Workshop fire

[Geoff_S]

Don't get excited, I want to prevent one.

I have Googled and find that there are many extinguishers for many types of fire, 5/6 I believe.

Now, if I did discover a fire in my workshop, rather than conduct an analytical investigation to determine what type of fire it is
and which extinguisher I should select, is there a best extinguisher to grab and attempt to put it out.

Clearly if it's obviously an electrical fire, then water is a no-no and as an electrical fire might be the most likely cause, foam, powder or CO2?

 

[Gerry]

Powder will be a good all-rounder. Fire has three components, Fuel - Oxygen - Ignition. Remove one of these and the fire will go out
In the case of an electrical fire the source of ignition may still be present, A CO2 will remove the oxygen temporarily but once you stop using it the fire will start again. Powder removes the oxygen, covers the fuel and prevents the fire from re-igniting.
Be warned though it is extremely messy and you will be cleaning for weeks.

Gerry

 

[Rorschach]

Powder is cheap, safe and widely available. As pointed out it is also incredibly messy.

The only "clean" extinguisher is a CO2, however they are much more expensive, can be tricky to use and are a danger in themselves.

 

[Lazurus]

I have both foam and powder in the workshop, another handy to have is a fire blanket to. Again cheap and effective

 

[Steve Maskery]

Some good advice in this thread from a few weeks ago:
post1246878.html
The video link is very much worth watching.

 

[Mike Jordan]

I suggest a 6 or 9 litre AFFF extinguisher. If you buy a stored pressure type you can test and recharge it yourself using a compressor or foot pump. Site it by the way out. Fires involving electrical equipment are dealt with by switching off the power at the affected machine,or the workshop fuse board , or, if non of those are accessible, the household supply. The fire then just involves plastic, wood,dust etc. For which the gentle application of water based foam is ideal. CO2 is very good for most things but could in extreme circumstances raise a dust cloud with a risk of a dust explosion. The AFFF is also suitable and very effective on flammable liquids. Whatever you do don't shop with an extinguisher maintenance firm or sign a maintenance contract.
Mike.

 

[novocaine]

The guidance suggests (as already stated) a diaelectric foam extinguisher (AFFF as mike has called it) which is fine for use on electrical fires as well (following the correct usage of 1m away), won't do the electrical equipment much good, but you won't be on fire anymore. powder isn't suitable for a confined space (like a small workshop) and has been removed from use in accommodation and offices as breathing it isn't great.

Pop along to your local fire station for a chat with them, they are often good blokes who are happy to have a chat (as long as they aren't on a call). If you ask nicely they will give you a run down of how to use the different types of extinguisher and might give you a chance to play with one too. Having one is a good idea, knowing how to use it in an emergency (where to point it, where to hold it etc.) is priceless.