What is a Fire Extinguisher and Its Benefits for the Laboratory?

A fire extinguisher or portable fire extinguisher (PFE) is a device that has a cylindrical shape and contains special chemicals or fire extinguishing agents. This device is designed to control and extinguish fires quickly and effectively. A fire extinguisher has several important components, such as a nozzle, hose, handle, safety pin, and pressure gauge. Each component has its own function to ensure that the device can work properly.

A fire extinguisher is very important to have in public places, including in the laboratory. A laboratory is a room that is used to store and process hundreds of chemicals with various characteristics. Some chemicals have properties that are flammable, explosive, oxidizing, or toxic. Therefore, laboratory users must be careful in using and storing these chemicals. In addition, laboratory users must also know how to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers for the Laboratory

Not all fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish fires in the laboratory. This is because each fire extinguisher has different fire extinguishing agents and is suitable for certain classes of fire. A class of fire is a classification that is used to determine the type of fuel that causes the fire. There are four classes of fire, namely:

Class A: fires caused by solid fuels, such as wood, paper, cloth, or plastic.
Class B: fires caused by liquid or gas fuels, such as oil, gasoline, alcohol, or propane.
Class C: fires caused by electrical equipment that is powered by electricity, such as computers, machines, or cables.
Class D: fires caused by metals that are easily combustible, such as magnesium, potassium, or sodium.

For the laboratory, there are several types of fire extinguishers that can be used according to the class of fire that occurs. Here are some types of fire extinguishers for the laboratory:

Foam fire extinguisher: this fire extinguisher uses a fire extinguishing agent in the form of foam or AFFF foam (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). This foam can form a thin layer on the surface of liquid fuels and prevent contact with air. A foam fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish class A and B fires.
Powder fire extinguisher: this fire extinguisher uses a fire extinguishing agent in the form of dry chemical powder that contains compounds such as ammonium phosphate or ammonium sulfate. This powder can break the chemical reaction chain that triggers the occurrence of fire. A powder fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish class A, B, and C fires.
CO2 fire extinguisher: this fire extinguisher uses a fire extinguishing agent in the form of carbon dioxide gas (CO2). This gas can reduce the oxygen level around the fire and cool the temperature of the fire. A CO2 fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish class B and C fires.

Benefits of Fire Extinguisher for the Laboratory

A fire extinguisher has great benefits for the laboratory. Some benefits of a fire extinguisher for the laboratory are:

As a first aid when a fire occurs in the laboratory. A fire extinguisher can be used to put out the fire before it gets bigger and damages assets or causes casualties.
Prevents the fire from spreading further. A fire extinguisher can be used to isolate the fire from other fuel sources and prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.
Opens an evacuation route. A fire extinguisher can be used to open an exit if the door or window is blocked by fire.
As a self-protection when a fire occurs in the laboratory. A fire extinguisher can be used to protect oneself from excessive heat or flames.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in the Laboratory

To use a fire extinguisher in the laboratory, there are several steps that must be done, namely:

Using the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). This technique includes: pulling the safety pin to unlock the device, aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire, pressing the handle to spray the fire extinguishing agent, and moving the nozzle sweeping from side to side of the fire.
Keeping a safe distance from the fire. The safe distance depends on the type of fire extinguisher used. In general, the safe distance is about 2-3 meters from the fire.
Checking whether the fire is completely out. If there is still some fire left, repeat the steps above until it goes out. If the fire extinguisher runs out, look for another one or get out of the room immediately.

How to Maintain a Fire Extinguisher in the Laboratory

To maintain the performance and quality of a fire extinguisher in the laboratory, there are several things that must be done, namely:

Checking the fire extinguisher regularly. Check whether the components of the fire extinguisher are complete and functioning properly. Also check the pressure and contents of the fire extinguishing agent using the pressure gauge.
Refilling the fire extinguishing agent if it runs out or is insufficient. Refilling the fire extinguishing agent must be done by a competent person and in accordance with the applicable standards.
Storing the fire extinguisher in the right place. Store the fire extinguisher in a place that is easily accessible and visible. Avoid storing the fire extinguisher in a place that is humid, hot, or exposed to direct sunlight.
Replacing the fire extinguisher if it is damaged or expired. If the fire extinguisher is damaged or has passed its expiration date, replace it with a new one immediately.
Recording the maintenance of the fire extinguisher. Record the date and results of the fire extinguisher maintenance periodically. This is useful for monitoring the condition of the fire extinguisher and knowing when to refill or replace it.

In conclusion, a fire extinguisher is a very useful device for the laboratory. It can help to prevent and control fires that may occur due to various chemicals. Therefore, laboratory users must know how to use and maintain a fire extinguisher properly. By doing so, they can ensure the safety and security of themselves and the laboratory environment. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you learned something new from it.

References: firefix.id, guardall.co.id, solarindustri.com