Different fire extinguishers are used onboard ships, depending on the types and causes of fire on a vessel. Fires and fire extinguishers are classified on what materials act as the fuel source to the fire. Also, marine fire extinguishers are categorized into portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire extinguishers, and fixed type firefighting equipment.
Portable Marine Fire Extinguisher Classes
These portable fire extinguishers are installed at different vessel areas according to the type of possible fire sources present in those spaces.
There are five main classes of fire extinguishers as per SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), and these are the following.
Class A – Fires concerning solid combustibles, such as paper, wood, and fabrics. Water, dry chemical, clean agent, and foam fire extinguishers are most suitable for Class A fires. These types of extinguishers remove the heating element of the fire triangle. The foam agents also aid in sealing the surface of the burning material to cut off the oxygen supply, preventing reignition.
Class B – Fires concerning flammable liquids, such as alcohol, diesel, and oil. Portable CO2, clean agent and dry chemical extinguishers are suited for this class.
Class C – Fires caused by electrically energized equipment which has started from faulty wiring, short circuit, overloaded outlets, damage to power cords, or overheating of devices. CO2, dry chemical, and clean agent fire extinguishers can be used to smother these fires.
Class D – Fires involving combustible metals or metallic alloys with combustible metal components such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium, zirconium, sodium uranium, calcium, plutonium, potassium, lithium and zinc. A dry powder extinguisher is the only fire extinguisher used for such fires.
Class E – Fires along with high voltage electricity. CO2, dry chemical, and clean agent fire extinguishers can be used to put out these fires. Never use portable extinguishers with an electrically conductive agent as they may lead to electric shock and serious injuries.
Types of Portable Marine Fire Extinguishers
Portable marine fire extinguishers are also called “plunger-type” due to their mechanism when releasing the agent. The five common types are the following.
Water Extinguisher – used to put out Class A fires
Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher – primarily used for Class B and C fires. This is used in engine spaces only and not in accommodation spaces since the gas used is hazardous
Dry Powder Extinguisher – specifically designed for Class D fires. This is typically located in engine spaces
Foam Extinguisher – most suited to smother Class B fires and can also suppress Class A fires. It has two types: chemical foam and mechanical foam types
Soda Acid Extinguisher – typically located in the vessel’s accommodation spaces and suitable for Class A fires. This extinguisher mainly consists of sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid, which form a chemical reaction to expel pressurized water onto a fire. This type is banned on most ships since they emit toxic vapours when used in confined areas.
Other Fire Safety Products We Offer
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are the most common equipment used for fire protection and are usually the first line of defence against a fire.
We carry an array of extinguishers such as ABC Dry Chemical and Class D fire extinguishers that are suitable for use on different classes of fire.
Fire-Rated Doors
Fire-rated doors are specially made to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke. These doors are created using durable materials like gypsum, glass, and steel.
Fire Hose
Single jacket, double jacket and forestry fire hoses that are tough and durable.
Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants play a vital role in the firefighting process. They give firefighters access to a steady supply of water when putting out a fire.
Fire Suppression Systems
Fire suppression systems are used to extinguish or stop the spread of fire through the use of dry chemicals and wet agents.
Why Choose Fire Safety PH?
High-Quality Products
Here at Fire Safety, we carry a range of high-quality, effective fire safety equipment that are designed to offer you maximum protection against fires.
Commitment to Your Safety
We are dedicated to helping you understand the importance of fire safety. This helps you prevent and reduce the chances of a fire.