Co2 Fire Extinguishers And Which Fire Types To Use Them On

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The CO2 extinguisher is the best piece of equipment when dealing with a chemical fire. It is designed for a Class B fire. CO2 is a clean, non-conductive extinguisher. It is meant to be used on fires caused by petrol, diesel, oil, fats, paints and other flammable liquids. Mostly these fires are found on industrial sites where paints and oils are stored in large quantities.

CO2 or Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are quite suitable for Class B risks involving flammable liquids and for electrical hazards. CO2 is great for computer and electrical equipment as it will not interfere with the components. So this type of extinguisher is also great for offices, businesses and any plant where flammable liquids are stored.

The powder inside the CO2 can wreak havoc though, when coupled with outside influences. A large vessel, in 2007, was shut down completely, electrically, when the CO2 from many of the fire extinguishers were pressurized and exploded. The vessel had encountered some large waves and this had caused the CO2 to explode. The vessel was able to get to the nearest harbour in Belgium for repairs.

In another instance in 2004, some CO2 powder was found in trace amounts in the mail and it shut down the Royal Mail System for several days until the source of the powder was found. In cases such as this, the powder is not the problem; it is the criminals who are to blame for this mischief.

In 2004, another vessel was caught alight, in the engine room. The CO2 fire extinguishers were used to douse the fire and another craft took the three crew members to safety. The boat sank on its way to shore. Here is another case for the CO2 fire extinguisher being a necessity in the case of electrical fires especially in small and large vessels.

Finally, the CO2 extinguisher is great for use in electrical or computer room fires, but the power to the electrics and computers must be turned off afterwards. Otherwise, there is a chance of re-ignition of a fire once the CO2 has had its effect. Furthermore, as a precaution, CO2 must never be used in the case of deep fat fryer fires, as the strong jet from the extinguisher carries the burning fat out of the fryer and into the room where you may be standing. As with any extinguisher, take all due precautions!

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Information on fire fighting equipment and fire extinguishers for home or commercial use



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