Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size.  They are needed even if the property is equipped with automatic sprinklers, water standpipe and hose, or other fixed protection equipment.  Every facility (commercial, industrial, office, etc) is required to have fire extinguishers regardless of any other type of fire protection provided.

Due to the various classes of fire (A, B, C, D and K), it is necessary to provide the correct type of fire extinguisher for the site-specific hazard.  It is also necessary for extinguishers to be positioned within the travel distance guidelines for the hazard and its potential severity. Various types of agents are used to fight specific types of fires. These include Water, Dry Chemical, CO₂, Purple K, Metal-X, FE36, etc.  Each of these carries a different rating and has different characteristics that are specific to the class of fire it is used to protect.

Following is a description of the various fire class types:

Class A Fire Extinguishers – used for any fire that leaves an ash, such as wood, paper or excelsior
Class B Fire Extinguishers – used for flammable liquid fires
Class C Fire Extinguishers – used for electrical fires
Class D Fire Extinguishers – used for specific burning metals
Class K Fire Extinguishers – used for fires resulting from combustible cooking media (animals/vegetable oils and fats)

SimplexGrinnell can equip your premises with extinguishers appropriate to the potential hazards. Our services include routine, code-compliant preventive maintenance that helps ensure their performance when needed.

We also sell and service:

• Stored Pressure Fire Extinguishers
• Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers
• Wheeled Type Fire Extinguishers
  

Helping you meet code requirements for Inspection and Maintenance
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire extinguishers are to be inspected at 30-day intervals (monthly) and are also required to have a thorough maintenance performed every year. Both requirements are the customer’s responsibility. SimplexGrinnell can help you keep your facility in compliance. Our fully trained, efficient technicians will regularly inspect your extinguishers and perform the necessary maintenance to ensure that they are in top working order.

Additionally, OSHA Standard 1910.157(g)(1) requires employers to provide fire extinguisher training for employees in the workplace. SimplexGrinnell offers this training at your location. See Fire Extinguisher Training Services.                                                                                                                                                                

SimplexGrinnell offers the following portfolio of products: