'Don't buy used extinguishers'

'Don't buy used extinguishers'

Jakarta Fire Department spokesman Sardiyo Sardi called on city
residents to equip themselves with fire extinguishers for their
homes or business places and reminded them to buy new ones at
official outlets.

"Buying used fire extinguishers is dangerous. We don't know
about their condition; therefore, they may explode at any time,"
he said recently.

Sardiyo responded to the fact that some vendors in Pasar
Rumput market, Jl. Sultan Agung, South Jakarta, offered used
extinguishers at a price of Rp 100,000 (US$10.99) to Rp 300,000.
They are much cheaper than new ones at official outlets, where
they start at around Rp 250,000, depending on size.

He further explained that new fire extinguishers were
guaranteed by producers so customers could make a claim if
anything was wrong with the product.

According to Sardiyo, most used extinguishers offered at the
market had already passed their expiry date and would not be
effective in putting out a fire.

To make sure that a fire extinguisher still works properly, it
must be checked at the fire department laboratory once every five
years. Should an extinguisher run out of propellant, it can be
refilled at authorized outlets as stated on the canister.

One of the vendors selling used extinguishers, who requested
anonymity, declined to name his supplier.

"I never ask about the origin of their extinguishers," he
said.

Another vendor, Simbolon, said some people visited his stall
to offer him used extinguishers.

"I guarantee they are still in good condition. Many people
have bought extinguishers from me. How many do you wish to buy?"
he asked, adding that he sold about two per week. -- JP