Sometimes extinguishers are found empty. Occasionally extinguishers are stolen. If not discovered and corrected, these situations can make a big fire out of a little one. Injuries and damages resulting from a small fire that gets out of control can cost a lot more. The purpose of fire protection equipment is to be available when needed.
Different extinguishers have different uses, as noted below.
When installing extinguishers on campus, EHS tries to install the type of extinguisher that would most likely be needed in a given location. Do not use on chemicals, grease or electrical wiring. ABC Contains mono-ammonium phosphate with a nitrogen carrier and other ingredients to keep it flowing. Halon Bromochlorodifluormethane, good for computers and electronic eqipment. Also can be used on paper trash, wood, and liquid greases.