![]() The EPA requires that halon be disposed of “using one of several controlled processes.” It’s a hazard to the ozone layer-a part of the earth’s atmosphere that absorbs ultraviolet radiation-and must be handled by trained technicians. Halon: requires professional disposal.But many foams-even those made from safer chemicals-shouldn’t be discharged into waterways or to waste treatment plants. Foam extinguishers may contain perfluorooctanoic sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are both soil and groundwater contaminants in many states. They use a wide variety of firefighting agents that may or may not pose an environmental threat. Each dry powder (or Class D dry powder) extinguisher combats fires in specific types of metals. It won’t contaminate waterways or soil and doesn’t pose a threat to the ozone layer. ![]() But it’s not hazardous waste, according to the EPA. Releasing too much CO2 gas in a confined space can lead to suffocation-and spraying it on the skin can cause frostbite. Carbon dioxide (CO2): not hazardous waste.Most ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers look something like this, with a simple hose, a red metal canister, and a label with the letters “ABC.” However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t consider MAP hazardous waste. This common extinguisher type often contains monoammonium phosphate (MAP), a corrosive material that can irritate the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract. But here’s a run-down of the environmental threats posed by common fire extinguisher types:ĪBC dry chemical: not typically hazardous waste. Under federal and California state law, most extinguishing agents are not harmful enough to be treated as hazardous waste. Toxicity: Is it harmful when ingested or absorbed?.Reactivity: Can it explode or generate toxic fumes when heated, compressed, or combined with water?.Corrosivity: Will it cause metals to rust?.Many safety data sheets (SDSs) warn that discharged agents should be bagged (or drummed) and kept out of waterways.Īccording to the EPA, hazardous waste has one or more of the following characteristics: Most agents-save for carbon dioxide or water-only types-can sometimes pose a threat to people, animals, or the environment. Those agents may be harmless (like water) or hazardous (like many chemicals). The chemicals in a fire extinguisher can be an environmental hazard, but most aren’t hazardous waste under state and federal lawĮach fire extinguisher contains a substance, or “agent,” that’s designed to fight specific kinds of fires. The device exploded during a dumping operation, fatally striking the skull of a 42-year-old forklift operator. According to a 2014 accident report from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an employee working at an Army Reserve facility was killed by an extinguisher left in a dumpster. Image source: the Westminster City Council via the Evening Standardīut the metal shell of a typical fire extinguisher can easily turn into a lethal projectile. The aftermath of an extinguisher explosion in London. Waste sprayed from the back of the vehicle, but the sanitation workers were lucky: no one was injured or killed. In London, England, an extinguisher found its way into a garbage truck, where it exploded as the compactor crushed the metal cylinder. A typical 20-pound ABC fire extinguisher has an operating pressure of over 150 pounds per square inch-pressure that has to go somewhere if the extinguisher is crushed or damaged. Why does proper disposal and replacement of fire extinguishers matter? The pressurized contents of a fire extinguisher can be lethalįire extinguishers that are carelessly discarded while still under pressure can explode. We also carry a full line of fire extinguisher cabinets, covers, and brackets to keep your equipment protected and secure. If it’s time to replace some of your fire extinguishers, take a look at our ABC dry chemical, CO2. We also provide an overview of critical regulations and programs, including municipal hazardous waste disposal requirements, rules from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and guidelines from the California State Fire Marshal’s fire extinguisher program. In this article, we explain how to dispose of fire extinguishers in California and what kinds of extinguishers you should pick to replace them. A mélange of federal guidelines, state programs, and local hazardous waste rules govern their recycling, disposal, and replacement. Yet each state has a slightly different take on how to safely get rid of an old, obsolete, or expired fire extinguisher-and California is no exception. Learn how to dispose of and replace old fire extinguishers in compliance with California law and best practicesįire extinguishers contain potentially dangerous chemicals at high pressures.
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