Safety Devices

[Babyell]

Hi, we have just bought our first MH and it hasn't got a fire extinguisher. Which kind should I buy ? A regular travel one or a dry powder?

I have fitted 2 carbon monoxide alarms and a smoke alarm. What other safety devices if any do I need?

 

[pappajohn]

Hi.. I know the common types carried are the dry powder and co2,but if you can get an afff foam or equivalent. .. In my opinion a far better choice.. its applied in a spray nota thick foam blanket and has far better cooling effect... not so messy as dry powder either...
Something like this....
View attachment 67718

See posts #27 & #28.

 

[scotjimland]

Well , the law says 2 at 2 different distances from the vehicle as you mentioned it Jim .

thanks for confirming

 

[andy63]

I'm sure some of the afff foam extinguishers used to carry a class A B and C rating... I know I've been out of it for a while but that used to be the case... It was applied as a very fine spray..
In any case if live electrics are involved it's better to isolate the supply anyway ..
Ta andy

 

[Puddleduck]

In any case if live electrics are involved it's better to isolate the supply anyway ..
Ta andy

If you can do so always isolate the electric supply - not always possible of course if you are using the extinguisher to make an escape route.

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[pappajohn]

In any case if live electrics are involved it's better to isolate the supply anyway ..

But in the heat (no pun) of the moment its the last thing on your mind.
too late when you start spraying and begin the electricians twitch.

 

[yodeli]

On the "triangle" side , I have just read that the law doesn't apply if you are on a 4 lanes or on a motorway as long as your vehicle is on the emergency lane, not sticking out on the road. In this case warning lights on, safety jacket , and go behind the ramp!

 

[andy63]

But in the heat (no pun) of the moment its the last thing on your mind.
too late when you start spraying and begin the electricians twitch.

Haha.. yes very true but as I said above certain types of afff foams were ok on live electrics..I've copied a little extract from a quick Google. ...

''For example, standard water extinguishers should not be used on electricity. However, foam and dry water mist extinguishers, though water based, can be safely used on electrical fires''
It goes on to qualify the remark by stating what voltage test it has to satisfy before been approved for such use..

And that's what I remember from my fb days...
The afff in spray or mist form is a very good extinguisher and I'd rather have one of them about than any of the others...
With regards to halon which I don't think are acceptable now but not sure then yes they do break down at high temperatures into some horrible stuff but as long as you are not in an enclosed space there should not be a problem using them..

 

[bubble63]

And if you have an electrical fire ??????

Foam is no good on electrical fires....it conducts electric and you may as well use halon....both can kill you..
dry powder can be used on almost all fires.

Not true

quote,

Foam Fire Extinguishers, also called AFFF FOAM (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) create a smothering film of foam over the fire, which starves the fire of oxygen. The foam also penetrates porous materials and cools the fire through evaporation of the water content in the foam. As the foam creates a foam carpet on burning liquids like petrol, foam extinguishers are also suitable for flammable liquids and areas where man-made fibres in soft furnishings and carpets might liquidise under the influence of heat. Foam extinguishers are safe for use with electrical equipment if they had a successful dielectric test and are used at a safety distance of 1 meter. The electrical equipment will of course be damaged by the liquid.


source

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/extinguishers

not sure you thought your statement through, foam is perfect and with 2 litres you stand a chance
I have discharged a small dry power in anger,........forget it, just run away

I had to fight a car fire last year, we discharged 2 large foam and one CO2 courtesy of a nearby TESCO [every little helped]
we saved the car, won't have bothered with dry powder

I am trained to use halon, but its use is strictly regulated. I have inhaled halon, over 25 years ago, I still remember the event, you need to be wearing PBE [breathing equipment]

And no, I'm not a fire person