 Fire Extinguishing Chemicals and What You
Should Know About Them
This is a post sent in by Jerry Frost and refers to something that most of
us are unaware of. Take a minute to read through this and keep it in the
back of your mind. I hope that no one has to have a reason to remember this
information, but just in case. Also keep in mind that sometimes even paramedics
and hospital personnel may not be aware of this information. It is very important
to remember in case of use, to ALWAYS keep the extinguisher bottle on
the stretcher with the victim, so the hospital will know how to apply
proper treatment for the particular chemical.
Chris
I have a cautionary note about dry chemical fire extinguishers though. They've
changed a lot since the old days and their chemical compositions vary
considerably. If, heaven forbid, you have a fire and have to use one on a
person or animal you have to make sure the extinguisher you used goes with
them to the hospital. This is very important as the chemicals in extinguishers
can do as much or more damage as the fire. They are usually pretty caustic
and can't be treated if the doctors don't know what they are.
A couple years ago a mechanic/welder was repairing a diesel tank on a truck
when he blew it up. It was one of those slips any of us could point to and
say, "see, you screwed up, it's your fault." It was also something that could
happen to anybody. Who of us doesn't make mistakes, have lapses or forget
one little item on the checklist.
Anyway, when the tank blew, it split a seam and dumped 140gal of burning
diesel fuel right into the oil racks. The only other man on duty that day
put him out with a dry chemical fire extinguisher and dragged him outside.
By that time the entire shop was fully engulfed, a total loss. 911 was called
by half a dozen offices in the complex and the only burn victim was taken
to the emergency room.
In the hospital it was discovered that NO TREATMENT at all could be administered
until they knew exactly what dry chemical was used on him. Several fire fighters
had to risk life and limb to recover the fire extinguisher. It was a big
shop over 7,000sq ft and burning like an oil refinery, with welding cylinders
and fuel tanks exploding, burning tires, hydraulic systems and fluids. Well
you get the picture, it took the fire department over 8 hours to get it under
control and it smoldered for two days afterwards.
Fortunately the fire extinguisher was in a location where it could be recovered
and nobody was hurt getting it but it could have gone horribly wrong. More
people could've been burned or killed and the victim might have suffered
fatal chemical burns either from the extinguisher or the treatment if it
hadn't been recovered.
The thing that appalls me about the entire episode is that the recommendation
of the doctors and EMS personnel to put the extinguisher on the stretcher
with the victim was spread by rumor. WE FOUND OUT BY RUMOR! There is no warning
on extinguishers, I've looked, it's never been mentioned at a first aid course,
as far as I know it's one of the best kept secrets of the first aid profession.
We all look at those bright red cylinders hanging there as life savers but
beware, they can be life takers as well. If you or somebody else is on fire,
use water, dirt, roll on the ground, use a CO2 extinguisher and risk frostbite,
anything but dry chemical. But if the choice is to use dry chemical or burn,
make sure the extinguisher(s) get's strapped to the stretcher with the victim.
Make sure the EMS personnel know it's there and is to stay with the victim.
Use threats if necessary but make sure the doctors get them, it's as important
as it get's.
Contributor - Jerry Frost - frosty@customcpu.com
"Processes, methods, and apparatus presented herein have not been
tested or verified by ArtMetal in any way. Anyone using any of this information
is doing so at their own risk."
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