What Do The Fire Extinguisher Symbols Mean?

Jan 14, 2025 | Fire Safety Tips

Are you looking for fire alarm companies in Philadelphia? Fire extinguisher symbols are an essential part of fire safety. They indicate what type of fire the extinguisher is to be used on. They assist users in making quick decisions in the event of a fire.

Classifications Of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are classified based on the classes of fires they can extinguish:

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

  • Symbol: Green triangle with “A”
  • For fires involving wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics, and some rubber

Class B: Flammable Liquids and Gases

  • Symbol: Red square with “B”
  • For fires involving gasoline, oil, greases, tars, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases

Class C: Electrical Equipment

  • Symbol: Blue circle with “C”
  • For fires involving energized electrical equipment

Class D: Combustible Metals

  • Symbol: Yellow star with “D”
  • For fires involving magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium

Class K: Kitchen Fires

  • Symbol: Black hexagon with “K”
  • For fires involving cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens

Pictograms

Extinguishers are labeled with pictograms for quick identification:

  • Flaming trash can (Class A)
  • Burning gasoline can (Class B)
  • Lightning bolt through outlet (Class C)
  • Burning metal (Class D)
  • Fire under a pan (Class K)
  • Numerical Ratings: Numbers before “A” or “B” indicate the extinguishing capacity. Higher ratings mean greater effectiveness. For example, a 4-A extinguisher is twice as effective as a 2-A.
  • Multi-Class Extinguishers: Labeled with combinations like AB, BC, or ABC, these extinguishers can handle multiple fire types.

Using Fire Extinguishers

Remember the PASS method:

  • Pull the pin
  • Aim low at the fire’s base
  • Squeeze the handle
  • Sweep side to side

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Maintenance and safety are important for commercial fire alarms in Berks County

Conduct regular visual checks and inspect pressure gauges

  • Schedule annual professional inspections
  • Develop a fire escape plan
  • Practice using your extinguisher
  • Prioritize escape over confronting a fire if unprepared

Fire extinguisher symbols are vital parts of understanding fire safety. Knowledge here empowers you to make proper decisions in emergency cases and save lives and properties. Contact us today for more information. 

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