Fire Extinguisher : Life Saver can be Life Threatner?

Exposure to temperatures above or below the safe range (by the manufacturer) may damage a fire extinguisher.

It happen especially in Cab where fire extinguisher is there on front glass

Danger of damaging the unit (Fire Extinguisher):

Exposure to temperatures outside the safe range (by the manufacturer) may damage a fire extinguisher.

This danger occurring especially in some factory locations, in heavy construction equipment, and on farm equipment.

For example:

• if we enter in cab on a tractor or backhoe that has been parked all day in the hot Tennessee sun, we learn the metal inside is so hot it burns our skin on contact and plastic items such as a favorite sunglasses’ case has melted or at least warp due to the heat.
• If we try to enter that vehicle a few months later it will be so cold our glove will instantly freeze to the cab door (which, incidentally, will freeze and shut).
• The fire extinguisher, mount in that cab is exposed to these extreme temperatures.
• We also factor into this scenario, that in such a rough and tumble environment the extinguisher may also bump, jar, and knock about. In such a situation it is very important that we check the unit regularly, especially the pressure indication gauge, making sure the needle is in the green.
• Damage to An extinguisher under such circumstances may not operate correctly in case of a fire.

Danger of explosion (Fire Extinguisher Explosion) :

• A store pressure dry chemical extinguisher becomes a bomb when it is into a fire.
• It is a time delay bomb perhaps, since manufacture of the unit is to easily withstand an internal pressure of 390 psi to 720 psi, depending on the model. This of course makes the explosion all the more violent when the heat finally raises the pressure inside the canister beyond it’s breaking point.
• Even an “empty” extinguisher is a seal container. Heat will force the residual gases present inside the canister to expand, pressing outward from inside the canister until it`s weak point ruptures.
• This may be explosive or the bottle may act as a projectile. This is one reason we never recommend tossing an extinguisher, not even a empty unit, into a fire.
• Hope this information is helpful to you and you will ensure proper placement and maintenance of fire extinguisher to avoid any mishap or injury or incident or accident. Some time Life Saver Fire extinguisher can be Life Threatner.

Fire Extinguisher checkpoints to avoid the same:

1

Fire Extinguisher should be physically in good condition, including there is no signs of damage, corrosion, or tempering, etc...

2

Verify temper seal is intact with pin available without any damage and not tempered. Nothing should be used in place of the pin.

3

Discharge hose/Nozzle should be in good condition without clogged, crack or broken. It should be free from leakage.

4

Handle of fire extinguisher should be intact and firm. It should not be broken and bent.

5

Label, type of fire extinguisher and instruction should be available and easy to read.

6

Fire extinguisher should be fully charged and pressure gauge should be in green position. Need to cross check it by weighing (As there is no pressure gauge in case of CO2 fire extinguisher.)

7

It should have all information like dates, location, identification number, type as mentioned in starting of this checklist in form of inspection and maintenance tag.

8

Fire extinguisher should not be obstructed by any means. It should be at its correct place and visible.

9

Fire extinguisher should be mounted or placed in an easily accessible place. It should be marked with signs properly.

10

Fire extinguisher should have valid inspection and maintenance tag. If not so, need to replace that fire extinguisher.