Types of Fire Extinguishers in a Clinical Facility

A clinical facility, such as a hospital or medical research laboratory, may use all five classes or types of fire extinguishers. A limited facility with no lab on site might only use a combination class or ABC fire extinguisher, while a large research hospital might use each type in different places.

Class A Extinguishers

• The most common extinguisher, Class A, extinguishes fires involving everyday combustible items including wood, paper, cardboard and many plastics. A numerical rating on the canister indicates how much water it holds and the extinguishing time. It is appropriate for all clinical facilities.

Class B Extinguishers

• Use Class B extinguishers on fires involving combustible or flammable liquids including solvents, gasoline, kerosene, some paints, lacquers, grease and oil. The numerical rating on the canister indicates the area in square feet it can extinguish. This type of extinguisher may be found in the maintenance or janitorial departments.

Class C Extinguishers

• Use Class C extinguishers on fires involving electrical equipment, including wiring, circuit breakers, appliances and wall outlets. These extinguishers use dry chemicals rather than water due to the risk of electrical shock; they carry no numerical rating. These extinguishers may be found in any area of the clinical environment with electrical equipment.

Class D Extinguishers

• Use a Class D extinguisher to put out fires involving combustible metals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and titanium. These extinguishers carry no numerical rating. This type of extinguisher is usually found in a chemical laboratory, so in a clinical environment, it might be found in a research hospital.

Class K Extinguishers

• Use Class K extinguishers on kitchen fires, including those involving grease, such as with a deep-fat fryer. In a clinical environment, you would use these extinguishers in the cafeteria kitchen.