Have you ever wondered what each fire extinguisher is for?

Using the correct equipment can help reduce the fire spreading, and ultimately save lives.

What is a fire extinguisher?

Let’s start with the basics; fire extinguishers are tools used to put out or control small fires before they can spread further. There are a range of extinguishers available, all of which utilise different substances to extinguish fires. The best type of extinguisher to use will depend on the source of the fire and the environment where the outbreak has occurred.

Fire extinguishers should only be used on small fires. Attempting to put out larger fires with just an extinguisher will put the individual in a position of severe risk. If a fire is quickly spreading or out of control, the priority should be evacuating the building as quickly and safely as possible and contacting the fire brigade to handle the outbreak.

There are five main types of extinguishers which all use different substances to combat fires:

• Water
• Foam
• CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
• Dry-Powder
• Wet Chemical

Using the wrong type of extinguisher may cause the fire to spread further or become more volatile. This is why it is integral to have all the correct types of fire extinguishers needed to combat the specific fire risks in every building.

What are the 6 classes of fire?

Fires are categorised in six different classes to help you work out which type of extinguisher you need to use:

• Class A – Ordinary combustibles (e.g. solid materials such as wood, paper, plastic)
• Class B – Flammable liquids (e.g. oil, grease, petrol)
• Class C – Flammable gases (e.g. methane, propane)
• Class D – Flammable metals (e.g. titanium, magnesium)
• Class E – Electronic equipment
• Class F – Cooking oil

How do water fire extinguishers work?

One of the most common types of fire extinguisher is the water extinguisher. As the name suggests, these contain water which can be sprayed directly onto the fire source. This water has a cooling effect, reducing the heat and putting the fire out. Water extinguishers should only be used on dry and non-electrical fires as dangerous chemical reactions can be caused by using water on other classes of fire.

In the event of an electrical fire you should use a dry powder or CO2 extinguisher. Applying water to electricity can cause incredibly dangerous chemical reactions. This can lead to the fire spreading, becoming more volatile, or even starting additional fires in the area.

CO2 and dry powder extinguishers can be used on electrical fires as they don’t contain water. CO2 extinguishers emit carbon dioxide gas that counteracts the oxygen in the fire, preventing it from spreading. Dry powder extinguishers coat the fire in a thin layer of dust which interrupts the chemical reactions and stops oxygen from feeding the fire further.

Although CO2 extinguishers are incredibly helpful in combating electrical fires, they come with their own set of risks. Spraying too much CO2 can prevent those in the area having enough oxygen to breath, potentially leading to asphyxiation. This is particularly a problem in confined spaces. Because of this risk, it’s highly advised to use dry powder extinguishers in the event of an electrical fire in a confined space.

What training is required for fire extinguishers?

While you don’t need to have any specific training to use a fire extinguisher, it is advised that you only attempt to put out a fire with an extinguisher if you have had some form of training.

While all workers have a responsibility when it comes to fire safety, workplaces are required by law to have a designated Fire Marshal/ Warden on site. A fire marshal’s responsibilities include putting emergency procedures in place, carrying out risk assessments, ensuring the correct extinguishers are available. and much more.

Whilst you’re here, why not look at our fire safety course we offer at our training centre?

To book your training simply contact our team or visit our website.