Fire Extinguisher
Fire Extinguisher - Related Videos
01:12
Design Example: Flow Through a Fire Extinguisher
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2025
A fire extinguisher that uses pressurized water relies on fluid dynamics principles to generate a high-velocity stream capable of suppressing flames. The water is stored at a much higher pressure inside the extinguisher than the surrounding atmosphere. This pressure difference forces the water to flow rapidly when the extinguisher is activated, and the behavior of the water as it exits the nozzle can be understood using fundamental equations of fluid dynamics. The key to understanding how the...
10:29
Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames
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Cited by 14 •
2016
We describe the use of micro-thermocouples to estimate local temperature gradients in steady laminar boundary layer diffusion flames. By extension of the Reynolds Analogy, local temperature gradients can be further used to estimate the local mass burning rates and heat fluxes in such flames with high accuracy.
05:28
Guidelines in Case of a Laboratory Emergency
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2023
Robert M. Rioux & Zhifeng Chen, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA The most common laboratory emergencies include chemical spills, fire or explosion, electric shock, and personnel injuries. Most laboratory accidents occur due to poor planning or lack of attention. Therefore, it's always better to prevent accidents (being proactive) than having to take any actions during an emergency (being reactive). For example, always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) in the...
04:53
Electrical Safety
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2023
Robert M. Rioux & Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Among the many hazards present in the laboratory, electrical hazards are one of the most common we must be cognizant of since most of the laboratory equipment we use requires electricity for operation. Improper handling or operation of electrical devices might lead to electric shock with the potential risk of injury or even death. Electric sparks can lead to fire or explosion (since many flammable...
10:13
Working with Hot and Cold Sources
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2023
Source: Robert M. Rioux & Suprita Jharimune, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Working with extreme temperatures, both high and low, is an integral part of many laboratory operations. For many, mentioning a laboratory instantly evokes the mental picture of a Bunsen burner. Bunsen burners and hot plates are used extensively in small and large operations in research laboratories and industries, thus making it necessary for all users to be aware of their safe handling...
FAQs
An extinguishing agent can suppress combustion by cooling the burning material, displacing oxygen, separating fuel from the flame, or interrupting the chemical chain reaction that sustains it. These mechanisms target different conditions supporting a fire, so the agent’s action must match the fire class. Understanding the mechanism helps explain why one extinguisher may suit one laboratory hazard but not another.
Water, foam, carbon dioxide, and dry chemicals are not interchangeable because each is associated with different fire classes. The relevant decision is the type of material or hazard involved, such as electrical equipment, flammable solvents, or ordinary combustibles. Matching the Fire Extinguisher to that classification supports effective suppression and helps protect laboratory operations.
Interrupting the chemical chain reaction matters because that reaction is one of the processes sustaining combustion. Extinguishing agents can instead target heat, oxygen, or the separation between fuel and flame, depending on their properties. Distinguishing these pathways helps explain why suppression is not a single process and why the agent must correspond to the fire’s conditions.
Begin by identifying the relevant fire class and the hazard involved. In a biology laboratory, that assessment may concern electrical equipment, flammable solvents, or ordinary combustibles. Select an extinguisher whose agent is appropriate for that class, then ensure it is available for rapid response. This matching process helps reduce risks to researchers, cultures, instruments, and facilities.
Readiness depends on more than having a device nearby. Fire extinguishers should be placed where they can support rapid response, inspected to confirm continued readiness, and accompanied by user training. These practices are especially important in research laboratories, where a delayed or poorly informed response could increase danger to researchers and damage cultures, instruments, or facilities.
Use is most relevant when a fire remains small and can be addressed before it spreads. In biology laboratories, early response can help protect cultures, instruments, and the facility, but effectiveness depends on selecting the agent for the fire class. Placement and training make that response more practical by supporting quick access and informed action.