Imagine a small fire breaking out on your stove. While some would assume a small fire is easy to handle, such individuals need to understand a small fire can expand into a much larger one in mere seconds. That is why it needs to be put out immediately. However, throwing water on the fire or attempting to smother it will generally not work. That is why it is critical to keep a CO2 fire extinguisher in the home or office. CO2 fire extinguishers can quickly put out an errant fire with little or no effort. This, of course, greatly expands the ability to avoid a serious catastrophe from occurring.
In general, CO2 fire extinguishers are mostly employed to deal with electrical fires. This is because these extinguishers deliver a blast of compressed cold air that smothers the oxygen needed for the fire to expand. Water, on the other hand, would not only not smother the fire but it could cause a serious, dangerous reaction with the electrical currents. Another common fire situation where CO2 is needed is fires based on flammable liquids. Of course, it is also important to point out that CO2 fire extinguishers can be used effectively in any fire emergency and not exclusively one that deal with electrical problems or flammable liquids.
CO2 fire extinguishers contain liquid carbon dioxide which is released in a liquid and vapor form which freezes upon contact with flames. This freezing action is very effective in smothering flames and preventing oxygen from reaching the fire; something conventional fire extinguishers cannot accomplish.
The CO2 vapor which is released from a CO2 fire extinguisher quickly dissipates in the air. This means that when you use a CO2 fire extinguisher, you need to be close to the fire for it to be effective. You'll have to be within 4-8 feet of the fire; farther away than this and the CO2 will disperse and become a cloud which is too diluted by oxygen to smother the flames and extinguish the fire.
It is important to point out that just because a fire appears to be completely out, this may not actually be the case. In some instances, it is possible for the fire to completely re-ignite. That is why it is best to stay in close proximity to the fire shortly after putting it out. If the fire re-ignites, employing the CO2 fire extinguisher once again would be the way to deal with it.
Since fires are a rare occurrence, you probably won't use your CO2 fire extinguishers for a while. While in an ideal world you'd never need them at all, having a working fire extinguisher on hand is vital to ensuring the safety of your family or your business. Have your CO2 fire extinguishers checked regularly to make sure that they are in good working order and ready to be used at a moment's notice.
In general, CO2 fire extinguishers are mostly employed to deal with electrical fires. This is because these extinguishers deliver a blast of compressed cold air that smothers the oxygen needed for the fire to expand. Water, on the other hand, would not only not smother the fire but it could cause a serious, dangerous reaction with the electrical currents. Another common fire situation where CO2 is needed is fires based on flammable liquids. Of course, it is also important to point out that CO2 fire extinguishers can be used effectively in any fire emergency and not exclusively one that deal with electrical problems or flammable liquids.
CO2 fire extinguishers contain liquid carbon dioxide which is released in a liquid and vapor form which freezes upon contact with flames. This freezing action is very effective in smothering flames and preventing oxygen from reaching the fire; something conventional fire extinguishers cannot accomplish.
The CO2 vapor which is released from a CO2 fire extinguisher quickly dissipates in the air. This means that when you use a CO2 fire extinguisher, you need to be close to the fire for it to be effective. You'll have to be within 4-8 feet of the fire; farther away than this and the CO2 will disperse and become a cloud which is too diluted by oxygen to smother the flames and extinguish the fire.
It is important to point out that just because a fire appears to be completely out, this may not actually be the case. In some instances, it is possible for the fire to completely re-ignite. That is why it is best to stay in close proximity to the fire shortly after putting it out. If the fire re-ignites, employing the CO2 fire extinguisher once again would be the way to deal with it.
Since fires are a rare occurrence, you probably won't use your CO2 fire extinguishers for a while. While in an ideal world you'd never need them at all, having a working fire extinguisher on hand is vital to ensuring the safety of your family or your business. Have your CO2 fire extinguishers checked regularly to make sure that they are in good working order and ready to be used at a moment's notice.
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