Four Types Of Fire Extinguishers

Having the right fire extinguishers for your business or commercial property is important in ensuring you are protecting your business and your employees, as well as ensuring you abide by current regulations. Below we outline the four main fire extinguishers you will need to protect your business and meet current fire safety regulations.



Water Extinguishers

The most common fire extinguisher type for class A fires, water fire extinguishers are essential for most premises. Providing a cooling effect on the material/fuel, the rate of the flames will be dramatically reduced, eventually causing the flames to eventually extinguish. Below are the key points to remember about water fire extinguishers.

Label Colour

Water fire extinguishers are distinguished by their bright red label.

Materials

Water fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish organic materials such as:

●     Paper & Cardboard

●     Fabrics & Textiles

●     Wood & Coal

However, they should not be used for:

●     Electrical Fires

●     Kitchen Fires

●     Flammable Gas

●     Flammable Liquids

Foam Extinguishers

The most common fire extinguisher type for Class B fires, foam fire extinguishers are water-based and can therefore work on Class A fires as well. Foam extinguishers are designed to create a barrier between the flame and the fuel source, providing a cooling effect that helps to extinguish the flames. Below are the key points to remember about foam fire extinguishers.

Label Colour

Foam fire extinguishers are distinguished by their bright red label.

●     Cream

Materials

Foam fire extinguishers can be used to extinguish organic materials such as:

●     Paper & Cardboard

●     Fabrics & Textiles

●     Wood & Coal

However, they should not be used for:

●     Electrical Fires

●     Kitchen Fires

●     Flammable Gas

●     Flammable Liquids

Dry Powder Extinguishers

Often referred to as, ‘ABC’ extinguishers, due to the fact they’re able to handle Class A, B and C fires, dry powder extinguishers can also be used on electrical fires. However, they should not be used in enclosed spaces, as the powder can be easily inhaled and the residue creates excessive mess and staining. Below are the key points to remember about dry powder fire extinguishers.

Label Colour

●     Blue

Materials

●     Paper & Cardboard

●     Fabrics & Textiles

●     Wood & Coal

●     Flammable Liquids, (e.g. Paint or Petrol)

●     Flammable Gases, (e.g. Petroleum Gas, (LPG), or Acetylene)

●     Electrical Equipment Up To 1000v

Do Not Use For:

●     Electrical Equipment Fires Over 1000v

●     Fires Involving Cooking Oil

●     Fires In Enclosed Spaces, (e.g. Office Spaces or Residential Buildings).

Looking for fire warden and emergency response training? At Thameside Fire Protection, we provide fire warden training courses to provide you with the basic knowledge and skills to help you focus in the event of a fire, recognise fire hazards and know how to respond in emergency situations. Our training will cover all of the roles and responsibilities you’ll need to handle on a daily basis. Get in touch today.