Safety Shop for all your Fire Equipment  - C02 fire extinguishers

No matter whether you are at home or work, your first line of defence in the case of a fire is a 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 Co2 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, there 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 is fires that are caused by electrical equipment.
• Class F - which is fats and cooking oils.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

They are also known as Co2 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

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

Another characteristic of Co2 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 extinguishers is 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  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

Who should have a Co2 Fire Extinguisher?

Co2 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

SafetyWallet is your one-stop-shop for all your CO2 Fire Extinguisher needs

All subscribers to SafetyWallet have unlimited access to the My SafetyShop where they can access and purchase a wide range of products. Subscribers can choose between two sizes of Co2 extinguishers namely a 2Kg and 5Kg, depending on the needs and use application of the subscriber.

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

Other fire extinguisher accessories include:

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

All prices on the My SafetyShop already have the unique discount applied and prices indicated are VAT-exclusive.

You may also download your Fire Extinghuisher Inspection Checklist from the My Safety Shop. Click here to download.

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 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  extinguisher can be accessed easily and quickly if a fire occurs.