CO2 Fire Extinguisher – Knowing the various classifications of fires is essential in understanding which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for use when a fire occurs because fires come in many different types and sizes.
Therefore, having the right protection tools to fight certain types of fires is important. One such tool is the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.
What exactly is a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher (CO2 fire extinguisher)? Below you will learn everything about the most popular fire extinguisher.
Table of Contents
What is a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
A CO2 fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher commonly used to extinguish class B fires – caused by flammable gasses and liquids, such as oil and gas – and class C (electricity).
It is also referred to as a class B extinguisher. And uses a non-combustible carbon dioxide gas as the extinguishing medium filled in it.
One of the advantages of using this extinguisher is that there is no residue left after the media is sprayed.
This is very beneficial if used in places that have a lot of sensitive electronic equipment that should not come into contact with water.
The extinguishing media used in this tool is very suitable for use in computer and data server rooms, laboratories, generator rooms, engine rooms, and rooms where flammable liquids are stored.
How Does It Work?
If your premises has a class B and C fire risk, providing carbon dioxide fire extinguishers is a must.
In addition, it is very important to have a basic understanding of how this fire suppression device works.
As explained earlier, this extinguisher uses carbon dioxide as its extinguishing medium. Carbon dioxide gas is stored in this tool in liquid form.
When sprayed, the liquid carbon dioxide escapes into the air as a gas. The gas then neutralizes or removes oxygen from the air which keeps the fire burning.
Once the carbon dioxide comes into contact with the oxygen in the air, it puts out the flame or inhibits it from spreading.
Since the carbon dioxide stored in the canister is at a low temperature, the gas not only puts out the fire, but also prevents it from reigniting.
To avoid mistakes in its use, follow these steps:
- Pull the safety pin of the fire extinguisher lever.
- Point the end of the hose at the fire point.
- Press the lever to release the fire extinguishing agent contents of the tube.
- Swing throughout the fire area until the fire is extinguished.
The fire is extinguished within three minutes if the cause of the fire is a gas or liquid object.
It takes up to 10 minutes to extinguish fires caused by solid objects.
If the fire has not been extinguished by this time, contact the nearest fire station immediately.
If you are a business owner, ensuring that all employees understand how to fight fires should be a priority. The goal is to minimize asset damage and reduce the number of injured employees.
Also Read: “SNI Certification for Fire Extinguisher“
4 Thing You Need to Know About CO2 Fire Extinguisher
Here are four important things to know about CO2 fire extinguishers.
1. Designed for Class B Fire and Electrical Equipment Safe
As we mentioned earlier, CO2 extinguishers are suitable for taming class B and C fires.
This is because it does not leave any marks and residue so it does not damage any electrical equipment.
This is one of the reasons it has become a popular extinguisher.
2. Works by Getting Rid of Oxygen
When CO2 is sprayed into the air, the gas looks like a cloud. This cloud reduces the amount of oxygen around the fire and covers it.
It doesn’t work well outside because of the wind. The wind can blow the CO2 away from the fire and make the O2 return to ignite the fire.
3. 3.Limited Area of Reach
As with any gas, the carbon dioxide in the canister will disperse immediately after being sprayed.
Therefore, the range of carbon dioxide spray is limited to a radius of one to three meters. This radius is arguably half of the other types of fire extinguishers.
4. Leaves No Residue
In addition to eliminating oxygen content in the air, carbon dioxide in fire extinguisher will reduce the temperature of the fire with its low temperature.
After extinguishing the fire, the gas will disappear in the air without a trace. It also means that the gas does not cause any damage.
This is the biggest advantage of using CO2 extinguishers to put out expensive electronic equipment that has caught fire.
Also Read: “Parts of Fire Extinguishers“
Risks of Using CO2 Fire Extinguisher
Although it is considered safe for electronic equipment, there are some risks that need to be considered when using this fire extinguisher. Here is the explanation.
1. Asphyxia
If carbon dioxide extinguishers are used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces, there is a risk of officers developing asphyxia.
Asphyxia is a condition when a person’s body is deprived of oxygen resulting in loss of consciousness and is life-threatening.
2. High Pressure
When sprayed, CO2 changes from liquid to gas.The pressure is about 55 BAR, while the pressure of water extinguishers is 12 BAR.
This means that if this tool is used without the appropriate hose and hose tip, the spray can cause injuries, such as sprained, or even break your wrist.
3. Runs Out Quickly
Given the high pressure, the CO2 in the tube will come out quickly which makes it run out quickly.
If using it, users should be able to ensure that the fire can be extinguished before the contents of the tube run out.
4. Causes Cold Temperature Burns
When carbon dioxide changes from liquid to gas when sprayed, the temperature is very low.
Cold burns occur if personnel do not handle the canister properly or if the canister is not equipped with a frost-resistant hose end.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about the CO2 fire extinguisher, from the definition of it up to the risks you’ll get when using it!
But hey, there’s one thing you need to know also, which is the safety and quality aspects of the CO2 fire extinguishers.
Yup, as one of the most important equipment in many industries, this type of fire extinguisher needs to be on top of its shape all the time.
That’s why, here in Indonesia, there’s a rule that regulates this type of fire extinguisher, which is the SNI certification.
By facts, the SNI certification not only tackles the safety and quality of a fire extinguisher, but also almost all of the products and/or services sold, distributed, or provided in Indonesia.
Back to the fire extinguisher, the safety and regulation about the CO2 one is strictly and clearly stated in the SNI 04-39:2013.
