Fire Extinguishers are your first line of defense in the protection. When used properly, fire extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out small fires or controlling a fire until additional help can arrive.
CHOOSING THE CORRECT FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Mid State Fire Prevention's Licensed Technicians and knowledgeable staff will help you choose the correct size, number and type of extinguisher for your Ohio location. We can save you money by strategically installing new portable fire extinguishers while abiding by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and local fire code requirements.
EXTINGUISHER USE AND TRAINING
To extinguish a fire with a portable fire extinguisher, a person must have:
- Immediate access
- Know how to actuate the unit
- Know how to apply the agent effectively.
Mid State Fire Prevention takes pride in educating our clients. We can provide comprehensive on-site or off-site training for your group of employees to properly and safely use portable fire extinguishers.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE AND INSPECTION
We preform routine fire extinguishers inspection, testing and maintenance. All of our portable fire extinguisher technicians are trained, tested and licensed to service and recharge portable fire extinguishers.
- Annual Inspections - The NFPA 10 and local jurisdiction require fire extinguishers to be inspected annually.
- 6-Year Maintenance - The fire extinguisher is broken down and checked for damage. The O-ring and gaskets are replaced and the extinguisher is recharged.
- Hydro Test - Every 12 years the fire extinguisher is broken down and emptied. The cylinder is tested for defects. If the cylinder passes, it is recharged and back in service. (Required every 5 years for CO2, Water and K Class fire extinguishers.)
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fires. The three most common types of fire extinguishers are: Air Pressurized, CO2 (carbon dioxide), and Dry Chemical. The following table provides information regarding the types of fire and which fire extinguishers should be used.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Regular Dry Chemical Extinguishers are usually rated for multiple purpose use. These units contain special extinguishing agents which smother and break the chain reaction on Class B fires, fuses and insulate Class A fires, and as a non-conductor of electricity, is effective on Class A fires.
Halotron I Extinguishers
Halotron I Extinguishers, like carbon dioxide units, are "clean agents" that leave no residue after discharge. Halotron I is less damaging to the Earth's ozone layer than Halon 1211 (which was banned by international agreements starting in 1994). This "clean agent" discharges as a liquid, has high visibility during discharge, does not cause thermal or static shock, leaves no residue and is non-conducting. These properties make it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms, telecommunications equipment, and electronics. These superior properties of Halotron I come at a higher cost relative to carbon dioxide.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher
Wet Chemical Extinguisher units are designed specifically for kitchen grease fire hazards and meet the new K Class listing now required for all extinguishers installed in restaurant kitchens. They contain a special agent which leaves no chemical residue to clean up.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C (liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. The carbon dioxide is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often cause ice to form around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher. Since the fire could re-ignite, continue
to apply the agent even after the fire appears to be out.
Water Mist Extinguishers
Water Mist Extinguisher units are designed for use whenever there is a Class A hazard near electrical equipment and the environment is of paramount concern. The extinguishing agent is de-ionized water, and the wand provides greatest operator safety. There is no risk of electrical conductivity or thermal or static shock. Ideal for use in health care, data processing, telecommunication, and clean room facilities.
Water & Foam Extinguisher
Water and Foam Extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on Class A (ordinary combustibles) fires. These extinguishers are ideally suited for all industrial and commercial applications, where easy to use, positive on-off operation is important. Water is used as an extinguishing agent, making it highly effective on deep seated Class A fires.
Mid State Fire Prevention professionals are ready to support your Ohio organization's fire protection systems and service request 24 hours a day.
