cLASS d fIRE eXTINGUISHERS
Class D fire extinguishers are highly specialized extinguishers designed to fight fires involving combustible metals. These fires are unique because the metals, such as magnesium, lithium, titanium, sodium, potassium, and zirconium, burn at extremely high temperatures and react violently or even explosively with water, carbon dioxide, or common dry chemical agents found in ABC fire extinguishers.
The extinguishing agents in Class D units are typically made up of unique powders or fluxes, like sodium chloride or graphite, formulated to smother the fire, absorb its heat, and create a crust that blocks oxygen from reaching the burning metal.
Common Usage Situations
Class D fire extinguishers are required only in industrial or manufacturing settings where these specific materials are machined, stored, or processed:
- Manufacturing plants. Used in areas where powdered metals or metal shavings are created during the manufacturing process.
- Laboratories. Required in research and educational labs that handle reactive alkali metals (like sodium or potassium) or powdered metals.
- Machining and casting facilities. Essential for safety around equipment used to grind, cut, or melt metals like magnesium or titanium.
- Metal storage and recycling facilities. Used to address potential ignition sources in areas containing piles of metal filings or scraps.
B-Lann Equipment can consult with you to determine the specific agent you need, since the correct agent is dependent on the type of combustible metal present in your operation.