Food Handlers

No matter whether you are at home or work, your first line of defence in the case of a fire is an extinguisher. There are many types of  extinguishers available on the market, each with its use application according to the different fire classes.

In this post, we will explore Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers and the factors that surround them from what they are, how they work, how they should be used safely, what their pros and cons are, and more.

Firstly, it is important to remember that fires are classified according to six different classes, these are:

• Class A - which consists of combustible materials and carbon-based solids such as paper, wood, textiles, and others.
• Class B - which contains flammable liquids such as paraffin, diesel, petrol, or oil other than cooking oil
• Class C - which consists of gases such as butane, propane, methane, and others.
• Class D - that consists of metals such as lithium, magnesium, and other combustible metals.
• Class E - which is symbolized by an electric spark symbol and not the letter E, which are fires that are caused by electrical equipment.
• Class F - which are fats and cooking oils.

MAKROSAFE has been assisting clients for more than 24 years…

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

They are also known as Co2 fire extinguishers that are typically used for fires caused by electrical equipment. They can be used on their own or used in combination with foam extinguishers, especially when combatting Class B fires.

Electrical fires can happen anywhere and at any given time, especially where there is a lot of electrical equipment. It is therefore necessary to have enough extinguishers that are strategically positioned for easy access in these areas.

Fire Extinguisher Identification

Fire extinguisher identification is a crucial part of effective firefighting, and it is therefore important to be able to identify different types of extinguishers. When an electrical fire breaks out, look for a extinguisher that is red with a black coloured label that indicates "CO2", or a extinguisher ID that identifies it as such.

Another characteristic of Co2 fire extinguishers is the nozzle that has a distinctive black horn at the end.

How do Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers work?

The basics that everyone knows about fire extinguishers are that they are aimed at the fire, the handle is pulled, and they spray. However, more importantly, you should know the technical details as well.

The effective way to kill any fire is to remove one or more elements, either fuel, oxygen, and/or heat.

Co2 fire extinguishers contain a mixture of liquid and carbon dioxide in a pressurized canister. The mixture remains in liquid form until it is discharged, causing the mixture to expand rapidly.

The gas is propelled at high speed as a cold white jet onto the flames and Co2 works to smother the fire by reducing the oxygen. In addition, the cold nature of the gas also works to lower the 'heat' element of the fire, thereby killing the fire.

Pros and Cons of Co2 Fire Extinguishers

All Fire Equipment must be serviced annually with monthly inspections.

Follow this link to download your free Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist.

Who should have a Co2 Fire Extinguisher?

Co2 fire extinguishers are powerful and effective tools that can help when there is an electrical fire, making them essential in all buildings and businesses, especially the following:

• Office buildings, especially those with high volumes of electrical equipment
• Retail shops
• Schools, universities, and other educational facilities that use computer equipment
• Hospitals and other medical facilities
• Computer shops and cafes, media offices

My Safety Shop is your one-stop-shop for all your CO2 Fire Extinguisher needs

Visit My Safety Shop today and purchase CO2 fire extinguishers at the best prices.

SafetyWallet subscribers have unlimited access to their SafetyShop where they can access and purchase a wide range of products with discounts. Clients can choose between two sizes of CO2 fire extinguishers namely a 2Kg and 5Kg, depending on the needs and use application of the client.

In addition to this, clients can also purchase backboards and J-brackets to mount their fire extinguishers in strategic positions in the workplace where they will be easily accessible.

Other fire extinguisher accessories include:

• Steel fire extinguisher cabinets - 4.5kg and 9kg
• Fire extinguisher covers PVC UV - 4.5kg
• Swivel horn for Co2 fire extinguishers

All prices on the My Safety Shop and SafetyWallet SafetyShop prices indicated are VAT-exclusive.

FAQ

How do Co2 fire extinguishers work?

They eliminate oxygen and heat from the fire triangle by dispersing Co2 in a cold, white stream onto the fire.

Which class fires do Co2 fire extinguishers work on?

Co2 fire extinguishers are intended for electrical fires but can also be used for Class B fires when combined with foam.

Where do I store a Co2 fire extinguisher?

In a well-ventilated area where there is no direct sunlight and where the fire extinguisher can be accessed easily and quickly if a fire occurs.