I posted this on another site and think it is important To post it here. If anyone has any other questions about fire extinguishers I will be happy to answer.
Being a retired Fire Fighter/Fire Inspector and a State Fire instructor I will put in my 2 cents
Not all fire extinguishers are the same. Somewhere on the Fire extinguisher you will find a rating. It is usually somewhere near the UL label. It is something like- 4A 10 B,C.
The A rating means that it will put out that many cubic feet of fire. (4A would but out 4 cubic feet of class A fire) B,C rating will put out that many square feet of fire. ( 10 B,C will put out 10 Square feet of fire) Now the rating only works if you know how to use a fire extinguisher.
A- ordinary combustibles, Wood, Paper, clothing, Etc.
B- flammable Liquids and gases
C- Energize electrical
D- Combustible Metals
Rule of thumb A- Ash, B- Boils, C- Conducts
ABC - are a good all around fire extinguisher. A lot of cleanup and is
corrosive
BC - Good for flammable liquids and Energize Electrical. A lot of clean up
PW or Pressureized Water- can not be used on liquids or electrical
CO2- Good all around Fire extinguisher, Be careful around electrical, Will
freeze your hand if you hold the cone and not the handle
Pull the pin first, stand a safe distance from the fire
When using a fire extinguisher you must aim at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth ( Not up and down)
make sure you have an escape route, keep yourself between the fire and the escape route.
Do not forget to call or have someone call 911
If the fire is too big get out and stay out.
Locate the fire extinguisher at each exit and near your work bench and welder. The extinguisher should be mounted between 4 feet and 8 inches from the floor. (* Never use the fire extinguisher as a coat rack) make sure it is in plain sight.
I have 8- 10lbs ABC in my garage. One at the exit door, both overhead doors, mounted on the welding cart, at the work bench and one in the center of both side walls and outside between the overhead doors
ABC Fire extinguisher check the gauge often. If the gauge is not in the green or its been used take it out of service. Every year turn the fire extinguisher upside down and hint it a couple time with a rubber mallet and shake it to make sure the powder is loose.
ABC & BC - Should have its powder change every 6 years and Hydro Tested every 12 years.
PW & CO-2 should be hydro tested every five years and Stainless steal ones every 6 years
ABC, BC & PW have gauges that can be checked to see if its full.
CO-2 Need to be weighed to see if its full. The Weight is stamped on the extinguisher.
Last edited by HOT40ROD; 12-23-2008 at 12:21 AM.
