Foam Fire Extinguishers Guide – All You Need to Know
Foam fire extinguishers are versatile fire-fighting tools designed to tackle a variety of fires, making them a popular choice in numerous settings.
Discover the primary uses, suitable fire classes, exclusions, identification markers, sizes, operational mechanics, advantages, disadvantages, typical applications, and usage instructions of foam fire extinguishers.
Quick guide links:
What fires are foam extinguishers used for?
- Class A fires: Fires involving organic solid materials.
- Class B fires: Fires involving flammable liquids.
Foam extinguishers are particularly effective when both types of fires (A and B class) might occur, offering a versatile fire-fighting solution.
Exclusions (what they should not be used for)
Understanding that foam fire extinguishers are unsuitable for all fire types is critical; this extinguisher type should not be used on:
- Class C fires (gas fires) – the foam cannot effectively smother these fires.
- Class D fires (metal fires) – the water content in the foam can react dangerously with combustible metals.
- Class F fires (cooking oil fires) – the foam cannot suppress the high temperatures of cooking oil fires.
How to identify them
Foam fire extinguishers can typically be identified by their cream-coloured label. It’s crucial to read the label and instructions, as the colour coding and labels may vary slightly depending on the country or region.
Foam extinguisher sizes
We supply foam extinguishers in the following sizes
How they work
Pros and cons
Pros:
- We use a UK-manufactured foam
- Versatile, effective against Class A and B fires.
- The foam provides a cooling effect on the fire and a barrier to prevent re-ignition.
- Less water damage compared to using a water extinguisher on the same type of fire.
Cons:
- Not suitable for electrical fires, though they are safer than water extinguishers if inadvertently used on electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance.
- Can cause slippery surfaces, leading to a slip hazard.
- Not effective on gas fires or metal fires.
- Cannot be used together with powder extinguishers on Class B fires, as the powder breaks up the foam, exposing the fuel to oxygen.
Fire extinguisher guide
Keep your people safe with us
Learn about the fire extinguishers variants and how they help extinguish the various fire types.
Common uses, what businesses typically use them
Foam fire extinguishers are commonly found in:
- Industrial and manufacturing
- Garages and repair shops
- Warehouses and storage units
- Office buildings
- Hospitality and catering facilities
- Boats and marine applications
- Aviation facilities
- Fuel storage areas
Typical use cases for foam fire extinguishers
Typical use cases for foam
fire extinguishers
How to use a foam extinguisher
- Pull the pin: Break the tamper seal.
- For class A fires (organic solid material): Aim low – direct the hose or nozzle at the base of the fire, maintaining a safe distance.
- For class B fires (liquid): Always aim the foam at the back wall of a container to help spread it across the surface without splashing or driving it under the liquid.
- Squeeze the handle: This releases the foam.
- Sweep side to side: Move the stream or hose sweeping across the base of the fire until it is extinguished.
Foam fire extinguishers offer a versatile and effective solution for dealing with various fires, especially where flammable liquids are a concern. Understanding when and how to use them is crucial for ensuring safety and minimising damage during a fire emergency. Always prioritise safe evacuation and call professional firefighters for large or uncontrollable fires.
After use, it’s vital to have the extinguisher refilled and serviced by a professional to ensure it’s ready for any future emergency.
Talk to us about your foam extinguisher needs and your wider fire safety requirements
Talk to IPS Fire and Safety about your fire safety responsibilities. From an initial fire risk assessment to team fire safety training and the supply and fitting of fire extinguishers, we’re here to help you keep your people safe and meet your legal fire safety requirements.
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