The Dangers of Fire Extinguishers

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

A Fire Extinguisher not Maintained

A fire extinguisher is a device used to control or extinguish fires. Even though they are credited with saving lives and protecting property, there are also dangers associated with these fire extinguishers. These dangers should be carefully considered when developing training strategies or using an extinguisher to fight a fire. Cleaning up after a fire extinguisher is a lot of work so always call a professional. 

There are five different types of fire extinguishers used in the U.S. Class A models are used on paper, lumber and most home fires. Type B extinguishers work best on gasoline or combustible liquids, while Type C is designed to extinguish electrical fires. Type D is used for chemical fires and Type K is designed to extinguish kitchen fires.

One of the biggest dangers associated with fire extinguishers comes from using the wrong type of extinguisher to fight a fire. For example, a water extinguisher used on electrical or oil fires can cause electric shock or explosions. A Type B or C carbon dioxide extinguisher used on a chemical fire may cause violent explosions that lead to injury or death.

We have seen inadequate maintenance that has led to some exploding on their own. Units left outside or in damp areas will often corrode. A corroded fire extinguisher can explode, causing injury or death. This is a common problem in marine and industrial applications, where saltwater and chemicals cause the canisters to corrode rapidly.

Dry chemical extinguishers pose some of the biggest dangers to consumers. The fumes that are released by these units during a fire can be toxic in the short-term, and may even linger for long periods of time. Carbon dioxide can cause cold burns to operators and can deplete oxygen supplies in the room. These extinguishers also contain chemicals that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

Always take safety measures when using one.