Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Oct 29, 2002 07:03pm | #1

   Mike,

   The presence of electricity and solvents mean you should use only a dry chemical extinguisher.  The best are manufactured by Ansul and distributed throughout the US.  Check their website for your nearest dealer, who will also be able to provide a yearly check to be sure your extinguishers are ready should the need to use them ever arises.  (You can buy ABC type extinguishers at almost any hardware store, but no service or inspection.)

   Jeff

2. 
   OleGrouch | Oct 29, 2002 08:26pm | #2

   Mike, make that one extinguisher at each exit, even your local Walmart has ext bargains, to cheap not to have two.

3. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 30, 2002 04:01am | #3

   Mike

      Got one at the front and one at the rear. Two in the basement and 3 upstairs. A smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector is not a bad idea either. Most of these are pretty cheap as posters stated. You don't have to do all at one time. You need at least one though.

   Time's a wastin'..ha....

   sarge..jt

1. 
   DennisS | Oct 30, 2002 05:53am | #6

   Sarge -

   I'd be concerned that the ambient fine sawdust would set off your ordinary particle detection type of smoke detector. When I worked for a general contractor some time back I remember when they were working in finished spaces with smoke detectors/fire alarm things they had to bag them and have a fire-watch person on alert all the time since the normal dust created by working in the space would cause them to go off.

   Maybe there's another kind that would work in that situation?

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Oct 30, 2002 07:44am | #7

   Dennis

      Good point to bring up. Yes, they can and have gone off for just that reason. Eliminated by covering the ones in the shop when I'm working. I always vacuum bench and tool tops when finished for the day or nite. Open the double garage doors at that point and start from the door of the basement. Blow the whole thing out with a 60 mph leaf blower. At around 11:30 PM when I take the dog out I uncover the detectors for activation.

      Not to worried while I'm there. My main concern is the time that the family is upstairs and sleeping. Haven't had any problems after I discovered what was setting them off and adjusted on the fly. I don't use the carbon-monoxide alert except in the winter and gas heater is running. I cover it while using stain, paint or poly. It can become defective from those fumes.

      Thanks as maybe everyone doesn't know this and it could avert a real problem if anyone reads that is not aware.

   sarge..jt

1. 
   ian | Oct 30, 2002 12:47pm | #8

   All

   darn can't quite get the knack of how to reply to all.

   I'd be interested to know if one of those air filters you hang from your ceiling would keep dust levels low enough not to set off the smoke alarms.

   anyone know?

   Ian

4. 
   fredsmart48 | Oct 30, 2002 05:09am | #4

   Is this a business or a home shop. In a business OSHA requires a inspection of the fire extinguisher. You want to have at least 10 LB ABC extinguisher with in 10 ft of the power panel, 2, 10lb ABC extinguisher with in 10ft of the solvents, and one at every door.

   You should do this every month is turn your fire extinguisher up side down and take a rubber mallet and beat on the bottom of the extinguisher. Why the powder settles and clumps by beating on the bottom keeps the powder loose.

1. 
   Upraiser | Oct 30, 2002 05:47am | #5

   Good Advice, but be sure you remember to bang the ___   ___ out of it when your are going to use it to put out a fire.  Upside down, against the door jam, wall etc.

   Many are found at the scene of the fire, half full, for the reason you point out.

   Thanks for reminding me, going to give mine a few whacks.

   Curt

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Oct 30, 2002 05:51pm | #9

   Curt,

   What kind of extinguisher do you own?  I've never heard of anyone banging an extinguisher or having to do so.  If the chemical is dry, it will not stick together.  Must be filled under very damp conditions, or improperly stored before filling.

   Get an Ansul, that's what McDonalds, Navy, Coast Guard use.

   Jeff

1. 
   griecke | Oct 30, 2002 06:00pm | #10

   You need to turn your dry chemical extinguisher over and thump it with a rubber mallet. This should be done at least once a year. The reason is that the powder settles and cakes. This can be worse if the extinguisher is hung by a door or in an area that gets any vibration. If you don't belive it take a fruit jar and fill it with flour and leave it set for a month or so and then turn it over and see if the stuff will run out.

   Gary Riecke

1. 
   billyg83440 | Oct 30, 2002 06:41pm | #11

   I need to get another extinguisher, have 1, not 2 in my garage.

   Had to use one once too when I was doing some welding. Stopped the fire w/ one puff, but I'd have been in trouble w/o it.

   Noticed later that the hanging bracket was still attatched to the extinguisher w/ the screws hanging out in mid air. Must have gotten excited.

   It wasn't worth the cost to recharge the extinguisher, so I dumped the left overs into two used sour cream containers and placed them near places I work. I've experimented by tossing a handful onto a small fire, and it's surprising how effective it is at putting it out. Figured in a pinch they'd work as a fire hand grenade. Nearly got to test it last night. My small son took my command to stay away from the heater in the shop to mean drag a duffle bag full of stuff across the room and lean it against the heater. I caught it before the bag got hot enough to start charring, but not by much.

   Thanks for the thumping advice, never heard of that. Altogether I think I have 5 scattered around the house. Need to bang them around some.

   I put a smoke detector in my garage a few months ago, also one in the attic. Never had it go off yet though. It is 9' up and away from where I work, maybe I got lucky where I put it?

2. 
   Upraiser | Oct 30, 2002 07:01pm | #12

   Jeff

   I get to look at homes that were burned down, also the numerous  5# fire extinguishers laying around, half full.  Many times.  Usually in rural areas with no fire protection services.

   I have been told that by firemen, fire marshalls, and fire investigators. that you need to really shake the stuff loose.   I presume some have been setting around for 5-10 years or more.  Under the conditions when you really need them, it hard to just tap them, just remembering to do it is hard enough.

   If you take the thing off the wall and use it without a through shaking, it tends to unload the top only

   I have 6  20# ABC scattered around.  Have used two over the years.  One to put out a fire in/of my figerglass green house, the other to put out a fire in a kids car that stopped in front of my house.

   It also reminds me to have them checked again.

   Curt

5. 
   BILLB | Oct 30, 2002 08:18pm | #13

   Your concern for appropriate fire extinguishers is well placed. In the world of fire fighting, size really does matter. Fire grows at an exponential rate, which means that the sooner it is discovered, the better your chances are of getting it under control with home extinguishers. There will come a point in every fire where it is beyond your ability to control it. That is why the fire department uses 250 gallon per minute hoses and 2000 gpm pumps. Ansul is a reputable manufacturer of extinguishers, as is Amerex. I'm looking at an Amerex catalog as I write this and they list wall mounted units with an ABC classification up to 20 lbs. A 20 lb. extinguisher weighs 38 lbs. which may be a factor in your decision. However, consider the implications of needing an extinguisher, an it not being able to do the job. Avoid the 3 and 5 lb. extinguishers sold at places like Walmart. Spend the money and get one from a reputable fire equipment dealer and protect that investment we call a shop.

   Personally, I have two 20 lb. ABC units in my shop and another mounted in the back of my vehicle. I've used them several times where it really made the difference, and even in one case, saved a life.

   Most fire departments offer classes to the public on the proper way to use extinguishers.

   One final thought...most cheap extinguishers cannot be refilled. This is a question to ask when shopping for one. Also, they should be service annually to be sure they're always ready. Finally, if you do discover a fire, DO NOT delay calling 9-1-1 for any reason. Even the best fire departments will need several minutes to get to your location. We will never criticise you for calling us, just to be safe.Good Luck!

   Woodworker/Firefighter/Emer. Med.Tech

1. 
   fredsmart48 | Oct 30, 2002 11:48pm | #14

   by the way if you have a small fire and you get it put out.  Don't put the fire extinguisher back on the wall it will not work again with in a short time even it still feels like it is half full.  It needs to serviced.