Co2 Extinguisher On A Person Why Its A Bad Idea

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are effective tools for suppressing electrical and flammable liquid fires. Their ability to displace oxygen and cool flames makes them ideal in industrial, laboratory, and office environments. However, despite their usefulness, CO2 extinguishers should never be used directly on a person. Doing so can result in serious injury or even death. While it may seem like a quick fix during a clothing fire, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefit. This article explains the science behind CO2 extinguishers, details the dangers of misuse, and outlines safer alternatives for human fire emergencies.

How CO2 Extinguishers Work

CO2 extinguishers operate by releasing highly pressurized carbon dioxide gas, which displaces oxygen around a fire. Without sufficient oxygen, combustion cannot continue, effectively smothering the flames. The gas is stored as a liquid under pressure and rapidly expands into a cold gas upon discharge. This expansion also causes a significant drop in temperature—often below -70°C (-94°F)—creating dry ice particles that further suppress heat.

These extinguishers leave no residue, making them suitable for sensitive equipment such as servers, electrical panels, and lab instruments. However, this same mechanism that makes them efficient against certain fires also introduces severe hazards when directed at humans.

Tip: Always check the label on a fire extinguisher before use. CO2 models are typically red with a black band or clearly marked “CO2.”

Dangers of Using a CO2 Extinguisher on a Person

The primary danger lies in the extreme cold and high-pressure discharge. When CO2 is released, it exits the nozzle at near-supersonic speeds and freezes anything it contacts. Human skin and tissue are not equipped to withstand these conditions.

• Frostbite and Cold Burns: Direct contact with the expelled CO2 can cause immediate frostbite. Skin exposed to temperatures below -50°C can freeze within seconds, leading to deep tissue damage, blistering, and potential long-term nerve injury.
• Lung Damage: Inhaling the dense, cold CO2 cloud can shock the respiratory system. It can cause bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, or even respiratory arrest due to both thermal injury and oxygen displacement in the airway.
• Oxygen Displacement in Confined Spaces: Even without direct spraying, using a CO2 extinguisher near a person in an enclosed area can rapidly reduce breathable oxygen levels. This poses a risk of asphyxiation, especially if the individual is already compromised by smoke inhalation.
• Physical Trauma from Nozzle Recoil: CO2 extinguishers have strong recoil when discharged. If someone attempts to aim it closely at a burning person, they risk losing control, potentially striking the victim or themselves.

“Using a CO2 extinguisher on a person is not just ineffective—it’s inherently dangerous. The cold gas can do more harm than the fire itself.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Fire Safety Research Institute

Real-World Scenario: A Preventable Injury

In 2018, a laboratory technician in Manchester accidentally ignited his synthetic lab coat while working with ethanol. A colleague, trained only in general fire safety, grabbed the nearest extinguisher—a CO2 unit—and sprayed it directly at the man’s torso and arms. While the flames were extinguished, the victim suffered second-degree frostbite across 15% of his body, including severe damage to his hands and face. He required multiple skin grafts and months of rehabilitation. An investigation later confirmed that a simple fire blanket, readily available nearby, would have suffocated the flames safely and without injury.

This case underscores a critical gap: many workplaces stock CO2 extinguishers but fail to train staff on when *not* to use them. Misapplication in panic situations remains a persistent risk.

Safer Alternatives for Clothing Fires

When a person is on fire, the goal is rapid flame suppression with minimal secondary injury. The following methods are proven and recommended:

1. Stop, Drop, and Roll: This technique helps smother flames by cutting off oxygen. It’s effective for small fires and requires no equipment.
2. Fire Blankets: Specifically designed for human use, fire blankets are made of flame-resistant materials like fiberglass. They can be quickly wrapped around a person to extinguish flames safely and gently.
3. Water Dousing: If accessible, pouring water over the person can cool the fire and prevent reignition. Avoid this with oil or chemical fires, but it’s safe for ordinary fabric fires.
4. Class A Foam or Water Mist Extinguishers: These are safer for use on people than CO2 or dry chemical types. They cool without extreme cold or harmful residues.

Method	Effectiveness	Risk Level	Best Use Case
CO2 Extinguisher	Moderate (flame suppression)	Very High	Electrical fires, no people nearby
Fire Blanket	High	Low	Clothing or hair fires
Stop, Drop, and Roll	Moderate	Very Low	Small flames, immediate response
Water Dousing	High	Low (if no chemicals involved)	Ordinary fabric fires

Step-by-Step Guide: Responding to a Person on Fire

Reacting quickly and correctly can save lives. Follow this protocol:

1. Alert Others: Shout to draw attention and call emergency services immediately.
2. Assess the Situation: Determine if the fire is on the person’s clothing, hair, or skin. Look for available fire blankets or water sources.
3. Avoid CO2 and Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Do not use these unless absolutely necessary and at a distance (e.g., if flames are spreading toward others).
4. Apply a Fire Blanket: Unfold the blanket fully, hold it by the corners, and gently wrap it around the person, covering all flames.
5. If No Blanket, Use Stop, Drop, and Roll: Help the person lie down and roll to extinguish flames.
6. Cool the Burns: Once flames are out, use lukewarm (not cold) water to cool the affected areas for 10–20 minutes.
7. Seek Medical Help: Even minor burns require professional evaluation. Cover wounds with sterile dressing and keep the person warm.

Tip: Conduct regular fire drills that include scenarios involving people on fire. Practice using fire blankets and reinforce the rule: never use CO2 on a person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CO2 extinguishers be used near people at all?

Yes, but with caution. CO2 extinguishers can be used in occupied rooms if the space is well-ventilated and the discharge is directed solely at the fire source. Never spray directly at a person, and evacuate the area immediately after use to avoid asphyxiation risks.

What should I do if someone has already been sprayed with CO2?

Treat it as a medical emergency. Check breathing and circulation first. For skin exposure, rinse gently with lukewarm water (do not rub). Seek immediate medical attention for frostbite, respiratory distress, or confusion.

Are there any fire extinguishers safe for use on people?

No extinguisher is designed to be sprayed directly on a person. Fire blankets remain the safest option for personal fire suppression. Water mist extinguishers (Class A) are less hazardous than CO2 or dry chemical types but should still be used with care and at a distance if needed.

Conclusion

Using a CO2 extinguisher on a person is a dangerous misconception rooted in urgency and lack of proper training. While these devices are invaluable for specific fire types, their extreme cold, high pressure, and oxygen-displacing properties make them unsuitable—and potentially deadly—for human use. The key to safety lies in education, preparedness, and access to appropriate tools like fire blankets. Employers, safety officers, and individuals must recognize the difference between firefighting tools and personal protection strategies. By replacing fear-driven reactions with informed action, we can prevent tragedies disguised as rescue attempts.

💬 Have you witnessed or trained for a person-on-fire scenario? Share your experience or workplace protocols in the comments to help others stay safe.