Knowing the fire extinguisher types and different uses is essential to fire safety at work and home. Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can have devastating results.
Different businesses will need to take into consideration the hazards present in the work environment. Once these hazards have been identified as part of a fire risk assessment, you can ensure the extinguishers best suited to your setting are in place and ready to use in the event of a fire.
How Many Types of Fire Extinguishers Are There?
Using the appropriate extinguisher is key to effectively putting out a fire. Some fires can be worsened by using an unsuitable extinguisher on them.
There are 5 types of fire extinguishers:-
- Water
- Foam
- Wet Chemical
- Dry Powder
- CO²
Fire Classes
The extinguisher you need is determined by the fuel being burned in a fire. The fire class system was devised to categorise the types of fuel and match them with thefire extinguisher which should be used to put out fires involving them.
To comply with UK legislation, you must have the appropriate one for your workplace. Knowing which risks of fire are in your place of work is key to identifying the extinguisher(s) you need.
- Class A Fires (combustible solids)
- Class B Fires (flammable liquids)
- Class C Fires (flammable gases)
- Class D Fires (flammable metals)
- Class F Fires (cooking oils and fats)
- Electrical Fires: (electrical equipment)
Class A Fires can be tackled using:
- Water
- Foam
- Dry Powder
- Wet Chemical
Class B Fires can be tackled using:
- Foam
- Dry Powder
- CO²
Class C Fires can be tackled using:
- Dry Powder
Class D Fires can be tackled using:
- Dry Powder
Class F Fires can be tackled using:
- Wet Chemical
Electrical Fires can be tackled using:
- Dry Powder
- CO²
Main Fire Extinguisher Types & Uses
Understanding the main fire extinguisher types and their uses helps keep everyone safe in the work environment. Follow our comprehensive guide below to fully understand each type and what they can be used on.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers are the most common as it deals with fuel types found in a wide variety of areas within buildings. It is used on paper, cardboard, textiles, fabric, wood and other solid combustibles.
Water Extinguisher Label Colour
Water fire extinguishers have a red label, matching the main body of the extinguisher. The word water is typed clearly in white using capitals.
How Water Extinguishers Work
Water quite simply cools down the fire as soon as you start spraying from the nozzle. This slows down the flames until, eventually, the fire dies down. The high pressure water stops flames from spreading.
Types of Business & Locations
Businesses should place water fire extinguishers by the fire exits which should be visible and well signposted. They should focus on areas with Class A fire hazards.
Businesses that should fit water fire extinguishers include:
- Offices
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Childcare settings
- Retail
- Warehouses
When Water Extinguishers Should Not Be Used
There are some fires that you should not use water on and to do so can be very dangerous.
- Electrical Fires: Never use water on electrics as you may get electrocuted.
- Class F Fires: Spraying water onto hot cooking fat can cause the fire to spread and intensify.
- Class B and C Fires: The liquids will float on top of the water, causing them to be ineffective.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers are suited best to Class B fires but can potentially also be used on Class A fires as they are water based.
A foam based extinguisher can be used to fight fires fuelled by liquids such as paint and petrol.
Foam Extinguisher Label Colour
A cream label will be present on a foam fire extinguisher.
How Foam Extinguishers Work
Foam extinguishers get to work on fire by cooling the flames instantly. Once the foam is sprayed, it becomes a barrier between the fuel and the flame. The foam also helps the fire to stay out so there is minimal risk of the fire reigniting.
Types of Business and Location
Any floors at risk of either class A or B fires should have foam fire extinguishers. They should be placed near the emergency exits.
Businesses that should have foam fire extinguishers include:
- Warehouses
- Offices
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Retail
When Foam Extinguishers Should Not Be Used
Foam extinguishers are still water based and therefore not suitable for certain scenarios.
- Class D Fires: foam is unsafe to use on metal fires as it can aggravate the flames further.
- Class F Fires: foam shouldn’t be used on fires involving oils and fats.
- Electrical Fires: foam is water based, never used on electrical fires.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Commonly known as ABC extinguishers, dry powder extinguishers are ideal for use on Class A, B, and C Fires. They need to be used safely and never in enclosed spaces. Howver, dry powder extinguishers can affect visibility and it is easy to inhale the powder, causing respiratory problems.
They can also tackle electrical fires.
Dry Powder Extinguisher Label Colour
The label on a dry powder extinguisher is blue.
How Dry Powder Extinguishers Work
Dry powder extinguishers get to work by diminishing the oxygen element in the fire. They also remove the heat element of the fire triangle. They are very messy and places that use such extinguishers will need a thorough clean up afterwards.
Types Of Business and Location
Businesses with this type of extinguisher need to keep them near the fire risk.
Types of businesses that need a dry powder fire extinguisher to include:
- Garage forecourts
- Welding yards
- Premises with larger boiler rooms.
- Businesses that store LPG.
When Dry Powder Extinguishers Should Not Be Used
Dry powder extinguishers are great for certain situations but can be dangerous in others.
- Do not use it in enclosed spaces, which can cause visibility and breathing problems.
- Electrical Fires: keep dry powder away from electrics.
- Class F Fires: you should not use dry powder on kitchen fires.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are extremely useful in the event of electrical fires. They can also be used on Class B fires.
CO² Fire Extinguisher Label
You will find a black label on carbon dioxide extinguishers.
How CO² Fire Extinguishers Work
Carbon dioxide, once released, interferes with the oxygen supply to the fire. This essentially suffocates the fire.
Types Of Business and Location
Any room that has electrical equipment should have a carbon dioxide extinguisher within close proximity.
Businesses that require a carbon dioxide extinguisher include:
- Computer rooms
- Offices
- Retail specialising in technology.
When CO² Fire Extinguishers Should Not Be Used
Using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher on the wrong type of fire will make the situation worse.
- Flammable metal fires: they will not be effective with fires caused by metal.
- Kitchen Fires: you will potentially cause the kitchen fire to spread.
- Class A Fires: again, water is required here, not CO².
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are fantastic in dealing with Class F fires. Having these in commercial kitchens is a must. They can also be used on Class A fires, however, these will usually be tackled by water.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher Label
You will find a yellow label identifying a wet chemical extinguisher.
How Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers Work
Wet chemical extinguishers work by forming a layer over hot oil which suffocates the source of oxygen. When there is no oxygen, the fire will diminish.
Types Of Business and Location
You should store your wet chemical extinguishers close to the kitchens and canteens.
Businesses that should have a wet chemical extinguisher include:
- Hospital canteens
- Any premises with a kitchen.
- Schools
- Restaurants
- Cafes
When Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers Should Not Be Used
You need to use chemical extinguishers on specific fires. Using them in the wrong environment can have serious consequences.
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable gases
- Flammable metals
- Electrical fires
Importance of Having Correct Extinguisher Types
Every business should be able to correctly identify the type of fire risks they have. This involves having training on the different classes of fire and the different types of extinguishers. Every workplace should have a fire risk assessment and appointed staff as fire wardens.
Using the wrong fire extinguisher can be potentially life threatening. Being confident in identifying the type of fire you are dealing with is essential. Staff should be able to identify the fire extinguishers needed in the workplace.
Regular fire safety training should be carried out to keep everyone up to date with the most recent legislation.
FAQs
There are 5 different types of fire extinguishers and these each tackle a different class of fire. You can get wet chemical, dry powder, water, CO² and foam fire extinguishers.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are considered multi purpose as they can deal with Class A, B and C fires. This is why they are commonly known as ABC extinguishers.
