Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are an aqueous option, commonly alkali steel salts. This extinguishant is designed for fires entailing cooking oils and animal fats.

How to Identify A Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Wet chemical extinguishers come in an all-red cylinder with an oatmeal coloured band around the top.

Where To Use A Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

The Wet chemical fire extinguisher is suitable for class A as well as Class F fires. Highly recommended for commercial kitchens where it is more likely for a fire to ignite, involving cooking oils, grease and fats. They are the only types of extinguishers that are recommended to fight Class F fires. Commercial kitchens are also recommended to have fire blankets and CO2 extinguishers for greater coverage.

How Does A Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher Work?

Wet chemical fire extinguishers contain an odourless, clear fluid. It has a chemical reaction that turns the cooking fat into a soapy substance while at the same time preventing it from reigniting.

Advantages Of Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

A wet chemical fire extinguisher provides a fast reduction in the event of a class F fire, leaving a soapy barrier that continues to control the ignition point after the fine mist is expelled from the extinguisher, reducing the chances of the fire reigniting. With the pressure of the extinguisher being low, it eliminates the risk of the cooking fats and oils being splashed around which could potentially cause the fire to spread or result in injury. Clean up after use is quick and easy.

Disadvantages Of Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

The solution inside a wet chemical fire extinguisher is alkaline. Consequently will corrode some metals, especially aluminium. The solution could also irritate the eyes and the skin. Immediate clean up is highly recommended. Not suitable for electrical fires.

How To Use Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Like all other fire extinguishers, you need to remember the PASS-word. Pull the pin Aim at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side.

Originally posted at Spectrum Fire Protection's blog Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers