Ross J
Lieutenant Junior Grade
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2001
- Messages
- 1,119
Hey guys and gals, just a heads up for information.<br />Following another thread http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=23;t=000454 <br />I thought it wouldbe good to share some firefighting info.<br />The usual fire extinguisher on vehicles and boats is the Dry Powder type. These function by spreading drypowder fast thereby smothering the fire and exausting the oxygen it needs to burn. The functional element inside is compressed gas - usually CO2.<br />Now a few things can happen when fitted into cars and boats. The general movement in vehicles and boats causes the dry powder to 'settle' in the bottom of the extinguisher. A Over time this can become hard and useless, how many times have you heard of someone using the extinguisher saying they got a hiss and no powder out?<br />Solution is to occasionally shake that fire extinguisher occasionally. I do mine each time I startoff on a trip. Never had to use it on a boat but have put a truck fire out with the one in my 4x4. Helped save a life that day, mostly because of good working gear.<br />Give those dry powder extinguishers a shake now and again!<br />Ross
