www.pyrochem.com Dry Chemical Clean-Up …

1 Dry Chemical is a proven firefighting agent used in portableextinguishers and fixed pipe fire suppression systems. Its fastflame knockdown characteristics can be attributed to its chemi-cal makeup and small particle size. These same attributes helpdry Chemical find its way in and around nearly everything in thevicinity of discharge. This tends to raise two questions:1. How does dry Chemical agent affect the materials in thesurrounding area?2. What are the recommendations for cleaning up and/orneutralizing those areas exposed to the dry Chemical agent?The Effects of Dry Chemical Extinguishing AgentTests have been conducted to investigate the possible corrosiveeffects of dry Chemical on common metals such as steel andaluminum. Corrosion was not evident on any sample in contactwith dry Chemical under dry conditions.

2 If dry Chemical is left onsurfaces which are exposed to moisture, discoloration anddulling of aluminum parts and paint finishes can be Chemical should be cleaned up promptly to avoid beingcontaminated with moisture whether through direct contact orhumidity. Dry chemicals may be corrosive to surfaces which aresensitive to mildly acidic or mildly alkaline materials. The various base materials used in manufacturing dry chemi-cals account for the differences in the pH level from agent toagent. PYRO-CHEM ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemicalis amonoammonium phosphate based dry Chemical containingadditives that make it free-flowing and water repellent. Typical/Average particle size is approximately 20 microns. PYRO-CHEM ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical is color codedyellow for identification purposes and can be used on class Aand B type fires and is class C Monoammonium phosphate is slightly acidic in the presenceof moisture resulting in mild corrosive properties.

3 Monoammonium phosphate melts when heated above 300 F(149 C) forming a coating which will adhere to the coating will continue to adhere even after the surface hascooled. This coating, when exposed to moisture, is alsoacidic. PYRO-CHEMR egular-Stearated (BC) Dry Chemicalis asodium bicarbonate based dry Chemical containing additivesthat make it free-flowing and water repellent. Typical/Average particle size is approximately 20 microns. PYRO-CHEM Regular-Stearated (BC) Dry Chemical is colorcoded light blue for identification purposes and is capable ofextinguishing class B fires, and is class C rated. Sodium bicarbonate is mildly alkaline and can be corrosive tosurfaces that are affected by alkaline residue. fire Extinguisher BC Purple-K Dry Chemicalis a potas-sium bicarbonate based dry Chemical containing additivesthat makes it free-flowing and water repellent.

4 Typical/Average particle size is approximately 20 microns. fire Extinguisher BC Purple-K Dry Chemical is color codedviolet for identification purposes and is capable of extinguish-ing class B fires, and is class C rated. Potassium bicarbonate is mildly alkaline and can be corrosiveto surfaces that are affected by alkaline Chemical Clean-Up RecommendationsThe complexity of the equipment and its susceptibility to corro-sive material will dictate the degree of cleanup necessary. Forexample, an outdoor diked area will require much less clean -uptime than an automotive paint spray booth. It may also benecessary to request Clean-Up recommendations from themanufacturer of the affected equipment. If electrical wiring orequipment is in or around the contaminated area, it must be shutoff prior to dry Chemical cleanup is required, it should be accom-plished immediately by following these recommended steps.

5 Sweep or vacuum the settled residual dry Chemical . If vacu-uming, use a filter such as a HEPA filter which is capable oftrapping the small dry Chemical particles. If necessary, wipewith a damp soft cloth. To break down the silicone in the dry Chemical , spray the areawith a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% warm the solution has set for a few minutes, rinse with warmwater. To neutralize sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonatebased dry chemicals, spray or wash the area with a solutionof 98% hot water and 2% vinegar (one cup of vinegar to threegallons of water). Let stand for a few minutes; then rinse withwarm water. To neutralize monoammonium phosphate based dry chemi-cal, spray or wash the area with a solution of hot water andbaking soda (one cup of baking soda to three gallons ofwater.)

6 Let stand for a few minutes; then rinse with warmwater. Wash the area with a mild soap and water solution; then rinse. Blow dry to remove residual water. If any electrical contacts have been affected by a dry chemi-cal discharge, use an approved electrical contact PC2008148 PYRO-CHEM is a trademark of Tyco fire Suppression & Building Products or its Bulletin Number 01 Dry Chemical Clean-Up ProceduresPYRO-CHEMOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI