Fatal Incident Caused from Failure of Gas Cartridge Fire Extinguisher

Description of Incident.

A fatal injury occurred  in Indonesia resulting from the operation of a gas cartridge type Dry Chemical Powder filled fire extinguisher (DCP). Upon activating the fire extinguisher, the bottom of the extinguisher body failed. The fire extinguisher propelled upwards and struck the fire extinguisher operator in the neck and chin area resulting in fatal injury.

There was signs of corrosion on the base of the extinguisher - It is thought that this may have contributed to the fire extinguisher failure.  As a precautionary measure it is advised that all cartridge type fire extinguishers (in simple terms those which do not have a pressure gauge attached) should be removed from the service and replaced.

Action to be taken.

Visually inspect all gas cartridge operated fire extinguisher that are located in potentially corrosive environments. Please check for signs o significant corrosion or severe pitting on the body and base of the fire extinguisher. Where there is a sign of corrosion or sever pitting on the extinguisher, take the extinguisher out of service immediately and replace it with a new unit.

 During inspection, accessories such as rubber bases or mounting brackets should be removed to ensure a complete visual examination of the unit. If you are in doubt to the severity of the corrosion, take the extinguisher out of service and have it tested in time with manufactures’ guidelines. Potentially corrosive environments include:

• Fire extinguisher stored outside, unprotected from the weather
• Fire extinguisher stored in wet or damp environments or in potential standing water.
• Fire extinguisher stored near marine environments, jetties, platforms, shipping any facility located near salt water
• Fire extinguisher stored on or near chemical processing facilities.