If You Have Doubts

A foam fire extinguisher is designed to tackle fires involving flammable liquids (Class B fires) and solid combustible materials (Class A fires). Its versatility makes it a popular choice for various environments, including homes, offices, and industrial settings.

Key Uses:

1. Class A Fires (Solids):

   • Effective on fires involving materials like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics.
   • The foam cools the burning material and creates a barrier to block oxygen, suppressing the fire.

2. Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids):

   • Used on fires caused by flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and oil.
   • The foam creates a blanket over the liquid, preventing vapor release and extinguishing the flames.

Not Suitable For:

• Fires involving electrical equipment (unless the extinguisher is specifically rated for electrical use).
• Fires caused by flammable gases or cooking oils/fats (Class F fires).

Advantages:

• Combines cooling and smothering effects.
• Reduces the likelihood of reignition due to its foam barrier.

Foam fire extinguishers are often marked with a cream label for easy identification.

Class A fires are generally caused by a naked flame or items of high temperatures coming into contact with combustible, carbonaceous materials.

Almost all premises are at risk of Class A fires due to the widespread use of such materials. This includes offices, schools, warehouses, hospitals, and anywhere that uses or contains paper, cardboard, wood, etc.

There are several types of fire extinguishers that can be used on Class A fires. These are powder, foam, water and wet chemical.

Class B fires occur when flammable liquids, such as petrol and spirits, are exposed to a source of ignition. These types of liquid are flammable by design and extremely volatile, if not stored safely.

Many settings, including restaurants, bars, garages, construction sites, laboratories, hospitals and petrol forecourts, are at particular risk of Class B fires and must keep suitable fire extinguishers on-site and mandatory fire safety signage to highlight the proper safety procedures of everyone onsite.

Fire extinguishers suitable for Class B fires are powder, CO2 and foam.

Class F Fires are caused by cooking oils and fats and more likely to occur within kitchens or food preparation areas.

Foam fire extinguishers display a cream label.