• Fire extinguishers are vital tools for enhancing safety during a fire. They are primarily intended to protect life and facilitate safe escape.
  • If you encounter a fire, use an extinguisher only: 
  • if it is safe to do so
  • if you are not at risk of being trapped
  • if you feel confident
  • Ensure you know where extinguishers are located and the basic steps to operate them, as indicated on their labels.
  • Different extinguishers are designed for specific types of fires, such as those involving paper, flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
Avoid using the wrong type of extinguisher, as it could make the fire worse. If in doubt or untrained, prioritise raising the alarm, evacuating safely and leave firefighting to trained individuals.

Fire Extinguishers

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

CO₂ extinguishers are suitable for:

  • Class B fires: Flammable liquids like petrol, paint, and solvents.

  • Electrical fires: Computers, servers, and other electronic equipment.

Foam extinguishers are effective on flammable liquids but can be used on all non-electrical fires.

❌ Not Suitable For:

  • Class C fires (flammable gases like methane or butane)

  • Class F fires (cooking oils and fats, e.g., chip pan fires)

  • Electrical fires unless the extinguisher has passed the 35kV conductivity test—even then, use with caution.

These are developed specifically to deal with deep fat cooking fires so are suitable for fires in kitchens and in food-processing plants

 

Water extinguishers are designed for Class A fires, which involve:

  • Paper 

  • Wood 

  • Textiles 

  • Other organic materials

They work by cooling the burning material, removing heat from the fire triangle (heat, oxygen, fuel), and stopping combustion

These are suitable for small fires and fires involving electrical equipment. However, they should not be used on sensitive electrical equipment such as computers.

There are some specialist fire extinguishers that may be used on specific equipment, for example, designated water mist or spray foam. They will list the type of fire they may be used on.

Please remember, before using extinguishers, it is important that you are trained in their use; this includes knowing which type to use on a specific burning fire and the safety precautions to take.

Contain a fire by smothering it.

Fire blankets are typically used for small electrical appliance fires; they can also be used if someone’s clothing is on fire.