Do fires extinguishers need to be shaken to prevent settling?

[Sweats62]

Just got off the Amerex site, where I read myth #33. In a nutshell, the good people at Amerex believe you don't have to turn a pressurized fire extinguisher upside down, nor do they recommend it (and they're distasteful of the idea of whacking a fire extinguisher with something too). I particularly like the logic behind the remark about a what to do with a wheeled unit. While I understand this was written in 2013, I can't imagine a well respected brand such as Amerex would keep this info around if it was outdated. Here's a link. I don't know how to hyperlink, so you'll have to copy and paste it into your URL dialogue box if you'd like to read it yourself.

https://www.amerex-fire.com/upl/dow...-with-a-rubber-mallet-to-fluff-the-chemic.pdf

 

[dnw64]

We do monthly inspections of our extinguishers, and have an annual external inspection/evaluation/recharge done by a certified fire extinguisher company. Not that I plan to use them, but it makes our insurance company and VOSHA happy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I worked for a company with a fire division. All they did for recertification of dry extinguishers was inspect them, i guess for corrosion, discharge them, make sure the powder wasn't packed together and re-pressurize them. Quite the racket!

 

[bunyip]

We get six monthly inspections on fire equipment at work and at a training session we were told as long as the gauge is in the green it is OK and there is no need to shake or hit the base then when they come out for theinspection they hit the base with a rubber mallet

 

[Doofy]

We would inspect, turn upside down and beat with a rubber mallet to make sure the powder was loose. We would remove the hose to make sure it was clear, reinstall, check the gauge or weigh the co2 cartridge if applicable. Every so often they would be emptied and hydro-tested.

 

[Deere Dude]

We would inspect, turn upside down and beat with a rubber mallet to make sure the powder was loose. We would remove the hose to make sure it was clear, reinstall, check the gauge or weigh the co2 cartridge if applicable. Every so often they would be emptied and hydro-tested.[/QUOTE

Worked at a factory where a few extinguishers would fail because the powder was packed to tight. (Never used one personally that didn't work properly)

We did the exact process Doofy mentioned every year beside the monthly blessing.

I think though that a homeowner wouldn't need to go through that process. Our extinguishers were hung on steel I-Beams throughout the factory and they vibrated from big punch presses and machinery running constantly. That seemed to pack everything tight.

 

[AchingBack]

I have two outdoor extinguishers. One mounted on the outside shop wall, the other is attached to my ROP on the tractor. I keep an eye on the nozzles because mud daubers and other wasps like to pack them with material tight enough to prevent operation.

 

[orezok]

The reason dry extinguishers pack is that the powder contained some moisture when filled. If the dry chemical is completely dry when filled, it will not pack. Most manufacturers have specs for the amount of moisture in the chemical. If the extinguisher is ever refilled locally, its probably defective.

 

[ray66v]

The reason dry extinguishers pack is that the powder contained some moisture when filled. If the dry chemical is completely dry when filled, it will not pack.

This is correct.

The problem is, we can never know for sure, unless you try to discharge it.



An important step to add the the instructions for a fire extinguisher, is: HOLD BREATH, BEFORE DISCHARGING.

Especially, if you are out of breath from running to get the extinguisher, and running back to use it, you could inhale some of the powder. The wind can also blow the powder back at you, when outdoors. If you do inhale the powder, you could be unable to properly fight the fire, as you cough your lungs out, for the next 10 minutes.

 

[kcflhrc]

If the extinguisher is ever refilled locally, its probably defective.

I respectfully disagree. Almost all Fire Extinguishers are refilled and tested locally. I used to do it in High School, yes that was a long time ago, but is still done locally.