Short answer: Yes… fire extinguishers are safe when they’re made correctly, taken care of, and used properly! In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into how each of these components work to make fire protection both effective and SAFE!
What’s on the Inside Matters
Fire extinguishers aren’t all the same—what’s inside depends on the type of fire they’re designed to fight. Some extinguishers have a powder-based agent while others use liquids or even gas. As we all know, nothing is ever truly hazard free, as such, each of these agents comes with its own specific safety hazards. The most common hazard among fire extinguisher agents is irritation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. This is often related to individual sensitives and improper use of the extinguisher AKA standing downwind or in a confined space. Powder based extinguishers, like the popular ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher, make a big mess but that mess is neither harmful to you nor to the environment!
There are only two types of extinguisher that warn of more serious repercussions: Halon-based units, which suppress fires by eliminating the oxygen available to them and, in small, enclosed spaces (where they shouldn’t be used) to you too! The old-foam extinguishers, often referenced as AFFF, which were pulled from the market years ago, pose a risk for both yourself and the environment due to PFAS found in the agent. If you currently own an AFFF extinguisher or the chemical agent for it, please contact your local fire department for guidance on disposal.
Not all extinguishers are created equal; be cautious when buying extinguishers. Here’s a few Red Flags to look out for when purchasing a fire extinguisher:
- Significantly discounted prices compared to other, trustworthy sources
- Marketing heavy details and phrases including a recent “New” fire rating
- Reviews that all sound the same or a lack of any reviews
- No UL certification or independent testing
It’s widely agreed that the minor risks associated with fire extinguishers are far outweighed by the major risks associated with fires!
Built Fire Tough
Aside from their chemical make up, extinguishers are just shiny, red mechanisms and, like any other machine, they require TLC to do their job right. For fire extinguishers this means annual updating, six year internal service, and/or hydrostatic testing. Whatever the extinguisher’s type or service may be, services are done to ensure that the extinguisher is in proper working order.
During services, technicians are able to determine whether or not an extinguisher is able to do it’s job. Replacing internal parts, evaluating the shell for damage, and ensuring the chemical has not been contaminated are all important aspects of servicing an extinguisher. During an extinguisher annual update, technicians look at a number of factors to ensure its ready when needed, including:
- Gauge remains in the green, fully charged
- Tamper seal remains in place
- Holes, significant rust, or other physical damage are not apparent
- Labels and directions are still legible
No matter the type of extinguisher, they all require some kind of regular maintenance. Skipping that maintenance may save you a few bucks but at what cost? Get your annual update with the DRB Crew scheduled today!
Don’t PASS on Prep
You’ve probably heard that humans are responsible for a lot of the problems around us. Well, when it comes to fire safety that holds true! Human error and, sometimes, intention are the main causes of fires. They also tend to be the main hindrances to extinguishing a fire. Prevention, Preparation, and Practice are the keys to fire safety. Purchasing the right extinguisher for your situation and keeping it up-to-date are the first two steps. But that third piece, the practice part, is just as important!
Having an extinguisher does you no good if you do not know how to use it! Fire extinguishers are meant to be easy, user-friendly options for the average Joe. They are NOT replacements for practicing good fire prevention, conducting evacuations, or calling the fire department! Most extinguishers can be used by following the PASS method:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handles together
- Sweep across the base of the fire
There are a lot of factors that go into deciding whether or not you should “fight the fire.” What’s on fire, where it’s located, the weather conditions, the life safety risk, the potential spread, the amount of smoke, the size of the fire itself… are all important factors to consider. Participating in yearly fire extinguisher trainings at work or taking a quick refresher course online each year can help you to identify when the conditions are right for using a fire extinguisher!
If you are ever in doubt, call 9-1-1 and let the professionals take care of it.
Key Takeaways
- Extinguishers are generally safe if they have been properly manufactured and maintained
- Some extinguishing agents are harmful to inhale and can contaminate the environment
- User-error is the biggest threat to an extinguishers safe use
- Extinguishers do NOT take the place of other fire safety measures
Disclaimer: This blog post was created, in part, by AI.
