A CO2 fire extinguisher is commonly used for fires involving live electrical equipment and flammable liquids (Class B). It is widely specified for electrical risks because it does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue.
Contents
- 1 Where Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Be Used?
- 2 Where Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Not Be Used?
- 3 How Do You Identify a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
- 4 What Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers Also Known As?
- 5 How Do CO2 Fire Extinguishers Work?
- 6 What Are the Pros and Cons?
- 7 Who Needs CO2 Fire Extinguishers?
- 8 How Do You Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
- 9 CO2 Fire Extinguishers and UK Fire Safety Law
- 10 Our Services
Where Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Be Used?
CO2 extinguishers are most effective on small, contained Class B fires and are not suitable for deep-seated or spreading liquid fires, where foam extinguishers are typically more effective.
This fire extinguisher type can be used on fires in varying situations, these include:
- Electrical fires, where the fire involves equipment such as generators, switchgear, or computers
- Class B fires; fires that involve flammable liquids such as paint, diesel, or petrol
Where Can a CO2 Fire Extinguisher Not Be Used?
These fire extinguishers should not be used on Class F fires. These are cooking fires where oil or grease are involved, such as a chip pan fire.
How Do You Identify a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
There are several identifying factors which are as follows:
- There will be a BLACK coloured label on the body of the extinguisher which will read: CO2
- The nozzle has a noticeable black horn
- There should be an extinguisher ID sign close by which will read – CO2 EXTINGUISHER
What Are CO2 Fire Extinguishers Also Known As?
The following names can also be used for this fire extinguisher type:
- Carbon dioxide extinguisher
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
How Do CO2 Fire Extinguishers Work?
CO2 gas (carbon dioxide) is stored in the extinguisher as a liquid. When the handle is squeezed, it causes pressure which then discharges the CO2 as gas.
The creation of the gas under such pressure causes the CO2 gas to emerge at a very high speed. Hence, they should not be used for the likes of chip pan fires due to the flames being blasted into other areas close by.
The principle that this fire extinguisher type works on is replacing the oxygen that surrounds a fire with carbon dioxide; hence, the fire cannot continue to burn. This is in contrast to using water or a foam extinguisher to cool a fire. This is why a CO2 fire extinguisher is not the right choice for a fire that involves flammable solids. Because CO2 does not cool the fuel, Class A fires can easily re-ignite once oxygen returns to the area.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Pros
There are two main pros. The first is that they are extremely effective on electrical fires. The second is that no residue is left behind following their use.
Cons
There are several cons, and these are listed as follows:
- A risk of the user getting a cold burn if the extinguisher is held by the horn
- CO2 extinguishers release carbon dioxide gas, which is a greenhouse gas, although they do not damage the ozone layer
- They pose a risk of asphyxiation in confined spaces since they work on the principle of replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide
Who Needs CO2 Fire Extinguishers?
For premises with live electrical fires, having a CO2 fire extinguisher should be a standard issue. Such premises include:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Shops
- Offices
How Do You Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher?
Safety Notes:
- Do not hold a CO2 fire extinguisher by the horn
- CO2 fire extinguishers should be used with caution in confined or poorly ventilated spaces due to the risk of oxygen displacement. Evacuate immediately after use and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Always remove the safety pin first to break the anti-tamper seal and stand at a safe distance
Using a CO2 Fire Extinguisher
- Aim the horn towards the base of the fire and then move the jet in a backward and forward motion
- For electrical fires, the electrical item should be switched off if it is safe to do so
- For liquid fires, care should be taken so that the burning liquid is not splashed onto areas close by
CO2 Fire Extinguishers and UK Fire Safety Law
UK fire safety legislation does not prescribe specific types of fire extinguishers. Instead, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure that appropriate fire-fighting equipment is provided, based on the findings of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly specified where there is a risk of fire involving live electrical equipment or flammable liquids, as they do not conduct electricity and leave no residue. Their suitability will depend on the nature of the risk, the size of the fire, and the characteristics of the premises.
British Standard BS 5306-8 provides recognised guidance on the selection, positioning, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, including CO2 extinguishers. It emphasises that CO2 extinguishers are most effective on electrical and small Class B fires, and that additional extinguishers may be required where Class A fire risks are present, due to the risk of re-ignition.
The Responsible Person must also ensure that extinguishers are:
- Suitable for the identified risks
- Correctly positioned and clearly signed
- Properly maintained and inspected
- Supported by adequate staff instruction and training
Selection of CO2 fire extinguishers should always be justified within the fire risk assessment, taking into account limitations such as reduced cooling effect, confined space risks, and the need for complementary extinguisher types.
Our Services
If you need a fire extinguisher service, our accredited consultants will attend your sites at a time convenient to you. Contact us today to arrange a visit and decide on the future course of action.
