UK Fire Extinguisher Types and Colours
Discover the diverse array of fire extinguisher types available, each distinctly identified by colour coding for easy recognition. These extinguishers, universally red in body, display coloured bands atop distinguishing their specific uses. Understanding the correlation between fire extinguisher colours and the types of fires they combat is crucial for effective fire safety measures.
What are the 4 types of fire extinguishers?
The 4 types of fire extinguishers fall into classes: A, B, C and D. Each of these classes put out a different variety of fire.
What are the 5 classes of fire extinguishers?
There are 5 key types of fire extinguishers, which are:
- Water
- Foam
- Dry Powder
- C02
- Wet chemical
In order to identify the correct extinguisher for the risk in your workplace, you need to know what each fire extinguisher type does. Explanations regarding the different fire extinguisher colours are detailed below:
1. Red - Water
Water extinguishers are safe for use on wood, paper & fabric fires. They are not safe for use on electrical, flammable liquids or flammable metal fires.
2. Cream - Foam
Foam extinguishers are safe for use on flammable liquid fires; can also be used for wood, paper, fabric fires.
They are not safe for use on electrical or flammable metal fires.
3. Blue - Powder
Powder extinguishers are safe for use on gaseous fires; can also be used for wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and electrical fires.
4. Black – Co2
Co2 extinguishers are safe for use on electrical fires; can also be used for flammable liquid fires.
They are not safe for use on wood, paper or fabric fires. They should not be used in a confined space. And the horn should not be held whilst operating the extinguish
5. Wet Chemical – Yellow
Wet chemical extinguishers are safe for use on cooking oil and deep fat fryer fires; can also be used for wood, paper and fabric fires.
They are not safe for use on electrical, flammable liquids or gaseous fires.
For more information on the different fire extinguisher colours and to find which fire extinguisher types are best for you, please contact our friendly team at ISE Fire today:
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