Fire extinguishers should not be the first resort
when dealing with surgical fires in the OR. They may be needed,
however, to handle larger fires. All personnel should know where
fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
Fire extinguishers are rated by the class of fire
for which they have been certified. “A” extinguishers are for fires involving
paper, wood, cloth, most plastics and other flammable solids. “B” extinguishers
are for flammable liquids. “C” extinguishers are for electrical
fires. ECRI recommends CO2 extinguishers, 5-pound size. These expel
a fog of cold CO2 gas and snow that leaves no residue as it smothers
and cools the fire. Class ABC extinguishers are not recommended because
they emit a dry powder that cannot mix with water, is therefore very
difficult to remove from a surgical wound, and can irritate mucous
membranes in the mouth and airway. Halon is effective at putting out
fires, but has been banned from manufacture by international agreement
because of its effect on atmospheric ozone.
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