Serious fire extinguisher alert
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 October 2000
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 06/00
- 1 minute read
We have received a report of a fatality whilst using a fire extinguisher.
What happened?
A worker was using a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire when the extinguisher suddenly exploded, resulting in the person’s death from the flying debris. Part of the extinguisher cracked open when the internal COâ‚‚ cylinder opened (225 psi/17 bar), hitting the user in the chest.
The cause of the incident was corrosion of the cylinder under the rubber protective foot. Water had entered the rubber lining, causing serious corrosion.
We understand that the vendor has distributed a warning to all owners of this type of fire extinguisher stating that the annual inspection should include visual inspection of the bottom of the cylinder after the rubber foot has been removed. Please see the photographs below:
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