If a wet chemical or water mist agent extinguisher is discharged, what should be done?

When a wet chemical or water mist agent extinguisher is discharged, all remaining agents must be discarded. This is because these types of extinguishers are specifically designed to effectively combat certain classes of fires, such as those involving cooking oils or fats. Once the agent has been discharged, the extinguisher loses its effectiveness, and residues can potentially become ineffective or even hazardous if they are allowed to sit for too long or become contaminated.

Additionally, wet chemical agents are formulated to work within specific parameters, and any disruption in their concentration or chemical makeup can compromise their ability to suppress future fires. Therefore, to ensure safety and reliability in emergency situations, it's crucial to dispose of any remaining extinguishing agent and refill the extinguisher with a fresh supply that is both effective and safe to use.

While options like refilling the extinguisher or storing it for later use might seem appealing, they fail to account for the loss of efficacy in an extinguisher that has already been partially discharged. Ensuring that the extinguisher is fully operational with a proper agent is vital for maintaining fire safety standards.