Fire Extinguishers

WHICH FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD I USE? Just as fires are classified into five types (A, B, C, D, K) based on the material that's burning, fire extinguishers are labeled with the letter of the class of fire it's designed to extinguish. There are also extinguishers that contain multiple agents that can be used to contain a variety of fires. For instance, an extinguisher labeled "multi-purpose-ABC" may be used to harness common combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Click on each extinguisher to see the type of burning material it's designed to control.

Class B Fire Extinguishers: For use in fires caused by gasoline, oil and solvents

Class C Fire Extinguishers: For use against electrical fires

Class D Fire Extinguishers: For use with combustible metals - magnesium, titanium, aluminum, sodium, and potassium

Class K Fire Extinguishers: For use in cooking fires involving animal or vegetable oils, fats

IS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITHIN REACH AND READY TO USE? Know where your fire extinguisher is and make sure it's within easy reach. Also, check periodically to make sure your extinguisher will work when you need it to.

Fire extinguishers should be inspected and, if necessary, refilled annually by a technician licensed by the State Fire Marshal's Office of the Texas Department of Insurance.
Periodically check the extinguisher's pressure gauge to make sure it's fully charged.
For a permanently installed fire extinguisher, the installation company named on the tag should be licensed to perform inspections and refill the extinguishing agent. You can find licensed dealers (a) in the telephone directory, (b) by calling the Better Business Bureau, (c) by contacting your local fire department, or (d) by searching the State Fire Marshal's web site at www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/.

SAMPLES OF VIOLATIONS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS NOW IT'S YOUR TURN