Analytical Chemistry Trinidad & 

Tobago Lab Resources


Class of Laboratory Fires and Fire Extinguishers

Different types of fires and the extinguishers approved to fight them.
Rating, classification, and uses of fire extinguishers.


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Fires in the chemistry Laboratory


Most common are bench top fires due to gas and chemical accidents.
Stockpiling solvents in the lab
Heat, leakage or breakage may cause flash fires that may result in violent explosions and cause damage to property or loss of life. Although these fires may be caused by procedural errors or carelessness, precautionary measures must be put in place
Note that a Fire extinguisher can only give 10 to 30 seconds of spray time and 5 to 10 feet space.

Fire Plan– Establish and execute a Fire Plan.

Emergency Plan – Fire Safety Training
Emergency First Aid – Shower, First Aid Room
Emergency Response – Fire Alarm, Phone Call
Emergency Space – Evacuate - Strategic outside
Extinguisher - Learn about Fires and Extinguishers

Classification of Fires


Fires are classified according to the materials they burn. They are coded with the capital letter of the alphabet A, B, C, D, F, etc.. with the word 'Class' placed in front of each letter. Example – Class A fires, Class B fires, Class C fires etc..

Class A Fires – Fires involving combustibles such as : wood, paper, boxes, plastic, packing material etc..
Class B Fires – Ignition of flammable liquids such as : solvents, kerosene, gas, grease etc..
Class C Fires – Fires arising from electrical equipment such as : AC outlets, wiring, appliances, flammable gases etc..
Class D Fires – Combustible metal fires such as : Mg, K, Na, Al, Titanium, Lithium (includes powders and swarfs).
Class E Fires – Electrical fires : Fires involving electrical apparatus.
Class F Fires – Fires involving coking oils and Fats : burning hot oil, cooking oil, lard.
Class K Fires – Fires in cooking utensils and appliances caused by oils and fats.

Note



Classification of Fire Extinguishers



Fire extinguishers are classified according to 'class' of fires they are made to put out. An ABC extinguisher can be used to put out a Class A, Class B, or Class C fire.
An AB extinguisher is used to out a Class A or Class B fire.
And a D extinguisher can be used to extinguish a Class D fire only.

Fire Extinguisher colors


There is no official standard for color in the US classification. Red is the preferable color except
Class D – yellow
Water – silver
Water mist – white

Fire Extinguisher Ratings


The Numerical Rating of Fire extinguishers is a measure of the Fire Power of the extinguisher.
For example, a class ABC rating is given as 5-A :10-B:C
The No. in front A gives the number of gallons of water the extinguisher is equivalent to.
One (1) unit is equal to 1.25 gallons of water. Hence, 5A = 5 × 1.25 which is equal to 6.25 gallons of water.
The No. in front B gives the number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. In the example, this will be 10 sq. ft.
The No. in front C. There is no number in front of C, which means that the extinguisher does not have a rating and the extinguishing agent is non conductive.
Class D extinguishers have no numerical rating and is non conductive.

Summary of Fires and Fire extinguishers


Extinguisher type Type of Fire Examples of Fire type Commentary
Water Class A only Ordinary materials, paper, wood, boxes, plastics, packings etc... Not recommended for lab or electrical fires; leaves area water-logged
Water mist Class A
Where possible class C hazard exists.
Hospital environments, books, clean-rooms, MRI and NMR rooms Misting nozzle provide safety from electrical shock and reduce scattering of burning material
Dry chemical (powder)
• BC - Na or K carbonate
• ABC - ammonium phosphate
Class A
Class B
Class C
Ordinary materials
Combustible liquids, solvents and gases.
Electrical fires, appliances
Overlaying powder reduces re-ignition
Leaves sticky or corrosive residue that can damage electrical equipment
Isolate gas supply first for gas fires
Disconnect power for electrical fires
Dry metal powder
• Copper agent
• NaCl agent
Class D only Combustible metal fires :
(Cu) Metal and lithium alloys
(Nacl) Mg, Na, K, Uranium and Al
(Cu) Powder adhere to vertical surfaces
(NaCl) Cakes over surface, excludes air, dissipates heat
Carbon dioxide
CO2
Class A
Class B
Class C
Every day combustible materials
Flammable solvents and electrically charged equipment and appliances
Flammable gases
Leaves no harmful residue, but may re-ignite with class A fires
Disable gas and electricity supply if necessary
Caution! Reacts with class D fires
Foam
(Film forming)
Class A
Class B
Combustible solids
Flammable liquids
Not recommended but safer than water if inadvertantly used on electrical fires
Wet chemical
(Sprayer)
Class A
Class F
Class K
Wood, paper, fabrics etc..
Fats, Lard, vegetable oils
Animal oil, cooking oil, butter
Flash prevention spray
Soapy foam prevents re-ignition


Emergency numbers :

• Fire Department Emergency – Dial 990 (T&T Fire Services)
• UWI Fire Safety – 662 4707


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Signature: Dhanlal De Lloyd, Chem. Dept, The University of The West Indies, St. Augustine campus
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
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