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There are five main types of fire extinguisher, commonly used to tackle a blaze. But choosing the right fire extinguisher is vital. It could mean the difference between putting out the flames or making the situation worse. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can fuel a fire, spread burning liquids further, or even cause a dangerous electric shock. The most important factor is to have the right fire extinguisher for the medium you are going to put out.
So, what are the five main five extinguishers?
- Water
The red label fire extinguisher is water, and is used for wood, paper or textiles. If you have lots of cardboard or paper in your building, you will need have the water fire extinguisher to hand. Must not be used on flammable liquids or live electrical equipment.
- CO2
The black label fire extinguisher is CO2, for use on flammable liquids or live electrical equipment. It must not be used in a confined space.
- Foam
Foam, cream label, can be used on wood, textiles, paper, and flammable liquids but not on live electrical equipment.
- Dry powder
The blue label, the dry powder extinguisher, can be used on wood, textiles, paper, gaseous fires, live electrical equipment and flammable liquids. However, it is currently being phased out as it is an inhalation risk so cannot be used in small spaces.
- Wet chemical
Yellow label fire extinguishers are wet chemical extinguishers, predominantly used for cooking oil fires. These are also gradually being phased out as they were historically used for the deep fat fryer, and many people now choose air fryers instead. Commercial kitchens still use them. Air fryers are a much safer way to cook as the heat is contained in a unit with the drawer shut so oxygen is limited and is unlikely to fuel a fire.
Training on the right fire extinguisher is key
All staff need to know which fire extinguisher to choose, depending on the medium on fire. For example, if someone chose a water extinguisher for an electric fire, the electricity can arc through the water and cause severe electrocution.
It is vital that staff only use a fire extinguisher if they have the knowledge and training to do so.
Therefore, training is vital so that people have the knowledge and confidence to tackle a blaze. With the right training and by choosing the right fire extinguisher, a fire could be out within a minute, without that it could lead to a whole room on fire, or worse.
There are plans in the pipeline for a universal fire extinguisher of deionised water or foam that can be used on anything, however this is still in development and hasn’t yet been approved by British Standards.
For more information on fire safety or for advice on what your business might need, contact us 01604 344569.
