Everything you need to know about a fire extinguisher ball.
A fire extinguisher ball is a round-shaped fire extinguisher used to extinguish a fire.
It is called a ball because of its round shape. Just like every other fire extinguisher, it puts out the fire when there is a fire emergency.
The size is mainly 150mm in diameter with a weight of 1.5 kg. Because of this, it is lightweight and compact in size.
How does the fire extinguisher ball work?
When the fire extinguisher balls encounter flame of fire either by being thrown into a fire or in a location where there is potential for fire to occur, they self-destruct and release the content that is mainly a dry chemical powder. At that moment, the dry chemical powder forms a cloud around the area and prevents the fire from occurring.Â
What is the content of the fire extinguisher ball?
The content of the fireball is a dry chemical powder. It is a mix of mono-ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The former is the active substance. They may or may not have moisture-proofing with silicon stearates that prevent the caking of the content. The content is non-toxic and non-hazardous, and anyone can use it to fight fire when it happens. It does not affect human beings.
What class of fires can you use for the fire extinguisher balls?
The content of the fire extinguisher ball is dry chemical powder. It is best suitable for class A, Class B Class C, electrical fires, and kitchen fires.
Where can you place the fireball?
Your concern should be at places where there is potential for fires to occur. Look out for where you have valuables that can be damaged as a result of the fire. Use the fire extinguisher balls in those places. Other places like;
- Office buildings
- Warehouses
- Residential places
- Hospitals
- Maternity homes
- Storage rooms
- Commercial buildings
Can the fire extinguisher ball replace the portable extinguisher in your place?
The fire extinguisher ball is not a substitute for portable fire extinguishers, a fire hose reel, or a sprinkler system. But it can help offer more protection against fire emergencies.
How long does the fireball last?
The fire extinguisher ball has a life span of 5 years. It does not require any servicing or repair for the 5 years. But make sure you inspect it to be in good condition at all times before use. No training is required for someone to use them.
Why install a fire extinguisher ball?
Installing fire extinguisher balls in your home, offices, or any place of concern for you will help to protect you and your family and your loved ones against fire emergencies.
If you are in your house, the electrical outlets are the source of electrical fires and placing the fireballs in such areas to contain the fire when it starts can reduce the fire risk in your home.
Advantages of fire extinguisher balls
- Fireballs respond fast and rapidly in their mechanism. For this reason, It stops the fire flames once it starts.
- People can easily escape from fire since the fire extinguisher ball is able to respond to the fire very quickly. There is a reduction in evacuation time in that process.
- When fire outbreaks trap people in any section of your house or office, you can easily throw the fireball at them to activate it for their safety. Even a child can activate it unaided during such an emergency.
Read more:
- 5 steps in Fire Risk Assessment in our workplace
- What is a Race Fire Plan?
- What is a Riser Room?
- How To Make The Right Choice Of Fire Extinguisher For Your Home
- Three fire key elements.
- Portable fire fighting equipment
- Toolbox talk on office safety
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
