ABSTRACT
Portable fire extinguishers are provided in buildings as a “first aid” measure in the event that fire breaks out (figure 6.1). They are designed for use by building occupants; however, portable fire extinguishers may also be used by the fire department. Before the type of fire extinguisher is chosen for a building or portion of a building, it is important to know what types of fuels or hazards are present. Fire extinguishers should be chosen based upon the fuel or fuels present in various portions of the facility. Buildings are often classified as to the types or levels of hazards in terms of fuel load. Light or low hazards exist when there are limited combustible materials in the building. These conditions are usually present in offices, churches, schoolrooms, assembly halls, and other similar occupancies. Ordinary or moderate hazards exist when the combustibles present are significant but consist of materials of ordinary burning characteristics or small quantities of combustible that would facilitate rapid fire growth. Ordinary types of occupancy would likely include mercantile storage and display areas, auto showrooms, and parking garages. Extra or high hazards exist where there are substantial quantities of combustibles that could support rapid fire growth and result in a large fire. Such occupancies might include woodworking areas, aircraft servicing areas, and warehouses with high stacks of combustibles. Types of fires and fuels will be discussed in greater detail later in this chapter.
