Choosing the Correct Fire Extinguisher

In the majority of cases, if a fire breaks out in a work environment, the correct procedure is to get everybody out of the building and call the fire brigade. However, there are occasions – when a fire is discovered in its very early stages, and when it is small and not yet out of control – when it can be appropriate to use a fire extinguisher to try to put it out.

There are different kinds of fire extinguisher to suit different kinds of fires, and it is important to make sure that the ones that are installed are suitable for the environment, and that staff are trained to understand which type of extinguisher to use in a variety of situations. Fire extinguishers use different methods to put out a fire, and can be differentiated by the colour of the extinguisher, as well as the information printed on the side. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can worsen a fire and put lives in danger so training and awareness are vital.

Red fire extinguisher (water)

These are suitable for putting out fires on solid materials such as wood, paper, cloth and plastic. They should not be used on electrical fires or petrol / oil fires.

Blue, or red with a blue strip, fire extinguishers (dry powder)

These extinguishers can be used on fires involving liquids, like petrol or paint, and solid materials like wood and plastic, as well as cloth and coal. They work by smothering the flames, and can be difficult to use because the powder obscures visibility.

Cream, or red with a cream strip, fire extinguishers (aqueous film-forming foam)

Suitable for use on fires involving wood, plastic, fabric and paper, as well as liquids like petrol, grease, fats and paint, although they should not be used on chip pan fires. Foam extinguishers are also safe to use near electrical appliances. They put out the fire by smothering the flames.

Black, or red with a black strip, fire extinguishers (CO2)

Best for liquid fires, these extinguishers replace the oxygen in the air with CO2, thus starving the fire of fuel. They are not appropriate for extinguishing burning solids.

Designations of Fire Type

To choose the correct fire extinguisher for your environment, consider the risks of each of the following designations of fire, as described in fire safety law:

• Class A: fires involving solid materials
• Class B: fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids
• Class C: fires involving gases
• Class D: fires involving metals
• Class F: fires involving cooking materials, such as oils and fats, in cooking appliances

Electrical fires: fires involving live electrical supply.

Other important factors to take into account

• Every fire extinguisher in a work environment must carry a British standard or BAFE kite mark.
• If an attempt to put out a fire with an extinguisher fails, exit the building and call the fire brigade.
• Only ever try to put out a fire if a clear escape route has been planned.
• Extinguishers need a basic service every year and an extended service every five years.

Using the right fire extinguisher can prevent an outbreak of fire from doing serious damage to property and play a part in protecting lives. However, it is vital to consider the type of fire and double-check the extinguisher details before taking action: failing to do so can not only be ineffectual, it can actually make things worse.