What is a Class D Fire Extinguisher?

Views: 3     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-07-18      Origin: Site

Fire extinguishers come in different types, with each one of them being designed to handle different types of fires. Each designation of extinguisher corresponds to the kind of fire it's rated for, ranging from Class A, B, C, and D to Class K extinguishers. What differentiates one class from another is the type of extinguishing agent inside the canister, as different combustible or flammable materials will be best put out using different agents once they catch fire.

When choosing an extinguisher for their residential or commercial property, the average person will need help determining the type most suitable for their circumstance. In order to help you determine what might work best for you, this post will explore one class of extinguishers - Class D. We’ll explore what type of fires they are designed to tackle, what each canister contains, and how to maintain such extinguishers once they are on your property.

Let's dive right in.


class d fire extinguisher



What are Class D Fire Extinguishers?


Class D fire extinguishers deal with fires involving combustible metals such as Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium, Sodium, Zirconium, Potassium, and Lithium. When small fragments or dust from these metals are generated in a laboratory, industrial, or manufacturing setting and somehow ignited, the resulting fire can be highly destructive if not tackled effectively.

When dealing with such fires, using water or other non-rated extinguishing agents, such as water, may fail to combat the flames and worsen the situation. Water can only be used on metal–involved fires under certain conditions. If the fire has only started and is in a well-contained location, you might be able to quench the flames before the fire gets too hot.



What do Class D Fire Extinguishers Contain?


Class D extinguishers use dry chemical powders, which might be sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate. These two are used because of their high melting points and fire-retardant properties. These are required because metal fires burn at extremely high temperatures.



How to Use a Class D Fire Extinguisher


Metal fires should be dealt with carefully because of their high temperatures and resistance to most extinguishing agents. The most crucial point to note when dealing with metal fires is that you should only try to tackle them with a fire extinguisher if you are in a safe position to evacuate the premises in case the fire becomes overwhelming.

Here’s how to operate a Class D extinguisher:

  • Pull      the pin at the top of the extinguisher canister

  • Aim      the nozzle at the base of the flames

  • Squeeze      the trigger found next to the nozzle

  • Move      the nozzle in a slow, side-to-side sweep as the extinguishing      agent covers the base of      the flames.

To put out metal fires using these extinguishers, you should be at most 8-12 feet away from the base or source of the flames. You will be close enough to put the fire out at this range without getting injured.

Always have a Class D extinguisher within 30-75 feet of your working area if you’re working with metal, although this may vary according to the hazard level and the risk location.



Taking Care of Class D Extinguishers


Not having the correct type of fire extinguisher in the right place and condition can be a recipe for disaster, leading to a loss of life and property. This is why taking proper care of fire extinguishers is of critical importance.

Every month, a visual inspection of fire extinguishers should be carried out to ensure they are in the proper location, are in good operational condition, and can be easily seen in case they are needed.

After a year of inspection, they should be inspected by a servicing company or a technician from your local fire department to recharge it, ensure it’s at the right pressure level, and that the appropriate amount of extinguishing agent is left.



Final Thoughts


Whether cutting, drilling, shaving, welding, or carrying out any other type of operation involving metal, be sure to have a Class D fire extinguisher nearby. Having one on hand might make the difference between a minor workplace mishap and a massive catastrophe that severely harms you, your loved ones, your employees, or your business.

If you ever need to purchase high-quality Class D fire extinguishers or fire extinguishing agent in bulk, make Macro Fire Supply Company your first choice. Contact us today. You won't regret it!