How to use a portable CO2 fire extinguisher

As an efficient fire extinguishing equipment, portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are widely used in various places. It is simple to operate, but a series of professional steps must be followed during use to ensure the effectiveness and safety of fire extinguishing.

Fire extinguisher status check
Before using a portable CO2 fire extinguisher, you must first check it thoroughly. Make sure the fire extinguisher is within its validity period. Expired fire extinguishers will not guarantee the fire extinguishing effect. Check the pressure gauge and confirm that the pointer is in the green area, indicating that the pressure is normal. In addition, the nozzle needs to be carefully checked to ensure that it is not blocked or damaged to avoid affecting the spraying effect.

Quickly carry the fire extinguisher to the fire scene
After confirming that the fire extinguisher is in good condition, it should be carried to the fire scene quickly. You should choose to carry it by hand or on your shoulder to ensure that it remains stable during the move to avoid damage to the equipment due to accidental falls.

Determine a safe position and distance
After arriving at the fire scene, you should choose a suitable position. It is recommended to stand upwind of the fire source, about 5 meters away from the fire source. This distance can not only effectively prevent the flame and harmful gas from harming the operator, but also ensure that the fire extinguishing agent can be effectively sprayed to the root of the flame, thereby improving the efficiency of fire extinguishing.

Prepare to spray
Before preparing to spray, place the fire extinguisher firmly and pull out the safety pin. The safety pin is usually located at the top of the fire extinguisher and is unlocked by rotating counterclockwise or pulling it out directly. At this time, one hand should hold the handle at the root of the horn, and the other hand should hold the pressure handle of the opening and closing valve tightly. Pay special attention to not directly grasp the outer wall of the horn or the metal connecting pipe with your hands to avoid frostbite.

Spraying fire extinguishing
When spraying, the fire extinguisher should be aimed at the root or the most violent part of the flame. Keep the fire extinguisher vertical to avoid the risk of explosion caused by improper spraying angle. Press the pressure handle to release carbon dioxide quickly. When spraying, keep an appropriate distance, usually 1.5 to 2 meters, to ensure that the spraying continues until the flame is completely extinguished.

Precautions
During the fire extinguishing process, you need to pay attention to the wind direction at all times and avoid spraying against the wind to prevent the flame from rebounding or harmful gases from being blown to the operator. If the fire is too large and cannot be controlled, you should evacuate the scene immediately and call the fire department to report the fire. After the fire is extinguished, the fire extinguisher should be sent to a professional institution for inspection and refilling in time to ensure that it can work normally the next time it is used.