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01/05/2024 • by Lynsey B
Fire safety is a crucial element in creating a safe environment. Furthermore, choosing environmentally friendly options can make a significant difference. Quite often, eco-friendly fire safety practices are overlooked. That is where water fire extinguishers and EnviroFoam fire extinguishers come into play. Not only are they effective in combating common Class A fires, but they are also an eco-conscious choice. These non-toxic fire extinguishers are a smart choice for both home and workplace safety.
In this guide, we will delve into why eco-friendly fire extinguishers are the way forward. Read on to understand their benefits and why you should consider integrating them into your fire safety strategy.
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Choosing environmentally friendly fire extinguishers offers numerous benefits beyond just fire suppression. The most eco-friendly fire extinguishers utilise water or fluorine-free foam extinguishants.
Traditional fire extinguishers often contain chemicals like halon and PFAS. These are extremely harmful to the environment and linked to several health concerns. Water or EnviroFoam fire extinguishers, on the other hand, are fluorine-free. This means they do not contribute to the damaging physical effects of PFAS on humans and animals. PFAS have been found to exist in rainwater, plants, lakes, oceans, the air and even breast milk. These forever chemicals are causing irreversible effects on the world we live in.
This is crucial for maintaining the health of ecosystems and safeguarding human health. By opting for fluorine-free extinguishers, you are making a conscious choice to protect the planet.
As mentioned above, PFAS chemical extinguishers can contaminate soil, water sources and air quality. This poses risks to wildlife and ecosystems when they are deployed. Water or foam based extinguishers, with their non-toxic composition, help minimise environmental contamination in the event of deployment. Therefore, this reduces the ecological footprint associated with fire suppression activities.
Water is one of the most abundant natural resources on Earth. Therefore, this makes it a sustainable choice for fire suppression when tackling Class A fires. Water fire extinguishers use a substance that is readily available and renewable. By harnessing this renewable power to combat fires, you are adopting an eco-friendly approach to fire safety.
PFAS or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic chemicals characterised by their wide-ranging physical and chemical properties. These substances can exist in various forms, including gases, liquids or solid high-molecular-weight polymers.
Due to their unique and desirable attributes, these chemicals are used in many industries, including firefighting. They have exceptional stability even under intense heat. However, the widespread use of PFAS has raised concerns as they have been increasingly detected as environmental pollutants.
Due to growing concerns over their adverse environmental and health impacts, PFAS have been banned and are now being phased out. When used, these chemicals can leach into soil and water sources. In turn, this poses significant risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Furthermore, it has been found that when improperly disposed of, PFAS can contaminate drinking water supplies. This water is then consumed by not only animals but also humans, endangering human health.
These harmful chemicals can be found in various products used in fire safety. As regulations tighten around the use of PFAS, certain fire extinguishers containing these substances may be affected. The transition away from PFAS containing products highlights the importance of exploring alternatives. For example, investing in environmentally friendly fire suppression methods such as water fire extinguishers or fluorine-free foam fire extinguishers.
Water fire extinguishers are a reliable and widely used solution for combatting Class A fires.
This means they are effective in cooling down fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles. A water fire extinguisher will swiftly cool down the fire, thereby depriving it of the heat necessary to continue burning. This cooling effect occurs as the water in the extinguisher absorbs the heat energy from the fire. Therefore, lowering its temperature to a level where it cannot sustain combustion any longer.
A water fire extinguisher offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for fire suppression.
Water fire extinguishers boast several strengths that make them a preferred choice for combating Class A fires. Their simplicity stands out as a key advantage. Unlike some other extinguisher types, they do not rely on complex chemical reactions or specialised agents to function effectively. This simplicity also contributes to their overall reliability, making them a dependable choice in high-pressure emergency situations.
When using a water-based extinguisher, you do not introduce any harmful chemicals or gases into the environment. Water extinguishers are both environmentally friendly and suitable for use in a wide range of settings/industries. For example, residential, commercial and industrial premises. Water fire extinguishers are fluorine-free and non-toxic. They do not contribute to ozone depletion or global warming and pose minimal risks to human health, animal health and the environment.
Investing in water fire extinguishers is a cost-effective solution for fire safety. Compared to other extinguishing agents, they are inexpensive to purchase and maintain. Additionally, their refillable nature means you can have them replenished when needed. In turn, this reduces the need for frequent replacements. See more about our water fire extinguisher servicing
Refilling a water fire extinguisher is generally a straightforward process. This can be done by trained professionals, such as Fire Protection Shop. We offer refilling services, ensuring your extinguishers are always ready for use. This convenience not only saves time but also promotes sustainability by extending the lifespan of your equipment.
As previously mentioned, a water fire extinguisher is safe to use on Class A fires.
Consequently, adding water fire extinguishers to your fire safety plan is important. Class A fires are among the most common types of fires encountered in homes, offices and public spaces. Therefore, this makes them a reliable first line of defence against solid combustibles.
For a reliable water fire extinguisher, consider the FireShield Water Fire Extinguisher. This product is designed to effectively tackle Class A fires. With a robust construction and user-friendly design, the FireShield water fire extinguisher offers peace of mind when tackling Class A fires.
An EnvrioFoam fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher that contains a solution of water mixed with foam concentrate. When activated, the extinguisher releases this foam solution through a nozzle or hose onto the fire. The foam works by smothering the flames, preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel source and suppressing the fire. We commonly use these EnviroFoam fire extinguishers in settings such as commercial office buildings, industrial facilities and warehouses.
Identified by their cream-coloured label or band, foam fire extinguishers offer several benefits. These benefits make them a valuable addition to fire safety strategies.
EnviroFoam extinguishers are effective against both Class A and Class B fires. This translates to solid combustible materials fires and flammable liquids. Using these extinguishers, we can combat fire hazards which could occur in most environments.
Solid combustible materials include wood, paper and textiles.
Flammable liquids could include petrol, oil and solvents.
The EnviroFoam fire extinguisher combats flammable liquids by creating a foam blanket across the surface of the liquid to effectively seal off vapours. This helps to further prevent reignition.
EnviroFoam fire extinguishers are non-toxic to the environment. These extinguishers do not leave behind harmful residues or gases, making them suitable for use in areas where there are people or animals present. This includes offices, farms, camping sites, schools and hospitals.
The EnviroFoam products are designed to be user-friendly, with simple operating instructions and ergonomic handles for easy grip and control. This ensures that they can be quickly and effectively deployed in the event of a fire emergency.
When discharged, foam fire extinguishers release a blanket of foam that covers the burning material. This smothering action is the crucial element that helps foam fire extinguishers work so effectively. This foam acts as a barrier, which therefore cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire. Since oxygen is essential for combustion, depriving the fire of this element rapidly reduces it.
Additionally, the foam creates a thick layer that seals off the surface of the fuel source. This prevents the release of flammable vapours and further combustion. By smothering the fire in this manner, foam extinguishers not only extinguish flames promptly but also significantly reduce the likelihood of reignition. This smothering action is particularly effective for fires involving flammable liquids, where preventing vapour release is essential for preventing flare ups and controlling the spread of the fire.
Foam extinguishers also have a cooling effect on the fire. When discharged onto a fire, the foam rapidly absorbs heat from the burning material. Therefore, significantly lowering its temperature. This rapid cooling action helps to counteract the intense heat generated by the fire.
In fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol and oil the cooling effect is particularly crucial. These liquids can generate flammable vapours that may reignite if not adequately cooled. Additionally, the cooling effect helps to prevent the spread of the fire to adjacent materials or surfaces.
For those seeking environmentally friendly fire extinguisher options, the CommanderEDGE EnviroFoam Fire Extinguisher is the preferred choice. This fire extinguisher stands out for its fluorine-free formulation. By choosing this fire extinguisher businesses will be helping the environment by eliminating harmful chemicals that can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. The EnviroFoam Fire Extinguisher offers peace of mind not only in terms of fire suppression but also in promoting sustainability.
It is important to note that currently, you do not need to replace your existing fire extinguishers. However, we expect new legislation to be on its way.
In accordance with British Standards, fire extinguishers, excluding carbon dioxide units, are subject to an extended service every fifth-year anniversary. This comprehensive maintenance procedure includes foam, wet chemical, water and powder extinguishers. Each extinguisher undergoes rigorous testing to verify proper discharge capabilities and undergoes a thorough internal inspection.
Once this has occurred, replacement sealing parts are installed as needed, and if deemed compliant, the extinguisher is refilled with a new medium. By adhering to these standards, extinguishers can be safely returned to service. Therefore, eliminating the need for unnecessary replacements and ensuring cost-effective fire safety measures. With the expertise of Fire Protection Shop fire extinguisher servicing, you can trust that your extinguishers will remain in optimal condition, ready to effectively combat fires when required.
In conclusion, the need for transitioning to environmentally friendly fire extinguishers, such as water and EnviroFoam options, cannot be overstated. There are dire consequences of continuing to use PFAS-containing extinguishers for both the environment and human health.
PFAS chemicals pose significant risks to ecosystems, contaminating soil, water sources and our diets. As awareness of these risks grows, so does the urgency to minimise our reliance on such harmful substances.
As regulatory frameworks evolve to restrict the use of PFAS, investing in eco-friendly fire suppression methods becomes not just a choice but a responsibility. By embracing water and EnviroFoam fire extinguishers, individuals and businesses alike can contribute to safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable fire safety practices. Lastly, through regular servicing and adherence to standards, existing fire extinguishers can be maintained effectively, prolonging their lifespan and reducing the need for replacements.