Water Fire Extinguishers: Water – Red Class A
The cheapest and most widely used fire extinguishers. Used for Class A fires. Not suitable for Class B (Liquid) fires, or where electricity is involved.

Best For

Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, Coal etc.

Danger

Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances

How to Use

Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.

How it Works

Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

 

 

Foam Fire Extinguishers: Foam – Cream class B
More expensive than water, but more versatile. Used for Classes A & B fires. Foam spray extinguishers are not recommended for fires involving electricity, but are safer than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus.

Best For

Fires involving solids and burning liquids, such as paint and petrol but not suitable for chip or fat pan fires. Safe on fires caused by electricity if tested to 35kV (dielectric test) and a 1m safety distance is adhered to.

Danger

Do not use on chip or fat pan fires.

How to Use

For fires involving solids, point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out. For fires involving liquids, do not aim the jet straight into the liquid. Where the liquid on fire is in a container, point the jet at the inside edge of the container or on a nearby surface above the burning liquid. Allow the foam to build up and flow across the liquid.

How it Works

They are mainly water based, with a foaming agent so that the foam can float on top of the burning liquid and break the interaction between the flames and the fuel surface.

 

 

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers: Dry Powder - Blue
Often termed the ‘multi-purpose’ extinguisher, as it can be used on classes A, B & C fires. Best for running liquid fires (Class B). Will efficiently extinguish Class C gas fires, BUT BEWARE, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO EXTINGUISH A GAS FIRE WITHOUT FIRST ISOLATING THE GAS SUPPLY.  Special powders are available for class D metal fires.

Best For

Can be used on fires involving organic solids, liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol, etc but not on chip or fat pan fires. Can also be used on gas fires.

Danger

Safe on live electrical equipment, although does not penetrate the spaces in equipment easily and the fire may re-ignite. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and care should be taken that the fire does not flare up again.
Smouldering material in deep seated fires such as upholstery or bedding can cause the fire to start up again. Do not use on domestic chip or fat pan fires.There is danger of inhalation if powder extinguishers are used within buildings.

How to Use

Point the jet or discharge horn at the base of the flames and, with a rapid sweeping motion, drive the fire towards the far edge until all the flames are out. If the extinguisher has a hand control, wait until the air clears and if you can still see the flames, attack the fire again.

How it Works

Similarly to almost all extinguishing agents the powders acts as a thermal ballast making the flames too cool for the chemical reactions to continue. Some powders also provide a minor chemical inhibition, although this effect is relatively weak. These powders thus provide rapid knockdown of flame fronts, but may not keep the fire suppressed.

 

Warning: when used indoors, powder can obscure vision or damage goods and machinery. It is also very messy.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers: Class D Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Black Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

Carbon Dioxide is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus, and will also extinguish class B liquid fires, but has NO POST FIRE SECURITY and the fire could re-ignite.

Best For

Live electrical equipment, although it allows re-ignition of hot plastics. Now mainly used on large computer servers, although care has to be taken not to asphyxiate people when using the extinguisher in small server rooms.

Danger

Do not use on chip or fat pan fires, as it carries burning fat out of container. This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to ensure that the fire does not start up again. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can asphyxiate if used in confined spaces: ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been controlled. Only use CO2 extinguishers with frost-free horns, as the hand holding the horn can otherwise be frozen to the horn, as the gas is getting very cold during the discharge.

How to Use

The discharge horn should be directed at the base of the flames and the jet kept moving across the area of the fire.

How it Works

Carbon dioxide extinguisher works by suffocating the fire. Carbon dioxide displaces oxygen in the air. However, once discharged, the CO2 will dissipate quickly and allow access for oxygen again, which can re-ignite the fire.

Wet chemical 
Specialist extinguisher for class F fires.

For Metal Fires:

 A specialist fire extinguisher for use on Class D fires - metal fires such as sodium, lithium, manganese and aluminium when in the form of swarf or turnings.

 

For electricity and deep fat fryers Class E Signal Red on a White Background      

Best For

The first broad spectrum extinguisher to tackle A, B, C rated risks as well as fats and deep fat fryers (Class F). Models with dielectric test to 35k Volt can be safely used on electrical fires (up to 1000 Volt) if a safety distance of 1m is adhered to, as their mist (de-ionised water) does not conduct electricity and the extinguisher does not normally form puddles, which could conduct electricity. The E-Series extinguishers also contain only de-ionised water which cannot carry any electric current.

Danger

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How to Use

Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.The fire draws the microscopic water particles into the fire

How it Works

Water is turned into microscopic particles in the supersonic nozzle. The water mist is drawn to the fire where it cools and suffocates the fire. The mist also forms a safety barrier between user and fire, which keeps some of the heat back.

 

For cooking oils and fats: Class F

Best For

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.

Danger

Check manufacturer’s instructions for suitability of use. These extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires such as petrol, although Gloria has produced a 3l wet chemical extinguisher with B rating.

How to Use

Apply the wet chemical using the extended applicator in slow circular movements, which give a gentle, yet highly effective application. Apply the fine spray onto the burning fat until the surface of the burning cooking oil changes into a soapy like substance which prevents re-ignition. The gentle application helps to prevent burning oil splashing out of the container. Make sure that you empty the entire content of the wet chemical extinguisher onto the oil/fat, as the fire can re-ignite otherwise.

How it Works

Most class F extinguishers contain a solution of potassium acetate, sometimes with some potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate. The extinguishers spray the agent out as a fine mist. The mist acts to cool the flame front, while the potassium salts saponify the surface of the burning cooking oil, producing a layer of foam over the surface. This solution thus provides a similar blanketing effect to a foam extinguisher, but with a greater cooling effect. The saponification only works on animal fats and vegetable oils, so most class F extinguishers cannot be used for class B fires. The misting also helps to prevent splashing the blazing oil.

Tests have established that a 6 litre wet chemical fire extinguisher with a 75F rating can deal with a fat fire of maximum 0.11 m2 surface area.

 

 

Halon - Green (now 'illegal' except for a few exceptions such as the Police, Armed Services and Aircraft).

 

Prior to 1st Jan 1997, the code of practice for fire extinguishers in the UK was BS 5423, which advised the colour coding of fire extinguishers

Class A: 

SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic etc

Class B: 

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil etc

Class C:  

FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane etc

Class D:

METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium etc

Class E:

Fires involving ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

Class F:

Cooking OIL & FAT etc

 

Fire Blanket

Fire Blanket Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering flammable liquid fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Fire blankets conforming to British Standard BS EN 1869 : 1997 are suitable for use in the home BS 7944 : 1999 is suitable for industrial use. These will be marked to show whether they should be thrown away after use or used again after cleaning in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Best For

Fires involving both solids and liquids. Particularly good for small clothing fires and for chip and fat pan fires providing the blanket completely covers the fire.

Danger

If the blanket does not completely cover the fire, it will not be able to extinguish the fire.

How to Use

Place carefully over the fire. Keep your hands shielded from the fire. Do not waft the fire towards you.

How it Works

Smothers the fire and prevents oxygen getting to the fire.

Hose Reel

Hose Reel

Best For

Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc.

Danger

Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances before the electric supply has been isolated.

How to Use

Point the jet at the base of the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.

How it Works

Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

Fire Buckets

A simple bucket of water can be used on Class A type of fires either to supplement a water extinguisher or as a first attack if an extinguisher is not immediately available. It also can be filled with dry sand and used as an absorbing agent or to dam a flow of flammable liquid. They do have serious disadvantages as they are often misused, left empty or allowed to be used as a refuse container.

Best For

Wood, Cloth, Paper, Plastics, Coal

Danger

Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances before the electric supply has been isolated.

How to Use

Throw at the base of the flames. Ensure that all areas of the fire are out.

How it Works

Water has a great effect on cooling the fuel surfaces and thereby reducing the pyrolysis rate of the fuel

 

 

 

 

 

A Fire Survival Guide

Planning your escape route

If a fire occurs in your home you may have to get out in dark and difficult conditions. Escaping from a fire will be a lot easier if you have already planned your escape route and know where to go. Make sure that your planned escape route remains free of any obstructions and that there are no loose floor coverings that could trip you. Everyone in the house should be made aware of the escape route.
If you have serious mobility difficulties you may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor, if this is practical, and as near as possible to an exit. If you need assistance to make your escape, it is vital that you have some means of summoning help by your bed, such as a buzzer, intercom or telephone.
There are also systems available which will automatically dial out on your telephone line to summon help or send a signal to a manned control room. Details of the many emergency call/alarm systems available can be obtained from the Disabled Living Foundation who produce a booklet on the subject.

What to do if a fire breaks out

We all try to prevent fire starting in our home. But it only takes an unguarded or careless moment for a fire to start. A couple of minutes later and your home could be filled with smoke. Smoke and fumes can kill – particularly the highly poisonous smoke from some furnishings. You will only have a short time to get out. Use it wisely and try not to panic.

• If you can safely do so, close the door of the room where the fire has started and close all other doors behind you. This will help delay the spread of smoke.

• Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to touch it. Don’t open it if it feels warm – the fire may be on the other side.

• Get everyone out as quickly as possible. Don’t try to pick up valuables or possessions. Make your way out as safely as possible and try not to panic.

• Never go back into your home until a fire officer has told you it is safe.

It will help if you have planned your escape route rather than waiting until there is a fire. Telephone the fire brigade on 999 from a neighbours house or a telephone box. Clearly state the address of the fire.

What to do if you’re cut off by fire

It’s not easy, but try to remain calm. Save your energy to help you survive

• If you are prevented from getting out because of flames or smoke, close the door nearest to the fire and use towels or sheets to block any gaps. This will help stop smoke spreading into the room.

• Go to the window. If the room becomes smoky, go down to floor level – it’s easier to breathe because the smoke will rise upwards.

• Open the window, try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire brigade. Wait for the fire brigade, they should arrive in a matter of minutes.

• If you are in immediate danger and your room is not too high from the ground, drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall from the window.

• Get out feet first and lower yourself to the full length of your arms before dropping.

Bedtime Routine

Many fires in the home start at night. Make sure you have a bedtime fire safety routine to help keep you and your family safe. Here are a few simple things you should do every night:

• Switch off and unplug all electrical appliances not designed to stay on. (There are specially designed plugs available which can be very easily inserted and removed. Details of these devices are available from the Disabled Living Foundation.

• Make sure no cigarettes or pipes are still burning. Never smoke in bed.

• Before emptying ashtrays make sure the contents are cold.

• Switch off portable heaters.

• Close the doors of all rooms.