icon Add as a preferred source Download PDF version

A Carbon Dioxide Fire extinguisher or Drychem extinguisher is a specific type of fire extinguisher that can be used on electrical fires. This is particularly important for workplaces in Australia that use high-powered equipment or infrastructure.

Depending on the nature of the workplace, the user may be required by law and the AS 1851 safety standards to ensure the user has a CO2 fire extinguisher installed. The Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher is one of the 6 types of fire extinguishers. 

What Fire Class Is A Drychem Fire Extinguisher Used For?

One of the many Drychem extinguishers is that it can be used on electrical fires. This is a Type E fire classification. In Australia, there are a total of 5 fire extinguisher classes.

They are fire classification A: Wood Paper Plastic, B: Flammable and Combustible Liquids, C: Flammable Gases, E: Electrically Energised Equipment and F: Cooking Oils and Fats.

What Colour Band Is A CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

Other types of fire extinguishers are Water (red), Wet Chemical (yellow band), Foam (blue band), Dry Chemical

Co2 Fire Extinguishers are identified by a black color band.

Other types of fire extinguishers are Water (red), Wet Chemical (yellow band), Foam (blue band), Dry Chemical Powder (white band), Carbon Dioxide (black band), and Vaporising Liquid (yellow).

Do Users Need A Co2 Fire Extinguisher?

If the user is a business owner, it is the legal responsibility to make sure that users are prepared for emergencies. the workplace may need to have a Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher installed.

This will be determined by the potential fire hazards that are in the workplace. An FCF Fire and Electrical Safety consultant will be able to assist the user and advise if the user requires CO2.

What If the user wants to Use The CO2 Fire Extinguisher?

Once a Co2 fire extinguisher is used, it needs to be tested, recharged, or possibly decommissioned

Once a CO2 fire extinguisher is used, it needs to be tested, recharged, or possibly decommissioned. 

Once again, an FCF Fire Safety Consultant will be able to test and see if this is the case.

CO2 Extinguishers Maintenance

Many people don't realize the importance of having the carbon dioxide extinguisher inspected regularly. It should have an expiration date after which it needs to be inspected or replaced. Even though this is something that is often overlooked, it is very important to get it done regularly.

Otherwise, there is a good chance that there could be a fire and there would be no way to put it out. Fire equipment maintenance is an important obligation for Australian business owners and they should be aware of the relevant regulations for their state.

How to Know How To Properly Use The Extinguisher?

The next thing that users need to be aware of is how to operate the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher properly

The next thing that users need to be aware of is how to operate the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher properly. If this is not something that users are familiar with, it doesn't pay to read over the directions and get a good idea as to what needs to be done.

This way, if there is ever an emergency, the user won't have to wait for the fire department to show up to take on this task.

Be Prepared

A fire is something that can quickly destroy the entire business. Don't take any chances of not knowing what The Drychem extinguisher uses. Basic fire safety training is available for staff at workplaces across Australia. 

FCF Fire and Electrical offers a comprehensive fire safety training program that is tailored to the workplace. 

In case you missed it

WAGNER's Fire Protection Solutions At BUILDINX 2025
WAGNER's Fire Protection Solutions At BUILDINX 2025

WAGNER Group GmbH will be presenting pioneering solutions for fire protection in modern logistics properties at BUILDINX 2025 in Dortmund from November 18 to 20, 2025. The foc...

Spare A Minute For Maintenance
Spare A Minute For Maintenance

With new fire safety regulations around the corner and a renewed focus on responsible persons and coordination, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK discusses the significance of fire door h...

Fire-Dex Unveils Fire Investigation PPE For Safety
Fire-Dex Unveils Fire Investigation PPE For Safety

Fire investigators have long worked in a gray area of protection where full structural turnouts are overkill, but single-layer garments may not cover every single hazard they encou...

vfd