Fire Extinguisher Rules & Safety

Types of fires:

Fires are classified into different categories. As a function of the different types of fires, fire extinguishers are subsequently rated by the type of fire they can put out. Below we have spelled out the different types of fires:

• Class A Fires: Class A fires burn combustibles like wood and paper. This kind of fire can be put out with water and fire extinguishers. The best types will use foam or dry chemicals to smother the fire.

• Class B Fires: These are fires caused by flammable liquids. Gasoline fire is a Type B. This is not the kind of fire you want to extinguish with water. Throwing water on a fire caused by burning gas or oil will make the liquid spread. A small fire could become out of control with the addition of water. Remember, however, to cut the fuel supply. If a gas line burns, it will continue to burn until you miss the fuel supply. That alone may stop the fire.

• Combination A and B Fires: Gasoline can start wood to burn, for example. That leads to a mix of fires and fuels. Foam extinguishers or carbon dioxide can also help here. Remember to be cautious using carbon dioxide. In enclosed spaces like the engine compartment, this could cause you to pass out,

• Class C Fires: These are electrical fires. Poor wiring on a boat could lead to a class C fire. Like Class B, you do not want to put water on this. Since water conducts electricity, you risk death or injury from shock if you do so. It would be best to have a non-conducting extinguishing agent for an electrical fire. CO2 may again be used. Or a chemical extinguisher like Halon. Cutting the circuit will be critical to controlling these fires. Foam is not to be used on electrical fires.

• Combination A and C Fires: These are handled much the same as a C alone. Dry chemical extinguishers are best.

• Class D Fires: These fires are caused by reactive metals like magnesium. Most boaters deal with ABC fires. D is likely the rare type of fire on a boat. Also, water would make this type of fire worse as well.

As you can see from above, three of the four fire types are more dangerous when water is added. That is why a proper marine fire extinguisher is essential.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

We’ve all seen fire extinguishers in our homes, at offices and on boats. But do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? it is important to know how to use a fire extinguisher before you are in a situation where you have to use it. Knowing how to use fire extinguishers can be the difference between life and death scenarios.

Remember the acronym P-A-S-S. It stands for:

• Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder

• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire

• Squeeze or press the handle

• Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out

A fire always starts out small. It can cause vast damage to property and endanger lives if not handled properly within the first few minutes of ignition. If you have a well-maintained fire extinguisher and you also know how to use it, potential mishaps can be prevented.

Regulations

Maybe you missed it, but there are new regulations in place that started on April 20, 2022. Before clarifying the rules, first it is important to have a common framework for our discussions.

There have been two major changes for marine fire extinguishers. Basically, they have been renamed and now must be replaced every twelve years. But the specifics depend on what year your vessel is:

2018 or Newer

1. The vessel will need to have the correct number of fire extinguishers that meet the carriage requirements for the size of the vessel (see table below)

2. The fire extinguishers must be labeled as 5-B, 10-B or 20-B, extinguishers labeled with B-I or B-II only are no longer acceptable.

3. Extinguishers must not be more than 12 years old according to the date of manufacture stamped on the bottle

4. You only have to get new extinguishers if no longer serviceable. Good serviceable conditions are as follows:

• If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position

• The lock pin is firmly in place

• The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction

• The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

1953 to 2017

• Extinguishers labeled B-I and B-II are acceptable (as long as still serviceable), BUT

• If a date is stamped on fire extinguisher, then it must not be older than 12 years old

Carriage Requirements