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George
Grouper asked: Why is a having fire extinguisher
on your boat a rule when there is alot of water around
the boat to put out the fire?
Grooper,
that is a great question. Although there is a lot of water
around the boat, not all fires can or should be put out
with water. Fire
Extinguishers are classified by letters and numbers according
to the class and size fire they can put out. The letter,
(A, B, C, or D) indicates the class of fire. The number
is a measure of the capacity of the extinguisher - the
larger the number the greater the capacity to put out
a fire.
"A" is for combustible
solids like wood. |
"B" is for flammable
liquids such as gasoline. |
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"C" is for electrical
fires.
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"D" is for combustible
metals like magnesium
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Some
boat fires involve burning wood and paper
(Class A), these fires can be put out with
water. Do not use water on gasoline, oil,
or electrical fires. Water causes gasoline
and oil fires to spread and electrical current
is conducted through the water. If you used
water on an electrical fire you risk being
shocked by the electrical current.
Inspect
your fire extinguishers monthly to make
sure they are properly stored, charged and
undamaged. Portable extinguishers should
be mounted where they are accessible. Check
the gauge to make sure the extinguisher
is still charged. Check the seals to make
sure they have not been tampered with. Replace
cracked or broken hoses and keep nozzles
free from obstruction. You should also weigh
them to assure that they meet the minimum
weight stated on the label.
Once
you use a fire extinguisher, you should
either have it recharged, if it is rechargeable,
or replaced if it is a disposable type.
In any event, always make sure that your
extinguisher label indicates that it is
a U.S. Coast Guard approved marine type
device. |
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