The red canisters filled with mystery juice are hung on every wall we see and are our everyday, unseen companions. Though they’re with us all day, every day, and everywhere, be it in our home or public, we barely take time to learn its history and how it ended up the way it is now. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, evolution, and state of fire extinguishers right now, along with maintenance tips to take care of.
The Humble Origins
The first recorded fire extinguisher was invented in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a British chemist. His design involved a cask filled with a fire-extinguishing liquid and a pewter chamber of gunpowder. When the fuses were ignited, the gunpowder exploded, scattering the liquid to put out the fire. However, it wasn’t until 1818 that Captain George William Manby developed the modern concept of a fire extinguisher. His design used a copper vessel filled with potassium carbonate solution and compressed air, allowing the liquid to be propelled onto the fire.
Over time, various fire extinguishers emerged, each with specific purposes and improvements. For example, the soda-acid extinguisher, invented in 1881, used a chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid to produce carbon dioxide, which then pressurised water to be expelled onto the fire. In 1912, carbon tetrachloride (CTC) extinguishers were introduced, which were effective against liquid and electrical fires but were later discontinued due to their toxicity.
The development of fire extinguishers continued with the invention of the carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher in 1924 by the Walter Kidde Company. This extinguisher became popular for its non-conductive properties, making it ideal for electrical fires. The modern dry chemical extinguishers we see today, which use agents like monoammonium phosphate, emerged in the 1950s and 60s.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are several types of fire extinguishers, each designed for different classes of fires:
- Class A is for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper and typically uses water or foam.
- Class B is for flammable liquids and uses CO2 or dry chemicals.
- Class C is for electrical fires and uses CO2 or dry chemicals.
- Class D is for combustible metals and uses dry powder.
- Class K is for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats and uses wet chemicals.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
While the history of fire extinguishers is fascinating, it’s equally important to understand the need for regular fire extinguisher maintenance. Ensuring these devices are in proper working order can save lives and property in an emergency. Unfortunately, many people overlook this crucial aspect of fire safety.
Maintenance begins with routine inspections, which should be conducted at least once a month. During these inspections, you should check for any signs of physical damage, such as dents or leaks, and ensure that the pressure gauge is within the recommended range. A fire extinguisher that is not properly pressurised may not work when you need it most. As safety is of utmost importance, there must be little to no regards for fire safety inspection cost.
Annual professional fire inspections in Sydney are also vital. A qualified technician will thoroughly examine each extinguisher, checking not only the pressure and condition of the unit but also the functionality of the seals and valves. If any issues are detected, the extinguisher should be serviced or replaced immediately.
Additionally, certain extinguishers, such as CO2 units, may require periodic hydrostatic testing to ensure the integrity of the cylinder. This involves filling the cylinder with water and pressurizing it beyond its normal operating level to check for leaks or weaknesses. Depending on the type of extinguisher, this test might be required every five to twelve years.
Another critical aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance is refilling and recharging. After any use, even if only a small amount of the extinguishing agent was discharged, the extinguisher should be refilled to ensure it is fully ready for the next emergency. This process involves not only adding more extinguishing agents but also repressurising the unit to the correct level.
For businesses, regular fire safety inspections are often mandated by law. These inspections may include checks on the placement and accessibility of extinguishers, ensuring they are within easy reach and that nothing is obstructing their use. For instance, fire inspection services near me can help businesses ensure that all extinguishers are positioned according to local fire codes, reducing the risk of complications during an emergency.
Conclusion
The history of fire extinguishers reflects the indomitable human spirit and its refusal to bow to the brutal and destructive force of fire by taming and building a defensive mechanism against it. Though we’re still prone to the destructive force of fire, we’re heading towards a path where fire incidents will be a thing of the past. For that to happen, a change must begin with ourselves. By doing regular fire safety inspections in Sydney and by following the regulations around it, we can make it possible to live in a world where no one is hurt by fire.