What You Need to Know About Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Understanding the different types of fire extinguisher and their uses can be integral to the safety of your business. In this blog, we’re going to discuss the wet chemical fire extinguisher.
What is a wet chemical fire extinguisher?
The wet chemical fire extinguisher (yellow label 🟡 ) is one of the extinguishers with the fewest uses. But it can also be one of the most important to get right. Created for use on class F fires – those ignited on fats and oils – wet chemical fire extinguishers contain a solution of potassium. And they work by lowering the temperature of the fire, which helps prevent it from spreading. But importantly, they also help to stop the hot oils from splashing and causing injury or further damage while being doused.
Where should a wet chemical fire extinguisher be used?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers will primarily be deployed in commercial kitchens, canteens, cafes, and restaurants. This includes school, hospital, and care home kitchen facilities. Anywhere that there is the potential for a fire to ignite on cooking fats and oils.
Although not their primary function, wet chemical fire extinguishers can also safely be used to tackle Class A fires – those involving solids, such as paper, wood, and textiles – where necessary. Although a powder extinguisher is a better option in these conditions.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers should never be used on electrical fires, or fires ignited on other flammable liquids – solvents, paint, fuels – or flammable gases.
How long do wet chemical fire extinguishers last?
All fire extinguisher types can expire. A manufacturing date will be printed on either the base, neck, or centre of each unit. And most extinguishers will last between 10 and 20 years from manufacture, if they are handled and cared for correctly. But you will need to maintain and service the units to ensure they remain fully functional.
What maintenance do wet chemical fire extinguishers need?
All fire extinguishers require three basic levels of maintenance:
- Monthly visual inspections – Conducted inhouse to ensure that the units are undamaged, correctly sited, and that the instructions are intact.
- Basic annual service – Conducted by a professional, your basic annual service is a legal requirement, and will involve full operational testing and the replacing of all seals.
- Extended Service – Legally required every five years for wet chemical fire extinguishers, the extended service is an in-depth inspection of your extinguishers, involving the repair and replacement of any necessary features.
What are the other fire extinguishers?
There are four other fire extinguisher types:
Powder – Intended for use on all fire classes excepting cooking oils.
Foam – Designed for use on solids and other flammable liquids (excluding cooking oils).
CO² – Created for use on fires ignited on electrical equipment and flammable liquids (excluding cooking oils).
Water – Only suitable for use on fires ignited on solids, such as paper, plastic, and wood.
Knowing which fire extinguisher to use under which circumstance can be fundamental to the safety of your business and employees. Are you sure that you have the correct fire protection for your business?
For a free estimate for all your fire extinguisher needs, please get in touch with 1st Class Fire Protection today either on 01603 742741 or request a call back with our expert team.
