Carbon Dioxide is a time proven clean agent. Non conductive CO2 is particulary effective in confined areas, where there is a risk from flammable liquids, being non-toxic and leaving no residue CO2 will not harm food, fabrics, machinery or electrical equipment.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF Co2 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
To help customers make informed judgments about the selection of the
best extinguishing media for specific operational circumstances, an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each is essential.
In respect of Co2 fire extinguishers
ADVANTAGES
ü It is a non corrosive
gas, does not contain any solid material making it very clean extinguishing agent.
ü It does not
conduct electricity.
ü It does not leave any kind of residue. Co2 fire extinguishers are great for
use in kitchens as they have less risk of contaminating food preparation areas.
ü Has the longest
service life of most extinguishers, 10 years before an extended service will need to be carried out.
DISADVANTAGES
X Co2 is the most toxic gas when it comes to human health. It is a highly suffocating gas, whose concentration of even 9% in the breathing
air would make a person unconscious within minutes, special consideration should be taken before installing in confined spaces.
X Co2
fire extinguishers can extinguish flammable liquid fires but are not suitable for use on flammable solids, flammable gasses or cooking
fat fires.
X Very loud when used and a untrained person may think the extinguisher is not
working correctly.
X If used incorrectly frost burns can result.
X Not field refillable, has to be returned to a refilling depot, so most companies use an exchange cylinder service that can be quite expensive.