In this site, you will find general information about fire extinguishers from the products, as well as the maintenance service of these products.
At first glance, fire extinguishers are devices containing firefighting material. They are pressurized with a gas, which allows them to propel the extinguishing agents.
In Canada, fire extinguishers must be certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. Each fire extinguisher must be labelled with the ULC logo.
Fire extinguishers are part of the basic elements of firefighting. Portable fire extinguishers are essential equipment for all types of buildings. Designed to fight the start of a fire, they are necessary even if your building is equipped with automatic sprinklers.
Before choosing an extinguisher, you must first evaluate your exposure in terms of risk and type of fire. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) devised a letter-based classification for Fire Extinguishers:
A: Extinguisher for common combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, mattresses;
B: Extinguishers for flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum-based solvents, plastic, etc.;
C: Extinguishers for live equipment such as electrical panels, electronic equipment, control rooms, etc.;
D: Extinguishers for combustibles containing magnesium, sodium, potassium or a mix of sodium and potassium;
K: Extinguishers for grease fires such as those that break out in restaurants, cafeterias and other commercial kitchens.
Portable Fire Extinguishers may contain various extinguishing agents, each with specific applications. Each fire calls for a specific type of extinguisher. For example, a fire burning from wood and paper can be extinguished with a regular water-based Fire Extinguisher (A), a distilled water-based Extinguisher (AC) or a powder-based Fire Extinguisher (ABC). Ultimately, the choice of an extinguisher will depend on your specific needs. If your immediate environment includes a potential risk of contamination or electric fire, you will then exclude water-based Fire Extinguisher (A) and powder-based Fire Extinguishers (ABC).
In terms of fire extinguisher maintenance, once again, Sylprotec offers an unparalleled service. In the « Services – Extinguishers » section, you will find all the information you need to make sure you have functional and safe portable extinguishers when the time comes. Various inspection programs are available. Please note that for each inspection, they prepare a written report. In addition, you can take the opportunity to put up signs indicating the locations of these extinguishers in your business.
For more details on fire extinguishers or for a specific analysis of your risks and needs, contact them.
Sylvain Patrice f.p.t.
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