Fire extinguisher laws broken, blowout kills worker

Blowout of a corroded gas cartridge killed a worker, revealing that the employer had broken fire extinguisher laws.

While activating a gas cartridge type dry chemical powder fire extinguisher, the bottom of the extinguisher body failed, reports Buildsafe SA.

The fire extinguisher was propelled upwards by the blast, and struck the worker in the neck and chin, causing fatal injuries.

“Cartridge type fire extinguishers (typically without pressure gauges) should be inspected immediately. Those with signs of significant corrosion or severe pitting should be removed and replaced,” warned Buildsafe SA.

There were signs of corrosion on the base, causing the fire extinguisher blowout. Inspection regimes were found to be inadequate.

Fire extinguisher incident corrective actions

• Review risk assessment procedures, safe operating procedures and safe systems of work.
• Visually inspect gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers in potentially corrosive environments.

Fire extinguisher laws

• Pressure Equipment Regulations 19; Fire extinguishers. These regulations will be revised in 2013, placing greater onus on manufacturers, suppliers, sellers and installers (query with Matlala at the SA Department of Labour).
• 5.2.7 Internal cartridge-operated extinguishers; “Extinguishers of this type shall be replaced with an acceptable type of extinguisher,”
• 5.2.8 “Condemn any extinguisher that; (c) exhibits excessive corrosion or damage.”

Fire extinguisher standards

These SA standards are referenced in health and safety laws;
• SANS 1475-1, 10105-1,1910 and 1567
• SANS 1475-1: 2010.

South African National Standards require that fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they are readily accessible and immediately available, preferably along normal paths of travel, including exits, and identified by signs complying with the provisions of SANS 1186-1.

Water type extinguishers are intended primarily for use on class A fires, towards the base of the flames, and smouldering or glowing surfaces. Application should begin at a safe distance from the fire, usually 5 m, as some burning or heated solids could explode on contact with water.

Foam type extinguishers are generally aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), for use on class A and class B fires. Application should not be directed into burning liquid to prevent agitation and spillage.

The only gas type extinguisher in common use is carbon dioxide (CO2), for use on class B and class C fires. It has a limited range and is affected by draft and wind.

Dry powder type extinguishers are intended for use on class A, class B, or class D fires, depending on the type of dry powder.

Wet chemical extinguishers contain a solution of water and potassium-based chemicals. On class F fires, the medium cools the fire and causes hot oil to solidify. The medium is discharged as a fine spray which reduces the possibility of splashing hot oil.

Fire blankets can also be an effective way to extinguish burning cooking oil.

Source: http://sheqafrica.com/fire-extinguisher-laws/