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fire extinguisher? Is there a law stating that all personal residences have to at least have one fire extinguisher? I am in Texas. I know businesses have to, but does a personal home? I realize that it's always a good idea to have one for safety purposes. If there isn't a law about it, then I wonder why not. What do you think? frenzalpixie replied: "There should be. If renting, the landlord should provide one, a fire blanket and smoke alarms. Good luck."
noble_savage replied: "It will depend on local building codes which vary even from town to town, unless there's a uniform state law on point. In NJ, the seller of a house has to supply a working fire extinguisher to the buyer upon closing."
jared999 replied: "I'm not aware of any states that require fire extinguishers in private homes, but it is always a good idea to have one on each floor and one in the kitchen. As a side note, some states such as Texas and California have banned the sale of certain mini-fire extinguishers."
bcnu replied: "Single-family residential fire safety is generally left to the occupants, whereas commercial or business or apartments have a greater risk to multiple occupants are are more heavily regulated. Your local fire code or similar regulations may suggest specific provisions for residential dwellings, such as CO and smoke/fire alarms, and some states require these.
On the other end of the spectrum, some locales are now requiring certified SPRINKLER systems in every new house, or if an old house is renovated or added to."
todvango replied: "Very few areas have any laws or codes in the United States that tells you what you MUST have in your own private home.
That old adage, "A man's home is HIS castle." Still holds true for a great many areas.
And while I agree the government should stay out of our lives, particularly with what's "required" in our own homes, there is no reason that people shouldn't consider having good fire protection equipment.
New Jersey's position, that another user mentioned, is a good example of a passive enforcement method that I am in favor of. You cannot sell a house without making sure there are fire extinguisher(s) involved.
NFPA 10, The standard for fire extinguishers, 2007 edition states (in the appendix) for residential occupancies or single or multi-family dwellings...
F.5.1 Minimum Placement. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher, with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C, and meeting the general recommendations of Section F.1, should be provided per floor level of a living unit, with a maximum of 40 ft (12 m) of travel distance to the equipment.
(The appendix of any NFPA standard is simply considered a recommended practice. But sometimes, certain states or municipalities adopt it as local code along with the rest of the standard.)
Again, NJ is the only state that I am aware of where this is presently adhered to and it is only at the time of sale. Maybe more states will be following their lead?" What are the components of a fire extinguisher, how do they work to release water of foam? What mechanics are inside a fire extinguisher, how do they work to release water or foam or any type of agent to smother or put out a fire? Inside the fire extinguisher, is water already in there? Is foam already in there? Do you have to refill a fire extinguisher with water or foam? Can you run out of water or foam while trying to put out a fire? NavyNarc replied: "There are several types of fire extinguishers.
Your basic CO2 fire extinguisher is filled with compressed CO2 gas, which is released as you trigger the extinguisher. The CO2 smothers the oxygen away from the flames to put out the fire. The cold form the CO2 decompressing also helps to remove some heat.
There is also a foam based fire extinguisher. The foam is essentially produced by mixing a soaping agent with water. A stand alone extiguisher of this type usually has the soap and water preset and pressurized to come out of the extinguisher. The water will remove heat from the fire, and the foam will act to block the oxygen from the fire. These types of extinguishers are most effective against oil based fires.
The last type of extinguisher is a type of dry chemical based extinguisher. These extinguishers will have the dry chemical in the cylinder and will often have a small canister of compressed CO2 on them. When the extinguisher is needed, the small canister is used to pressurize the dry chemical to force is out of the extinguisher.
In all cases, extinguishers will run out after use. In general an extinguisher will provide one to two minutes of fire fighting ability. Extinguishers can be recharged, but only by someone trained to do so. For more information, you cna probably contact your local fire department. Most store bought extinguishers are not rechargable, but will need replaced use."
misen55 replied: "Everything you want to know about fire extinguishers is here:"
java replied: "take a look at
once activated they will need to recharged with water or powder." How often does fire extinguisher have to be checked? I have a fire extinguisher in my home, and it has a tag on it that says it was charged in the year 2000. The needle is still pointing to the part that says 'full'. Is this probably still good? Is there some rule that it should be checked by a professional or something to know if it is safe and in working condition? Thanks for any advice you can give me about this. tommysgirl replied: "Fire extinguishers should be checked at least once a year. If yours expired in 2008, have it checked by a professional. Better to be safe than sorry !!"
Garacaius replied: "In a " business " they are required to be checked every year. As long as the needle is pointing to full I would think it is ok.
NOTE; I just walked into my kitchen and looked at my extinguisher. On it, it says to look at the indicator every month to make sure it reads ok."
vercast replied: "definitely, not during a fire."
Linda L replied: "Fire extinguisher should be checked every year. Call your local fire department and they will tell you where you should take it." How many years should a fire extinguisher last? The fire extinguisher in our house is over 10 years old. The gauge shows that it is fully charged, and it has never been used. It is dry chemical type ABC. Is it okay to keep it a few more years, and how long should an extinguisher like this normally last? aussie replied: "ask your local fire department"
I am the Kwisatz Haderach replied: "I think they last about 5 years but i'm not really sure."
sexy_cutie_pie1256 replied: "about 5 years"
babylim76 replied: "one year is the least. your fire extinguisher needs to be refilled and also try to shake the extinguisher every now and then so that the chemical inside it won't get stuck at the bottom."
todvango replied: "Fire Extinguishers can stay "usable" for a long time. I have seen some sit well over a decade and still be fine.
Remeber these few important tips:
1. Once you use a fire extinguisher, no matter how much of it you have used, it must be taken in and recharged, if it is the rechargeable type.
2. Keep an eye on the pressure guage (on all units but CO2) and make sure it's in the "operable" range. Make sure the "pin" is in place and sealed there.
3. Once a year, commercial locations should have thier units checked and recertified by a professional.
4. Every six years, dry chemical (like your ABC) and halogenated agents should be taken in, emptied, and recharged. (This is a requiement in a commerical application.)
5. Every five years, water and CO2, units need taken in and hydrostatically tested.
6. Every 12 years, the halogenated agent and dry chemicals will come due for thier hydrotest.
7. When in doubt, ask a professional to take a look at the unit.
8. To find a fire extinguihser service location near you, try the yellow pages under 'fire extinguishers.'
9. Most of those service locations will dispose of one for no charge if it's not worth keeping." Is the stuff inside the fire extinguisher dangerous to breathe in? I used an ABC fire extinguisher yesterday and am coughing really bad today. Could be a coincidence. bugear001 replied: "Yes it is,,,,, I don't know if it will kill you. I guess "too" much of anything will kill you. I had one of my Custodians cleaning up after someone discharged one. His nose was bleeding for two days. Not a good thing. If you don't improve in a few days, I'd see
a doctor."
Darkgoth replied: "all extinguishers have differant chemicals in them....and yes that means it can upset your lungs..."
etcher1 replied: "The multipurpose Dry Chemical Extinguisher for a Type A,B,C fire is what you will find in most university laboratories that contain chemicals. These extinguishers have the most range of compatibility with items found in a lab and are good for most types of fires. A Type BC fire extinguishers contain sodium or potassium bicarbonate and a Type ABC fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate. They have an advantage over CO2 extinguishers in that they leave a blanket of non-flammable material on the extinguished material which reduces the likelihood of re ignition. However, they make quite a mess and the fine powder will irritate the throat and lungs.
This is a pretty good link.
Hope it helps"
todvango replied: "ABC multipurpose dry chemical is typciallaly monoamonium phosphate. An irrirant to say the least. All the M.S.D.S. information says in case of accidental inhalation: remove to fresh air, if irritation persists, seek medical attention.
If you felt better afterwards, but now are coughing, you are right in that it COULD be a coincidence. Why not check with your doctor's office and see what they think.
Here's the MSDS on the stuff...
If it makes you feel any better, I work at a facility that recharges the stuff and have breathed in the stuff too many times to count. I hate the smell, and yes, it makes you cough. But I haven't had any major problems afterwards. (I laugh as I say that, watch me die of lung cancer in 10 years.)
Good luck. Check out any persistant cough with your doctor." What type of fire extinguisher is best to keep in my car? Ok, I've had two experiences while driving which called for a fire extinguisher. One was when my father's Suburban engine caught fire, and one was when a person was trapped in his car while it was on fire. In the first case, the extinguisher needed to be used on a car engine, in the second case the extinguisher needed to be sprayed on human skin. What extinguisher is safest for both situations. Kevin Davis replied: "Use the one that puts the fire out, water seems to work just fine.Keep lot's of bottled water in your car.A bag of flour would'nt hurt."
UCANTCME replied: "Look for a UL-listed and UL-rated unit that contains a non-toxic extinguishing agent and has an easy-to-pull safety pin.
Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC.."
pychocomplexfreakyweirdo replied: "When dealing with burning gasoline or plastic, stay FAR away from water, it could very easily aggravate the fire. The very best extinguisher for an all-around application is one that is certified for A B and C coded applications. Code A is for ordinary combustible materials like wood and paper; B is for combustible liquids like gasoline, kerosene, or oil; and C is for electrical equipment fires. ABC extinguishers hold a dry foam that wil not react adversely with the accelerants in the fire."
jivepacketrat replied: "Never use flour on a fire, it may be safe 99 times ore more, but with the correct mixture of flour and oxygen, it will explore. If anyone disagrees, google flour +explosion.
Any reputable auto supply store will sell fire extinguishers for automotive use. If an extinguisher is used once, do not trust it to work the next time.
I would never use an extinguisher on human skin. The pressure that causes the retardant to be expelled from the extinguisher may be sufficient to force the retardant under the skin. If you are concerned about a fire reaching your skin then keep a thick heavy cloth in the car and cover any flames with the cloth. Remember the Stop, Drop and Roll, from the fire department. Just rolling on the ground will extinguish a fire on your clothes. If you are really concerned take a container of water and soak the cloth after you cover the affected skin, actually just starting to think about the water should give the cloth time to put out the fire."
Life Is Good replied: "I carry a 5 pound Halon extinguisher in my truck and my car. I have a 2 pounder strapped to the rollbar of my sports car."
George A replied: "Generally if you need to extinguish a car fire it is most likely to be an electrical or gasoline/fuel fire.
Any multipurpose 2.5 to 4 pound ABC classed fire extinguisher will be suitable for that.
Those model extinguishers contain a powder & you do not want to spray it on a person if you can help it. Inhalation of & contact with the powder can cause more problems for the victim.
Halon extinguishers are no longer made & cannot be refilled, so if you would happen to have one of those, once discharged, it will release a very ozone depleting agent & the empty tank will then need to be disposed of (and not by just tossing it in the trash either)
If you like Halon, there are a few companies that offer extinguishers made with Halotron, which has the same fire fighting capabilities & characteristics of Halon, but is safer on the environment."
Locksmith replied: "Halon 10lb. comes with a mounting bracket, some can be recharged" What should this fire extinguisher be called? If there was a fire extinguisher that had water soluble polymer coated carbon pellets inside of it, and when the carbon is released it combines with the oxygen and makes carbon dioxide, what should the fire extinguisher be called?
Carbonated Fire Extinguisher?
Water Soluble Poylmer Coated Carbon Fire Extinguisher?
Oxygen Removal Fire Extinguisher?
Any ideas are helpful! JRome3 replied: "how bout a CO2 fire extinguisher?"
tinkertailorcandlestickmaker replied: ""when the carbon is released it combines with the oxygen"
Um, isn't that also know as "fire"?
Perhaps you have been reading "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury?
Graphite (carbon) powder is used in some cases for extinguishing flammable metal fires, but in that case one would not want to use any water, so the utility of a "water soluble polymer" is unclear in that application." How can you tell if a fire extinguisher is still good? I just found an fire extinguisher, how can you tell how old it is and if it is still any good? emt3992 replied: "theres a gauge on it lol.. or should be. if the pressure needle is in the green area its good"
JayDax replied: "The only sure way is to try it - but then it won't be any good.
Look for a use or refill date.
It may have a full weight marked on it, in which case weigh it."
Charles D. M. replied: "Take it to your local fire station and ask them if it is serviceable. If not but refillable they can direct U 2 a refill and refurbish company. They should also know how and or where it should be disposed if it is wasted."
justin t replied: "as a firefighter u need to check the date and if it is older then 7 years i would trash it and get a new one. Also check for leaks on the bottom and all around it. Make sure the pin is still in and see if their is a date tag."
millyhelen replied: "Hi there;
Apart from looking at any pressure gauges, weighing the unit will tell you if there is still a full charge / propellant inside: the standard weight should be stamped on the cylinder somewhere. Check that the safety pin in the operating mechanism is in place, that the nozzle is clear and not blocked, and that there is no corrosion on the extinguisher body. As has been said before though, if you're in any doubt, have it checked by the local fire department. A fire extinguisher is one thing that you really don't want to fail on you at the last minute." How often should I replace my fire extinguisher? I have a fire extinguisher about 3 years old. What should I do? Thanks. cheezy replied: "call your local non- emergency number to your fire dept. & ask who you call to have it inspected"
Condar_1 replied: "Most home style fire extinguishers are not serviceable or refillable. Some are but most are not. In my area to have a fire extinguisher serviced runs around $20 each. As you know, you can go down to your local wally-mart and purchase a new for around the same cost.
If you are in question about the integrity of your safety equipment, it's better of to replace it. The new unit should have an expiration date indicated on the box or extinguisher. Make a note of it life expectancy with a black Sharpe on the bottom and then replace it as needed."
Mike M replied: "As long as the gauge shows that it's still fully charged just keep it reasonably clean and easily accessible."
mark-ashcraft@sbcglobal.net replied: "take it and have it check out there or most of the time is a tag on them stateing when it needs to be looked at again or look at the pressure gauge and if its in the "red zone" I think it says check or replace"
Old Guy replied: "All dry chemical fire extinguishers have a dial that indicates if it is charged. If you have a foam type, same deal. I have not seen a liquid one in a long time. If you do, its time to get a new one."
Hondu replied: "Even if the pressure guage reads OK the sodium bicarb can pack down and harden after that much time. If it is the serviceable type, get it serviced. If not, buy another." Should I use my fire extinguisher if I am gonna recharge it? My fire extinguisher is due for inspection. Should I use it for practice and have it recharged or better to have it inspected in full charge condition? Thanks. thenextlikemike23@Yahoo.com replied: "ya as long as it doesnt get in ur eyes"
Lance replied: "Depending on what type it is, they might check and recertify it leaving the contents intact and reducing your cost."
BUBBA~THE~POOCH replied: "No, do not discharge it or you will be charger to have it refilled."
jacksparrow replied: "Yes, just use it on the neighbor's dog, squirrels,etc.
Your testing the valve, if it did not discharge, throw it away buy new.
Back in the day, I use to drive truck, you get a tire fire(got the trusty fire ext. under seat, you pull the trigger and nothing happens) then your reduced to throwing dirt, emptying your water jug, peeing on the wheel.
I've been there."
JackSprat replied: "Why do you need to recharge it? The fire extinguisher company who insects your extinguisher, checks to see if it is fully charged, mechanical parts in working order etc. They will discharge the extinguisher and empty the contents every 6 years to perform Hydrostatic testing of the cylinder anyways.
On the other hand if you want to play with your extinguisher and have some fun go ahead. If you don't mind paying to have your extinguisher refilled." |
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