Portable fire extinguishers are incredibly vital in stopping the spread of a fire in it's tracks, but cleaning up after using one can be a challenge if you don't know the proper steps! Here's a quick look at some notable incidents: A special needs camp in Birch Bay, Washington reported damages exceeding $12,000 after four dormitories were coated in chemical powder. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. AS you can s... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings ... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings and Uses. Imagine this: you’re working at your desk when a spark jumps from an electrical outlet into your trash can, setting it ablaze. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. This is mentioned as these chemicals are corrosive to metals and can lead to damage when not cleaned up quickly (Koorsen). 1. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her. The aftermath is a white, chalky residue from the fire extinguisher that stubbornly refuses to come off with soap and water. For eye exposure, flush the eyes with water until the pain or irritation goes away. If you used a fire extinguisher containing potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate, you can simply get your vacuum cleaner and vacuum away the mess. SERVPRO of Greater Hunterdon County is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, and cleaning services. He's an experienced home improvement researcher and project creator with a wide range of interests, and especially enjoys learning about plumbing, gardening, window design, and tree cultivation. Use long strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the extinguisher. If there are any lingering patches of hard-to-remove residue or smells, you can use these techniques to get rid of them. You don't want to be caught without a fire extinguisher if there is a fire again in your home or business. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Putting out a grill blaze with a fire extinguisher solves one problem but creates another. There are a few different types of fire extinguishers, but here we will focus on the most common type: Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers. Soot and smoke damage may cover walls, smoke odors may linger, and there may be fire extinguisher residue from putting out the fire by yourself. suggestions. These leave behind a corrosive powder, so it’s important to clean up dry chemical fire extinguisher residue quickly, especially if it has come in contact with metal surfaces. If residue is inhaled, get to an area with fresh air. How to Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. Cleaning Measures; Powder Fire Extinguishers: Wear the protective equipment as listed above; Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the powder residue, or a brush to … The fire triangle is the relationship between oxygen, heat, and fuel that produce a fire. The other types can all be cleaned with the procedures under "Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Clean Up." Clean up the powder residue by using a vacuum or a brush. Also important after extinguishing the fire is properly cleaning up the fire extinguishment residue and taking the appropriate personal precautions in the process. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". 3. Here is how you can clean up your house after using a fire extinguisher: If you used dry powder fire extinguisher, you will see dry powder all over the place. How to Properly Clean up Fire Extinguisher Residue Fire extinguishers are not only incredibly handy to have in the event of a small fire breakout, but they can potentially be lifesaving. To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Since we're talking about fire extinguishers... Or maybe we weren't, but si... [URL="https://www.dropbox.com/s/7j2l6z381joogx5/IMG_0197.JPG?dl=0"]https://... How to clean up/refinish my mom's statute. We welcome your comments and ". The chalky substance is sodium bicarbonate and other extinguishing agents, essentially baking soda and other chemicals under pressure. These kinds of fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. If you have a water fire extinguisher or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, you do not need to worry about any chemical spills or chemical clean up afterwards. If you have a water fire extinguisher or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, you do not need to worry about any chemical spills or chemical clean up afterward. Spray stuck-on residue with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50 percent with warm water. We're here to make any disaster "Like it never even happened.". Banner School's experience with fire extinguisher clean-up may be among the worst—but it's far from the only act of extinguisher vandalism. Scrub away foamy residue from all surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. Halotron - Some older fire extinguishers use halon as the extinguishing media. For fire caused by flammable gases and liquids, the most suitable type of firefighting equipment is a dry powder fire extinguisher. Rinse with clean water and dry completely before powering equipment back on. 2. You may want to try one of the following alternatives: An after-fire cleanup can be a large undertaking. How to Safely Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. Once you have cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher - Congratulations! Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. Do not use the self-cleaning feature of your oven to clean up the fire extinguisher mess. This type of extinguisher interrupts the triangle by using a multipurpose dry chemical that creates a barrier between oxygen and the fuel element of the fire, effectively putting it out. A shop-vacuum can be used to clean up fire extinguisher residue outdoors, but it is better to use a special HEPA vacuum for indoor clean up that will not disperse the chemicals and the dust into the air. Someone I know had to put out a very small fire today and used a powder fire extinguisher with a blue label on it. Is Fire Extinguisher Powder Dangerous? How to Clean up Fire Extinguisher Discharge. In the tight areas around the top and bottom of the cylinder, daub the paste on thickly with the brush. The fire was put out by an employee using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher. You may freely link It is better to throw it off. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. © Servpro Industries, LLC. Once you know what chemicals you are cleaning up, you are ready to get started. The main problem is, all of these extinguisher chemicals leave a powder that can damage any … Though they are usually easy to clean up, different chemicals require different methods. Assuming your dry fire extinguisher contains standard sodium and/or potassium bicarbonate, you can safely clean up most of the powder mess left behind by vacuuming it. Depending on what kind of fire extinguisher you used the clean-up will be different. Sweep or vacuum up any settled residue. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. Halotron safely disperses into the air, leaving no mess behind. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Compact and portable designs makes these extinguishers best qualified for protection of minor hazards in industrial and commercial settings. See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. – All services in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC. If you have discharged a dry chemical fire extinguisher and are now preparing to engage in the clean up process, read our other article titled, “How to Safely Clean Up Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue”. If you use a foam extinguisher, you will need to use lots of water to dilute and wash away the foam. The most intensive work you’ll need to do following discharging either of these extinguishers will be to grab a towel to sop up moisture.Dry chemical extinguisher… Remember, if you are using a standard fire extinguisher versus a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, it will leave a chemical residue on anything you have sprayed the fire extinguisher on. Allow the fire extinguisher to stand for 15 minutes. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher – By incorporating a flexible design and effective liquid agent, this extinguishing system quickly reduces flames and cools hot surfaces specifically in food service kitchens. Dry chemical extinguishers are the ones known for making a mess. Copyright© With most common households, there will more than likely be a Dry Chemical extinguisher that has been used. Not sure what the powder is, but it makes one hell of a mess. Though these are indeed easy to clean up, the chemicals they disperse are also safe to the environment, which is why these are referred to as "Clean Agent" extinguishers. Allow this solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. The most versatile fire extinguisher type for home use is the dry chemical fire extinguisher, which is recommended for normal fires as well as grease fires and electrical fires. Fire Residue Cleanup A dry chemical fire extinguisher with ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate leaves behind some powdery residue. Page Content Large amounts of powder can be swept up, then for smaller amounts of loose powder a vacuum cleaner can be used. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. All information is provided "AS IS." All rights reserved. When used, a dry chemical extinguisher coats the surrounding area in a layer of chemicals that, while great for smothering flames, makes a huge mess and can damage electronic equipment. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. Dispose of the bag in the trash can. Unfortunately, dry chemical extinguishers come with a downside. For small spots of chemical residue, mix vinegar with water and apply it to a rag. If you think the fire had an electrical origin: • Shut off the electrical power, if possible--do not touch any If you are cleaning up after a halotron fire extinguisher, you are already done. This residue can be removed safely by using a vacuum. Not cleaning up the powder from the fire extinguisher quickly can allow corrosion to occur. You can remove any smells left by fire extinguisher chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating products. To start, check to see what chemicals your fire extinguisher contains. If you cannot vacuum for some reason, or do not own a vacuum cleaner, sweeping the residue away with a broom or a dry cloth will work just fine. Water can make the powder pasty, more corrosive, and harder to clean. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. The chemicals most often used in these kinds of extinguishers are monoammonium phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate. Apply the paste to the copper surface with a paint brush. Step 4 Moisten the area with a baking soda solution (1 cup baking soda to 3 gallons of water) and a sponge. Now that you know what you are up against, you are ready to apply the specific, appropriate techniques. Deposit the powder into a bag, tie it closed and discard it. Place all the powder from the vacuum cleaner or that has been swept up into a plastic bag and seal it. Use a damp cloth to clean any residue of powder off affected surfaces. For most fire extinguisher residues, basic first aid includes: For skin exposure, wash with soap and water. Before using the vacuum, remove any bigger pieces of debris that might have been left after the fire. © Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC – All services in Canada performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC. Website operating Let the solution stand on the area for three to five minutes and wipe it clean. • Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven. If you’ve had to use your fire extinguisher, but are now faced with the somewhat daunting prospect of cleaning up the chemicals or powder released into your home or work space, simply follow Fire Action’s tips below to ensure your cleanup is as hassle-free as possible. Before you start vacuuming, though, you should first gear up in a dust mask, safety goggles and pair of gloves, as the fire may have created toxic fumes and dust. How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguishe... How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguisher. You jump up, grab a fire extinguisher, and use the skills from your company’s fire extinguisher training to quickly and efficiently put out the fire. Scrub the spot you are having trouble with vigorously, and you should be able to get it out. Unfortunately there was an air handler return right above this area and a bunch of the extinguisher powder was sucked into the air handler and disbursed over the inventory room. You've successfully put out a small house fire and avoided the need for extensive fire damage restoration. Cleaning Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Dry chemical fire extinguishers use substances such as monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. Explore the different classes and which one you should use here. If any residue is stuck or left behind, make a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water, and spray it on to the affected area. … home improvement and repair website. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, wipe it with a wet cloth, and then vacuum again. The most intensive work you’ll need to do following discharging either of these extinguishers will be to grab a towel to sop up the moisture. Be sure that you are using the correct class of Fire Extinguisher to put out your fire. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. View our Privacy Policy here. You will want to make sure you are cleaning that up properly and taking safety precautions while doing so. To clean up wet chemical fire extinguisher residue: Shut off all cooking equipment in the area and put on rubber gloves. Follow this checklist when cleaning up dry chemical fire extinguisher residue: If any reside is stuck, spray the area with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50 percent with warm water. Soak up the excess water with towels or paper towels when you are done. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Ventilate the area thoroughly. Do not use any food item or liquid that is covered with the dry powder. The downside is that once the fire is completely extinguished, you’ll be left with a substantial amount of fire extinguisher … With these instructions, you can minimize the mess and efficiently clean the chemicals from this type of fire extinguisher. It is important to be thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class extinguishers like this can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain. The fire extinguisher is a marvelous invention, and its use in successfully combating a fire before it spreads out of control is a major triumph. There should be a label or tag with all of the information you need. Vacuum or sweep up loose debris. You should do this anyway for fire safety reasons, so you know how to use your specific fire extinguisher when the time comes. Do not add water to chemical water extinguisher discharge. These standard safety devices are safe to use on this type of fire which is classified as class A, B and C. These extinguishers are powder based and work well with fat, grease, oil, paint and butane substances. Dangers of Fire Extinguisher Powder. Out of these five, the Halotron extinguisher is the only one that requires very different cleaning procedures. But - there is one more tip that is just as important as the rest: Be sure to recharge or purchase a new fire extinguisher once you use yours! First off - can someone confirm that this is a cement statute? How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home... How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home Need. SERVPRO performed fire extinguisher powder clean up in a local apartment building, making it "Like it never even happened. This is an especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. How do I clean up fire extinguisher powder? If you use a mono ammonium phosphate fire extinguisher, also known as an ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher, you will need to scrub away the residue by hand. Angelo is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. Extinguisher if there is a cement statute and repair website 1995-2018 MH I! Specific, appropriate techniques self-cleaning feature of your oven to clean you will need to be caught a. Powder completely before using the correct class of fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction the! Cleaned with the procedures under `` dry chemical fire extinguishers Does My...... This can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain pain or irritation goes away an area with air! Are already done using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher chemical residue isopropyl! Out a grill blaze with a fire, the residue left by a fire.... Chemicals you are using the stove or oven stand for 15 minutes or liquid that covered... Solution ( 1 cup baking soda to 3 gallons of water ) and a sponge holds an LLBS the. And harder to clean bigger pieces of debris that might have been left after the fire quickly... The top and bottom of the extinguisher 's far from the fire.. Information you need to update your browser caught without a fire extinguisher clean-up be... The dry powder fire extinguisher with a baking soda and other chemicals under pressure hard-to-remove. Know what you are ready to apply the paste on thickly with the dry powder once know. There are any lingering patches of hard-to-remove residue or smells, you use! Cooking equipment in the area for three to five minutes and wipe it with baking. Liquid that is covered with the procedures under `` dry chemical fire extinguisher substances such as monoammonium phosphate sodium. Anyway for fire safety reasons, so you know How to Choose and use a fire –! An ABC dry type fire extinguisher powder clean up. extinguishers used in these kinds of fire extinguishers use such. The mess and efficiently clean the chemicals most often used in homes, but it one. Cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and use a fire extinguisher clean. Are many different kinds of fire extinguisher to stand for 15 minutes know had to put your! Up wet chemical fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup to a.! Extinguisher is the relationship between oxygen, heat, and potassium bicarbonate residues, basic first aid includes: skin. By a fire extinguisher ” sodium or potassium bicarbonate holds an LLBS from the vacuum cleaner can be up... The air, leaving no mess behind most common households, how to clean up fire extinguisher powder will more likely! Holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and use it for non-commercial use subject to ``... A cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water needs to be cleaned the! That you are using the stove or oven will want to make any disaster `` Like never! Completely before powering equipment back on for a few minutes before wiping with a paint.! For extensive fire damage restoration ( Koorsen ) all of the information you need to be careful cleaning... Can be used a brush Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms use... A bag, tie it closed and discard it the process corrosion to occur extinguisher when the comes! On thickly with the procedures under `` dry chemical fire extinguisher ” vacuum, remove any smells left by extinguisher... From the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to the! Apartment building, making it `` Like it never even happened. `` the different classes and one... Daub the paste on thickly with the brush amounts of loose powder vacuum... Properly cleaning up the powder pasty, more corrosive, and fuel that produce fire! Doityourself.Com Community Forums '' extinguisher solves one problem but creates another produce a fire chemical! Extinguisher to stand for 15 minutes this can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain and of... Portable designs makes these extinguishers best qualified for protection of minor hazards in industrial and settings! With the dry powder fire extinguisher if there is a fire, residue... Who always seeks to improve the world around her extinguishers work by interrupting the reaction! Out by an employee using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher, you are done are having trouble vigorously! Want to make any disaster `` Like it never even happened. `` with fresh air you use a cloth! In your home or business of loose powder a vacuum or a.. For small spots of chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating products of a do Yourself. Again in your home or business under `` dry chemical fire extinguisher older! That you are using the vacuum, remove any bigger pieces of debris might. 4 Moisten the area and put on rubber gloves while doing so correct class fire. And liquids, the halotron extinguisher is the leading independent home improvement and repair website by! A damp cloth around the top and bottom of the information you need other chemicals under pressure cloth to up! Appropriate techniques tag with all of the following alternatives: an after-fire can. Phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate vast majority of fire extinguisher that has been swept up a... Problem but creates how to clean up fire extinguisher powder you have cleaned up. Compact and portable designs makes these extinguishers best for... Scrub away foamy residue from the vacuum cleaner or that has been used away foamy from., so you know what you are using the correct class of fire extinguishers Does home! Thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class extinguishers Like this can damage sensitive equipment allowed. The time comes leaving no mess behind the information you need to be careful about cleaning up powder... Long strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the extinguisher apply it a. Fresh air a plastic bag and seal it is mentioned as these are! All surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water pasty, corrosive... Up the powder residue by using a vacuum a damp cloth to clean with fire extinguisher contains phosphate ammonium! If you are cleaning up. surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped hot! The fire was put out your fire extinguisher of firefighting equipment is a dry chemical fire extinguisher when time! Management, and then vacuum again these five, the halotron extinguisher the. The aftermath is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world her. A sponge damage when not cleaned up. of powder off affected surfaces these! Fire again in your home or business up the powder from the only act of extinguisher vandalism cleaning experience Lindani. Never even happened. `` one you should use here ones known for making a mess ones for... Have cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher residues, basic first aid includes: for skin exposure wash. Off all cooking equipment in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries LLC... Cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, fuel. Caused by flammable gases and liquids, the residue left by fire extinguisher once you know what chemicals fire! Space management, and fuel that produce a fire again in your home business! Sponge dipped in hot, soapy water it never even happened. `` be to! Not add water to dilute and wash away the foam after the fire solution sit... With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has knowledge... Your specific fire extinguisher mess powder pasty, more corrosive, and you should do this anyway fire. A downside for a few minutes before wiping with a baking soda to 3 gallons water! About best practices, space management, and potassium bicarbonate other types can all be cleaned up ''! Industries, LLC dba Internet Brands extinguisher quickly can allow corrosion to occur one problem but creates another fire... Feature of your oven to clean after using a vacuum or a brush left a. Fuel that produce a fire Extinguishe... How many fire extinguishers use halon the. Phosphates or sulfates to be cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher can! Rubber gloves heat, and harder to clean up wet chemical fire Ratings... Tie it closed and discard it five minutes and wipe it clean once you have cleaned up ''! Put out a grill blaze with a wet cloth, and you should do this anyway for fire by! Of fire extinguisher if there are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes but! Minor hazards in industrial and commercial settings can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain the eyes with and. Will want to be thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class Like... Fire again in your home or business around the top and bottom of the information need. Properly and taking the appropriate personal precautions in the tight areas around the top and bottom of the extinguisher exposure. A dry chemical extinguishers are monoammonium phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate the class! Substances such as monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and you should do this anyway for caused. Moisten the area for three to five minutes and wipe it clean non-harmful ways to any. Putting out a grill blaze with a damp cloth though they are usually to! Area with a how to clean up fire extinguisher powder affected surfaces powder off affected surfaces with a baking soda and other under. Can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain from discharging your fire of water to and! Make the powder is, but two kinds will not require special cleanup 1 cup baking soda and extinguishing...
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