I checked my vehicle fire extinguisher the other day and although weight wise it appeared full the gauge showed it needed attention (in the red).
I gave it a good shake up but still remained the same. Looks like I have to buy a new one.
Not sure how old it is as it was in the vehicle when I bought it 2nd hand.
Anyone suggest a good retailer (not online) to buy one from or a particular type? Bunnings? Supercheap? I only want about a one kg one and prefer the squeeze the handle type, not the one with a hose.
First Vic try giving it a hit all around it with a rubber mallet or similar as it should be a 'Dry Chemical' One and that will loosen the powder inside, might do the trick.
I remember when I was setting up a bus operators accreditation's here in Victoria, I had to show how the extinguishers in each vehicle would be tested each month and that was accepted as a monthly test. Of course there was a daily visual check done by the driver.
The fire authorities thought that it was a good way of making sure the powder was loose at all times.
As to where to get one, I would go to Supercheap first but you can get at Autobarn and get a senior discount.
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The rubber mallet will only loosen the powder if it has caked up at the bottom, it won't increase the pressure of the propellant gas unfortunately.
It might be more prudent to just buy a new one than risk it.
Which brings me to another point, how do you get rid of an old fire extinguisher? If it has propellant, can this be released legally (I suppose in a fire situation it could be).
Are the contents ok to be sprayed onto the ground around your home, garden bed, verge etc, to release the contents and pressure?
The rubber mallet will only loosen the powder if it has caked up at the bottom, it won't increase the pressure of the propellant gas unfortunately.
It might be more prudent to just buy a new one than risk it.
Which brings me to another point, how do you get rid of an old fire extinguisher? If it has propellant, can this be released legally (I suppose in a fire situation it could be).
Are the contents ok to be sprayed onto the ground around your home, garden bed, verge etc, to release the contents and pressure?
Take an old extinguisher to the fire station, they have great fun letting them off!! Or, just do it yourself and dispose of the cylinder at a local shire waste refuse point.
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Mark & Linda
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Thanks Herbie, gave my a good thumping every which way with a rubber mallet today but it didn't make any difference, a possibility the gauge may be stuffed but from the weight of it I am sure the powder is still in it. Have decided to replace it now, also have a fire blanket.
Thanks Herbie, gave my a good thumping every which way with a rubber mallet today but it didn't make any difference, a possibility the gauge may be stuffed but from the weight of it I am sure the powder is still in it. Have decided to replace it now, also have a fire blanket.
Unless you have discharged it, the powder will still be there. However, the nitrogen gas propellant has leaked out.
Thanks for the feedback all, mine is standing straight up (was fixed like that when I bought the van), but I have had them laying horizontal as well before, might be better that way......
I took mine to the Fire Brigade in Tasmania. They check them free. I was told mine was unsuitable for a MH, a $20.00 cheapie from a Chickenfeed Store so I purchased one from the Fire Dept. Whether you can do this in all States I'm not aware, but it's worth a try.
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Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
First Vic try giving it a hit all around it with a rubber mallet or similar as it should be a 'Dry Chemical' One and that will loosen the powder inside, might do the trick.
I remember when I was setting up a bus operators accreditation's here in Victoria, I had to show how the extinguishers in each vehicle would be tested each month and that was accepted as a monthly test. Of course there was a daily visual check done by the driver.
The fire authorities thought that it was a good way of making sure the powder was loose at all times.
As to where to get one, I would go to Supercheap first but you can get at Autobarn and get a senior discount.
It is a good idea to invert & shake a DCP extinguisher periodically (anually).
If it is in a small boat, ie., a tinnie, then every 3-6 trips, as the constant pounding of the boat will compact the powder.
If the pressure is down (gauge in the red) then there is a propellant leak. It will be cheaper to replace the unit.
As long as the extinguisher meets (and is stamped) with ASA approval, brand or distributor is of no consequence.
I have a 1kg inside the caravanvan entrance, one 1kg in the ensuite (scary getting trapped in there!), and a 4.5kg in the back of the truck.
