| There has been much controversy recently over the | | | | extinguishers are rated with the size of fire that they |
| revelation that many home fire extinguishers actually | | | | can handle. You should never use a fire extinguisher |
| contain the gas halon. This is, on the surface, | | | | to put out a fire that is too large for it to handle. |
| alarming. But in fact, the amount of halon that is | | | | Ratings proceed in a linear fashion according to their |
| contained within fire extinguishers is not a risk to the | | | | type. A "1A" can put out a certain amount of regular |
| health of humans in most cases. Those who are | | | | fire, while a "2A" can put out twice as much of a |
| young or old, or people who have problems with their | | | | regular fire. A "2B" will put out a certain amount of |
| respiratory system, however, are advised to avoid | | | | liquid fire, and a "C" will put out an electrical fire. C |
| the fumes from fire extinguishers if at all possible.It is | | | | rated extinguishers are not given a numerical |
| also important to know that as the temperature in | | | | rating.Also on the label will be illustrated and printed |
| an area rises, it becomes more dangerous. As the | | | | information about how to properly use an |
| temperature of halon rises, it becomes more toxic. | | | | extinguisher. You would be well advised to get |
| Therefore, do not remain in an area where a fire | | | | familiar with this information.Most fire extinguishers |
| extinguisher has been used if at all possible. Halon has | | | | that are sold today are single use extinguishers. |
| been shown to be corrosive to the ozone layer. | | | | These models tend to be filled with halon. Also, these |
| Using it is not particularly healthy for the | | | | models do not undergo the same rigorous tests that |
| environment.When you are looking at a fire | | | | reusable extinguishers must undergo to be used. And |
| extinguisher, most of the information you need will | | | | even those that do not score very high. Almost none |
| be printed on its label. All extinguishers are rated | | | | of the disposable are all purpose extinguishers.Using |
| according to standards set by the industry. These | | | | the above information as a guide, you can purchase |
| standards will tell you what sort of fire the | | | | the type of extinguisher that you need for your own |
| extinguisher is mean to put out, and, as such, should | | | | personal or business use. Make sure that you get one |
| be consulted before using the extinguisher. Using the | | | | that will work to overcome the fires that could arise |
| wrong type can actually exacerbate the intensity of | | | | in your location. If not, there isn't much purpose of |
| a fire.Most labels will warn you of the types of fires | | | | getting a fire extinguisher.Gregg Hall is an author living |
| that can be worsened by the extinguisher. In addition | | | | in Navarre Beach, Florida. |
| to the type of fire that they are meant to combat, | | | | |