When to Use a Foam Fire Extinguisher

Despite government's efforts to raise awarenesswhether to fight or flee. For one, you should only
on fire safety, many people are still unaware ofuse this device if the fire is still small and incipient.
some important details about this matter. ForIf it is spreading quickly, you should just get out
example, most people know what a fireof the area immediately. In addition, you should
extinguisher is, but if you ask them what a foamhave your back to an exit so that it the fire gets
extinguisher is, you would probably get a lot of "Iout of control, you can still escape quickly. Lastly,
don't know." Foam fire extinguishers, which aredo not attempt to use the extinguisher if you are
also known as AFFF Foam (Aqueous Film Formingnot trained or skilled in using it. Even if you have
Foam), are vital pieces of firefighting device thatthe correct type, you can still end up being injured
can create a smothering coating of foam overif you do not know how to use it properly.
the flames that cuts down the oxygen supply,Although this type of firefighting device is highly
which fire needs to thrive. This extinguishing agenteffective, it has several disadvantages that you
can penetrate through porous materials and canshould know about. For one, it is dangerous to use
cool down the flames through the evaporation ofthis for Class C fires or those that are caused by
water content found in the foam.flammable gases. Use a powder fire extinguisher
This type of firefighting tool is primarily used forinstead. Also, this extinguisher is relatively heavy
controlling Class B fires or those that haveso it would help if you opt for one that comes in
resulted from flammable liquids like petrol, oils, andwheels or has a trolley so that transporting it to
solvents. This is especially necessary forthe scene would be easier. It also contains fluoro
businesses that make use of such chemicals. Attensides, which can be accumulated in the body.
home, store this extinguisher in the garage or inBut this should not be cause of worry since there
any area where these chemicals are kept or used.are no studies yet that can prove its negative
Aside from Class B, this can also be utilised toeffects on the body.
tackle Class A fires (paper, wood, clothing andFoam extinguisher is one of the most important
other similar materials). Lastly, these extinguisherspieces of firefighting equipment that can
can also combat electrical fires effectively.effectively extinguish flames caused by flammable
However, you should take note that this agentliquids. Fight fire only if you know how to use an
can seriously damage electrical equipment.extinguisher, if you can have you back to an exit,
Apart from knowing the right class that foam isand if the flames are still small and not yet
designed to put out, you should also know thespreading.
determining factors that will help you decide