[Bluepen]

I was on another board the other day and a question was asked about fire extinguishers, no big deal till I read some of the posts and realized how little folks really know about them or whats needed for their shop so I thought I'd post this little blip to help everyone out.
Fire extinguishers are rated by class's of materials they will work on. Class "A"- ordinary combustibles-paper, wood, clean cloth,
Class "B"- flammable liquids-gas, oil, diesel, paint thinners, paints,oily rags.
Class "C"- electrical equipment, outlets, computers, welders
Class "D"- metals- Magnesium
Probably the best fire extinguisher to have around the shop/garage is a "ABC" at least a 10lb then it would pretty well cover most everything in a home garage. If you have a large shop/garage, larger than two cars, or have a shop you do business in I would urge you to contact your local fire department and let them come check your shop/garage. There is a formula for figuring how many, what size and where extinguishers are needed. This might be a double edge sword because they may hit you with code issues also, storage, exit lights and such. But think about it this way "Can someone give me a good price quote on a human life?"
Also if you have extinguishers in your shop now check them at least monthly. Check the pressure gauge and if they are ABC powder turn them upside down and tap the side with a screwdriver handle or small hammer. This stirs the powder as it tends to pack after a while. If the powder is packed it may not work when needed. Thats about it for now thanks for letting me rant about this a little.
Everybody be safe



David

[Kevin45]

Great advice. I have an extinguisher in the garage that my dad gave me. It shows pressure on the gauge but I bet it has been 15+ years since it was last tested or filled. I really need to buy a couple to hang on the wall of the garage and in the house. Gonna have to put that on my To Do list.

Kevin

[cboy]

Bluepen,

Same for the bottle you carry in your car??????

Dewey

[Bluepen]

Dewey, I'm glad you said that I completely forgot about the ones in the rides. Yes the same thing goes for them too as far as checking, tipping and tapping those is more important because of the vibriation. Even though if you have to use it they will make a heck of a mess but the ABC type extinguisher would be the best all round bet for a car too.

David

[bud-23]

In the San Diego area Kragen has a twin pack 10# ABC for $19.95. Great size for my small garage and the cars.

Norm.

[Beenaway2long]

THAT is cheap !! My cost is almost $30.00 EACH, for a refillable 10# capacity.

[FASTFORD]

those inexpensive powder extinguishers are great for the shop/home etc. if you have a fire on/in your car, the powder makes a real mess & increases the repair costs the way it sticks to hot surfaces. you may want to spend more for a Halon extinguisher to keep in the car. whatever you decide, keep at least 1 up to date extinguisher in the home,shop & car.

[Beenaway2long]

I thought Halon was discontinued ?!?

[Bluepen]

I haven't checked in a while but I think they may have stopped selling it to the public. I know we've had to take it out of a couple of our crash rescue trucks that had 500 lb tanks in them. They were replaced with a different kind of halon type. I can't remember the name right now.

David

[Beenaway2long]

Halotron?

[FASTFORD]

recent ad for chrome Halon extinguisher:
1 1/4 lb for $89.95
2 1/2 lb for $139.95
the ad does NOT say what type (new/old) halon. hope this helps.

[cboy]

While we're on the subject...is it a problem if extinguishers freeze while they are out in an uninsulated garage all winter?