How To Use Foam Extinguishers - A Guide

When managing a commercial or business property, ensuring comprehensive fire safety measures are in place is essential. Fire hazards pose a significant risk to employees, customers, and valuable assets, making it crucial to have the appropriate fire suppression equipment readily available. One of the most widely used fire extinguishers across the is the foam extinguisher, valued for its effectiveness in tackling certain types of fires.

But why is a foam extinguisher particularly beneficial for commercial properties, and how can it be used effectively to protect your business from the threat of fire? This guide will provide all the information you need to ensure your fire safety measures are up to standard.
  

How Foam Extinguishers Work

A foam fire extinguisher operates using a two-fold approach to suppress fires effectively:

• Cooling the fire: The extinguisher contains a water-based foam that reduces the fire’s heat - one of the three essential elements required for combustion.
• Preventing reignition: The foam creates a smothering layer over the flames, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the fire from reigniting.

This dual-action suppression method makes foam extinguishers particularly effective in environments where both solid combustibles and flammable liquids are present, such as warehouses, retail premises, and office buildings.
  

Identifying a Foam Extinguisher

All fire extinguishers in the UK are colour-coded to make identification easier in an emergency. A foam extinguisher features a cream label with the word ‘FOAM’ written clearly in bold text.

In many commercial properties, foam extinguishers are commonly positioned alongside CO2 extinguishers, particularly in office environments where electronic equipment is present. This combination provides coverage for multiple fire risks, ensuring a safer workspace.
  

What Types of Fires Can a Foam Extinguisher Be Used For?

A foam extinguisher is suitable for use on the following fire classes:

• Class A Fires: Involving combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and textiles, commonly found in office buildings, retail stores, and industrial sites.
• Class B Fires: Fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, solvents, and paints, which are risks in warehouses, automotive workshops, and manufacturing plants.

It’s important to note that foam extinguishers are not recommended for use on electrical fires unless they have been specifically tested for conductivity safety. Additionally, foam extinguishers should not be used on Class C (flammable gas) or Class F (cooking oil and fat) fires.
  

How to Use a Foam Extinguisher in a Fire Emergency

Using a foam extinguisher correctly can prevent a small fire from escalating into a significant emergency. Follow these steps to ensure effective fire suppression:

1. Assess the Situation: Ensure that the fire is suitable for a foam extinguisher (Class A or Class B) and that an evacuation route remains accessible.
    
2. Pull the Safety Pin: This action unlocks the extinguisher and prepares it for discharge.
    
3. Stand at a Safe Distance: Position yourself approximately 2 to 3 metres away from the fire.
    
4. Aim the Nozzle Correctly:
   For Class A fires, direct the nozzle at the base of the flames, sweeping side to side to cover all burning material.
   For Class B fires, aim at a solid surface near the fire rather than directly at the liquid, allowing the foam to spread and create a suppression layer.
     
5. Squeeze the Lever and Discharge the Foam: Continue applying foam until the fire is completely extinguished.
     
6. Monitor for Reignition: Even after the flames have died down, keep an eye on the area to ensure the fire does not restart. If available, using a fire blanket over the affected zone can provide additional protection.

After using the foam extinguisher, ensure that the area is properly cleaned, as the foam residue may leave behind moisture. A thorough wipe-down with absorbent materials followed by a rinse with water is usually sufficient.

Why Foam Extinguishers Are Ideal for Commercial and Business Premises

Commercial and business properties must adhere to strict fire safety regulations, and having the correct type of extinguisher is an integral part of fire risk management. Foam extinguishers are particularly advantageous in sectors where both solid combustibles and liquid fires are potential hazards, including:

• Retail Stores and Shopping Centres: Stockrooms often contain large amounts of packaging materials that pose a fire risk.
• Warehouses and Logistics Centres: Storage facilities housing flammable liquids benefit from the dual-class fire suppression capabilities of foam extinguishers.
• Offices and Corporate Buildings: While CO2 extinguishers cover electrical fire risks, foam extinguishers provide protection against paper-based and furniture fires.
• Manufacturing and Industrial Sites: Factories using chemicals and flammable liquids need reliable suppression methods to mitigate fire hazards.
   

Fire Extinguisher Solutions

When it comes to protecting your building from a fire, your fire extinguishers are one of the main components that can minimise the impact before emergency services arrive. Johnson Controls offer a comprehensive range of extinguishers to cover different types of fire situations.

Learn more by clicking here.
  

Ensure Your Business is Fire-Safe with Johnson Controls

Understanding how and when to use a foam extinguisher is crucial in safeguarding your business property, employees, and customers. Proper fire safety training for staff and maintaining an adequate number of extinguishers throughout the premises are vital steps toward compliance with fire safety regulations.

At Johnson Controls, we specialise in providing high-quality fire suppression solutions to commercial properties across the UK. Our range of foam extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment are designed to meet industry standards, ensuring your business remains protected.

If you have questions about foam extinguishers or want tailored advice on the most suitable fire safety solutions for your commercial property, get in touch with our experts today.