Why Do Sand Buckets in Fire Zones Say "Fire" Instead of "Dry Sand"?

Please clarify my doubt. I observed sand buckets are provided in all fire-prone zones in companies. Each and every sand bucket is provided with a sticker/painted as fire/agni/aag. Please clarify why "fire" is written on those buckets, why not dry sand.

The word "FIRE/AGNI/AAG" is required as per Indian Standard 2546-1974: i.e. "SPECIFICATION FOR GALVANIZED MILD STEEL FIRE BUCKET". See section 5.3.1 of the attachment.

Regards,
Krishan Verma
Executive EHS, SKPL, Daman

Very interesting question. My question to you: "Why do we call it a 'Fire Engine' when it actually does not carry fire? Does it trigger you to wonder why?

I feel that 'FIRE,' 'AAG,' 'AGNI,' is a word easily associated with the intended purpose of a 'Fire Bucket' to extinguish fire. A signage is used for easy identification. Diplomatically speaking, it is as per ISO Fire Standards.

I feel it would be easier to write with bold letters 'FIRE' than to write 'To be used on FIRE' or 'Aag Bujane kay Leya'.

Regards,
ukmitra

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are different fires requiring different extinguishers. Sand and water are the most common, hence they must be easily and immediately available. Therefore, that sand or water must not be used for any other purpose.

Fire on the bucket catches attention. Moreover, the bottom of such buckets is round-shaped so that if anyone wants to use it, the bucket will not remain steady on the ground. Easy accessibility also requires that buckets are hung on the stand so that one can collect the bucket easily.

I presume that your query is why sand is marked as fire. Sand is used to fight certain fires, like electrical fires, where water can't be used. Hence, as per IS, all firefighting equipment has to have "FIRE" written on it.

Thanks for leading to the exact reason citing the IS Code reference, Krishan Verma. Keep up the great participation.

@srimuppalla: If your query has been resolved, please acknowledge the same so that we can close this thread. Also, try to participate in other threads as well and contribute by adding resources or your concerns on that topic. This way, we can make this forum active, and everyone will benefit from this meaningful forum.

@ukmitra: Quite nice explanations. Keep on sharing your expertise with us.