According to a report for the last 5 years (2017-2021) from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Bangkok, they found that the main causes of fire come from grass fires or garbage fires (average of 2,000 times a year) and from short circuit fires (average 600 times a year).
Other causes of fire are from:
Cigarette butts are not thrown into a correct disposal point.
An unattended candle from an altar.
The gas in the kitchen was not turned off properly.
Using fuel for an incorrect purpose.
To prevent fire, apart from creating more awareness regarding the above causes, a smoke detector is an essential device to help with safety in a home or property. These devices will automatically detect and warn you of the presence of smoke and can save your life or property in the event of a fire.
Key points about the installation of smoke detectors that are important:
Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Do not mount at the peak of a roof or next to a wall or corner.
Recommend installing at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement and the attic if you have one.
Make sure your smoke alarms work by testing the smoke alarm every month. Your family is not safe if they can’t hear the smoke alarms.
Change the batteries at least once a year.
Follow the manufacturer’s instruction to clean or vacuum at least once every six months in order to remove dust buildup and cobwebs.
Get new smoke alarms every 10 years.
What if a fire happens?
Are you prepared to put out a fire? A fire can rage out of control in a matter of two to three minutes. Being prepared can save your life and your property.
We recommend these key points:
Installing a fire extinguisher on every level of your home is the best way to stop the spread of incipient stage fire.
Make sure everyone in your house knows where the extinguishers are.
Keep them visible at all times with labels facing outward.
Check frequently that the extinguishers aren’t blocked and are easily accessible.
Consider keeping an inventory of your home’s fire extinguishers to note when they were last inspected or serviced.
Make sure they’re always in working order.
Most important “Be conscious” and don’t’ forget to call 199 for a fire emergency.
Fire is caused by the combination of three elements: fuel, heat and oxygen. To extinguish the fire, one of these components should be eliminated or reduce it to be insufficient to burn.
The severity of a fire is varying according to the nature of the fuel. Hence, the fire is classified according to combustible fuel so that we would be able to choose the most suitable fire extinguisher equipment in the event of fire.
Fire Classes
Class A (Ordinary Combustibles) These types of fires are caused by conventional fuels that are easily flammable such as wood, cloth, paper, garbage, and plastic which are fuels found in general residences. This type of fire can be extinguished with plain water.
Class B (Flammable Liquids) It is a fire caused by flammable liquid fuel. Its basic components are crude oil, oil gas, gasoline and flammable gases such as Butane or Propane. These fuels are found in industries related to fuel production, lubricant and paints. Class B fuels can burn for a long time when there is oxygen around them. To extinguish this type of fire, the surrounding oxygen must be removed.
Class C (Electrical Equipment) It is a fire that occurs on electrical equipment or devices that still has electricity flowing through them such as motors, electrical appliances, power converters etc. The device will generate a lot of heat. In case of any damage, it can lead to a category C fire. To extinguish this type of fire, the electrical system should be cut off before extinguishing the fire.
Class D (Combustible Metals) This type of fire is caused by flammable metal fuels such as Titanium, Magnesium, Aluminum and Potassium etc. This fuel is mostly found in the laboratory or industries related to the use of these metals. This type of fire can not be extinguished with plain water.
Class K (Combustible Cooking) This type of fire starts in the kitchen, cooking oil, animal fat and liquids used for cooking which is found in households and restaurants.
Types of fire extinguishers
1.Dry Chemical Extinguishers This type of fire extinguisher contains dry chemical powder and compressed nitrogen gas that can effectively suppress the chemical reactions of the fire. Once using a fire extinguisher, chemical dust will block the combustion of oxygen and fuel. It is suitable for many types of fire fighting either Class A, B and C (Multipurpose) or B and C fires, depending on the dry chemical contained in the fire extinguisher.
2.Halotron Extinguishers Liquid chemical fire extinguishing agents are vey cold. Once sprayed, liquid become vapors. It removes heat and prevents the combustion of oxygen and is non-conductive without leaving residue after quenching. This fire extinguisher is suited for type A, B, or C fires depending on the size of fire extinguisher.
3.Foam Extinguishers This fire extinguisher contains foam. Once sprayed, it will become a diffuse foam that covers the burning fuel, depriving the fire of oxygen and reducing heat. It is also covering the surface of liquids such as oil very well.
4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers This type of fire extinguisher contains carbon dioxide gas. Once sprayed, it becomes a very cold vapor (like a vapor of dry ice) over the area where the fire occurred. It quickly reduces the heat and extinguishes the fire, leaving no stains. This can be used to extinguish both types of B and C fires. It is suitable for factories with large production lines, canteens and electronic equipment storage.
5. Water Extinguishers It is suitable for extinguishing class A fires. It reduces the heating temperature of solid fuels such as wood, paper, plastic or fabric. It will contain normal water and gas. The fire fighting is suitable for residential buildings, boats etc.
6. Wet Chemical Class K This type of fire extinguisher contains Potassium Acetate which is used to extinguish Class K fires that are caused by kitchen oil, animal fat or cooking liquids. It is suitable for use in kitchens and restaurants.
In selecting a fire extinguisher for a building and/or business, the types of fuel in addition to the capability to put out the fire should be taken into consideration. Moreover, sizes are important as it needs to be relevant to the coverage area so that it can be used immediately in case of fire.
Sources:
Contact us:
3 Spirit Co., Ltd.
14/16 Moo.5, Chao Fha West Road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket Thailand 83000
TEL. 076 390 794
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