CO2 fire extinguisher

A fire raises many challenges, one of which is putting it out as quickly as possible to prevent injuries and property damage. That's why, from a young age, we've known that there are several types of fire extinguishers. Today, let's take a closer look at the CO2 fire extinguisher. In this article, we'll answer several questions:

• What is a CO2 fire extinguisher?
• When is it used?
• How do you use this type of extinguisher?
• How should it be stored? And where can you buy a 2kg carbon dioxide CO2 fire extinguisher?

What is a CO2 fire extinguisher?

The CO2 extinguisher puts out gas fires, flammable liquid fires (class B), and electrical fires (class C). Thanks to its intrinsic properties, its carbonic snow will successively smother, isolate, and cool the fire down to -70°C. Indeed, CO2 extinguishers contain carbon dioxide in both liquid and gaseous compressed form. Often composed of "natural" gas, it is considered the eco-friendly extinguisher.

When is it used?

CO2 extinguishers are often placed in rooms located near electrical installations: server rooms, IT rooms, laboratories, etc. Indeed, they have the advantage of being non-destructive to electrical equipment. Many of us encountered them during our school years under the name CO2 Extinguishers for Electrical Equipment (Type B). They are used in enclosed spaces, since in open air the gas loses its effectiveness as it disperses. In the 2Kg Carbon Dioxide CO2 Electrical Fire Extinguisher version, they are perfectly suited to mobile installations since they are easy to transport. Where are 2kg CO2 extinguishers used? In buildings with rooms containing flammable liquids, for example in the chemical industry. Be careful, however: they are not effective on other types of fires, particularly those producing embers (wood, paper, barbecues, etc.). We'll cover which extinguishers are best suited for those in another article.

How do you use this extinguisher?

CO2 extinguishers for electrical equipment are subject to regulated use. Indeed, due to the release of carbonic snow, they very quickly create an oxygen deficit in the room. Therefore, during an evacuation, people must be evacuated from the area in time. To avoid being affected by the gases, an oxygen mask is used. Before re-entering an enclosed space where a CO2 extinguisher has been used, the room must be ventilated before staff return.

Be careful to hold it firmly by the handle to avoid frostbite, as its gas is extremely cold!

How should it be stored? And where can you buy a 2kg carbon dioxide CO2 fire extinguisher?

For storage, the 2Kg Carbon Dioxide CO2 Electrical Fire Extinguisher is often kept in hallways. However, care must be taken to ensure the CO2 does not leak from the steel cylinder. Indeed, the extremely low temperatures of the liquid can cause severe burns. Note that CO2 extinguishers alone do not meet a company's legal obligations. Indeed, in ERT and ERP premises, French labor law (Code du travail) requires a portable extinguisher with a capacity of at least 6 liters per 200m², or two 5kg CO2 extinguishers. 2kg carbon dioxide CO2 extinguishers, on the other hand, are an excellent complement for technical rooms and company vehicles. Finally, to buy a 2kg carbon dioxide CO2 fire extinguisher, we have a network of NF-certified, Afnor-standard fire safety partners. Contact us for more information if you'd like to purchase a 2kg carbon dioxide CO2 fire extinguisher. We'll do our best to find you an NF-certified CO2 extinguisher at the best price. You now know what CO2 extinguishers are and their usefulness based on the type of fire. We also invite you to read our article on safety stakeholders to further expand your knowledge of workplace safety.