IMPORTANT NOTICE
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Our main phone number has changed. Please use 01223 626547 until further notice.
Our out-of-hours number remains the same.
Thank you.
A home or workplace fire can have devastating and costly consequences.
Proper knowledge of the varied fire extinguisher types is essential to keeping people safe.
You can use fire extinguishers alongside fire safety systems to control and put out small fires before they have time to escalate into large-scale threats.
Understanding which type of fire extinguisher to use on which class of fire can potentially save lives both at home and at work.
The six classes of fire you need to be aware of when planning fire safety systems are A, B, C, D, Electrical and F.
Class A fires involve combustible materials such as wood, paper and fabrics.
Class B covers fires involving flammable liquids and gases, such as petrol, diesel, turpentine and paint.
Class C fires involve flammable gases, such as propane and butane.
Class D fires involve combustible metals.
These fires involve electrical equipment and are usually caused by faults or malfunctions.
The class of fire might change if the electrical fire has been put out, but the flames have spread elsewhere.
Class F covers fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as those in deep-fat fryers.
The five different types of fire extinguishers are water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide and wet chemical.
Each one is designed for specific uses and to combat the different classes of fire mentioned above.
Water fire extinguishers are a popular choice when managing Class A fire risk.
The water acts as a natural coolant that slows the fuel’s burning process until it is entirely extinguished.
A standard water extinguisher comes equipped with a jet nozzle. However, two other types might better meet your needs:
Uses: Paper, cardboard, fabric, wood and coal
Avoid: Electrical fires, kitchen fires, flammable gases and liquids
Water extinguishers should be placed at all exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified.
Most premises would benefit from having water extinguishers readily available. Some of the more common include:
Foam fire extinguishers are the most popular way of tackling Class B fires, but their water-based nature also makes them effective for use on Class A fires.
They use foam to smother a fire by cutting off the oxygen supply.
Uses: Paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, coal, flammable liquids
Avoid: Electrical fires, kitchen fires, flammable metals
Foam fire extinguishers should be placed at all exits on a floor where a Class A or Class B fire risk has been identified.
Most premises would benefit from having foam extinguishers readily available. Some of the more common include:
Standard dry powder fire extinguishers are often known as ‘ABC’ extinguishers due to their ability to combat Class A, B, and C fires.
Dry powder extinguishers work by creating a dust cloud that starves the fire of oxygen and blocks its access to more fuel.
Using a dry powder fire extinguisher in confined spaces is not recommended because the powder can easily be inhaled and leaves a troublesome residue behind once extinguished.
Uses: Paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, coal, flammable liquids, flammable gases, electrical fires (up to 1,000v)
Avoid: Electrical fires involving equipment over 1,000v, kitchen fires involving oil, flammable metals (except if using L2 or M28 types)
Dry powder fire extinguishers should be placed close to any identified Class A, B or C fire risk.
Places that would benefit from having dry powder fire extinguishers readily available include:
CO2 fire extinguishers are mainly used on electrical fires but can also put out Class B fires.
They smother and put out flames quickly and effectively by displacing the oxygen a fire needs.
Uses: Flammable liquids, electrical fires
Avoid: Kitchen fires, flammable metals, combustible materials
CO2 extinguishers should be placed close to any identified applicable fire risk and at fire exits.
Any location with electrical equipment would benefit from having CO2 extinguishers readily available.
Work vehicles should also be equipped with a small CO2 extinguisher.
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed to tackle fires resulting from cooking fats and oils (Class F). You can also use them on Class A fires.
They work by using a special solution to cool down burning oil while at the same time forming a film-like coating over it, preventing it from reigniting.
Uses: Kitchen fires involving oil, combustible materials
Avoid: Electrical fires, flammable liquids, flammable metals
All commercial kitchens, canteens, restaurants, etc., should have a wet chemical fire extinguisher strategically placed near all potential sources of Class F fire.
No matter what fire extinguisher types you have, the process for using them is broadly the same:
In addition to fire extinguishers, you can also protect your workplace or home with fire blankets, buckets and hoses.
Fire blankets are designed to be used on small fires either to smother them or for personal protection when attempting to extinguish the flames.
Fire buckets should be filled with sand and placed in areas likely to suffer from a Class A fire. They should also contain tools such as spades, beaters, hooks and tongs for dealing with the fire.
Fire hose reels are connected to a water supply and should be placed strategically in areas with a high fire risk. They’re used to douse fires quickly and effectively with large amounts of water.
Automatic fire extinguishers are designed to operate without manual intervention.
They are helpful in areas where it would be difficult or dangerous for a person to attempt to tackle a blaze and in the automotive industry (for example, to prevent extensive damage from engine fires).
The placement and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishers are critical to avoid accidental discharge.
Fire extinguishers are essential to fire safety, and their proper commissioning is critical to ensuring their effectiveness during an emergency.
In the UK, all commercial buildings must have their fire extinguishers regularly commissioned and maintained in accordance with current regulations.
To ensure your fire safety equipment meets the requirements, you’ll need to consult a qualified professional who can advise on the best type of extinguisher for your premises based on its use and potential risks.
Following this, your chosen provider will then carry out inspections on all existing units. This may include testing pressure gauges, identifying any damage or faults, and confirming whether systems meet all applicable regulations.
Should any issues be found during these tests, replacements may need to be provided before certification can be issued.
Finally, records of all tests should be kept safely for inspection by local authorities.
i2 Security & Fire Protection can help with all aspects of your fire extinguisher commissioning to keep your organisation fully compliant and your employees safe from fires.
It’s essential to protect your fire extinguishers from damage. Fire extinguisher covers are designed to provide a durable and waterproof barrier around the equipment. Covers also help to prevent vandalism and reduce the risk of accidental discharge.
It depends on what kind of potential fires you may encounter. Different fire extinguisher types will suit different types of fires better than others. Consulting with a qualified i2 fire professional will help you decide which fire extinguisher colour and type is most suitable for your premises.
Under current regulations, portable fire extinguishers must be inspected every 12 months by a competent organisation. i2 Security & Fire Protection offer a full range of fire extinguisher installation, testing and maintenance packages.
Fire extinguishers should be stored upright on a wall-mounted bracket in an easily accessible area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
When it comes to fire safety, having the right equipment is just one part of the equation. Making sure that your extinguishers are regularly commissioned and maintained is also key for protecting your premises from blazes.
At i2 Security & Fire Protection, we provide comprehensive fire extinguisher planning, installation and commissioning services to keep you fully compliant with all UK fire regulations.
Speak to a team member today for further information on the different types of fire extinguishers available and how you should use them.