Understanding the Proper Use and Maintenance of Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers use dry ice-like CO2 vapor that cools and smothers fire by eliminating oxygen supply, making them especially useful against Class B flammable liquid fires as they are non-conductive.
Indoor use (with caution taken to prevent asphyxiation in confined spaces) from 6-8 feet distance is ideal, using the Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep method.
Refilling
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher is highly effective against Class B flammable liquid and Class C electrical fires because its non-conductive agent lowers fuel temperatures below their ignition temperature, while its vapor smothers and removes oxygen from the fire, eliminating oxygen as a fuel source and suppressing further flames.
Long nozzle fire extinguishers allow you to stand at a safe distance from the fire and spray an extinguishing agent safely onto it. After discharging, be sure to sweep your nozzle across the base of the fire in order to maintain contact and prevent reignition; cold CO2 may also help quell flames while simultaneously cooling them and potentially causing frost burn if it touches skin directly.
CO2 fire extinguishers remove oxygen from the air, so they should never be used in enclosed spaces. They can quickly deplete all available oxygen levels in a room, potentially leading to asphyxiation or unconsciousness for those exposed. Furthermore, carbon dioxide turns to dry ice when discharged and may result in frostbite for those affected by its discharge.
Recharging
CO2 fire extinguishers cool the surface of a fire to prevent melting, displace oxygen from the atmosphere and interrupt chemical chain reactions that sustain it. Their discharged CO2 vapor can also penetrate deep into fuel sources to suppress fires from within out, leaving no trace or residue behind and making them suitable for environments containing expensive electronic equipment.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are ideal for dealing with Class B fires, such as those involving petrol, diesel alcohols or paint (but not cooking oils or fats). Carbon dioxide helps eliminate flammable material by displace oxygen needed for combustion processes to continue – therefore eliminating the fire entirely.
As carbon dioxide fire extinguishers release extremely cold gas upon discharge, you should remember to apply it evenly across the fire in an uninterrupted motion so as to cover all surfaces of the flames with its blanket of coldness. These extinguishers should also be visually inspected on an ongoing basis to make sure the pressure gauge falls within its acceptable operating range and that their safety pin and tamper seal remain undamaged; once discharged or partially used up they must be recharged immediately in order to maintain effectiveness.
Inspection
Inspection of fire extinguishers must be a meticulous process, with every member taking great care in doing their inspection. Even minor signs of corrosion or denting could pose problems should an emergency situation arise and this device becomes necessary.
As part of your equipment inspection, ensure your team knows where each extinguisher is stored so they can access it quickly if required. Furthermore, ensure they know which types of fires each extinguisher is certified for so they can use it effectively during an emergency situation.
Finally, an inspection should include verifying that the monthly inspection tag is visible and legible. Furthermore, team members should inspect the tamper seal to make sure it hasn’t been compromised; otherwise it will need to be replaced prior to its next scheduled inspection date.
Maintenance
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires by dislodging oxygen required for their combustion. CO2 is an innocuous, colorless, odourless and non-toxic gas that will not damage any material burned by fire; making this type of extinguisher ideal for both class B flammable liquid and class C electrical equipment fires. These extinguishers do not feature pressure gauges so must be weighted regularly before use to make sure they remain full and ready to be put out by making sure their contents will displace oxygen necessary for combustion to take hold.
Visual inspection should take place regularly to make sure the pressure gauge is functioning within its specified range and that its safety pin and tamper seal remain undamaged. Furthermore, they must be weighed according to manufacturer specifications to verify they have been completely charged.
These fire extinguishers may be used indoors with caution in confined spaces to avoid asphyxiation. Furthermore, adequate ventilation must be available after use to allow any released gases to dissipate safely.