Contributed
The new K-Guard fire extinguisher. CARBON DIOXIDE fire extinguishers are out - out of the kitchen, that is. There is a new kid on the block known as Class K Fire.
Fires in today's appliances are far more difficult to contain and extinguish than in the past because kitchen fires keep getting hotter. The preparation of low cholesterol, low-fat foods requires the use of hotter burning cooking oils, and highly insulated, slow-cooling cooking appliances have become more common place.
The idea that Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers were best suited for use in kitchens is somewhat of a misconception as they carry very low Underwriters Laboratory (UL) ratings and do not secure the fire. In fact a standard B:C dry chemical fire extinguisher would be far more effective. Why?
SUFFOCATES
First of all, a 10 pound carbon dioxide fire extinguisher has a 10 B:C UL rating whilst a 10 pound dry chemical fire extinguisher has a 60 B:C UL rating.
Secondly, the dry chemical sodium bicarbonate, when coming in contact with hot/burning oil and grease, turns into a foam which suffocates and secures the fire preventing reflash from the hot metal surfaces.
The National Fire Protection Association (NEPA) Code 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers now requires that extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking appliances which use combustible cooking media - vegetable or animal oils or fats - be listed and labelled for Class K fires.
These new extinguishers are manufactured by Ansul under the brand-name K-Guard, and by Amerex and Kidde as 'Wet Chemicals'. The appliances are constructed of stainless steel and are equipped with a special wand/nozzle.
TECHNICALLY-MINDED
This extension wand allows the operator to stand back from the fire area and still accurately direct the flow of agent to the fire. The nozzle applies the agent in a fine spray to prevent unwanted splashing of the burning grease.
For the more technically-minded, the 6-litre K-Guard Model carries a UL rating of 2A:1B:C:K.
Lastly, for all home owners, the simplest, most ideal fire protection for your kitchen stove is a standard fire blanket which may be quickly placed over a stove top fire, offering protection to the individual while smothering the fire. In addition, every home should have at least one self-contained smoke alarm and an all purpose fire extinguisher strategically installed.
Further details on suitable, approved and cost-effective protection of commercial or residential kitchens can be had from National Safety Limited.
© This article is copyrighted to The Distinguisher, the newsletter of National Safety Limited. Used with permission.
