FIRE SAFETY: FACTS ABOUT THE PHYISICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CARBON AND THE USE OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT

The first thing to know about fire extinguishers is that you must be trained and authorized to use one in an emergency. The point is that most people have never used one and it takes some training and practice to use one properly.

Handheld extinguishers, which are commonly sold at hardware stores for use in the kitchen or garage, are pressurised with nitrogen or carbon dioxide (CO2) to propel a stream of fire-squelching agent to the fire.

Carbon is a soft, dull gray or black non-metal that you can scratch with a fingernail. Th density of carbon as graphite is 2.267 g/mL, which means it will sink in water. Chemical Properties: Carbon, as graphite, burns to form gaseous carbon (IV) oxide (carbon dioxide).

Carbon has an exceptional ability to bind with a wide variety of other elements. Carbon makes four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds, allowing carbon atoms to form multiple stable bonds with other small atoms, including hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
The carbon atom is unique among elements in its tendency to form extensive networks of covalent bonds not only with other elements but also with itself. … Moreover, of all the elements in the second row, carbon has the maximum number of outer shell electrons (four) capable of forming covalent bonds.

Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) members at Fire Safety Summit in Ota, Ogun state.

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are filled with non-flammable carbon dioxide gas under extreme pressure. You can recognize a CO2 extinguisher by its hard horn and lack of pressure gauge. The pressure in the cylinder is so great that when you use one of these extinguishers, bits of dry ice may shoot out the horn

Carbon Dioxide is a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas resulting from the oxidation of carbon. Carbon dioxide appears as a colorless odorless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Relatively nontoxic and noncombustible. Heavier than air and may asphyxiate by the displacement of air.

A carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher is typically used for Class B (flammable liquids and gases) and Class C (energized electrical) fires.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers do not leave any residue, unlike a foam extinguisher. They can also be used on Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such paraffin or petrol. CO2 extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting off the supply of air.

The main danger with CO2 extinguishers is that they will cause upset in a confined space. They starve a fire of oxygen, but in a confined space they’ll also reduce the amount of oxygen available to breathe. … They must never be used for dealing with fat or cooking oil fires and must have a frost-free handles.

CO2 is not an acid itself, since it does not contain ions of hydrogen (H+). CO2 becomes carbonic acid in water. Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is a weak, H+-splitting acid.

The pH of rain water not contaminated with acids stronger than carbon dioxide usually is around 5.2 to 5.8, and carbon dioxide normally will not lower the pH of water below 4.5.

Does pH increase with CO2?
The first way it does this is that at high concentrations the carbon dioxide reduces the pH. This occurs due to the fact that carbon dioxide reacts with water and forms carbonic acid, and carbonic acid dissociate to release proton H and bicarbonate ion, so it will decrease pH. … This results in a decrease in pH.

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also be removing the heat with a very cold discharge. Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.

L-R. Engr. Timothy Iwuagwu (ISPON National Spokesperson) receiving Mr. John Thompson (President, Media Centre for Safety Reporting, Nigeria) at the Institute’s Head office in Lagos

Class C. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. Extinguishers with a C rating are designed for use with fires involving energized electrical equipment.

What is the difference between ABC and CO2 fire extinguisher?
ABC Powder is a multi-purpose extinguisher medium suitable for all classes of fire, however although effective, a Powder Extinguisher will leave a residue that can damage sensitive electrical equipment. If this is a concern it may be wise to use a CO2 Extinguisher.

Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. … Today’s most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
DRY CHEMICAL POWDER
They may also be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, break rooms, chemical storage areas, offices, university vehicles, etc. Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires may be located in places such as commercial kitchens or areas with flammable liquids.

Compiled By: Timothy Iwuagwu FISPN
Fellow@Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria; Fellow@Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation; former HoD, Security and Safety Practices Management Department @Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre; former Senior Instructor @Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defence School of Nigerian Naval Engineering College; Specialist in Industrial Safety Planning and Control Management. Faculty Member@Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

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