Page 22 - Silver Lakes August 2021

LIFESTYLE

extension cords under carpets or across
high traffic zones as they can become
damaged over time. You should also
make sure that the extension cords that
you do use are able to cope with the
load required by the appliances that you
are connecting to them – any appliances
that provide heat should only be linked
to heavy duty extension cords and
should be disconnected after use. Do not attempt to
5. Keep cigarette lighters, matches and extinguish a gas cylinder fire
firelighters out of reach of children at all
times.

TYPE OF FIRE WITH WATER.
Switch off appliances during 4. Combustible metals such as titanium,
magnesium, lithium and aluminium.
load-shedding Although it normally takes a lot of heat
before these metals will ignite, once they
are burning, this type of fire is incredibly
dangerous. This is categorised as a Class D
fire and the advice is to only use a fire
extinguisher suited to Class D fires to
extinguish this type of fire. Yet again,
the advice is to REFRAIN FROM USING
WATER.
5. LPG gas fire. If possible, cut off the gas
supply. Carefully smother the fire – it is
important to completely extinguish the
fire to prevent the possibility of a ‘flash
back’. Remove all cylinders from the site
of the fire and store them in a cool place,
well away from where the fire took place
– and DO NOT USE WATER TO TRY AND
EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. If you suspect
any possibility that there has been a
gas leak, DO NOT attempt to light the
gas appliance. Try to shut off the gas
supply and, if it’s a gas cylinder, take it
outdoors well away from any structures.
Remember that LPG gas is heavier than
air, so do make sure toddlers and babies
are lifted off the floor and open all
windows for ventilation.
6. Wood, paper, most fabrics and some
plastics. These are classified as Class A
fires and they actually can be put out
with water, although you can also use a
Class A fire extinguisher if you have one.
HOW TO EXTINGUISH DIFFERENT TYPES is in a pan on a stove top, cover the pan
OF FIRE with a metal lid to seal off the oxygen. The most important response to a fire
1. An electrical fire. The first step for Turn off the heat source. AGAIN, YOU incident is – if you cannot control and
an electrical fire is to disconnect the SHOULD NEVER TRY TO EXTINGUISH completely extinguish the fire – leave the
appliance from the power source and THIS TYPE OF FIRE WITH WATER – WATER building immediately and call your local
switch the power off at the DB Board. WILL JUST MAKE THE SITUATION A LOT fire rescue service.
Smother the fire with a fire-proof blanket WORSE. If outdoors, you can throw sand
to remove access to oxygen. Only use a on the fire to starve it of oxygen. A Class Sources:
Class C fire extinguisher that states it is B fire extinguisher is best suited for https://fireopssa.co.za
suitable for putting out electrical fires. dealing with this type of fire, or you can www.firesafe.co.za/2019/04/17/which-fire-
DO NOT TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE use salt or bicarbonate of soda (baking extinguisher
WITH WATER. Always make sure that soda) – which is not stored above the www.afrox-gas.co.za
your appliances are unplugged when stove!! Whilst every effort has been made to ensure
you’re not using them – this also helps 3. A petrol, paint, solvent or paraffin fire. the accuracy of this information, readers
to save on electricity if your appliances As with a grease or cooking oil fire, you should seek professional advice when sourcing
have always-on stand-by modes. should use a Class B fire extinguisher
2. A grease or cooking oil fire. If this fire and NEVER TRY TO EXTINGUISH THIS firefighting equipment or employing fire
prevention methods.

20 INTRA MUROS AUGUST 2021