Home Fire Extinguisher Query

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Jase2985

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#2164326 20-Jan-2019 16:49

blakamin:

As for foam... The Department of Environment and Water that run our national parks here in SA (and IIRC, the Country Fire Service) are phasing out foam extinguishers on their fire trucks and going straight powder. I'm not 100% on their reasoning (I just build their trucks) but for the last 8 months, we haven't fitted foam.

it will be this:

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/349818/nzers-warned-over-toxic-foam-ticking-timebomb

we use different stuff for training now

Ge0rge

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#2164340 20-Jan-2019 17:06

One should always invert a dry powder extinguisher, regardless of age, before use. This will help alleviate any settling / clumping issues.

It's a pretty easy drill - check gauge, invert, right, pull pin, test, put fire out from a low position with a sweeping motion. Done correctly, dry powder will easily take care of class A, B, E and F fires. Results may vary on Class D depending upon the type of metal.

blakamin

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#2164344 20-Jan-2019 17:19

Jase2985:

it will be this:

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/349818/nzers-warned-over-toxic-foam-ticking-timebomb

we use different stuff for training now

Nah, totally different. They've stopped using foam extinguishers I should have said (because that was the subject).

CFS use a foam system. It's a "Class A" foam. But it's not the same foam as that toxic stuff. For a start, it's biodegradable.

The DEW actually have a "Compressed Air Foam System" on the trucks.

Flammable liquid fires use a class B foam.

Torque

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#2164432 20-Jan-2019 20:09

Yeah at work we use AFFF (biodegradable) with inline inductors for class B foam from 20L containers. Also have large Orion extinguishers (50L?) on wheels.

ANglEAUT

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#2164453 20-Jan-2019 21:36

@eracode: What is the best or proper way to dispose of the old extinguisher? The pressure tank is heavy - like a small dive tank.

As per the Auckland Council website:

This is a hazardous item.
You cannot put this item in your rubbish or recycling bin. See other disposal methods listed here.

Take fire extinguishers to a transfer station.
Yellow fire extinguishers or Halon extinguishers are illegal to possess and use on a fire as they contain emissions that harm the ozone layer.
For all other extinguishers, visit www.fireprotection.org.nz to find a fire extinguisher servicing agent.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

BarTender

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#2164595 21-Jan-2019 10:26

As someone who used the hose on an oil fire under my BBQ last night I am thinking I should go to Mitre 10 and pick up a new one.

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RunningMan

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#2164614 21-Jan-2019 10:41

@BarTender - be careful cooking like that, you'll overcook the steak!

Bung

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#2164629 21-Jan-2019 11:17

I was at a Telecom end of year do ages ago where the managers were attempting to feed 100s with 1 3 burner bbq.
From the back you could see a raging fat fire but the idiot with the tongs didn't want to turn it down until it was too late.
The knobs all melted and fell off.

blakamin

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#2164900 21-Jan-2019 17:23

My small extinguisher at the last house put out my BBQ too.

I wonder how many "kitchen" ones are used on BBQs over summer. :D

(BBQ is the reason the big extinguisher is beside the door)

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