English
Português 
Português 
All of us should know how to use a fire extinguisher. Reading its labeling is essential to be able to use it correctly in case of emergencies.
The first thing we observe in the labeling is the type of fire, by means of the letters A,B,C or D. Thus:
A: The fire develops on a solid fuel, such as wood, paper, plastic, coal. B: The fuel is liquid, in the case of flammable liquids such as gasoline and its derivatives, alcohol, paint, oil. C: In this case the fuel is a gas. Such as butane, propane, hydrogen, city gas… D: In this case the fuel is a metal. Mainly applied to industrial areas where metals such as magnesium or powdered aluminum can burn. In this way most of the extinguishers extinguish fires A-B-C.
The second classification is the type of extinguishing agent. We find the following:
Water: For type A fires (solids), without electricity. Not suitable for B fires (liquids) because flammable liquids are less dense than water, so they continue to burn on top.
Water spray: For type A and B fires, without electricity.
Foam: Type A and B fires, without electricity.
Powder: Fires A, B and C, can be used in fires with electrical risk since powder does not conduct electricity. CO2: Fires A, B and C. It is a gas, so it can be used with electrical risk (inside buildings) and is used instead of powder to minimize damage in cases where the building material is expensive (e.g. computer servers). In the event of a fire it is essential to establish whether there is an electrical risk. We will then decide which extinguishing agent to use. In places where there is electricity, if we do not use the appropriate extinguisher we run the risk of causing electrocution, as water is a conductor of electricity. Generically, extinguishers for outdoors are with water (spray or foam) and, inside buildings, with high electrical risk, powder orCO2. So familiarize yourself with the extinguishers in your building. Prevention is better.
J. M. Berrio