BCF extinguishers

[bajdas]

My family are currently going through a relatives garage who recently died.

I have discovered two small BCF extinguishers in the garage and I am wondering if they can be used ? If not, why and how do I dispose of them ?

Both small extinguishers were previously used in cars or caravans. Both have pins and red disks in place. No dings, rust or major scratches can be seen. So in theory they could still be used.

I am interested in better fire coverage for a Commdore station wagon (no current extinguisher), part canvas caravan (small dry powder extinguisher exists) and the home kitchen (a fire blanket exists).

Any advise would be appreciated.

[Alan (Big Al)]

BCF can only be used within the aviation industry as of who to dispose of it to ring the EPA.

[mengcfs]

Last i saw in the media they were saying to return them to your local fire Brigade - Great, and then what do we do with them.
I would suggest the EPA or call MFS HQ or a fire extinguisher mob like FFE or Complete Fire (you go Bill )

[bajdas]

OK. Blinky has been nominated and please make this a basic explaination for a 'un-trained person re fire'.

Why cant I use them ?

[Darius]

Why cant I use them ?

they've been banned (with a small number of exceptions eg. defence) for a few years now, it's similar to Halon and is no good for the ozone layer.

[backburn]

We get about 2 or 3 a year handed in and then call our Regional Officers and get them to collect them from us. They are not too happy but thats how it goes. 

[corecutters]

OK. Blinky has been nominated and please make this a basic explaination for a 'un-trained person re fire'.

Why cant I use them ?

They were deemed no good for the atmosphere, and not too good to breathe in etc.  Would ring your nearest station or take them into MFS.

[PF_]

Light a fire then use them all up.  Shouldnt have told anyone you have them

[mengcfs]

Still the best extinguisher around......Did i say that out loud

[rescue5271]

Yes they where and still are the best extinguisher around,due to the effects on the ozonelayer they where banned and only used in aircraft and still are.If you do have one return it to the MFS as they are the collection agency in SA. Or you can return them to any fire protection firm who will send them onto the halo bank centre in Melbourne.It should be noted if you are caught using it there is a epa fine of $5000.

[Camo]

Just paint it red...no one will know 

[Damien]

Yes they where and still are the best extinguisher around,due to the effects on the ozonelayer they where banned and only used in aircraft and still are.If you do have one return it to the MFS as they are the collection agency in SA. Or you can return them to any fire protection firm who will send them onto the halo bank centre in Melbourne.It should be noted if you are caught using it there is a epa fine of $5000.

in vic its a $10,000 fine, if you use it you get $20,000 fine on the spot
i know coz the baso keeps telling me

[Manuel]

good news guys the Ozone hole in getting smaller, so maybe all the banns on CFC really did the trick