Chemical Connections extinguishing fires

Water extinguishes a Class A fire primarily by cooling the burning fuel. Type A extinguishers are not likely to be found in laboratories. This removes the heat from the fire tetrahedron and the fire stops burning. (See Chemical Connection 2.1.2.1 Why Firefighters Love Water.)... 

Class B fires are best extinguished by either CO2 (BC) or dry chemical (BC or ABC) extinguishers and these should be the type of extinguishers that are located in, or near, the lab. Always determine where the fire extinguishers are, and what type they are, before working in any lab. (See Chemical Connection 2.2.1.2 Applications of General Chemistry Principles in a CO2 Extinguisher.)... 

The use of cooling tower basins and process water pumps as fire water supply is not recommended. This water is usually treated with chemicals or may be contaminated with hydrocarbons that interfere with the use of foam extinguishing agents. At best, this supply could serve as a secondary system, should the primary supply be interrupted, using emergency connections. 

In areas where fire potential and the risk of injury or damage are high, automatic fire-extinguishing systems are often used. These may be of the water sprinkler, foam, carbon dioxide, halon, or dry chemical type. If an automatic fire-extinguishing system is in place, laboratory workers should be informed of its presence and advised of any safety precautions required in connection with its use (e.g., evacuation before a carbon dioxide total-flood system is activated, to avoid asphyxiation). 

The reactors have several smoke detectors in them which are connected to the ritewide fire alarm system. There are chemical extinguishers throughout the reactors. Security personnel are continuously stationed in K-Reactor and could report fires immediately. 

---