User Manual

40
Siemens Switzerland Ltd
Building Technologies Division
Extinguisher
Type
Class of Fire
A B C D F
Solids Liquids Gases Metal
Cooking
oils
Water Yes No No No No
Foam Yes Yes No No No
ABC Powder Yes Yes Yes No No
Dry powder
(Metal Fires)
No No No Yes No
CO2 No Yes No No No
Wet chemical No No No No Yes
Figure 18 Fire extinguisher applications
5.4.2. Fire hose reels
Fire hose reels are often overlooked or discarded as a possible option in favor of portable fire extinguishers. When
fitted with a mist nozzle they can generate a wide spray with a dense mist. These provide a very effective
extinguishing tool and are much simpler to use by untrained persons than portable fire extinguishers.
They are particularly suitable in the less vulnerable parts of historical buildings and museums.
5.4.3. Fire buckets
Even the simple fire buckets filled with fine sand may still have their place in certain situations. Although largely
superseded by more modern technology, they still retain some distinct advantages in suppressing small incipient
fires due to their ease of use by untrained persons. The extinguishing effect relies on the smothering of an
incipient fire, effectively starving the fire of oxygen.
The sand must be dry (and free of any flammable materials) and is not suitable for burning metals. However, in
small historical buildings the fire bucket may still be a useful aid.