Type D Fire
Have you ever wondered why fighting a metal fire is so dangerous and complicated?
Ignitions of flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and others cause class D or type D fires. These fires burn at incredibly high temperatures and require special expertise and extinguishment methods.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about class D-type fires. We will also discuss their characteristics, what causes them to Ignite, and the best safety precautions for handling or preventing them.
What are the Common Characteristics of a Type D Fire?
Class D-type fire rating is markedly different, as metals used in D-type fire have entirely different properties to their more common counterparts. The following are the characteristics of class D-type fire:
High Temperature
Fires of type D burn at such a high temperature that they more commonly exceed 1000 𐩑C. They run much hotter than fires that burn in paper or wood, making them especially dangerous and tough to extinguish. Metals melt due to heat and release flammable vapors to keep the fire going.
Reactivity
Sodium, Potassium, and magnesium are highly reactive, flammable metals. If these metals come in contact with water, hydrogen gas is formed, which is very flammable and can cause an explosion.
For instance, burning magnesium can increase and extinguish the flames by dropping what is upon them.
Unique Extinguishing Challenges
Traditional fire-fighting methods often fail and can even cause damage. For example, water or carbon dioxide extinguishers can create violent reactions or explosions. These fires need a specific extinguishing agent, such as dry powder, like the ones made for metal fires.
What are the Most Common Causes of Class D Fires?
D-type fires are caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, Titanium, Potassium, or sodium, which require special conditions to start and unique means for extinguishing.
Moreover, from 2017 to 2021, the United States Fire Department responded to an estimated annual average of 36,7845 industrial or manufacturing properties.
Therefore, knowing how the cause of this dangerous type of d fire can help us prevent it:
Industrial Processes
Reactive metals are commonly used in Industrial and manufacturing settings, and class D fires are the most frequent.
Metal Machining
Metal shavings or dust are created by cutting, grinding, and machining. These particles are highly flammable, particularly in an airborne cloud, and readily Ignite with little friction or heat.
Welding
Intense heat and sparks found in welding processes can easily ignite surrounding metal dust or shavings and quickly spread to the surrounding areas.
Improper Handling and storage
Poor storage and handling practices also increase the risk of type D fires.
Unsafe Storage
Reactive metals, flammable liquids, or heat sources should be stored near water sources. For example, exposure to moisture causes Sodium or Potassium to react violently, producing flammable hydrogen gas.
Mishandling
Spark or friction heat may cause fires from dropping, striking, or moving reactive metals. Handling is most vital as it is in areas where other flammable materials are involved.
Environment Factors
Finally, external environmental conditions can also be critical in class D fire risks.
Presence of Metal Dust
Airborne metal dust from machining or grinding creates especially hazardous work environments. A simple spark or heat source can create a flash fire or expose if this dust is unlimited.
Exposure To Air or Water
Air, moisture, or water reacts violently with metals like Potassium, Sodium, and Lithium. It is a game of heat, flammable gases, and, in some cases, spontaneous ignition.
Equipment Related Issue
Type D fire usually starts when equipment used in an industrial process fails or malfunctions.
Equipment Malfunction
Cutting, grinding, and welding machines can overheat metal shavings.
Overloaded equipment can also contribute to temperature increases, making the potential for ignition even greater. Moreover, one bearing or belt can generate heat from friction, which can Ignite flammable metals.
In these cases, a special D-type Fire extinguisher is required, and it is very dangerous if not handled with precaution, so you must handle it carefully.
Enroll in Coggno’s comprehensive fire safety program today to stay ahead of these unexpected events. Gain the skills to identify risk management safely and quickly react to a fire emergency.
What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Dealing With Type D Fire?
Specific safety measures must be taken to minimize risk and ensure that this fire is appropriate for preventing and managing class D fire.
Use a Class D Fire Extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers can only tackle metal fires. They are filled with dry powder extinguishing agents, including sodium chloride graphite base powder, to smother flames and prevent oxygen from feeding the fire. The yellow star label identifies these extinguishers.
Avoid Using Water or Standard Extinguishers:
Water or standard fire extinguishers suitable for class A, class B, or class C fires will worsen a Type D fire. Moreover, flammable metals can also react violently in water, releasing hydrogen gas and worsening the fire.
Containment
When a class D fire extinguisher is unavailable, containment can slow the fire from spreading. You can smother the flame with a stand, or dry Earth can absorb the heat. Sometimes, it’s better to let the fire burn out slowly than to try to put it out when you don’t have the right tools.
Safety Planning
It is essential to have a clear safety plan. Reactive metal should be stored in a secure, dry, and well-ventilated area away from water and heat sources.
Train your employees to identify the risks and know how to react to a type D fire. Moreover, maintain equipment and Ignition sources away from flammable material such as dust or shavings.
Consider Water Flooding
Water is usually not recommended for class D fire. Still, it can sometimes cool a lithium-ion battery to avoid lithium-ion thermal overheating, which causes the battery to ignite and watch itself burning repeatedly in a chain reaction.
Conclusion
This type of fire is one of the hardest to deal with as it has a high temperature and is reactive. Typically, this type of fire is not put out by traditional means.
Knowing the common causes, like industrial processes or improper storage, coupled with good safety practices like D fire extinguishers and thoughtful planning, can help reduce exposure to risks.
Take a fire safety training program from Coggno now and learn to protect yourself and others from class D fire. Get prepared today rather than having an emergency come as a surprise to you.
