Fire Protection

[Grizzly]

Anybody out there with real credentials in fire protection that can recomend size and type of extinguishers for the garage/shop. Also any other tips they can provide, like should the flamables be stored in a metal locker. My Dad was career Navy and he always refered to the place he kept his flamables as the "paint locker." When I was growing up it was a padlocked old refrigerator out behind the barn.

I don't mean to put anyone down with my first statement, but this is not the kind of thing you leave to amateurs.

 

[*89x2*]

your first statement is rather brash - common sense told you to learn from your fathers idea and keep flammables in a locker - they make them a little better now than an old fridge :eek

as far as fire protection, honestly - unless you stand watch, contract for a fire suppression company to come out and install an automated system, other than that - a fire extinguisher will be fine after all, they are designed to get you out - not put out the fire in a "real emergency" :eek

 

[KOPBET]

I am not an expert but I play one on TV.

You can find a ton of information on the Web about fire extinguishers. I would keep a 2.5lb ABC minimum. Front and rear.

A garage is generally not sufficiently sealed to allow automatic suppression devices using gases like FM200.

Like mentioned, these extinguishers are not designed to "fight" a fire. Most will empty in 8 to 30 seconds and are designed to help you get out and away from a fire, unless you are present when the fire gets started and can immediately knock it down.

A smoke detector (or two) in the garage is always best also.


Locking metal cabinets are of course the best for inflammables.

 

[Grizzly]

The point is to be able to do something meaningful if you are there. The only thing the alarm system will do is to get the fire company there in time to keep the house from catching fire. I don't intend to cut and run.

I doubt that there is anything reasonably priced that is any better than and insulated, air tight, lockable container, in short an old refrigerator

Still no one out there but amateurs?

 

[KOPBET]

I don't intend to cut and run.

No one is saying you are. Just remember that an extinguisher may be out before any decent size fire is.

I doubt that there is anything reasonably priced that is any better than and insulated, air tight, lockable container, in short an old refrigerator.

Still no one out there but amateurs?

Lots of us so called amateurs have killed lots of kids with lots of empty old refrigerators, which generally are not lockable except while inside. Thats why people take the doors off of them. Metal cabinets are much easier to move around, can be disassembled, can easily be locked, fire resistant, they don't need to be air tight and not that expensive. But if you want to use a fridge go ahead, but then why ask?

If you really only want a professional you might try the fire department. You may even be able to talk to a fire marshall if you can get the right connections.

 

[*89x2*]

No one is saying you are. Just remember that an extinguisher may be out before any decent size fire is.


Lots of us so called amateurs have killed lots of kids with lots of empty old refrigerators, which generally are not lockable except while inside. Thats why people take the doors off of them. Metal cabinets are much easier to move around, can be disassembled, can easily be locked, fire resistant, they don't need to be air tight and not that expensive. But if you want to use a fridge go ahead, but then why ask?

If you really only want a professional you might try the fire department. You may even be able to talk to a fire marshall if you can get the right connections.

I agree with that - old refrigerators CAN be dangerous :eek around kids, etc.

I will add, that as an observant amateur, I see most professional shops invest in those big yellow cabinets that are air tight, and also a "rag bucket" with lid.
...something about an ounce of prevention & that pound of cure

Plain and simple, a fire extinguisher will NOT put out a fire of magnatude, only help you exit the structure -

Back to "if you were there" when the fire starts, what is more important to you - life or property...

 

[Grizzly]

Well there seems to be only one side here, run away and let someone else deal with it.

I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

I hope you never have to face the problem.

 

[KOPBET]

Well there seems to be only one side here, run away and let someone else deal with it.

I guess I'll have to look elsewhere.

I hope you never have to face the problem.

I don't know where you came up with that wacky statement, but to ask for advice and then knock it is indeed brash. And, not too likely to get you any more from this forum.

Apparently no one knows what you want to hear but you so ...
Enjoy your looking.

 

[*89x2*]

http://www.ansul.com/about/NewsItem.asp?NewsId=53

http://www.redrocksystems.com/

http://www.kiddefiresystems.com/productindex.shtml


....lots more - I am looking into an automated one for my garage - I do not stand guard so it may be of more use than a 10 lb extinguisher :eek

 

[JRMaroon]

Maybe you can find a "Professional" here. I bet a few of them even drive Vettes.

http://www.americanfirefighter.net/