Replacing traditional fire extinguishers with safer, lightweight options

The town of Togo in Aichi Prefecture has installed a new generation of lightweight fire extinguishers at its local resource recycle stations to enhance safety for its staff and the public. The decision addresses the concerns over usability of heavy, conventional extinguishers, particularly for the senior citizens who primarily operate the facilities.

The town procured the “FIRE SHOKA STICK,” a product sold by Nagoya-based TCL Co., Ltd., for its two resource recycle stations, one of which had been destroyed by a fire. While powder extinguishers were available, officials identified a potential risk in whether the predominantly older workforce could effectively operate the heavy equipment in an emergency.

The FIRE SHOKA STICK weighs only 365 grams, a fraction of the typical five-kilogram extinguisher, allowing for easy one-handed operation. Unlike traditional models that spray powder or chemicals, it releases a harmless inert gas to suffocate flames. This method prevents the secondary damage, contamination and clean-up associated with powder residue.

The product’s versatility is highly suited for the resource recycle stations. These stations stations handle items such as spray cans, and the FIRE SHOKA STICK is effective against gas fires, a capability not all powder extinguishers possess. It can also be used on electrical fires without risk, as the gas is non-conductive.

The device offers a continuous spray time of up to 100 seconds, significantly longer than the approximate 15 seconds of many conventional units. It also has a 15-year shelf life with no maintenance required.

TCL, the Japanese distributor, reports that over 30,000 units have been sold nationwide since its launch in February 2024. The product is used by a range of organisations, including NEXCO, some police departments, and businesses in manufacturing, security and hospitality.