A fire extinguisher or fire hydrant can be considered the first line of defence if you are confronted with an incident involving fire.
The types of fire extinguisher vary considerably to meet the needs of different locations and types of fires. Wormald are able to provide protection for all types and classes of fires. Our staff are also able to help you select the correct fire extinguisher for your particular situation and risk.
The common classes of fires, which these extinguishers are designed to combat, are:
The products we offer are all manufactured to the strict requirements of the appropriate Australian Standards. They are also warranted against defects for a period of six years providing they are installed and maintained in accordance with the relevant Australian Standards.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide (Co2) fire extinguishers are recommended by New Zealand Standards for use in electronic environments. It is also recommended by Australian Standards as the preferred extinguishant for use in electronic environments. The normal capacity of this type of fire extinguisher ranges from 2kg to 5kg.
Carbon dioxide is extracted from the atmosphere and stored at high pressure in the liquid state within a fire extinguisher, for effective usage on Class E fires.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are effective against fires involving electrically energised equipment. This extinguisher may also be used on small flammable and combustible liquid Class B fires.
Co2 is a non-conductive and non-corrosive agent which reduces the oxygen available to support the fire. As carbon dioxide replaces oxygen, the discharge by personnel within extremely confined spaces is discouraged. Equally, as the agent dissipates easily into the atmosphere, the effect is limited where there is air movement.
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Dry chemical powder fire extinguishers (DCPs) are the most widely used fire extinguishers, suitable for use on many types of fires. The compact nature of these fire extinguishers – ranging from the 1kg domestic model up to the 9kg industrial model – enables them to be utilised in numerous applications.
Dry chemical powder extinguishers are effective against fires involving paper, textiles, wood, plastics, rubber, petrol, oil, paints, LPG, CNG and acetylene.
Special powder is available for Class D (metal) fires, however they have a limited impact upon other classes of fires. The dry powder discharged against a fire has the ability to absorb fuel molecules into the surface, thus diminishing the ability of the fire to continue.
Consideration must be given to the location and usage of this product. The discharging of a fine powder in certain areas may cause specific concerns requiring consideration.
These include the restriction of vision for a short period, the infiltration of powder into sensitive equipment or the creation of residue which – when dry – may be able to be vacuumed.
Foam Fire Extinguisher
These extinguishers contain a concentrate mixed with water which produces foam when discharged. The normal capacity of this type of fire extinguisher is 9 litres, however Wormald has developed a 4.5 litre spray foam for use where special circumstances exist.
Foam extinguishers are effective against Class A and B fires involving paper, textiles, wood, plastics, rubber, petrol, oil and paint.
Foam provides a blanket covering when utilised on flammable liquid or carbonaceous fires. This assists with the exclusion of oxygen and thus reduces the ability of fuel to continue burning.
This fire extinguisher should not be used as an electrical fire extinguisher on Class E fires.
Water Fire Extinguisher
A very efficient and cost-effective method to combat certain types of fires. The normal capacity of this type of fire extinguisher is 9 litres.
Water acts to reduce the temperature of the burning fuel so it is below its ignition point. Water extinguishers are efficient and cost effective when fighting Class A fires involving paper, textiles, wood, plastics and rubber.
Water acts to reduce the fuel, which is burning, to below the ignition temperature. The normal capacity of this type of extinguisher is 9 litres. These particular extinguishers are not suitable to be utilised on Class B, E or F fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
The normal capacity of this type of fire extinguisher is 7 litres, however Wormald has developed a 3.5 litre wet chemical extinguisher with a 1A:4F rating. This is ideal where space is a restricting feature, such as in restaurant kitchens.
These extinguishers utilise an aqueous solution discharged in a fine spray to the surface of Class F fires. The agent reacts with the burning oil or fat, forming a blanket which extinguishes the flame by creating a saponifying action and changing the burning liquid into a soap-like substance. The solution is usually alkaline so, once used, it is recommended that the surface be cleaned, with all residue removed within a reasonable time period.
This product should not be used on Class E fires, however it will be effective on Class A fires.
Wet chemical extinguishers are effective against fires involving cooking oils and fat. This product should not be used on electrical equipment fires, however it will be effective on fires involving paper, textiles, wood, plastics and rubber.
