FIRE-EXTINGUISHERS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20543, 19 February 1935, Page 7

FIRE-EXTINGUISHERS.

Some Are Dangerous It is Alleged. Drawing attention to the urgent need for strict specifications governing the construction of hand chemical fireextinguishers, Superintendent C. C. Warner (Christchurch), speaking at the annual conference of the New Zealand branch of the Fire Engineers’ Institute to-day, said that the Government should introduce special - regulations. It was stated that some extinguishers on the market were definitely dangerous, and more did harm than good. Mr Warner said that many extinguishers sold to the public were worthless. One had been brought to the Christchurch Fire Station for inspection. It had been installed in a warehouse, and had, evidently, not been attended to since the day of its installation. The container was badly corroded, and the outlet blocked. “ If it had been required for use, the chances are ten to one that it would have exploded and blown the operator’s head off,” he continued. Chief-Officer F. S. Simpson (Invercargill) supported Mr Warner. He said that certain extinguishers should definitely be barred. They corroded much more rapidly. The chief offender was the Government, which would do nothing to tighten up specifications. Mr Warner: The Government should specify properly for all extinguishers made in New Zealand or imported. Station-Officer L. V. C. Gibson (Wellington), the secretary, said that he was opposed to steel containers. The Fire Underwriters’ Association had banned steel containers, and would permit the use of only copper containers. He added that many extinguishers were exorbitantly priced, materials being sold for £1 which cost 4d. A case had been found where a grocer was making faulty extinguishers. The chairman (Superintendent W. H. Barnard, Palmerston North) said that the institute should hammer away at the Government to try to secure the necessary restrictions. A motion to this effect was carried.