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[Matt Reeves]

This is the military Pyrene in my 1961 Rover Mk6. It's brass under the paint and is WD marked and dated on the handle. The decal on the military version is different to the civvy type (and is usually missing or overpainted).

I have mine filled with water, it stops the internal plunger from rattling and would be of some use on certain fires I suppose. I carry a modern extinguisher too.

[GlenAnderson]

Don’t get too hung up about carbon tetrachloride. It generally won’t do you any harm unless in large doses. It used to be used in most industries as a cleaning product. We had a big bottle in our drawing office for cleaning the drawing boards and it got splashed about fairly liberally. No one came to any harm.

We used loads of it, sporadically. I think, like most industries nasties, it’s excessive exposure over prolonged periods that does the real damage.

[winchman]

We used loads of it, sporadically. I think, like most industries nasties, it’s excessive exposure over prolonged periods that does the real damage.

From the little I know about it, if your employer is using it they shouldn't if a less toxic alternative is available.
Under high temperatures in air, it forms poisonous phosgene.
It is one of the most potent hepatotoxins (toxic to the liver).
High concentrations attack the central nervous system, degenerate the liver and kidneys.
I cant remember if its accumulative or not, but I feel its best avoided.
Off to put my safety soap box away

[GlenAnderson]

I am referring to a workplace nearly forty years ago. As Alan said, it’s not been in common use for decades.

Another common solvent we regularly used was chloroform; particularly useful for welding sheet plastic.

[Noddy]

Under high temperatures in air, it forms poisonous phosgene.

Makes it ideal as an extinguisher (of the operator not the fire)