Spray Can Fire Extinguishers, Fire Blankets & More To Buy To Keep Your Home Safe — And How To Shop For Them
If the recent spate of home fires in Singapore has got you thinking about fire safety at home, you’re not the only one.
From the neighbour who helped put out a fire in a condo unit in Punggol, to the fatal fire in Jalan Bukit Merah that killed two, August saw numerous reports of fires in residential homes, including Jalan Besar, Balestier, Toa Payoh, and Bukit Purmei. Earlier this month, a 58-year-old man was arrested for allegedly causing a fire in a Chai Chee Avenue flat.
Some fires had electrical origins, such as the overloading of electrical outlets with multiple electrical appliances, while others stemmed from battery and electrical faults related to personal mobility devices (PMDs).
Having the fire insurance mandated by HDB isn’t enough. Is it time to consider having a fire extinguisher at home? Before you add to cart, you need to know which ones are suitable for the home. Herewith, the best tips for choosing and buying fire extinguishers for the home.
What are the different fire classifications, and which fire extinguishers are suitable?
Fire classification is essential as it delineates what type of fires that a particular fire extinguisher has been approved to combat. For example, a Class A-rated fire extinguisher can extinguish Class A fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood and paper.
For any fire that involves flammable gas or an electrical appliance, the source of the gas or electricity must be shut off first before fighting the fire. This is to prevent any reignition.
Here is how they are classified according to Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF):
Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, etc
Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids, solvents, oils, paints, thinner, and liquefiable solids
Class C: Fires involving flammable gases
Class D: Fires involving combustible metals
Class F: Fires involving cooking media in cooking appliances
Fires involving Electrical Equipment: There is no recognised classification for this additional type of fire. Electricity in itself does not burn, but can cause fire in Classes A, B, C, D, and F
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What types of portable fire extinguishers are there for the home?
For home fires, you’ll want to pick fire extinguishers that target Class A, B, C, F, and electrical equipment-related fires. These are the few that you can conveniently purchase online.
Fire Terminator Fire Extinguisher and Retardant ($35)
To be used for: Class A to F fires and those caused by lithium-ion batteries
Marketed with a 10-year shelf life, the Fire Terminator Fire Extinguisher and Retardant is morec compact than usual fire extinguishers — it weighs only 700g and doesn’t take up much space in the home or car. It employs a spray can mechanism with a two to seven-metre range to dispense its plant-derived extinguishing agent. Besides putting out a fire, you can also use it to create a fireproof coating. Buy here
To be used for: Class A and B fires
As the name implies, a fire blanket is to be laid over the fire by starving it of its oxygen source. The Hercules Fire Blanket is made with synthetic fibreglass and can last a lifetime. That said, it is meant also to be a single-use item and needs to be replaced after use. Buy now
To be used for: Class A, B, F, and electric or gas fire
Shaped like a giant bottle of hairspray, the compact Hercules Foam Fire Extinguisher XS is meant to be used in a similar fashion. Shake before use, hold it upright and withdraw the safety pin, then aim the jet at the base of the flames and squeeze the lever to dispense the firefighting foam. Buy here
To be used for: Class A, B, and electric fires
Available in multiple sizes - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9kg iterations - the Hercules Powder Fire Extinguisher uses dry chemical powder with nitrogen gas propellant to put out the fire. The extinguisher can be used up to three metres away from the fire. It has a five-year lifespan and comes with a wall bracket for ease of installation. Buy here
How to select a portable fire extinguisher
The SCDF shares four criteria to look out for when shopping for a portable fire extinguisher. They are:
1) Serial labels, issued by the Certification Body (recognised by SCDF), are affixed to the extinguisher body;
2) The extinguisher is full by weighing or hefting it
3) There is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle
4) The pressure gauge reading or indicator is in the operative range.
How to store a portable fire extinguisher?
In accordance with the Singapore Standards, portable fire extinguishers are made to last for at least five years. But the lifespan can vary depending on how the fire extinguishers are stored. As such, you want to keep them indoors, away from the curious prying hands of children and fluctuations of weather, temperature, and humidity.
How to use a fire extinguisher?
Remember the PASS technique: pull the safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the lever, and sweep from side to side.
For residential fire prevention tips, check out this resource page by the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council (NFEC).
Inspection, servicing, maintenance, and disposal of portable fire extinguishers
The SCDF recommends owners or occupants to inspect the extinguishers at least once a month. You should check if:
1) The extinguisher is not obstructed or hidden
2) The operating instructions on the extinguisher label are legible and facing outward
3) The extinguisher is full by weighing or hefting it
4) There is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle
5) The pressure gauge reading or indicator is in the operative range
For servicing and maintenance, it can only be conducted by qualified and trained persons in the proper workshops of a certified servicing company. Because a new fire extinguisher is not that expensive, you may purchase a new one instead. Otherwise, refer to this website for a list of companies registered for the servicing, maintenance, and disposal of portable fire extinguishers.
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. Prices are correct at the time of publishing.
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