparks that ignite nearby flammable liquids.

3. Human Error: Careless handling of flammable substances, such as smoking near fuel storage areas, can lead to flammable liquid fires.

4. Equipment Malfunctions: Mechanical failures in machinery that handle or store flammable liquids can cause fires.

Extinguishing Class B Fires

When dealing with a Class B fire, choosing the right fire extinguisher is crucial for effective suppression. There are a few types of fire extinguishers suitable for flammable liquid fires:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers: CO2 extinguishers displace oxygen, suffocating the fire. They are highly effective for Class B fires and leave no residue, making them ideal for use around sensitive equipment. These extinguishers can also be used against Electrical fires, making them very useful.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers: Foam extinguishers create a barrier over the surface of the flammable liquid, cutting off its oxygen supply and cooling the fire simultaneously. They are suitable for Class A and Class B fires.

3. Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: Dry Powder extinguishers release a fine chemical powder onto the fire. This powder interrupts the fire’s chemical reaction by smothering the flames and preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel source. Dry powder extinguishers are effective against Class A, B, C and Electrical fires.

3. Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers: Clean agents work by interrupting the chemical reaction without leaving any residue. They are ideal for flammable liquid fires and are environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Understanding Class B fires and having the right fire extinguisher on hand is essential for effective fire safety. Whether at home or in the workplace, being prepared for these types of fires can save lives and property. 

Always ensure that your fire extinguishers are up to date and regularly inspected and that you and those around you are familiar with their proper use in case of a fire-related emergency. By being informed and prepared, you can help protect yourself and potentially your loved ones against the devastating consequences of flammable liquid fires.

wrong type of fire extinguisher

What Happens If I Use The Wrong Type Of Fire Extinguisher On A Fire?

by Information

Fire safety is a critical aspect of protecting yourself and your property from the devastating effects of fires. One essential tool in fire safety is the fire extinguisher, but did you know that using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can have serious consequences? In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire and why it’s crucial to match the extinguisher to the type of fire you’re dealing with.

Understanding Fire Classes

Before delving into the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, it’s essential to understand fire classes. Fires are classified into different categories based on the type of fuel involved. These classes are:

Class A: Fires involving solids such as paper, cardboard or wood. These could also be any other combustible material.

Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids.

Class C: Fires involving flammable gases.

Class D: Fires involving combustible metals, like magnesium or titanium.

Electrical Fires: Not their own class of fire. These fires occur when live electrical equipment is involved in a fire.

Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.

To understand more about types of fires, we have some more information that you might find helpful, HERE.

Using the Wrong Type of Fire Extinguisher 

Now, let’s examine what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire:

1. Reduced Effectiveness: The most immediate consequence is reduced effectiveness. Different types of extinguishers are designed to tackle specific fire classes. Using the wrong one means you may not be able to control or extinguish the fire effectively.

2. Fire Escalation: In some cases, using the wrong extinguisher can actually make the fire worse. For instance, using a water-based extinguisher on a grease fire (Class F) can cause the burning oil to splatter, spreading the flames.

3. Safety Hazards: Attempting to extinguish an electrical fire with a water-based extinguisher (Class A) can lead to electric shock and other serious safety hazards.

4. Damage to Property: Using the wrong extinguisher may not only fail to put out the fire but can also lead to extensive property damage. For example, using a Dry Chemical extinguisher on a sensitive electronic device can result in corrosive damage.

5. Toxic Fumes: Some extinguishing agents, when used on the wrong fire class, can produce toxic fumes. This can endanger people nearby and make evacuation necessary.

Choosing the Right Extinguisher

To avoid the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, always follow these guidelines:

1. Know the fire class: Identify the type of fire you’re dealing with, and choose the appropriate extinguisher.

2. Read labels: Fire extinguishers are labelled with the fire classes they are designed for. Make sure that the label is checked before using it.

3. Training: Ensure that you and your family or colleagues are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Conclusion

Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can lead to reduced effectiveness, safety hazards, property damage, and more. It’s crucial to understand fire classes and choose the right extinguisher for the job to maximise safety and minimise the risk of harm. Fire safety is not something to take lightly.

firexo large logo

Save money and simplify with Firexo

by with No Comment Information

Firexo is a revolutionary brand with fantastic sector-defining products. The all fires fire extinguisher is changing the way we think about fire safety. This extinguisher features some of the most groundbreaking research and development the market has seen. This fire extinguisher is able to be used on all types of fires, which gives it immense usability. What is so good about the Firexo product range?

Easy to use

The best part of the Firexo all fires fire extinguisher has to be that it is so easy to use. This ease of use is what makes it such a popular choice for all locations. Having the ability to simply pick up this fire extinguisher in an emergency situation and not have to worry about it being the correct extinguisher is simply unmatched. In locations that usually would require more than one type of fire extinguisher, this can easily lead to confusion in an emergency situation about which kind of extinguisher should be used.

Simplify your fire safety setup

With Firexo being able to cover all kinds of fires, this allows you to simplify your fire safety setup by decreasing the number of fire extinguishers required. Having fewer fire extinguishers can increase your fire cover. A business previously had 4 CO2 fire extinguishers and 4 Water fire extinguishers. This gave them all together 84A and 136B fire ratings as well as coverage of Electrical fires. They found out they could have only 2 Firexo 9L extinguishers and that would give them 110A, 366B, C, D, 150F, Lithium-Ion Battery fires and Electrical fire coverage.

Saving time and money

By decreasing the number of fire extinguishers you have to have with Firexo, you can save time when doing your monthly visual inspections and save money by doing less annual servicing.

Getting the Firexo extinguishers to you

Firexo products are only available for purchase through retailers and trade partners like us at Fireology. This makes sure that the customer gets the most from the whole fire extinguisher experience. Firexo recognises that their trade partners have a higher level of expertise in the areas of servicing and installation, and that’s why they leave it to experts like us.

2 litre firexo extinguisher
Firexo extinguisher on a wall

BSI Kitemark

Firexo has now been granted the BSI Kitemark certification for its fire extinguishers. This means all of its standard fire extinguishers produced from this point will feature the BSI Kitemark logo. This is great news, as some buildings and locations may need a fire extinguisher with this mark to meet regulations and now the Firexo extinguisher can be used for this. 

As an approved Firexo trade partner, here at Fireology, we have access to the Kitemarked models of fire extinguishers. For the foreseeable future, these Kitemarked extinguishers will only be able to be purchased via trade partners such as ourselves and not through retailers such as your large chain DIY stores.

The BSI Kitemark is a certification mark that indicates a product has been independently tested and verified to meet its specific requirements of safety, quality and performance. The mark is very prestigious in the field and is recognised worldwide as a symbol of excellence. 

 

Remove the worry with Firexo

A large Grammar School in Manchester recently undertook an audit of all of its fire safety equipment. Prior to Firexo, this school had 300 fire extinguishers and upon talking to the staff they discovered that the thought of them having to use one of these extinguishers in the event of a fire was “anxiety-inducing”. After Firexo’s extinguishers were implemented, the number of extinguishers required drastically fell from 300 to 214 but however gave them even more coverage. This reduction in the number of extinguishers alone will save time and money through reduced servicing and maintenance. Teachers said afterwards that they didn’t realise fire safety could be so simple and they felt they could be confident in being able to do the right thing in the event of a fire.

What to look out for in the future from Firexo

This year, Firexo has gone through some testing with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in terms of using these extinguishers for motorsports events. Firexo is very excited by this as everyone who has ever watched motorsport will know that fires aren’t a very uncommon sight in any motorsport category. Romain Grosjean’s crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, rose eyebrows at Firexo due to the lack of fire stopping power the extinguishers used for the crash had. This was something they believed the Firexo fire extinguisher could of tackled a lot sooner.

With a wide range of products, Firexo has the solution to all your fire protection needs.

Want to see the full range of Firexo products that we offer here at Fireology? If so click…

Full Firexo Range
Dry Powder fire extinguisher prices

Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Prices

by with One Comment Types of Fire Extinguisher

Dry Powder fire extinguishers are one of the most versatile fire extinguishers on the market. They can combat Class A, Class B, Class C and Electrical Fires. Dry Powder also has the ability to be stored at virtually any temperature, making it perfect for an outdoor location full year-round. Dry Powder fire extinguisher prices are varied between models and sizes.

Budget Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Prices

These extinguishers are our lowest price point Dry Powder extinguishers that we offer in their respective sizes. These models still have ABC fire ratings and have all the features of the Dry Powder extinguisher. These models are the cheaper models to our standard range and do not have the same fire ratings.

Standard Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

These extinguishers are our standard high-quality range of Dry Powder fire extinguishers. This range is the amazing CommanderEDGE range.

Stainless Steel Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Prices

Not only do these Stainless Steel fire extinguishers look fantastic, but they also have extra use. Due to the alloy used to make the Stainless Steel look containing Chromium, these extinguishers also do not rust.

Decorative Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Prices

If the regular models aren’t your style, try these 6kg models in Antique Copper and Polished Gold. These extinguishers are very sophisticated and will fit in with any opulent setting.

Available Accessories

We stock the full range of signage that perfectly pair with Dry Powder fire extinguishers. This includes the photoluminescent sign and all decorative ID signs.

Stands & Storage

We also stock a wide range of Stands and Storage solutions to help with looking after your fire extinguishers. These come in all different sizes and price ranges to help you find the best storage solution for whatever your fire safety storage needs are. These can come as either simple brackets or fully lockable storage boxes.

CO2 fire extinguisher prices

CO2 Fire Extinguisher Prices

by with No Comment Types of Fire Extinguisher

CO2 fire extinguisher prices are the most volatile of all the different types of fire extinguishers. CO2 is produced as a by-product of ammonia production. Ammonia is mostly used as a fertiliser with the leftover CO2 used in everything from beer, to meat packaging and fire extinguishers. With the soaring natural gas prices seen lately, the cost of CO2 has risen as it has become more expensive to produce.

Instead of permanently increasing CO2 fire extinguisher prices for them never to drop when the wholesale rates lower, our suppliers charge us a CO2 surcharge. This charge adjusts when the wholesale rate changes and allows us to adjust our prices accordingly.

Budget CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

At this time the most cost effective CO2 extinguisher is the 2kg in standard red finish. You can use these on electrical fires. In workplaces, it is common to have these paired with a 6L foam or water extinguisher.

5kg CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

For larger fire risks you’ll want a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher to give you even more firepower. These can be located outside plant rooms or near expensive machinery for example.

Aluminium CO2 Fire Extinguisher

If you need to site your CO2 extinguisher in a corrosive environment such as a marine setting, you can buy aluminium bodied versions in 2kg & 5kg sizes.

Stainless CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

Stainless steel extinguishers not only look great, but will also not rust due to the added Chromium in the alloy.

Decorative CO2 Fire Extinguishers

If the regular versions still aren’t your cuppa, we provide 2kg variants in Antique Copper and Polished Gold finishes. They are particularly effective in more opulent workplace settings or in public areas.

Available Accessories

We also stock a full range of signage in photoluminescent & decorative styles, not to mention stands, transport brackets and more, all designed to perfectly complement your CO2 extinguishers.

Stands and storage

Transport brackets

Metro – How is carbon dioxide made and what is it used for?

Fire-Warden-Training-Courses-scaled

CheckFire’s foam products update

by with No Comment NewsRules and Regulations

Checkfire has released an update on the possible implications with foam fire extinguishers that contain PFOA and PFOS.

Their statement stated that the foam used in the extinguishers from Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo does not contain PFOS or PFOA. They also stated that although these extinguishers do not contain these substances but like all foam extinguishers in the UK, they contain PFHxA.

The European Chemicals Agency has said they are currently considering restrictions to the use of PFHxA. The recommendations to the Agency are likely to be submitted during 2022 and following that there will be a possible transition period in 2024. The timetable for this has not yet been agreed.

6 litre foam fire extinguisher

There are not any restrictions currently in place, and it is unlikely the law will be applied retrospectively. However, with the situation growing we advise the use of Water, Water Additive and Water Mist extinguishers where there is no class B fire risk.

Companies and brands are currently working on trying to develop a fluorine-free alternative (CheckFire included).

can i still use fire buckets

Can I still use a Fire Bucket?

by with No Comment 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!

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

by with No Comment 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 with No Comment 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
the best fire extinguisher for cars

The Best Fire Extinguishers for Cars

by with No Comment 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.