'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