Is the ABC dry chemical agent harmful to the body?
The ABC dry chemical fire-extinguishing agent mainly consists of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and ammonium sulfate, both of which are used as fertilizers. These materials are considered to be almost completely harmless to humans.
What should I do if the agent comes into contact with the eyes or enters the mouth?
The ABC dry chemical agent is made up of very fine particles to maximize its fire extinguishing effect. Therefore, if the agent enters the mouth or nose or comes into contact with the eyes while in use, it may aggravate the mucous membranes and cause coughing, runny nose, and irritation of the eyes. In such cases, rinse out the agent from the mouth and wash it away from the eyes and nose with water. (Although unlikely, if a large amount is ingested, consult a doctor immediately.)
How do I clean up after discharging the agent?
This depends on the amount involved. If not much is involved, the agent may be cleaned up with a vacuum cleaner (though this may clog the filter of the vacuum cleaner due to the very fine particles of the agent). After vacuuming, wipe the residue with a duster cloth. If possible, we recommend washing off the powder with water. For carpets and bedding, due to the difficulty of removing the powder, we recommend washing the affected articles. In general, the powder will be distributed throughout the space where the agent is discharged, so meticulous cleaning will be required.
If the powder is discharged onto electronic appliances, will they be damaged?
Since the ABC agent possesses electrical insulation characteristics, short-circuiting will not occur. However, when the powder absorbs moisture, there is a greater risk of corrosion affecting metals with which the agent comes into contact. Therefore, we recommend that precision mechanical equipment be serviced for cleaning and checkup.
Note: Companies usually place CO2 and other gas-type fire extinguishers in their precision instrument or computer rooms to protect machines from such damage.
What should I do if the powder is discharged onto vehicles (metals)?
First, blow off the powder with air or brush off the powder using a towel or duster; then wash the vehicle. If any powder remains on the surface, the agent may absorb moisture and cause a change to the coating color or corrosion of the metal components. If the powder agent has come into contact with the internal mechanisms of the vehicle (such as the engine block), take the vehicle to an auto body shop to have it cleaned and checked. Meticulous cleaning is also required.
Note: Metal corrosion
ABC dry chemical consists of particles coated with silicon to render the agent moisture-proof. However, if it remains in contact with metals or substrates of electrical parts, the silicon coating will melt with moisture, resulting in exposure of its main components, ammonium phosphate or ammonium sulfate, which will then corrode the metals.
How long is the life of a fire extinguisher?
Depending on the type involved, fire extinguishers can be used for 5 or 8 years from the date of production. Currently, we attach a label that shows the life of the product on the body.
How should old fire extinguishers be disposed of?
The task of dismantling fire extinguishers is very dangerous due to the high internal pressure. Only a few municipal bodies collect old fire extinguishers. You can take old fire extinguishers to local distributors of disaster prevention equipment. The collected extinguishers will be returned to us and disassembled for recycling. If you purchase a new fire extinguisher, please ask the seller to accept your old one. We also provide guidance on how to dispose of fire extinguishers through our toll-free telephone service.
How do I inspect or refill a fire extinguisher?
Your local fire extinguisher distributors and shops selling disaster prevention equipment can do this. Please consult our toll-free telephone service for details.
What is the rating of fire extinguishers?
Fire extinguishers are manufactured in accordance with specific national standards. The rating is the number used in comparing the capacity of different fire extinguishers or in determining the necessary number of extinguishers to be installed in a building. Of course, where the same agent is involved, the higher the rating coefficient, the more effective an agent is in fighting fires. For example, the indication
[ A-1, B-1, or C ] means:
[ A-1 ]
The rating for a Class A fire (conventional fire of paper or wood) is 1.
[ B-1 ]
The rating for a Class B fire (oil fire) is 1.
[ C ]
When there is a possibility of electrical shock when the combustible material is electrified. (C means that the agent can be used on electrical fires. There is no rating attached to this category.)
Note:
Please refer to the relevant fire protection laws or Yamato Protec fs Fire Extinguisher Technical Brochure for more information.
