Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Admin

Fire extinguishers play a vital role in acting as the first line of defence against a fire. When used correctly, a fire extinguisher will protect your staff, your premises, and its contents against the devastating effects of fire. With this in mind, it’s imperative that you equip your building with the correct fire extinguisher for your sector and arm your staff with the knowledge on how to use them in the event of an emergency.

The type of fire extinguisher required for your business will depend on the nature of the work you do, while different sectors and working environments bring different fire risks. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do more harm than good.

In this blog, we’ll break down the various types of fire extinguishers available and provide you with all the information you need to know to determine which type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for your sector. 

What are the different types of fire extinguishers?

There are several different types of fire extinguishers available, each designed to combat specific classes of fires. The most common types include:

• Water extinguishers – distinguished by their red label, these extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, or fabric.
• Foam extinguishers – suitable for Class A and Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids, they’re identified with their cream coloured label.
• Dry powder extinguishers – these extinguishers are suitable on Class A, Class B, Class C (flammable gases), Class D (flammable metals), and electrical fires and are easily identified by their blue label. 
• CO2 extinguishers – with their black label, CO2 extinguishers can be used on Class B and electrical fires.
• Wet chemical extinguishers – these extinguishers have a yellow label and are specifically designed for Class A and Class F fires which are kitchen fires involving grease or oil.

Having the correct fire extinguisher in your building can make a significant difference in managing a fire emergency safely. Choosing the right type of fire extinguisher for your sector involves conducting a fire risk assessment to assess the potential risks in your environment, allowing you to choose the appropriate tools to handle them effectively.