Cleaning Your Fire Extinguisher's Mess after Use
Fire extinguishers are good examples of equipment that lie around unused for many months or years. However, they are your first line of defence when a fire strikes. You must make sure that all fire extinguishers on your establishment are well maintained and always ready for an emergency. In case of a fire, some fire extinguishers often leave behind a mess of chemicals and deposits, necessitating cleaning. It is important to follow specific procedures so that the aftermath doesn't result in stains or corrosion. Here are some of the important things you need to know when cleaning a fire extinguisher's mess:
Bicarbonate Residue
Sodium bicarbonate is used in regular, dry chemical fire extinguishers. It can also be substituted with potassium bicarbonate as preferred by the manufacturer. Such fire extinguishers leave behind a powdery substance after use. This is easy to clean. You can vacuum away the powder to get rid of the mess. If you do not have one in your establishment, then you can simply sweep the residue away with a dry cloth or broom.
Mono Ammonium Phosphate
A mono ammonium fire extinguisher is popularly referred to as an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher. After using the extinguisher to put out a fire, it will leave behind some residue. Scrub the area thoroughly with an ordinary cleaning agent and a stiff nylon brush. If left on a surface for too long, the chemical can damage sensitive floors and equipment when it combines with air and moisture.
Halotron
Halotron is another element used in fire extinguishers. It is a clean, gaseous agent often used in hand-held and portable fire extinguishers. Halotron replaces inert halon 1211 agents because it can be used to put out Class A, B and C fires. Halotron fire extinguishers never leave a mess behind so you will not need to clean up after use. The gaseous contents in the extinguisher diffuse into the air, unlike other models that leave powdery stuff behind. The good thing is that Halotron gaseous components do not cause pollution or detrimental health effects to the occupants in the building.
Foam
Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for dealing with burning solids and liquids such as petrol and paint. It also works on fires caused by electricity. After using a foam fire extinguisher, the best thing to do is to dilute the foam before washing and rinsing generously with lots of water. You can use thick cloth and towels to soak up any excess water.
For more information, visit websites like http://www.fireprotectionservices.com.au.
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