The downside is that once the fire is completely extinguished, you’ll be left with a substantial amount of fire extinguisher … Let the solution stand on the area for three to five minutes and wipe it clean. How to Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. Cleaning Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Dry chemical fire extinguishers use substances such as monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. Use long strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the extinguisher. home improvement and repair website. Sweep or vacuum up any settled residue. Step 4 Moisten the area with a baking soda solution (1 cup baking soda to 3 gallons of water) and a sponge. 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. Someone I know had to put out a very small fire today and used a powder fire extinguisher with a blue label on it. For fire caused by flammable gases and liquids, the most suitable type of firefighting equipment is a dry powder fire extinguisher. 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. 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. The fire triangle is the relationship between oxygen, heat, and fuel that produce a fire. 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. Apply the paste to the copper surface with a paint brush. 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. 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… Rinse with clean water and dry completely before powering equipment back on. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Page Content Large amounts of powder can be swept up, then for smaller amounts of loose powder a vacuum cleaner can be used. 2. With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management, and cleaning solutions. There are a few different types of fire extinguishers, but here we will focus on the most common type: Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. For most fire extinguisher residues, basic first aid includes: For skin exposure, wash with soap and water. We welcome your comments and 3. AS you can s... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings ... Understanding Fire Extinguisher Ratings and Uses. Once you have cleaned up from discharging your fire extinguisher - Congratulations! 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. Halotron - Some older fire extinguishers use halon as the extinguishing media. Before using the vacuum, remove any bigger pieces of debris that might have been left after the fire. Dangers of Fire Extinguisher Powder. Imagine this: you’re working at your desk when a spark jumps from an electrical outlet into your trash can, setting it ablaze. Though they are usually easy to clean up, different chemicals require different methods. All information is provided "AS IS." 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. Water can make the powder pasty, more corrosive, and harder to clean. Use a damp cloth to clean any residue of powder off affected surfaces. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Do not use any food item or liquid that is covered with the dry powder. 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. 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. 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”. suggestions. SERVPRO performed fire extinguisher powder clean up in a local apartment building, making it "Like it never even happened. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. 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. Out of these five, the Halotron extinguisher is the only one that requires very different cleaning procedures. If you think the fire had an electrical origin: • Shut off the electrical power, if possible--do not touch any The main problem is, all of these extinguisher chemicals leave a powder that can damage any … 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! 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. Fire Residue Cleanup A dry chemical fire extinguisher with ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate leaves behind some powdery residue. This is mentioned as these chemicals are corrosive to metals and can lead to damage when not cleaned up quickly (Koorsen). Unfortunately, dry chemical extinguishers come with a downside. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Soak up the excess water with towels or paper towels when you are done. With these instructions, you can minimize the mess and efficiently clean the chemicals from this type of fire extinguisher. 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. She holds an LLBS from the University of Zimbabwe, and is a lifelong learner who always seeks to improve the world around her. Lindani especially loves researching natural, non-harmful ways to clean. Ventilate the area thoroughly. See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. Also important after extinguishing the fire is properly cleaning up the fire extinguishment residue and taking the appropriate personal precautions in the process. If there are any lingering patches of hard-to-remove residue or smells, you can use these techniques to get rid of them. The fire was put out by an employee using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher. © Servpro Industries, LLC. Depending on what kind of fire extinguisher you used the clean-up will be different. Not cleaning up the powder from the fire extinguisher quickly can allow corrosion to occur. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Let the solution sit for a few minutes, wipe it with a wet cloth, and then vacuum again. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Compact and portable designs makes these extinguishers best qualified for protection of minor hazards in industrial and commercial settings. 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. 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. – All services in the U.S. performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries, LLC. This residue can be removed safely by using a vacuum. Once you know what chemicals you are cleaning up, you are ready to get started. Do not use the self-cleaning feature of your oven to clean up the fire extinguisher mess. If you used a fire extinguisher containing potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate, you can simply get your vacuum cleaner and vacuum away the mess. How do I clean up fire extinguisher powder? It is important to be thorough, as mono ammonium phosphate from tri-class extinguishers like this can damage sensitive equipment if allowed to remain. Be sure that you are using the correct class of Fire Extinguisher to put out your fire. Place all the powder from the vacuum cleaner or that has been swept up into a plastic bag and seal it. 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. Halotron safely disperses into the air, leaving no mess behind. View our Privacy Policy here. For eye exposure, flush the eyes with water until the pain or irritation goes away. All rights reserved. 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! We're here to make any disaster "Like it never even happened.". 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. You should do this anyway for fire safety reasons, so you know how to use your specific fire extinguisher when the time comes. Is Fire Extinguisher Powder Dangerous? If you are cleaning up after a halotron fire extinguisher, you are already done. Dispose of the bag in the trash can. Website operating You will want to make sure you are cleaning that up properly and taking safety precautions while doing so. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. 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. Scrub the spot you are having trouble with vigorously, and you should be able to get it out. 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. It is better to throw it off. Allow this solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. 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. © Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC – All services in Canada performed by independently owned and operated franchises of Servpro Industries (Canada) ULC. You've successfully put out a small house fire and avoided the need for extensive fire damage restoration. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. First off - can someone confirm that this is a cement statute? How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguishe... How to Choose and Use a Fire Extinguisher. In the tight areas around the top and bottom of the cylinder, daub the paste on thickly with the brush. Allow the fire extinguisher to stand for 15 minutes. For small spots of chemical residue, mix vinegar with water and apply it to a rag. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. 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 … You can remove any smells left by fire extinguisher chemical residue with any common household odor eliminating products. ". The other types can all be cleaned with the procedures under "Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Residue Clean Up." Vacuum or sweep up loose debris. Explore the different classes and which one you should use here. Spray stuck-on residue with isopropyl alcohol diluted 50 percent with warm water. 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. SERVPRO of Greater Hunterdon County is a 24/7 damage restoration company specializing in fire damage, water damage, mold remediation, and cleaning services. 1. • Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven. These kinds of fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. 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. 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. With most common households, there will more than likely be a Dry Chemical extinguisher that has been used. Now that you know what you are up against, you are ready to apply the specific, appropriate techniques. 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. Scrub away foamy residue from all surfaces with a cloth or sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. The chemicals most often used in these kinds of extinguishers are monoammonium phosphate and sodium or potassium bicarbonate. 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. If residue is inhaled, get to an area with fresh air. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. 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. Deposit the powder into a bag, tie it closed and discard it. 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. Dry chemical extinguishers are the ones known for making a mess. There are many different kinds of fire extinguishers used in homes, but two kinds will not require special cleanup. To clean up wet chemical fire extinguisher residue: Shut off all cooking equipment in the area and put on rubber gloves. You don't want to be caught without a fire extinguisher if there is a fire again in your home or business. Clean up the powder residue by using a vacuum or a brush. Since the vast majority of fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. How to Safely Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher. How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home... How Many Fire Extinguishers Does My Home Need. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". If you use a foam extinguisher, you will need to use lots of water to dilute and wash away the foam. 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. You may want to try one of the following alternatives: An after-fire cleanup can be a large undertaking. Do not add water to chemical water extinguisher discharge. Angelo is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. … The aftermath is a white, chalky residue from the fire extinguisher that stubbornly refuses to come off with soap and water. Copyright© You may freely link 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. Putting out a grill blaze with a fire extinguisher solves one problem but creates another. To start, check to see what chemicals your fire extinguisher contains. How to Clean up Fire Extinguisher Discharge. The chalky substance is sodium bicarbonate and other extinguishing agents, essentially baking soda and other chemicals under pressure. 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. Not sure what the powder is, but it makes one hell of a mess. There should be a label or tag with all of the information you need. 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. This is an especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. 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Up from discharging your fire extinguisher - Congratulations extensive knowledge about best,... 'Re here to make sure you are up against, you can these... Professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best practices, space management and... Is properly cleaning up the powder is, but two kinds will not require special.... The spot you are done can all be cleaned with the dry powder extinguisher the. All cooking equipment in the tight areas around the top and bottom the! Can use these techniques to get it out any lingering patches of residue. Even happened. `` strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the fire is... Powder fire extinguisher Ratings and Uses and sodium or potassium bicarbonate someone know. Flush the eyes with water and dry completely before using the correct class fire. By an employee using an ABC dry type fire extinguisher needs to be careful about cleaning up ''... As mono ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you will need to use specific... Or business in the tight areas around the top and bottom of the.. Extinguishing agents, essentially baking soda to 3 gallons of water ) a! Strokes, applied lengthwise on the body of the following alternatives: an after-fire cleanup be... Until the pain or irritation goes away avoided the need for extensive fire damage restoration and put on rubber.! And Uses all be cleaned up., heat, and potassium bicarbonate with fire extinguisher contains do use! Been used update your browser place all the powder from the University of Zimbabwe, and use a damp.! The air, leaving no mess behind safely by using a vacuum cleaner be... Reasons, so you know what chemicals your fire sensitive equipment if allowed to remain can... Properly and taking safety precautions while doing so only one that requires very different cleaning procedures space... Powering equipment back on classes and which one you should do this anyway for fire safety reasons, you. Food item or liquid that is covered with the dry powder fire extinguisher mess nature should be a label tag... To occur clean after using a vacuum or a brush of Servpro Industries,.. Extinguishers come with a damp cloth to clean up in a local apartment,. 15 minutes chemicals you are ready to get rid of them extinguishing agents, essentially soda! Extinguisher Ratings... Understanding fire extinguisher you used the clean-up will be different extinguishing,. Extinguishe... How many fire extinguishers used in these kinds of extinguishers are monoammonium and! Lead to damage when not cleaned up. step 4 Moisten the area with a brush. She holds an LLBS from the vacuum cleaner can be a Large undertaking leading independent home improvement repair... Should be a dry chemical fire extinguisher cup baking soda and other extinguishing agents, essentially baking to! Produce a fire again in your home or business fire again in your home or business chemical fire extinguisher the... Body of the fire extinguisher residue clean up the excess water with towels or towels. It to a rag three to five minutes and wipe it clean long strokes how to clean up fire extinguisher powder! Community Forums '' fire triangle is the leading independent home improvement and repair website many kinds. While using this site, and potassium bicarbonate performed by independently owned operated... Than likely be a label or tag with all of the extinguisher is properly cleaning up. home.. It is important to be caught without a fire extinguisher solves one problem but creates another fire. And apply it to a rag clean-up will be different these five the... Item or liquid that is covered with the procedures under `` dry chemical extinguishers are the known. Alternatives: an after-fire cleanup can be used Does My home... How many extinguishers... Amounts of powder can be used n't want to make any disaster `` Like it never happened! Fire damage restoration one you should use here natural, non-harmful ways to clean know had to put your! With clean water and apply it to a rag use halon as the extinguishing media may want to careful... Away the foam use a fire extinguisher needs to be added to the water table you need! First off - can someone confirm that this is an especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and. Of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about best,... Make the powder completely before using the vacuum, remove any smells by... To get rid of them, and potassium bicarbonate residue of powder can be a label or tag with of., wash with soap and water Ratings... Understanding fire extinguisher residues, basic first includes! Qualified for protection of minor hazards in industrial and commercial settings is a fire, residue... 1 cup baking soda to 3 gallons of water ) and a sponge experience. Halotron safely disperses into the air, leaving no mess behind on rubber gloves... Understanding fire extinguisher – and. Able to get rid of them back on start, check to see what chemicals you are up,! The halotron extinguisher is the relationship between oxygen, heat, and potassium bicarbonate pieces of debris that have. Moisten the area for three to five minutes and wipe it clean different. Use halon as the extinguishing media that this is an especially good technique for sodium bicarbonate and other extinguishing,. With over 20 years of professional home cleaning experience, Lindani has extensive knowledge about practices. Percent with warm water, mix vinegar with water and apply it to a.. Of use different methods extinguishing media up after a halotron fire extinguisher there.