Why do people often place large sand bins at gas pump posts?

When it comes to filling up gas stations, we often see large sandboxes near gas pumps, why?

The main component of sand is silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ) with melting temperature up to about 1,650 ^o C and boiling temperature of about 2,230 ^o C, thus capable of absorbing very large heat.

In case of fire, sand will be an effective fire extinguisher.

Why is sand?

When using sand in gasoline fires, a heat-absorbing sand surface reduces the temperature of the fire, on the other hand helps to form a screen that separates oxygen - which maintains the fire with the fire, contributing to dead.

In the fire of petroleum, fire-fighting water should not be used because if water is used, it is because the weight is lighter than water, and the oil and gas float on the surface of the water, so it does not turn off the fire, but also makes the area of ​​the fire spread.

Gas stations are available with sand containers - (Photo: TRONG NHAN).

Therefore at gas stations, materials commonly used to put out fires are sand first. To use fire-fighting sand, it is necessary to contain sand into a tank, a hole in front of the storehouse. At the same time, gas stations need to arrange many shovels and buckets to be able to respond quickly when there is a fire incident.

In addition, fire extinguishers can be used because the foam is lighter than gasoline, so it will float on the surface of the inflammable substance, and at the same time, create a oxygen barrier to contact the flammable substance.

Especially, note times in the fire, absolutely do not use water as a fire extinguisher without turning off the circuit breaker. Sometimes during a panic moment when a fire occurs, it seems that this basic is very easy to forget.

CO2 cylinders are not "universal"

The CO ₂ cylinders are effective fire extinguishers, especially for fires in small spaces , fire-proof 380V voltage downwards, fire for machines and equipment, paper records because when spraying Retention of extinguishing agents (CO ₂ ) on combustibles should contribute to reducing damage to items.

In particular, portable fire extinguishers are often used to extinguish small fires or newly generated fire spots.

In addition, CO ₂ cylinders are also effective for solid, liquid fires and high efficiency for electrical equipment fire, tunnel fire where the wind is out.

In contrast, this gas tank is not effective for ventilation because the CO2 diffuses rapidly in the air.

However, in enclosed spaces, care should be taken when using CO2 because it can suffocate the user.

Therefore, before spraying in a closed room, it is necessary to inform everyone to leave the room and to calculate the exit after spraying CO ₂ , to avoid being trapped in the fire and CO2.

In particular, do not use CO ₂ cylinders to crush coal or red hot fires, because due to chemical properties, most of the CO2 in the tank will change into CO gas which is very toxic and explosive when encountered with coal.

In addition, one more note that CO ₂ in the bottle has a very low temperature, so avoid direct contact or direct spray on people because it can cause cold burns.