Wet chemical fire extinguishers are often overlooked but crucial pieces of safety equipment. These devices specialize in controlling Class F fires caused by cooking oils and fats, and should only be used against such fires.
So, what is wet chemical fire extinguisher and where are they used?
Wet chemicals are used to spray fires with a fine mist that suppresses their flame and turns it into an oxygen-depriving soapy substance, thus extinguishing them quickly and safely. They’re essential pieces of fire safety equipment in kitchens.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are an ideal choice for large residential kitchens, as they’re the only type capable of extinguishing oil and fat fires. It should be noted that this class of fire can be more challenging to put out due to higher melting points associated with fat and oil than with other materials.
Therefore, any fire left unattended could reignite quickly unless entirely extinguished, making it imperative that you carefully monitor its area as you apply wet chemicals. Keep discharging the extinguisher until all traces of fire have been put out as one discharge may not suffice to deal with such an aggressive fire.
These fire extinguishers are typically found in commercial kitchens such as restaurants, hotels and catering companies; schools, hospitals and care homes where frying occurs; however they’re also widely used domestic kitchens with an elevated risk of burning oil or fat.
While wet chemical extinguishers are typically employed to fight Class F fires, they can also be utilized against Class A solid fires such as wood and paper as well as those involving metals – though these applications should never be their main purpose. These devices should never be used against electrical fires nor those involving liquids like solvents, paint, fuels or flammable gases which should instead be met by powder extinguishers.
Just as with other fire extinguishers, wet chemical extinguishers must be serviced regularly and inspected for wear and tear – this is a legal requirement regardless of type or model. To maintain optimal condition for wet chemical fire extinguishers, they should be serviced every five years, which includes inspection and refill of their fire fighting agent.
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