Fires can destroy many things but fire extinguishers are their right solutions. A CO2 fire extinguisher is the best kind which can stop many types of fire. If you know how to use & store CO2 extinguishers in the right way, you can help yourself by stopping many types of fires. But if you are not aware of using it in the right way, it will be dangerous.
CO2 fire extinguishers contain carbon dioxide gas. The gas inhibits the intake of oxygen to the fire and the fire goes out immediately. CO2 extinguishers find application in offices, kitchens, and factories as they don’t leave a residue of water or foam. It is very much helpful where electrical and flammable liquid fires exist.
However, CO2 fire extinguishers are not suitable for every kind of fire. It can not help in cooking oil, paper, or wood fires, and it can also be dangerous, if you do not store it properly. In this blog, you will learn how to use & store CO2 fire extinguishers properly and safely.
What Is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Used For?
CO2 is used most obviously on electrical equipment and gas fires. Neither CO2, unlike a foam or water extinguisher, leaves residue where it is used, and this makes it an ideal solution for the protection of computers, electronics, and machinery.
Why Is CO2 a Good Fire Extinguisher?
Fires need three elements to keep burning: fuel, oxygen, and heat. A CO2 fire extinguisher removes the oxygen, and the fire cannot keep burning anymore. This is an excellent solution for Class C and Class B fires or electrical equipment and burning liquids.
Where Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers Used?
CO2 extinguishers are used where there are electrical appliances, such as:
- Offices (power strips, computers, and printers)
- Data centers (network equipment and servers)
- Kitchens (stoves and appliances)
- Factories (flammable fluids and equipment)
Since CO2 is not a conductor of electricity, having it close to computers, wiring, and appliances is simply no danger.
What Types of Fires Will Stop a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
Class B Fires: Flammable Liquids
CO2 extinguishers play wondrous well in extinguishing fires in highly flammable fluids like:
- Gasoline
- Oil
- Paint
- Alcohol
As these fires have a fast rate of burn, CO2 is an ideal product to utilize for fast extinguishment.
Class C Fires: Electrical Appliances
CO2 extinguishers also suppress fires of electrical appliances, e.g.:
- Computers
- Domestic appliances
- Wiring
- Plugs and sockets
Because CO2 is in the form of a gas, it will not ruin electronics and will not allow the remaining water of an extinguished fire to short-circuit.
Fires That Use & Store CO2 Extinguishers Do Not Suppress
CO2 extinguishers do not suppress fires in:
- Wood, clothing, paper, and plastics (Class A fires)
- Grease and cooking oils (Class K fires)
For Class A fires, use a reserve water or foam extinguisher. For kitchen grease fires, use a wet chemical extinguisher.
Proper Storage of a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
A CO2 extinguisher should be kept in a readily accessible place where it will be easily found and used in the event of an emergency. Good places to keep them are:
- Next to kitchen doors (but not the door to the stove)
- Behind your office doorways
- Next to electrical boxes
- In the workshops or garages
Where to Store It Safely
- Put It Out in the Open – Put it out in the open where everyone can view it and reach it with ease.
- Install It on a Wall – This will prevent it from being knocked and destroyed.
- Steer Clear of Heat or Cold Extremes – Too much heat will result in leakage of gases, and cold will shut off the valve.
- Check the Pressure Gauge – Make sure the extinguisher is fully charged and ready to use.
An upkeep extinguisher will last longer and perform when needed.
Why is Safe Storage of CO2 Fire Extinguishers Important?
A poorly stored CO2 fire extinguisher poses risks.
- Overheating: If an extinguisher is hot, the CO2 inside will expand and leak or rupture.
- Freezing: The valve could freeze shut when it is very cold; thus, would not function in case of an emergency.
- Falling Over: If the extinguisher tips over, there is a chance of gas leakage or damage.
The Benefits of Proper Storage
- It keeps the extinguisher easily accessible for use at all times.
- Proper storage avoids accidents or gas leakage.
- It prolongs the life of the extinguisher.
Proper storage prevents CO2 fire extinguishers from being spoiled and made useless in case of an emergency.
How to Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Properly?
Proper use of a CO2 fire extinguisher is extremely crucial. Abused, it will fail to work or even increase the size of the fire.
Steps in Using a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Properly
- Pull the Pin: This will discharge the lock of the extinguisher.
- Attack Root of Fire: not the fire, root of the fire.
- Squeeze Handle: to enable CO2 gas to be let out.
- Side Sweep: sweep the extinguisher from side to side, sweeping to smother the entire fire.
The fire should be extinguish immediately, but if it doesn’t, call immediately for the fire department.
Final Thoughts
As you know, how to use & store CO2 fire extinguisher is one of the most excellent appliances used to combat electric and flammable liquids fires. CO2 fire extinguishers operate by the principle of displacement of oxygen and suffocate the fire with no mess in seconds.
Nonetheless, experience has proven that CO2 fire extinguishers do not agree with wood, paper, and grease fires.
Storage is also critical. Store a CO2 extinguisher in an open, conspicuous place, do not expose to direct sunlight and heat or cold extremes. Ensure regular inspection that it is charged and pressure-tested. Proper storage prevents accidents and maintains the extinguisher in a usable condition when you need it.
