Wet chemical fire extinguishers are one of the least common extinguisher types and are designed for use on Class F fires involving cooking oils. Wet chemical extinguishers can also be known as Class F extinguishers or Class ABF extinguishers.
Some wet chemical extinguishers can be used on Class B fires (flammable liquid fires) so it is worth checking with your BusinessWatch engineer whether your wet chemical extinguishers are cleared for use on this type of fire.
CO2 fire extinguishers have a yellow-coloured label stating ‘WET CHEMICAL’. It should also have a sign above or next to the extinguisher that states ‘Wet Chemical Extinguisher’. A wet chemical extinguisher can also be differentiated due to its lance attachment and a longer-than-usual hose.
CO2 extinguishers come in foam sizes:
The chemical contained in a wet chemical fire extinguisher is potassium. When the trigger is pressed, potassium salts are expelled as a fine mist. This ensures that the burning fat or oil isn’t spread to other materials. The potassium salts react with the oil to create a soapy-like film on the fire surface. This creates a barrier between the fire source and oxygen, effectively smothering it, and also creates a cooling effect to help prevent the re-ignition of the fire.
Any commercial building with a professional kitchen or a deep fat fryer should be equipped with a wet chemical fire extinguisher. Such premises include chip shops, hotel kitchens, and restaurants.
These kinds of premises should also have the standard foam and CO2 extinguishers on site too to ensure that all fire risks are covered.
Please do let us know if you have any questions with regards to CO2 fire extinguishers, we will be more than happy to answer.
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We have two guides available completely free of charge to help ensure your business is fire safe.
Will answer all your questions on the process of installing a fire alarm system, guiding you down the right path to protecting your business and employees, and complying with fire safety legislation.
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