Class B Fire Extinguisher Used For?

A fire involving flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, oil-based paints, lacquers is called type B fire, and the Extinguisher used to extinguish this fire is known as a Class B Fire Extinguisher.

The correct fire extinguisher can make a difference in the safety of your home and your property. This is particularly true when fires involve more than just standard combustible materials like wood, paper, etc. Include elements such as flammable fluids as in Class B fires.

This blog will explain what constitutes a class B fire and what extinguishers are qualified as Class B extinguishers. It also describes how a Class B extinguisher is used.

What is Class B Fire?

Class B fires aren’t necessarily different from other fires because they use the same fundamental “fire tetrahedron” elements. To create an actual fire, you require oxygen, fuel, heat and a chemical reaction, and the only difference lies in the fuel.

The fuel used in Class B fires is a combustible liquid or gas. The following could be the source of fuel for the Class B fire:

Gasoline or diesel fuel
Propane
Butane
Methane
Acetone
Acetylene

They are usually found in solvents, lacquer oils, and oil-based paints. Grease is also a fuel for Class B fires if you’ve got one of these items stored or in use and do not have the appropriate fire extinguishers to fight the Class B fire.

What Types of Extinguishers are Rated as Class B Fire Extinguishers?

Because of the nature of Class B fire’s fuel, the most effective method to put out a blaze is to cut off the fuel from oxygen or stop the chemical reaction in the fire triangle.

Many kinds of fire extinguishers are designed to complete this task, especially for Class B fires. you can also check What do the Symbols on a Fire Extinguisher Indicate?

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

CO2: Carbon dioxide is a fire extinguisher that operates based on a Class B flame by extinguishing CO2 to stop the flame, thus removing the oxygen needed to keep the flame burning.

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It also helps in the removal of the heat as the discharge is extremely cold. But, be aware that because of how fast the CO2 gas disperses this extinguisher only works at a very close distance, approximately 3-8 feet away from the flame.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers that work for Class A as well as B fires. The foam agent can be used in Class B fires by separating the oxygen and the fuel by forming a sealing over the flammable liquid. But, these extinguishers can only work if the flammable fluid is flowing freely.

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Dry Chemical Extinguishers, either regular or multi-purpose models, are classified as B fires since their agents extinguish the fire by disrupting the chemical reaction in the fire triangle.

They have more excellent performance since they employ gas that is compressed and non-flammable which can push the dry extinguishing agents further. Here is step by step guide of How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

Clean Agent: A clean agent extinguisher employs an extinguishing chemical that functions by interrupting the chemical reactions of a flame and eliminating the heat.

It is efficient on classes B and C and occasionally Class A fires (depending upon the dimensions of the extinguisher).

They are known as “clean” agents, as they are based on halogen and halocarbon substances which are safe for humans and the environment. They also don’t require the same amount of cleaning after use.

Note:

Most of the extinguishers listed above are classified for more than Class B fires. However, it is essential to be aware of the labels on Fire extinguishers you are tempted to use.

In addition, certain types of Class B extinguishers might still not be effective for the kind of Class B fires your home or workplace is most at risk of being at risk, as certain types of extinguishers are more effective at dispersing than others. In addition to other distinctions.

Class B Fire Extinguisher training (Video)

Prevention of Class B Fires

You should keep combustible liquids or gasses out of reach of any ignition sources. You shouldn’t allow open flames, lighters, or cigarettes to be stored in your storage area.

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It is best to keep the ignition source and fuel source separate, and a fire will not start if the fuel source and ignition source are kept separate.

These fires will often go out of control if the fuel source is removed. A fire started by propane gas can burn out if it is not shut off. It is therefore essential to have an emergency shut-off in your workplace to extinguish the source of the fire.

When an additional dangerous element is added, real problems can occur. A gas leak could cause combustible gases to build up in space. Suppose an ignition source produces the heat and chemical reaction necessary to ignite the fire. In that case, it will quickly spread and become very destructive.

This is also true for gasoline spillages. You need to be careful when containing liquids or gasses that can cause class B fires.

How to fight a Class B fire

Do not use water to fight a Class A fire, and water will often spread the fuel and cause more fire.

You must cut off oxygen to extinguish a Class A fire. To stop the flames from igniting, you can use carbon dioxide gas. You can also use bicarbonate (baking soda) or potassium carbonate to prevent the fire from igniting.

A fire extinguisher capable of dealing with Class B fires is a must, especially in an environment susceptible to them.

Check Full details of different Fire Extinguisher

FAQs

What does a Class B fire extinguisher contain?

Class B fire extinguishers contain Flammable liquids such as alcohol, ether, oil, gasoline and grease, best extinguished by smothering.

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What extinguisher should you use on Class B fires?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers should you use on Class B fires. CO2 extinguishers suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen the fire needs to burn. This type of extinguisher has a black label.

What is a Class B material?

Class B Rated Materials Have Limited Applications

Although these materials are very resistant to spreading flames in the case of a fire, they are classified as combustible according to the British regulations on fire for flooring on the outside. Some examples of B certified materials include the Buzon B-rated pedestals.

Do Class B fires involve gases?

B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.

Which fire is Class B fire?

Class B contain flames that can be ignited by flammable liquids like gasoline, fuel, kerosene and white spirit. Classes B is gas fires that can be flammable, like ethanol, propane-butane, acetylene methane, and hydrogen.

What are Class B and C fires?

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, solvents, oils, greases (excluding cooking oils/greases in-depth), tars, oil-based paints and lacquers. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment.

What does the B on a b1 fire extinguisher indicate?

Class B fire extinguishers are effective against flammable liquid fires. They can occur when ignited by cooking liquids, oil, gasoline, kerosene, or paint. Chemicals can be used to fight these types of fires.

What is Class B fire retardant?

Flame spread ratings for fire retardants in class B range from 26 to 75. These materials are effective against moderate fire exposure.

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For More Information Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher

What is Class B Fire Extinguisher Used For?