Fire Extinguishers

Types of Extinguishers

1. Water Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers are best at reducing fires burning absorbent materials [class A fires] such as wood, paper and some furnishings. The water from the Fire Extinguishers saturates the materials, stopping the fire spreading and extinguishing the fire. The nature of water means these extinguishers are relatively large and heavy as a lot of water (which is obviously heavier than gas) is required for sufficient fire fighting power. Water based Fire Extinguishers must never be used on electrical items or circuits as water is a good conductor of electricity and will probably infuriate the fire further. However there are water Fire Extinguishers which remove the risk of electrocution and are also lighter.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam Fire Extinguishers are suitable for flammable liquids and areas where soft furnishings and carpets are present (Class A and B fires). Foam extinguishers are safe to use with regards to electrical risk. This type of extinguisher usually contains additives which are carcinogenic, making the cleaning process of the premises after the vent of a fire more problematic.

3. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers

These contain only pressurised CO2 gas and leave no residue. This type of extinguisher is suitable for use on fires involving burning liquids (Class B fires), but is also an excellent solution for quenching fires involving computer equipment and other electrical appliances , as it does not cause damage to the electrical items and does not cause the system to short circuit. It is important to remember that when using CO2 extinguishers there is a possibility that once the gas has floated away the fire may reignite if the source of the fire is not removed (eg switching off the power supply). Please be aware that CO2 extinguishers that are not fitted with double-lined swivel horns may cause your fingers to freeze to the horn during the deployment of the CO2 gas.

4. Powder Fire Extinguishers

These are also called ABC extinguishers, or dry powder extinguishers are suited to fight class A,B and C fires. Powder extinguishers have a good fire fighting capacity, but this agent does not soak into materials and does not have a cooling effect on the fire. This could result in the fire reigniting, if it is not properly extinguished. Care must be taken when using powder extinguishers and they should not be used in small confined spaces where there is a risk of inhalation of the powder.

5. Wet Chemical fire extinguishers

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for use with fires involving burning oil and deep fat fryers (Class F fires). These extinguishers come with a special application lance which lays a cooling layer of foam on top of the burning oil. Alternatively a fire blanket can be placed over the pan containing the burning oil. The pan should then be left to cool down. NEVER carry the pan outside or lift the fire blanket after a short period of time to inspect the burning oil as introducing oxygen through this action could reignite the fire. NEVER use pressurized water, powder or foam extinguisher on fires involving burning oils as the pressurized jet will cause the burning oil to be carried out of the pan onto surrounding surfaces causing more damage and a larger fire to tackle.

The Portable Fire Extinguisher provides fire protection on the move, especially in the car.

Fire Classifications

Class A fires - fires involving organic solids like paper, wood etc, as well as soft furnishings, fabric, textiles

Class B fires - fires involving flammable liquids like petrol, oil or paints

Class C fires - fires involving flammable gases

Class F fires - fires involving cooking oil and deep fat fryers
It is important that you know how to use a Fire Extinguisher effectively and there are many Fire Extinguisher training courses.