Short Answer:

Different types of fire extinguishers are used in workshops to put out various kinds of fires safely and effectively. Common types include water extinguishers for ordinary fires, foam extinguishers for flammable liquids, CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires, dry powder extinguishers for multiple fire types, and wet chemical extinguishers for kitchen or cooking fires.

Using the right extinguisher for the fire type is important to prevent injuries and control the fire quickly. Workshops must have suitable extinguishers placed in accessible locations with proper training for workers.

Detailed Explanation:

Different types of fire extinguishers used in workshops

Workshops often contain many fire hazards such as electrical equipment, flammable liquids, oils, and combustible materials. Because of these risks, it is crucial to have the correct types of fire extinguishers to deal with various kinds of fires. Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they can safely and effectively extinguish.

Knowing the different types and their applications helps workers respond correctly in an emergency, reducing damage and injury.

Types of fires and their classification

Class A fires: Involve ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth.
Class B fires: Involve flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, solvents.
Class C fires: Involve electrical equipment.
Class D fires: Involve combustible metals.
Class K fires: Involve cooking oils and fats.

Common types of fire extinguishers in workshops

Water Fire Extinguishers

Suitable for Class A fires.
Works by cooling the burning material.
Not suitable for electrical or flammable liquid fires as water conducts electricity and spreads liquids.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Effective on Class A and Class B fires.
Foam forms a blanket over the fire, cutting off oxygen.
Can be used safely on flammable liquids but not on electrical fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers

Used mainly for Class B and Class C fires.
CO2 displaces oxygen, suffocating the fire.
Leaves no residue, making it suitable for electrical fires.
Not effective on Class A fires.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Also called multipurpose extinguishers.
Effective on Class A, B, and C fires.
Works by coating the fuel with a layer of powder, cutting off oxygen.
Can cause visibility issues and leave residue.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Designed for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats).
Spray a fine mist that cools and chemically reacts to prevent re-ignition.
Mainly used in workshops with kitchen areas or canteens.

Specialist Extinguishers

For Class D fires involving metals, special dry powder or sand-based extinguishers are used.

Placement and usage in workshops

Extinguishers should be placed near potential fire hazards like electrical panels, fuel storage, and machinery.
Clear signage and unobstructed access are essential.
Regular inspection and maintenance ensure extinguishers are operational.
Workers must be trained in selecting and using the correct extinguisher.

Importance of using correct extinguisher

Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen the fire or cause injury.
For example, water on oil fires causes spreading; water on electrical fires risks shock.
Correct extinguisher use increases safety and fire control success.

Conclusion

Workshops use different types of fire extinguishers based on fire classes: water for ordinary fires, foam for flammable liquids, CO2 for electrical fires, dry powder for multiple fire types, and wet chemical for cooking oil fires. Proper selection, placement, and training are vital for effective fire safety in mechanical workshops.