Description No, not really. It all depends on the “cleaning” method being used. Does the valve you are “cleaning” need to be cleaned or scoured? Does dirt, grime, epoxy adhesive, or some other foreign substances have to be removed? Does cleaning the valve include cleaning the valve stem or do you replace those automatically? A [...]

Description Not True! For decades, dry chemical and foam have been used in “twin agent” attacks for Air Crash Rescue Fire Fighting. The idea is to use the superior “flame knock-down” of dry chemical (usually Purple-K) with the superior “securement” capabilities of foam (usually an AFFF or FFFP) to cut a path to the aircraft [...]

Description This is absolutely wrong. We have always been taught that dry chemical and water don’t mix. This is true if you are going to put them into the same container and store them for a while. This is not true if you are working on a fire. Dry chemical does not have any cooling [...]

Description We don’t think so, and if you do it right, you probably won’t either. Take a close look at the manufacturer’s inspection, recharge and maintenance manual. Start counting the steps and tools that are required to perform an annual service according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There seems to be two very different perceptions about [...]

Description Absolutely not! We have two different tech tips that point out situations where you cannot use mono-ammonium phosphate (ABC dry chemical). Tech Tip #5, talks about oxidizers. One of the more common places you may run into oxidizers would be in pool chemical supplies and waste water treatment facilities. If ABC dry chemical is [...]

Description This depends entirely upon the temperature of the fire extinguisher. Maybe the extinguisher needs to be fixed – maybe it doesn’t. Please take a look at our Tech Tip #2. This Tech Tip explains how gauges work and also how temperature may affect the pressure in a fire extinguisher. During summer months, we get [...]

Description Absolutely not true. We often get calls from service managers saying that our extinguishers are leaking after a 6 year “tear-down” had been performed. First of all, if the extinguisher wasn’t leaking before the 6 year “tear-down” was performed, but leaked afterwards, then the recharge procedures are suspect. In most of these cases it [...]

Description Absolutely not! It is possible for a cylinder to pass hydrostatic testing in spite of having disqualifying features, features that have occurred during in-service field use, e.g., cuts. While this doesn’t seem logical or right this topic is vital because DOT has been levying fines for visual inspections not being performed. How can this [...]

Description “Codes and Standards are often those requirements that are found to be the least offensive to the most people.” – Marv Charney – Kidde-Fenwal All NFPA standards are minimum requirements by definition. As you look at a customer’s facility, keep this in mind. Are you doing the customer any favors by going with the [...]

Description “If there is any doubt in your mind that the extinguisher is going to work, don’t put it into service.” – Dick Voelkert This depends upon the availability of parts FROM THE MANUFACTURER. If the manufacturer is no longer in business (Fyr-Fyter , Stop-Fire, Norris, Power- Pak, RC Industries) or if the manufacturer no [...]