Fire extinguishers are essential equipment for fighting fires at an early stage. They must be correctly chosen, located and used to ensure an effective and safe intervention. Romanian and European legislation regulates the types of extinguishers, their location requirements and their use in accordance with the specific risks of each space.
In this article, we will detail the main types of extinguishers, their optimal location and the correct way to use them in order to prevent and manage fires in a professional and safe way.
Types of fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are classified according to the extinguishing agent used and the type of fire for which they are effective. The main categories are:
- Water extinguishers – effective for Class A fires (solid combustible materials such as
wood, paper, textiles). Not to be used on electrical or grease fires.
- Foam extinguishers – suitable for Class A and B fires (flammable liquids such as oils,
paints, gasoline).
- Powder extinguishers – used for Class A, B and C fires (flammable gases). They are very effective but can cause collateral damage through powder residue.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers – recommended for electrical and flammable liquid fires. They leave no residue and are ideal for indoor spaces.
- Special substance extinguishers – used for Class D (combustible metals) or F (cooking
oils and fats) fires.
Location of fire extinguishers
By law, fire extinguishers must be strategically distributed according to the specific risks of each building. The regulations require:
- Visibility and accessibility – Fire extinguishers must be located in visible and easily accessible places, at an optimum distance from possible fire sources.
- Mounting height – They must be installed at an accessible height for quick use.
- Protection against external factors – They shall be located in places protected from the weather, corrosive agents and extreme temperatures.
- Density of fire extinguishers – To be determined according to the surface area and purpose of the building
The correct way to use
For effective intervention, use of the extinguisher must follow standard steps:
- Identifying the type of fire – Choosing an extinguisher suitable for the existing fire class.
- Activate the device – Remove the safety fuse and point the nozzle towards the base of the flames.
- Applying the extinguishing agent – Depress the lever and move the jet from side to side to cover the affected area.
- Check for reignition – After extinguishing the fire, monitor the area to prevent reignition.
It is also essential that staff are regularly trained in the use of fire extinguishers and participate in drills for quick and effective emergency response.
Fire extinguishers are an essential element of fire protection and their correct use can make the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. Proper selection, location and use must comply with technical regulations to ensure the safety of protected premises. Staff training and regular maintenance of fire-fighting equipment are critical measures to maintain a high level of safety.