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Fire extinguishers: are they mandatory or recommended?

Fire extinguishers are designed to combat uncontrolled fires. Any type of fire that gets out of control is dangerous and must be extinguished, preferably with the use of a fire extinguisher. The need for a fire extinguisher can vary, from recommended for homes and cars to mandatory for commercial establishments. Regardless of the legal requirement, it is always wise to have one, as fire is extremely destructive and can be fatal if left unchecked.

Fire is one of mankind’s oldest enemies, and controlling a blaze can be very difficult. However, it is possible to fight it. The duration of the fire will determine the extent of the damage, so it is crucial to have a good fire-fighting system. Fire extinguishers play a vital role in fighting fires, helping to save lives and property.

Should I have a fire extinguisher at home or in my business?

• At Home: For a home, it is highly recommended to have a fire extinguisher. Spray-type extinguishers, such as Extpray, are easy to handle and ideal for home use.

• In Businesses: For a business, it is mandatory to have fire extinguishers. All commercial establishments must include a safety plan that includes fire extinguishers, with a minimum of one 6 kg dry powder extinguisher and one 2 kg CO2 extinguisher for the electrical panel.

Regulations

In companies, it is mandatory to comply with Decree-Law No. 220/2008 of November 12, which establishes the Legal Framework for Fire Safety in Buildings. The maintenance of fire extinguishers must follow Portuguese regulation NP4413.

Placement and location of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be placed so that the maximum distance between them does not exceed 15 meters. For example, for a room of 100m², it is common to have two 6 kg powder or 6 kg foam extinguishers, in addition to a 2 kg CO2 extinguisher for the electrical panel.

Should I take a course to use fire extinguishers?

It is not mandatory to take a course to use fire extinguishers, although it may be required by companies as part of Occupational Risk Protection. There are courses available for those interested in learning more about firefighting.

Fire prevention

Prevention is always the best strategy. It is essential to have the best tools and knowledge to put out a fire, whether at home or at work. This can save lives and protect your property.

Find the ideal fire extinguisher for your space and learn how to use it safely

Fire extinguishers are active fire protection equipment that are essential to prevent small fires from becoming major disasters. Although they are not intended to fight large fires, they are effective in preventing an initial fire from spreading.

History of Fire Extinguishers

The first records of fire extinguishers date back to 1723. Since then, they have evolved to become essential in fire protection, providing a first line of defense in emergency situations.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications

The choice of the appropriate extinguisher should be based on the specific risk of the location and the type of combustible material present. Each class of fire requires a specific type of extinguisher:

CLASS A

Suitable for fires involving solid materials of an organic nature, such as wood, paper, coal or textiles. The recommended extinguishers are:

• Water-based fire extinguishers
• Foam extinguishers
• ABC Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
• Hydrofluorocarbon fire extinguishers

CLASS B

For fires involving combustible liquids, use:

• Foam extinguishers
• Water extinguishers with additive
• Dry chemical powder fire extinguishers BC or ABC
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers
• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) fire extinguishers

CLASS C

Fires involving combustible gases require:

• Dry chemical powder fire extinguishers type BC or ABC
• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) fire extinguishers

CLASS D

Fires involving light metals such as sodium, potassium, aluminum, magnesium or lithium require:

• Dry chemical fire extinguishers D (check compatibility with specific metal)

CLASS F

For fires involving cooking oils and fats, suitable extinguishers are:

• Fire extinguishers with a wet chemical agent (a solution of water and potassium acetate, which transforms oils and fats into a soapy substance)

Safety in Using Fire Extinguishers

Remember that fire extinguishers have a limited charge and can run out in seconds. Therefore, it is essential to know how to use them correctly. If in doubt, it is recommended that you take specific training courses on the use of fire extinguishers.

Prevention and Safety

Prevention is always the best defense against fires. Equipping your space with the proper fire extinguishers and ensuring everyone knows how to use them is essential for everyone’s safety. Don’t wait for an emergency to prepare – invest in protecting your space today.

For more information and to purchase the ideal extinguisher for your space, visit ExtintoresOnline.pt and contact our ANEPC certified team .

NP 4413 is an essential standard for ensuring fire safety in Portugal. It establishes the requirements for the maintenance of fire extinguishers, ensuring that this equipment is always in perfect working order.

Complying with NP 4413 is crucial to:

• Ensure Efficiency: Well-maintained extinguishers are more effective in preventing and fighting fires.
• Comply with the Law: Companies that follow the law avoid fines and legal sanctions.
• Protecting Lives and Property: Properly maintaining fire extinguishers can save lives and minimize property damage in the event of a fire.

In short, NP 4413 is vital for everyone’s safety and protection.

Fire Safety in Buildings (FSB) is a set of measures and standards designed to ensure the protection of people and property against fires in buildings. In Portugal, FSB is governed by Decree-Law No. 220/2008, which establishes the technical and organizational requirements necessary to prevent and combat fires.

SCIE covers:

• Prevention: Implementation of measures that reduce the risk of fires occurring.
• Passive Protection: Use of materials and construction techniques that slow the spread of fire.
• Active Protection: Installation of fire detection, alarm and fighting systems, such as extinguishers and sprinklers.
• Training and Simulation: Regular training of occupants and carrying out evacuation exercises.

Following SCIE standards is essential to ensure the safety of everyone who uses a building, ensuring that, in the event of a fire, appropriate measures are in place to minimize risks and damage.