Following on from our British counterparts, Ireland has now implemented changes around the use of Powdered Fire Extinguishers in the workplace.
According to the Irish Standards 291 -2015 + A1 2022 which covers the use and suitability of Portable Fire Extinguishers, states that:
The discharge of a powder fire extinguisher within a building can cause,
Sudden reduction in visibility
Impaired breathing
Which has the potential to jeopardise and escape , rescue or other emergency action. Because of this finding it is important that all businesses Risk Assess the suitability of all powder fire extinguishers on site and their internal locations. These risk assessments should be carried out by a competent person. Contacting your fire extinguisher supplier for further information and advice should solve your problem.
Powder Fire Extinguisher are one of the more popular extinguishers which covers;
Class A fires: Powder fire extinguishers are effective at extinguishing fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, and cloth.
Class B fires: Powder fire extinguishers are also effective at extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and paint.
Class C fires: Powder fire extinguishers are safe for use on electrical fires.
Flammable metals: Some types of powder fire extinguishers are specifically designed for use on fires involving flammable metals, such as magnesium and sodium.
One of the biggest disadvantages of powder fire extinguishers is the difficulty of cleaning up the residue they leave behind. This can be costly, especially when it comes to cleaning up food products, medicines, and other sensitive materials. In some cases, the cost of cleaning up the residue and writing off stock, can be more than the cost of the fire itself.