Knowing your fire extinguishers is important when it comes to applying proper fire safety. Different types of fire extinguishers are suitable for extinguishing separate classes of fires. Identifying which one to use and have on your premises could be the difference between life and death.<\/p>\n
There are five types of fire extinguishers: CO2 (Carbon dioxide), dry powder, foam, water and wet chemical. All these have specific functions which you can learn more about by visiting the MCFP\u00a0Fire Extinguisher Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n In this blog post, we\u2019ll be covering everything you need to know about CO2 fire extinguisher use.<\/p>\n Carbon dioxide\u00a0fire extinguishers<\/a>\u00a0are primarily used to extinguish electrical fires. Foam extinguishers have some effect on electrical fires, but nothing works as well for dousing fires on electrical equipment as carbon dioxide extinguishers.<\/p>\n Carbon dioxide forms a barrier between the source of electrical fires and the surrounding oxygen. This helps to suffocate the blaze and douse the fire.<\/p>\n CO2 fire extinguishers are also effective in extinguishing certain flammable liquid fires, known as Class B fires. There\u2019s a fine line in this regard, though, and knowing your specifics about the different fire classes is essential. Why? Several types of flammable liquids don\u2019t respond well to the addition of CO2 \u2013 a Class B fire from oil, for example, could get worse!<\/p>\n For electrical fires, though, there\u2019s nothing better to use than CO2 fire extinguishers. Electrical fires generally start because of a type of electrical appliance overheating or breaking down. A short in some electrical wires, or a defective plug socket could also start an electrical blaze.<\/p>\n When you attempt to put out electrical fires or flammable liquid fires using a CO2 fire extinguisher, focus on the combustible electric equipment or burning liquid itself. CO2 fire extinguishers are not effective against fires in flammable solids.<\/p>\n If the fire has spread to a solid material like paper or wood, the fire risks have increased and you\u2019ll need a Class A extinguisher to douse it.<\/p>\n It\u2019s never advisable to use CO2 fire extinguishers, or any others, in confined spaces. The primary function of carbon dioxide extinguishers is to reduce the spread of oxygen to a fire. Within a confined space, low oxygen can be extremely hazardous. It could end up leading to asphyxiation.<\/p>\n CO2 fire extinguishers aren\u2019t very useful outdoors. Weather elements like strong breezes or wind can disperse the CO2 before it finds its intended target.<\/p>\n CO2 fire extinguishers are usually found in two and five-kilogram containers. These should be positioned in locations where flammable liquid or live electrical equipment are common.<\/p>\n These areas include hospitals, schools, shops, offices, server rooms and data centres. Where flammable liquid is found, foam fire extinguishers will likely accompany CO2 fire extinguishers, in accordance with fire safety provisions.<\/p>\n CO2 fire extinguishers hold liquid carbon dioxide in a highly pressurised environment. When the lever on a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is used, the pressure inside the container is reduced. This results in the carbon dioxide inside converting to gas form. The resulting discharge is immensely cold due to the quick transformation of the fire extinguisher\u2019s contents.<\/p>\n The resulting carbon dioxide gas emitted is virtually dry ice. It brings down the temperature of the fire\u2019s flames by attacking the \u2018heat\u2019 corner of the combustion triangle. You should note that, although the cooling effect of a CO2 fire extinguisher is effective, water and foam extinguishers actually cool flames more.<\/p>\n As carbon dioxide has a greater mass than oxygen, the rapid rate at which it leaves the fire extinguisher container displaces any oxygen feeding the flames of electrical fires or burning liquid. The CO2 forms a barrier between the fire and the surrounding air, cutting off the \u2018oxygen\u2019 corner of the combustion triangle to douse the flames.<\/p>\n You have to service your CO2 extinguishers once every 12 months. This is the same fire safety stipulation as for the vast majority of other extinguisher types. Unlike most others, though, you can save costs as you needn\u2019t refill them every five years. A CO2 fire extinguisher only requires refilling once a decade.<\/p>\n Upon servicing, a CO2 extinguisher is weighed to establish whether it is still full. A CO2 fire extinguisher doesn\u2019t have a pressure gauge. For this reason, the service technician must use finely-calibrated scales when weighing.<\/p>\n After 10 years, carbon dioxide extinguishers require compulsory refurbishment, which includes replacing the safety pin. As such, it is often easier and more cost-effective to simply replace a CO2 fire extinguisher instead.<\/p>\n According to UK government fire regulations and standards, any commercial building that holds live electrical equipment must have at least a two-kilogram CO2 fire extinguisher on the premises. If there is heavier-rated equipment of an electrical nature on site (415 volts +) the CO2 extinguisher needs to be at least five kilograms.<\/p>\n CO2 fire extinguishers are not difficult to operate but still need to be used carefully. Without the correct level of care, you could do yourself serious injury. The safest way to use a CO2 extinguisher is to note the following instructions:<\/p>\n Firstly, remove the safety pin to break the anti-tamper seal and make the extinguisher ready for use. Avoid the extinguisher horn, and the pipe leading to it, when holding. These parts get extremely cold when releasing the CO2, and touching them could result in cold burns. Of course, if your extinguisher has a frost-free horn, you don\u2019t have to worry.<\/p>\n From a reasonable distance away (one metre is safe), pull the lever and use the CO2 spray to put out the fire. The type of fire you\u2019re extinguishing defines the position you should aim the extinguisher towards.<\/p>\n For electrical fires, aim the spray onto the fire directly. If you\u2019re dousing a fire caused by flammable liquids, start by spraying at the fire\u2019s base and raise the nozzle slowly higher into the flames.<\/p>\n You must ensure that your CO2 extinguishers are stored in temperatures between -30 degrees and 60 degrees centigrade. The extinguishers should also be stored out of the sun, so make use of covers or blinds if need be. Alternatively, keep your extinguishers away from entrances or windows that let in the sunlight.<\/p>\n As part of the UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses need to provide reasonable training in fire safety to workplace staff. It\u2019s also necessary to appoint fire marshals and wardens.<\/p>\n Fire safety training is crucial for making sure your staff is safe from fires, and it\u2019s the law. Contravention could result in fines or worse. At MCFP, offer a\u00a0Fire Awareness Training Course<\/a>\u00a0to improve in your workplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At MCFP, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you with your fire protection needs and questions.\u00a0Contact us<\/a>\u00a0for your\u00a0fire risk assessment<\/a>\u00a0and workforce\u2019s mandatory fire training.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What types of fire are foam fire extinguishers used for and how do you use them? Here\u2019s what you need to know about these extinguishers….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"chilman-authors":[21],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers Used For?<\/h2>\n
How CO2 Fire Extinguishers Work<\/h2>\n
Advantages of CO2 Fire Extinguishers<\/h2>\n
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Disadvantages of CO2 Fire Extinguishers<\/h2>\n
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Maintenance and Inspection<\/h2>\n
Regulations and Standards<\/h2>\n
Use<\/h2>\n
Storage<\/h2>\n
Training<\/h2>\n