AS 2444-2001 Portable Fire Exinguishers & Fire Blankets
AS 2444-2001 Portable Fire Exinguishers & Fire Blankets
AS 2444-2001 Portable Fire Exinguishers & Fire Blankets
AS 2444
Australian Standard™
Australian Standard™
COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia International
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of the
publisher.
Published by Standards Australia International Ltd
GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia
ISBN 0 7337 4190 8
AS 2444—2001 2
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand
Committee FP-003, Fire Extinguishers, to supersede AS 2444—1995.
This Standard is the result of a consensus among Australian and New Zealand
representatives on the Joint Committee to produce it as an Australian Standard.
Criteria for the selection of extinguishers are based on extinguisher classification. The
requirements for the location and distribution of extinguishers take account of extinguisher
classification and rating, travel distance and floor area and hazard classification.
For some time it has been a requirement that portable fire extinguishers carry a
classification and rating which indicates the size of fire against which the extinguisher has
been successfully tested.
Certain regulations require fire extinguishers to comply with the relevant Australian
Standard. In a number of areas, regulations nominate extinguishers of specific types and
sizes for certain applications. In other circumstances, building configuration or occupancy
may preclude adherence to travel distances specified in the Standard. In this event, the
extinguishers may require to be grouped in banks at appropriate intervals and locations, e.g.
hydrant points.
It should be noted that extinguishers with body-stamped dates from 1976 to 1981
(inclusive) may be found to be labelled with either a C or (E) classification denoting
suitability for use on electrical hazards, e.g. 2A:10B:C. Such extinguishers were produced
to comply with earlier editions of AS 1850, and may be selected and located in accordance
with this Standard.
With the introduction of a C classification for fires involving flammable gases, these
extinguishers should be relabelled to prevent confusion.
This Standard also includes a section on the selection and location of fire blankets
manufactured to the requirements of AS/NZS 3504, Fire blankets.
The term ‘informative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and
guidance.
3 AS 2444—2001
CONTENTS
Page
APPENDICES
A FACTORS AFFECTING THE SELECTION OF PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS ........................................................................................... 23
B SELECTION OF EXTINGUISHANT ............................................................... 27
AS 2444—2001 4
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets—Selection and location
1.1 SCOPE
This Standard sets out criteria for the selection of portable fire extinguishers and specifies
requirements for their application, location and distribution.
It includes a section which sets out criteria for the selection of fire blankets and specifies
requirements for their location and distribution.
NOTE: This Standard presumes a basic level of user competence and the adequate maintenance of
the equipment in accordance with AS 1851.1.
1.2 APPLICATION
This Standard will be referenced in the Building Code of Australia by way of BCA
Amendment 10 to be published by 1 January 2002, thereby superseding AS 2444 — 1995,
which will be withdrawn 12 months from the date of publication of this Standard.
NOTE: The BCA reference applies only to Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Standard.
AS
1603 Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
1603.5 Part 5: Manual call points
1851 Maintenance of fire protection equipment
1851.1 Part 1: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets
2118 Automatic fire sprinkler systems (series)
2700 Colour standards for general purposes
4214 Gaseous fire extinguisher systems (series)
AS/NZS
1841 Portable fire extinguishers
1841.1 Part 1: General requirements
1850 Portable fire extinguishers—Classification, rating and performance testing
3000 Electrical Installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules).
3504 Fire blankets
1.3.2 Related documents
Attention is drawn to the following related documents:
AS/NZS
1841 Portable fire extinguishers
1841.1 Part 1: General requirements
AS/NZS
1841.2 Part 2: Water type
1841.3 Part 3: Wet chemical type
1841.4 Part 4: Foam type
1841.5 Part 5: Powder type
1841.6 Part 6: Carbon dioxide type
1841.7 Part 7: Vaporizing-liquid type
1841.8 Part 8: Non-rechargeable type
3676 Portable fire extinguishers — Guide to servicing
4353 Portable fire extinguishers — Aerosol type
1.4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
1.4.1 Aerosol fire extinguisher
A non-rechargeable fire extinguisher in which the expellant gas is stored under pressure
with the extinguishant in an aerosol container.
1.4.2 Emergency services switchboard
A switchboard which sustains emergency equipment operating in the emergency mode.
1.4.3 Fire blanket
A flexible sheet of material intended to be used to extinguish fires by smothering.
1.4.4 Fire classification
The various types of fires are classified as follows:
(a) Class A — fires involving carbonaceous solids.
(b) Class B — fire involving flammable and combustible liquids.
(c) Class C — fires involving flammable gases.
(d) Class D — fires involving combustible metals.
(e) Class E — fires involving energized electrical equipment.
(f) Class F — fires involving cooking oil and fats.
NOTE: Specialist advice should be sought in areas where doubt exists, or where combustible
metals are present.
1.4.5 Fire point
A grouping of fire extinguishers, not necessarily of a common type, for ease of location in
industrial premises.
1.4.6 Hazard
A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss. Hazards are
classified as follows:
(a) Light hazard where the amount and type of combustibles present are such that fires
of only small initial size may be expected. Typical light hazards include the
following:
(i) Premises such as domestic/residential, offices, schoolrooms, relocatable
buildings, churches and assembly halls which constitute a Class A fire risk.
(ii) Areas where flammable liquids are stored in containers not exceeding 5 L in
capacity, and the total quantity stored in any one fire compartment does not
exceed 25 L, which constitute a Class B fire risk.
(b) Ordinary hazard Where the amount and type of combustibles present are such that
fires of only moderate initial size may be expected. Typical ordinary hazards include
the following:
(i) Mercantile storage and display areas, showrooms and workshops which
constitute a Class A fire risk.
(ii) Areas where flammable liquids are stored in open-top containers in which the
exposed surface area of the liquid does not exceed 2 m2 , or in container storage,
not exceeding a total of 250 L in containers each not greater than 20 L, which
constitute a Class B fire risk.
(c) High hazard Where the amount and type of combustibles present are such that fires
of large initial size may be expected. Typical high hazards include the following:
(i) Woodworking areas, warehouses with high-piled storage in excess of 4.5 m,
foam plastics processing and storage which constitute a Class A fire risk.
(ii) Flammable liquids stored in open-top containers where the exposed surface area
of the liquid exceeds 2 m2 or in container storage exceeding a total of 250 L,
which constitute a Class B fire risk.
NOTES:
1 For further information on the description of hazard classification, the definitions used in
AS 2118 may be used for guidance.
2 Special consideration should be given to occupancies which, because of their high-fuel load,
may more correctly be allocated a higher hazard classification.
1.4.7 Human torch
A fire in the clothing being worn by a person.
1.4.8 Portable fire extinguisher
A first-attack firefighting appliance which is designed to be carried and operated by hand
and which, when charged to design capacity, has a gross mass of not greater than 23 kg.
1.4.9 Significant switchboard
A switchboard that is —
(a) located within a required exit;
(b) neither constructed nor installed in accordance with the requirements of AS 3000—1970
or later edition.
(c) an emergency service switchboard;
(d) connected to 3-phase power; or
(e) vertically aligned and servicing a floor in a building of two or more storeys.
1.4.10 Small craft
Waterborne craft of such size and configuration as is exempt from marine survey
requirements.
2.1 GENERAL
The most effective extinguishant for any given fire situation is usually some form of
compromise. Careful consideration must be given to operator competence and all risks that
are present. Flammable liquids or gases in inaccessible locations (e.g. inside cabinets),
clothing fires and energized electrical equipment, all present their own specific risks. Risks
are shown against preferred extinguishants in Table B1.
NOTE: For further information on extinguisher selection and extinguishing agent suitability see
Appendices A and B.
3.1 GENERAL
Extinguishers shipped empty or partially dismantled shall be fully assembled and charged
strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The extinguisher shall be
commissioned and installed in accordance with AS 1851.1, and located in accordance with
this Section.
150
15
135
225
12
FIRE 16
12
EXTINGUISHER 16
10 (typ) 5
10 (typ)
5 (typ)
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
NOTE: All dimensions shown are minimum. Any enlargement of the sign should have all dimensions in
proportion to those shown above.
FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
2000
min
1200
max
100 min
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
3.4 VISIBILITY
The extinguisher, or extinguisher location sign, shall be clearly visible from a distance up to
20 m in all directions of approach.
3.5 SUPPORT
Each extinguisher shall be supported by an appropriate support fitting or bracket, or placed
in a cabinet or enclosure with the front of the extinguisher facing outward.
Where an extinguisher is fitted in a vehicle, it shall require a suitable restraining bracket to
withstand forces that result from vehicle impact or braking.
3.9 ENVIRONMENT
Extinguishers installed in locations where the temperature is outside the range 5°C to 50°C
shall be thermally protected or be of a type suitable for temperatures outside this range.
Extinguishers installed where they may be subjected to adverse conditions or aggressive
environments shall be protected from possible deterioration.
Examples of aggressive environments include the following:
(a) Exterior situations exposed to the sun, ultraviolet radiation, wind, rain or salt spray.
(b) Corrosive atmospheres.
(c) Abnormally dusty or moisture-laden atmospheres.
(d) Environments which subject the extinguisher to continuous or intense vibrations.
(e) Environments having extremes of temperature.
900 min
150
FIRE POINT 600
min
150
150 150
150
100
FIRE POINT No.2
2000
min
1700
1200
max
Finished
floor
100 min level
Junction of
wall and
floor
720 KEEP CLEAR 150
150
150
Width dependent on quantity of extinguishers required
Note: Any enlargement of the sign should have all dimensions in proportion to those shown above.
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
S EC TION 4 D IS TR IB UT IO N O F P OR TAB LE
F IR E E XT IN GU IS HE R S IN BU ILD IN GS
4.1 GENERAL
Distribution of portable fire extinguishers shall be in accordance with the hazard present in
the area to be protected (see Clause 1.4.6) rather than the size of the area.
The classification and rating of each extinguisher shall be at least equal to that which is
appropriate to the hazard of the area to be protected. A number of extinguishers of lower
rating shall not be used to attain the required protection.
Where more than one extinguisher of the same type is required (see Tables 4.1, 4.2 and
4.3), each extinguisher of that type shall be sited separately except where assembled at fire
points.
It is permissible to provide extinguishers having a higher classification and rating than
required for the area to be protected. An extinguisher having more than one classification
and rating, e.g. 2A:20B, shall be regarded as acceptable in terms of each classification and
rating if the risks are within the same protected area.
TABLE 4.1
MINIMUM RATING, CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION
OF EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS A FIRE RISKS
Maximum floor Maximum floor area per
Minimum rating area per extinguisher complementing
Fire
and classification extinguisher fixed fire suppression
hazard
of extinguishers
m2 m2
Light 1A 100 150
2A 300 450
3A 450 675
4A 675 1000
Ordinary 2A 100 150
3A 300 450
4A 450 675
6A 675 1000
High 2A 150 225
3A 200 300
4A 300 450
6A 450 675
10A 675 1000
TABLE 4.2
MINIMUM RATING, CLASSIFICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF
EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS B FIRE RISKS IN AREAS NOT
CONTAINING A FIXED AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
TABLE 4.3
DISTRIBUTION OF EXTINGUISHERS FOR CLASS B FIRE RISKS IN
AREAS CONTAINING A FIXED AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION
SYSTEM
Travel distance from
Minimum rating and Maximum floor area
Fire extinguisher to the
classification of per extinguisher
risk hazard
extinguishers
m m2
Light 5B 3 to 5 80
10B 3 to 7.5 115
20B 3 to 10 150
Ordinary 20B 3 to 10 150
30B 3 to 12.5 225
40B 3 to 15 300
High 40B 4 to 10 150
60B 4 to 12.5 225
80B 4 to 15 300
5.1 GENERAL
Where extinguishers are required for vehicles, including caravans, and small craft, they
shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Table 5.1. The Table specifies the
minimum requirements, but in some circumstances, more stringent requirements may be set
by the appropriate regulatory authority.
5.3 ACCESSIBILITY
Extinguishers are to be located to enable safe access in an emergency and supported by a
suitable bracket to withstand the forces that result from vehicle impact or braking.
Suitable areas for mounting extinguishers may be under or adjacent to the driver’s seat of
vehicles or adjacent to external doors of vans, houseboats and passenger vehicles.
TABLE 5.1
MINIMUM RATING, CLASSIFICATION AND NUMBER OF EXTINGUISHERS
FOR VEHICLES
Minimum rating and Minimum number of
Type of vehicle
classification of extinguishers extinguishers
Sedan, station wagon, panel van or utility 1A:5B 1
Caravan/campervan –
Single compartment 1A:5B 1
Multi-compartment 1A:5B 2
Outboard-powered boat –
Small fuel tank (< 25 L) 5B 1
Large fuel tank (> 25 L) 20B 1
Houseboat and motor cruising yacht 2A:10B 2
Passenger-carrying vehicle
In urban areas or on short trips outside 2A:20B 1
urban areas (fitted with hose)
Outside urban areas or when fitted with 2A:20B 2
integral luggage compartment (fitted with hose)
(one to be mounted near the
under-floor area or engine)
Cargo-carrying vehicle 1A:10B 1 (in cabin)
(fitted with hose)
(Additional extinguishers
appropriate to the cargo
carried and in accordance
with the relevant regulations)
NOTES:
1 In caravans and boats where cooking appliance (using cooking oils and fats) are installed, a fire
blanket is recommended, additional to the above.
2 Consideration should be given to all extinguishers having an E rating where electrical hazards may be
found in vehicles if capable of being connected to 240 V a.c., e.g. caravans, campervans, houseboats
and the like.
6.1 GENERAL
Fire blankets provide an appliance with which to attack small Class A and Class B fires and
fires involving cooking oils and fats. Fire blankets may also be used as a thermal barrier
against radiated heat and to control a fire in the clothes being worn by a person (also known
as a ‘human torch’ fire).
Blankets manufactured to AS/NZS 3504 are rectangular or square in shape and are available
in sizes between 0.9 m × 0.9 m and 1.8 m × 1.8 m.
6.2 SELECTION
Fire blankets shall be of a size to meet the expected hazard.
Where a ‘human torch’ fire is considered part of the risk, a fire blanket of size
1.2 m × 1.8 m or 1.8 m × 1.8 m shall be provided. However, in confined spaces, smaller
blankets shall be considered in order to facilitate use.
NOTE: In some circumstances this may require multiple fire blankets.
6.3 LOCATION
Each fire blanket shall be located in a conspicuous and readily accessible position but shall
not be located in a position where access could present a hazard to the potential user. Where
practicable, fire blankets shall be located along normal paths of travel and near exits.
For non-domestic installations, fire blankets in and around buildings shall have their
location clearly indicated by placement of the location sign shown in Figure 6.1. The
colours used on the sign shall approximate the colour standards specified in Table 6.1.
TABLE 6.1
FIRE BLANKET LOCATION SIGN
COLOURS
Specification
Basic colour name reference number
(AS 2700)
Red R 13
White –
Black –
6.5 MOUNTING
Fire blankets shall be installed by mounting their containers so as to withstand the loads
imposed when removing the fire blanket from its container. Sufficient room shall be
allowed so that the fire blanket can be quickly removed without impedance from nearby
obstructions.
150
15
White
White
flames
Red
Black 135
outline
215 Black
Black
letters 17
White 5
ground
FIRE BLANKET 16
17
10 (typ)
5
10 (typ)
5 (typ)
NOTE: All dimensions shown are minimum. Any enlargement of the location sign should have dimensions in
proportion to those shown above.
DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES
APPENDIX A
FACTORS AFFECTING THE SELECTION OF PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS
(Informative)
A1 GENERAL
Portable fire extinguishers provide an appliance with which to attack fire in its initial
stages. The selection of suitable extinguishers depends on a number of factors, including
the following:
(a) Expected types of fire including size and propagation.
(b) Construction and occupancy of the property.
(c) Special risk to be protected.
(d) Extremes of temperature expected.
(e) Reliability and availability of other manual or automatic firefighting equipment.
(f) Expected time for the fire brigade to arrive.
(g) Expertise and capability of the likely user.
See Figure A1 for portable fire extinguisher/fire blanket selection chart.
The ratings of fire extinguishers are a comparison of the performance of fire extinguishers
under ideal conditions. The performance obtained under such conditions is seldom realized
under actual field conditions. However, it is the only practical repeatable method of
comparing the relative performance of fire extinguishers.
The method of rating fire extinguishers (described in AS/NZS 1850) allows for tests
involving pure hazards from each class, under specified weather conditions in specially
prepared surroundings. The operators are highly trained, wear protective clothing and often
practice for a considerable time on a particular extinguisher/fire combination before
attempting an official rating test.
Most fires involve multiple fire hazards. Fuel spill or gas incidents often happen in areas
containing obstacles that limit access to the seat of fire, or contain materials of a
carbonaceous nature, i.e. Class A hazards. Extinguishers that have exceptional performance
on Class B or C hazards are often incapable of extinguishing the Class A fire in
combination with a Class B or C fire. No matter how minor the hazards may be, re-ignition
can occur as a result of the Class A fire. Hazards involving energized electrical equipment
always involve one or more other class hazards. Electricity does not burn, the other
materials involved in the hazard do.
Selection of a fire extinguisher for a particular hazard can be made using fire ratings as a
comparison of the performance of individual extinguishers, and ensuring that all of the
potential hazards are covered.
NOTES:
1 Appendix B provides information for the selection of a suitable extinguishant for an expected
hazard.
2 The future performance of portable fire extinguishers is dependent on a correct maintenance
regime. Details of maintenance requirements are set out in AS 1851.1.
AS 2444—2001
Type of extinguisher Type of Fire, Class and Suitability
A B C E F D**
Colour Wood,
Energized
Comments
scheme paper, Flammable Flammable Cooking oils
AS/NZS1841 AS1841
Extinguishant plastics,etc liquids gases
electrical
equipment
and fats
Metal fires (Refer Appendix B)
-1997 -1992
Dangerous if used on
flammable liquid, energized
Water
electrical equipment and
cooking oil/fat fires
Dangerous if used on
Wet
energized electrical
Chemical
equipment
Dangerous if used on
Foam*** energized electrical
equipment.
LIMITED*
26
Powder specifically for various types
BE of metal fires (see **).
* Limited indicates that the extinguishant is not the agent of choice for the class of fire, but that it will have a limited extinguishing capability.
** Class D fires (involving combustible metals). Use only special purpose extinguishers and seek expert advice.
www.standards.com.au
*** Solvents which may mix with water, e.g. alcohol and acetone, are known as polar solvents and require special foam. These solvents break
down conventional AFFF.
APPENDIX B
SELECTION OF EXTINGUISHANT
(Informative)
B1 SCOPE
This Appendix describes the advantages and disadvantages of each type of extinguishant
and fire blankets to provide a guide for the selection of the most effective means of
extinguishing a given fire risk.
There is no one type of fire extinguisher which will cover A, B, C, D, E and F Class fires,
and all fires within each class.
B2 GENERAL
The most effective extinguishant for any given fire situation will usually be some form of
compromise. Careful consideration must be given to operator competence and all risks that
are present. Flammable liquids or gases in inaccessible locations (e.g. inside cabinets),
clothing fires and energized electrical equipment, all present their own specific risks. Risks
are shown against preferred extinguishants in Table B1.
Careful consideration needs to be given to all the factors involved in the fire risk under
review to select the most suitable individual fire extinguisher, or combination of fire
extinguishers. In the case of doubt, expert advice should be sought.
Where extinguishers are required in areas such as health care, day care and aged care
facilities and where the occupants are unable to reasonably avoid exposure to the agent,
extra care should be taken in the selection of extinguishants (see also Appendix A,
Paragraph A3.3).
TABLE B1
PREFERRED EXTINGUISHANTS FOR GIVEN RISKS
Risk Preferred extinguishant
Class or capability Perceived (not in order of preference)
Clothing fire–a fire in the clothes being Water
A
worn by a person Fire blanket
Water
Foam
ABE powder
A Small carbonaceous solids fire
Wet chemical
Vaporizing liquid
Carbon dioxide (limited)
Water
A Large carbonaceous solids fire Foam
ABE powder
BE and ABE powder
Foam
B Petroleum-based liquid
Vaporizing liquid (limited)
Carbon dioxide (limited)
BE and ABE powder
Alcohol-resistant foam
B Polar solvents
Vaporizing liquid (limited)
Carbon dioxide (limited)
C Gas fires BE and ABE powder
D Metal fires Special powder
ABE and BE powder
Fires involving energized electrical
E Carbon dioxide
equipment
Vaporizing liquid
Wet chemical
BE powder
F Cooking oils and fats fires
Fire blanket
Foam (limited)
B3 WATER
B3.1 Description
Water (or water to which may be added corrosion inhibitors, freezing point depressants and
wetting agents) applied by extinguisher, hose or other means.
B3.2 Environment
Water is considered to be environmentally innocuous.
B3.3 Physical action and reaction
Water reduces the temperature below ignition temperature.
B3.4 Advantages
Water is usually inexpensive and readily available. It is an effective extinguishant for
Class A fires.
B3.5 Disadvantages
Water is only suitable for Class A fires. It may be dangerous on other classes of fires and
must not be used on fires involving energized electrical equipment.
B3.6 Suitability
Water is a very effective extinguishant for use on Class A fires.
© Standards Australia www.standards.com.au
29 AS 2444—2001
B4 WET CHEMICAL
B4.1 Description
An aqueous solution, typically of alkali metal salts, formulated to extinguish fires in
cooking oils and fats. It is applied by an extinguisher in the form of a fine spray.
B4.2 Environment
The environmental effect of this extinguishant varies with its composition. Specialist advice
should be sought as necessary.
B4.3 Physical action and reaction
This extinguishant reacts with the surface of the oil or fat, creating a barrier which seals off
the air supply.
B4.4 Advantages
This extinguishant provides rapid knockdown of fires involving cooking oils or fats and
provides a lasting foam like blanket to control the fire after the extinguisher discharge is
completed.
B4.5 Disadvantages
The solution is usually alkaline, and consequently will corrode some metals, especially
aluminium. It may also irritate eyes and skin. Prompt clean-up is advised. It must not be
used on fires involving energized electrical equipment.
B4.6 Suitability
The preferred extinguishant for fires in vegetable and animal oils and fats. It is also able to
extinguish Class A fires.
B5 FOAM
B5.1 Description
Foam is most commonly available in the following types:
(a) Aqueous film-forming foam concentrate (AFFF) A synthetic foam concentrate
consisting of fluorinated surfactants plus foam stabilizers which are mixed with water
to form a foam solution.
(b) Alcohol-resistant foam concentrate (ATC) A foam concentrate which, when mixed
with water to form a foam solution, produces a foam which has an insoluble barrier in
the bubble structure that resists breakdown at the interface of the fuel and foam
blanket.
AFFF is suitable for use on common flammable liquid fires involving petrol, oil or paint
and ATC foam is suitable for use on solvents that mix with water (e.g. alcohol and acetone),
these solvents being known as polar solvents. Unlike conventional AFFF, ATC foam does
not readily mix with polar solvents.
B5.2 Environment
The solutions are usually regarded as being biodegradable therefore they are
environmentally acceptable in small quantities of dilute solution of 6% typical.
B5.3 Physical action and reaction
Provides a layer of foam which excludes air, and is used to control Class B and F fires. It
wets Class A fuels, lowering their temperature as well as excluding air.
B5.4 Advantages
Foam provides a lasting layer to control the fire after the extinguisher discharge is
completed. It can also be used as a vapour-suppression barrier over flammable-liquid spills.
B5.5 Disadvantages
The extinguishant is an aqueous solution which requires to be cleaned up after use,
particularly on painted surfaces, and must not be used on fires involving energized
electrical equipment.
B5.6 Suitability
Foam is an effective extinguishant for Class A and Class B fires and of limited
effectiveness on Class F fires.
B6 POWDER
B6.1 Description
There are two common types of powders which are applied to a fire by an extinguisher, viz.
BE and ABE. Special powders are available to deal with Class D metal fires, which may not
be effective on other classes of fire.
BE powder is usually based on sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or potassium
chloride.
ABE powder is usually based on monoammonium phosphate.
B6.2 Environment
Powder is usually regarded as environmentally acceptable.
B6.3 Physical action and reaction
Powder physically adsorbs fuel molecules into its surface.
B6.4 Advantages
Powder provides rapid ‘knock-down’ for a range of fire types. When dry, it may be cleaned
up with a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth.
B6.5 Disadvantages
On discharge, the extinguishant forms a dense cloud of powder which may temporarily
restrict vision and may cause respiratory irritation. ABE powder, when it contacts very hot
objects, can melt and form a film which may be difficult to remove. After initial ‘knock-
down’, powder gives no protection against re-ignition of flammable liquid fires. While BE
powder is not effective on Class A fires, ABE powder is of limited effectiveness on fires
involving cooking oils and fats.
B6.6 Suitability
BE powder can be used on Classes B, C and F fires and fires involving energized electrical
equipment.
ABE powder can be used on Class A, B and C fires and fires involving energized electrical
equipment.
B7 CARBON DIOXIDE
B7.1 Description
Carbon dioxide is a gaseous extinguishant stored at high pressure in a liquid state.
B7.2 Environment
Carbon dioxide is a natural component of the atmosphere and is considered environmentally
acceptable.
B7.3 Physical action and reaction
Carbon dioxide displaces air to produce an atmosphere deficient of oxygen to the level that
will not support combustion.
B7.4 Advantages
Carbon dioxide leaves no residue, is safe for use on fires involving energized electrical
equipment, and is effective on fires in locations, such as semi-sealed enclosures, which
cannot be readily penetrated by non-gaseous extinguishants. It is the preferred extinguishant
for use in electronic environments and where patients may be exposed to extinguishants.
B7.5 Disadvantages
Carbon dioxide has a very poor ‘knock-down’, short discharge range and is almost totally
ineffective in the presence of significant air movements. Because it displaces oxygen,
atmospheres containing enough carbon dioxide to extinguish a fire do not contain enough
oxygen to support life and could kill by asphyxiation. The carbon dioxide is discharged
forming a cloud of very cold gas and some solids (dry ice). It produces a loud noise during
discharge that may startle inexperienced operators.
Discharge of carbon dioxide from an extinguisher may produce a static charge which may
transmit an electric shock to the user.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are fitted with pressure relief devices that may be
activated when the extinguisher is installed in positions exposed to direct sunlight, radiated
heat with temperatures which could exceed 50°C. Glass in cabinets would fracture on the
pressure release and serious injury could result. Carbon dioxide extinguishers must not be
installed in positions exposed to direct sunlight, or radiated heat with temperatures which
could exceed 50°C.
B7.6 Suitability
Carbon dioxide is suitable for use on small Class B fires and fires involving energized
electrical equipment.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are not intended to be selected to protect normal Class A
hazards, but are suitable for selection for fires involving energized electrical equipment
where it predominantly involves small quantities of Class A fuels, such as small switch
boards and computer based equipment.
B8 VAPORIZING LIQUID
B8.1 Description
Gas is stored under pressure as a liquid, usually pressurized with nitrogen.
B8.2 Environment
Vaporizing liquids may have ozone depletion and global warming potential.
B8.3 Physical action and reaction
Vaporizing liquids extinguish fires both physically (by cooling) and chemically (by
interfering with the chemical process).
B8.4 Advantages
Vaporizing liquids are clean extinguishants which generally penetrate inaccessible locations
and rarely damage equipment.
B8.5 Disadvantages
Thermal decomposition products of vaporizing liquids may be toxic. Vaporizing liquids
themselves are usually toxic in high concentrations or long-term exposure and may be
dangerous on fires involving cooking oils and fats and in confined spaces. The
extinguishants may be proscribed under government regulations.
B8.6 Suitability
Vaporizing liquids are generally suitable for use on Class A and Class E fires and fires
involving energized electrical equipment and have limited effectiveness on Class B and
Class C fires.
B9 FIRE BLANKET
B9.1 Description
A fire blanket is a flexible sheet of non-flammable material.
B9.2 Environment
No known effects.
B9.3 Physical action and reaction
Smothers fire by physically excluding oxygen.
B9.4 Advantages
Light manageable protection against a number of fire risks, including clothing fires, and the
blanket requires minimum maintenance.
B9.5 Disadvantages
The effectiveness of a blanket against a cooking oil or fat fire depends on obtaining a good
physical seal between the blanket and the rim of the container. If physical constraints of
either the user or the shape or size of the container make this unlikely or impossible, then
the effectiveness of the blanket will be greatly reduced. Smaller sizes of blankets may not
be satisfactory for clothing fires on adults.
B9.6 Suitability
Fire blankets are generally suitable for small Class F fires, fires in clothing worn by a
person and as a thermal barrier.
Australian Standards
Australian Standards are prepared by committees of experts from industry, governments, consumers
and other relevant sectors. The requirements or recommendations contained in published Standards are
a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take account of comments received from
other sources. They reflect the latest scientific and industry experience. Australian Standards are kept
under continuous review after publication and are updated regularly to take account of changing
technology.
International Involvement
Standards Australia is responsible for ensuring that the Australian viewpoint is considered in the
formulation of international Standards and that the latest international experience is incorporated in
national Standards. This role is vital in assisting local industry to compete in international markets.
Standards Australia represents Australia at both ISO (The International Organization
for Standardization) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Electronic Standards
All Australian Standards are available in electronic editions, either downloaded individually from our Web
site, or via on-line and CD ROM subscription services. For more information phone 1300 65 46 46 or
visit us at
www.standards.com.au
GPO Box 5420 Sydney NSW 2001
Administration Phone (02) 8206 6000 Fax (02) 8206 6001 Email [email protected]
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