Tuesday, June 23, 2009

When & How To Use A co2 Fire Extinguisher

By Peter Thompson

Unfortunate though it may be, fires do happen - and what would you do if you had a small stove fire to handle? You may assume that a small fire won't be much of a challenge to take care of, but even a small stove fire can get out of hand in a matter of seconds. You need to put these fires out right away; but water isn't the answer and you can't get it under control by smothering the flames either. To take care of these fires, you need to have a CO2 fire extinguisher handy in your kitchen, in the office and anywhere else where a fire could break out. A CO2 fire extinguisher can get a fire put out in a matter of seconds, which can keep a small fire from becoming a disaster.

CO2 fire extinguishers are often used to put out electrical fires; these extinguishers use compressed cold air to prevent oxygen from feeding the flames. Water can't deal with an electrical fire - in fact, water can make matters far worse. Flammable liquids also call for a CO2 fire extinguisher. However, a CO2 fire extinguisher can be used to quickly put out any fire, whether electrical, flammable liquids or with any other cause.

CO2 fire extinguishers contain liquid carbon dioxide which is released in a liquid and vapor form which freezes upon contact with flames. This freezing action is very effective in smothering flames and preventing oxygen from reaching the fire; something conventional fire extinguishers cannot accomplish.

When using a CO2 fire extinguisher, it is very important that you remain within 4 - 8 feet of the fire. This is because the CO2 gas propelled from the fire extinguisher will disperse once it is exposed to the air. If you are close to the fire and disperse the extinguisher, the targeted blast of CO2 will reach the fire. If, however, you are too far away from the fire, the CO2 will greatly expand into a cloud and not hit the fire in a targeted manner. This, in turn, means the fire will not be extinguished.

Remember that a fire is not always completely extinguished when it appears to be out. A fire can re-ignite if there are any embers remaining. After putting out the fire, stay close by and be prepared to use the CO2 fire extinguisher again should the flames mount back up. Always watch the fire carefully until you can be absolutely certain that there is no risk of re-ignition.

Because fires do not break out very often, CO2 extinguishers may not be used at all for several years. This is why it is critical to periodically test the extinguishers. After all, you do not want a faulty extinguisher present when an emergency situation arises.

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