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What Standard Types of Fire Extinguishers Are Available?

At Fire Protection Shop, we offer a range of fire extinguishers to combat different fire classes:

• Water fire extinguishers: Water extinguishers are ideal for combatting Class A fires (flammable materials).

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: CO2 extinguishers are ideal for suppressing electrical fires.

• Foam fire extinguishers: Foam extinguishers are essential for tackling Class A and B fires (combustible materials and flammable liquids).

• Dry powder fire extinguishers: Often referred to as ABC extinguishers, dry powder extinguishers tackle Class A, B, and C fires (combustible materials and flammable gases and liquids).

What Specialised Fire Extinguishers Are Available?

• Wet Chemical fire extinguishers: Wet chemical extinguishers are specialised fire extinguishers designed to combat Class F fires (hot oil and cooking fats). They are also an effective option against Class A fire.

• Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers: Lithium-ion fire extinguishers are specialised fire extinguishers designed to combat lithium-ion battery fires. These fires fall under Class C.

• Fluorine-free fire extinguishers: Non-PFAS fluorine-free extinguishers effectively combat Class A fires without leaving behind environmentally harmful residue.

• Water mist fire extinguishers: Water mist extinguishers are the ideal choice to combat Class A, B F and electrical fires.

• Water additive fire extinguishers: Water additive extinguishers are ideal for combatting Class A fires. The additive also makes these extinguishing agents safe to use near sensitive or electrical equipment.

What Are the Limitations of Different Fire Extinguishers?

Each type of fire extinguisher will offer unique benefits. However, all fire extinguishers have limitations. Assessing an area for potential fire risk will guide you in picking the most effective fire extinguisher.

• Water fire extinguishers: Water extinguishers are NOT suitable for use on electrical fires. This will not extinguish the flames and will increase the risk of electrocution.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: CO2 extinguishers are NOT suitable against Class C and Class F fires (flammable gases and hot oil or burning fat fires). Always take care that you never deploy a CO2 extinguisher in a confined space. This can increase the risk of asphyxiation.

• Foam fire extinguishers: Foam extinguishers are NOT suitable for combatting Class C or Class F fires. If used on a hot oil or cooking fat fire, the foam can increase the risk of splashing the hot oil. This can spread the flames and increase the risk of burning.

• Dry powder fire extinguishers: ABC extinguishers are NOT suitable against Class F fires. Dry powder may also be ineffective against electrical fires depending on the voltage of the equipment.

  While fire extinguishers are a crucial fire safety tool, if used incorrectly or applied to the wrong type of fire they can increase your risk of danger.

How To Identify Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

• Water fire extinguishers: Red with a red label.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: Red with a black label. CO2 extinguishers also have a hard horn-shaped nozzle.

• Foam fire extinguishers: Red with a beige label.

• Dry powder fire extinguishers: Red with a blue label.

• Wet Chemical fire extinguishers: Red with a yellow label.

• Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers: Red with a bright green LFX label.

• Water mist fire extinguishers: Red with a white label.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

Using a fire extinguisher during a fire can reduce the scope of damage, help others evacuate and keep you safe. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Pull: The first step to activating the extinguisher is to pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher.

2. Aim: From a safe distance you should approach the fire extinguisher. Ensure you have a tight, steady grip on the extinguisher and are aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze: To release the extinguishing agent, you need to squeeze the handles together. To stop, release the handles.

4. Sweep: Once that the extinguishing agent is being released, you need to approach the fire and sweep the nozzle. This ensures an even layer is applied to the base of the flames.

   Remember that before you use a fire extinguisher, you must feel confident in your abilities. If the fire is becoming too dangerous you must not interact. Instead, focus on evacuating safely

When Should You NOT Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers should not be used if:

• You have not been trained.

• The fire is rapidly increasing in size.

• The fire is still burning after using a full extinguisher.

• You do not have the right type of fire extinguisher to hand.

Where Should You Use Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

To achieve tailored fire safety, you should perform a fire risk assessment of the space. This ensures that you are selecting the best type of fire extinguisher for the job. Here are some examples of where you can use different types of fire extinguishers:

• Water fire extinguishers: Schools, hospitals, storage units, warehouses, office blocks.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: Data centres, server rooms, offices with computers, industrial and manufacturing.

• Foam fire extinguishers: Shopping centres, office blocks, warehouses.

• Dry powder fire extinguishers: Cars, construction sites, industrial areas.

• Wet Chemical fire extinguishers: Commercial kitchens (not domestic kitchens), restaurants, cafes.

• Lithium-ion battery fire extinguishers: Supermarkets, schools, garages, workshops.