Süüteseadmed

Süüteseadmed, also known as fire extinguishers in English, are portable devices designed to suppress and extinguish small fires. They are essential safety tools found in homes, workplaces, vehicles, and public spaces to prevent the spread of fires and protect lives and property. Fire extinguishers work by delivering extinguishing agents such as water, foam, powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or wet chemical directly onto the flames or the base of the fire.

The effectiveness of a fire extinguisher depends on the type of fire it is intended to combat. Different classes of fires require different extinguishing agents:

- Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, or cloth.

- Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or alcohol.

- Class C fires involve electrical equipment, including live wires or appliances.

- Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, or potassium.

- Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Süüteseadmed are typically labeled with these classes to indicate their suitability. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure they remain functional. This includes checking for physical damage, verifying pressure gauges, and ensuring the extinguisher is not obstructed or blocked.

In Estonia and other countries, regulations often mandate the presence of fire extinguishers in certain locations, and their proper use is taught in fire safety training. Users should be familiar with the PASS technique—Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side—to operate the extinguisher effectively. While fire extinguishers are valuable tools, they are not a substitute for professional fire suppression systems in large or high-risk environments.