Tulekustutid

Tulekustutid, or fire extinguishers, are portable devices designed for the initial suppression of small or incipient fires and to provide a first line of defense before professional firefighters arrive. They are commonly used in homes, offices, workshops, vehicles, and public spaces.

Extinguishing agents vary and include water-based liquids for ordinary combustibles, dry chemical powders (often labeled ABC or BC), carbon dioxide, foam, and wet chemical agents for kitchens. The choice depends on the expected fire risk; for example, kitchen extinguishers often rely on wet chemical agents for fats and oils (class F).

Extinguishers come in several sizes, typically from 1 kg to 9 kg, and carry labels indicating the fire classes they can handle. They operate by pulling a safety pin, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the handle, and sweeping the nozzle from side to side. The goal is to suppress the fire at its source and maintain a safe distance.

Maintenance is essential: extinguishers should be visually checked monthly and professionally serviced at intervals, with recharging after use. Many jurisdictions require periodic hydrostatic testing (commonly every 5 to 12 years) to verify the cylinder's integrity.

Regulations governing placement, labeling, inspection, and disposal of tulekustutid vary by country and jurisdiction. Users should follow manufacturer instructions, local fire safety codes, and guidance from fire authorities, and replace extinguishers upon expiration or after a discharge.