Interest grows in HSC extinguishers

31 January 2023

I have been continuing to gather information about measures that hirers might adopt for the safe management of lithium-ion batteries, and the Hire Supply Company (HSC) reports that interest has been growing in the extinguishers it offers specifically designed for this type of fire. 

The products were introduced a year ago to HSC’s general fire safety range. MD Gary McWilliam tells me that “One national hirer has been particularly proactive in specifying a lithium-ion kit comprising a number of the extinguishers and related items on one of our fire point trolleys for each of their depots. Other hirers have also added them.” 

The extinguishers have a 27A fire rating and can discharge over a distance of up to 4m. They can be used on batteries of up to 1285Wh, and models are available with capacities of 6 litres and 9 litres. 

It’s important to recognise that extinguishers have to be used with reasonable expectations. Given the very high temperatures that a battery fire can reach, it is possible for one to reignite even after the fire appears to have been put out. However, it might suppress a fire in its early stages for long enough to allow the battery to be placed carefully in a container of water to stifle it, if safe to do so, or to aid escape. 

There has been much interest in products like this following the serious fire at Alide Hire Services' Bristol depot in December. 

● Don’t forget to explore the Site-Eco area of the blog for news of sustainable products and developments relevant to the world of hire.