How do you clean up ABC fire extinguisher powder?

Views: 47     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-07-19      Origin: Site

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

ABC extinguishers are multipurpose equipment for fighting fires involving typical combustibles, flammable liquids, or energized power equipment. These are otherwise known as Class A, B, and C types of fires, respectively. They can arise in homes, businesses, or industrial setups. The agent in the ABC fire extinguisher is usually a combination of ammonium sulphate and monoammonium phosphate. It smothers flames by creating a barrier that deprives the fire of oxygen.

But while the extinguisher effectively puts out the fire, it leaves behind a corrosive powder that can damage electronics and metal surfaces if not cleaned up properly.  Follow this guide to clean up after your ABC fire extinguisher powder.


Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before cleaning up the fire extinguisher powder, it is essential to take safety precautions to avoid potential hazards. Here are some safety precautions to follow:

  • Use protective gear to prevent inhalation or skin-to-skin contact with chemical residues. Use goggles to shield your eyes,  gloves to shield your hands, and a mask to protect your nose

  • Leave doors and windows open to allow some of the chemical dust to escape

  • Turn off any electrical equipment where the powder has been discharged to prevent an electrical shock.


Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Tools and Solution

  • A broom and dustpan to sweep and scoop away excess chemical residue. You can also use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

  • A clean cloth or sponge.

  • A bucket of water

  • Vinegar or baking soda


Step 3: Remove the Excess Powder

Sweep and scoop loose chemical powder from the surface into a plastic bag, taking care not to spread the powder to other areas. Put all the residues you’ve gathered into a polyethylene bag, seal it, and dump it in a garbage can for safe disposal.


Step 4: Clean Any Remaining Powder with a Damp Cloth

Now that you’ve removed chemical residue, get ready to clean the surface. Simply dampen a clean cloth or sponge in clean water and use it to wipe the surface. Just remember not to soak the sponge too much lest you reactivate the chemical powder. Also, rub gently to avoid spreading the powder to other areas.


Step 5: Neutralize the Powder

It’s important to verify the powder you are dealing with. If it’s sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate, you can neutralize it with a solution of 98% hot water and 2% vinegar. If the powder is monoammonium phosphate, neutralize it with a baking soda and hot water paste. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it completely. If the powder has gotten into your electronics, it is important to take them to a professional to be cleaned.


Step 6: Dispose Powder

ABC fire extinguisher powder is considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly. Contact your local waste management facility or fire department for guidance on disposing of the powder. Don’t forget to bag the absorbent materials you used to wipe the surface, too. They need to be disposed of carefully, too.

Finally, wash all dishes, cookware, and utensils that have been exposed. Additionally, any food that has come into contact with fire extinguisher residue should be disposed of. Remove the clothes you were wearing and clean them just to be safe. You can do so in a clothes washer.


Conclusion

ABC fire extinguishers are for fighting Class A, B, or C fires, but they tend to leave a mess behind since they carry dry agents. It’s crucial to clean the surface once you are done putting out the fire to avoid contamination or corrosion. Get rid of any food contaminated with the chemical powder, switch off any electronics near the surface, remove any loose powder, and then clean the surface.  You can use everyday household products to neutralize the chemical from the surface.  

Contact Macro Fire Supply for more tips on cleaning and maintaining fire extinguishers. We manufacture and sell various fire fighting solutions, including ABC fire extinguishers and dry chemical agents. Our team has obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification from SGS, and our ABC dry powder extinguishers have a UL classification. We have also provided OEM products and services to industry leaders, catering to their specific requirements and needs. For more information, please visit our products page.