Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, when used in the right circumstances can save lives. However, it would be dangerous to use a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher when dealing with flammable gases, cooking oils and fats, or in a confined space.
When should you not use a CO2 fire extinguisher?
Do not use CO2 extinguishers in small rooms as CO2 gas is poisonous at only 4% concentration and can kill at just 8%. Only tackle small fires with an extinguisher. If the fire has taken hold do not fight the fire but evacuate immediately and warn others of the fire, then call the fire and rescue service.
What can you use CO2 fire extinguishers on?
CO2 fire extinguishers contain pure carbon dioxide which is a clean extinguishant, leaving no residue. Suitable for class B flammable liquid fires (petrol, oil, solvents), and recommended for use on live electrical equipment.
Do not use carbon dioxide extinguishers on Class A fires?
Carbon dioxide extinguishes work by displacing oxygen, or taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle. … CO2s may be ineffective at extinguishing Class A fires because they may not be able to displace enough oxygen to successfully put the fire out. Class A materials may also smolder and re-ignite.
What fire extinguisher should not be used in confined spaces?
When a CO2 extinguisher is used in a confined space there is danger that the user may become overwhelmed by the sudden increase in carbon dioxide emissions. This occurs as CO2 is an asphyxiant, and the confined space means oxygen will be replaced by the CO2 much faster.
What is a disadvantage of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers OSHA?
One drawback to using carbon dioxide, however, is that its mechanism of fire suppression is through oxygen dilution, and not, as is the case for halon, through chemical disruption of the catalytic combustion chain.
Are CO2 fire extinguishers toxic?
However, toxicity can occur if a CO2 extinguisher is used in a small, poorly ventilated area. Inhalation of concentrated CO2 causes the same symptoms as not having enough oxygen, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Anyone exposed to concentrated CO2 should seek fresh air immediately.
What extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires?
Water fire extinguishers are NOT suitable for electrical fires as water is a conductor and you are at risk of electrocution if used on this type of fire. They are also NOT suitable for flammable liquids or flammable metal fires as it will not extinguish the fire.
What is carbon dioxide extinguisher?
A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is a portable, active fire protection device that works by expelling carbon dioxide onto a fire. It works by displacing the oxygen the fire relies upon to continue burning, and it is primarily used to extinguish fires in which the source of the fuel is a flammable liquid or gas.