It is important to recognise the correct type of fire you are fighting when selecting your fire extinguisher. We have outlined some useful points and the most likely surrounding and conditions that each fire is likely to occur for your information.

There are no fewer than six classes of fire, each requiring a specifically designed extinguisher to fight each fire individually. In newer extinguishers they have included a picture/labelling system indicating the type of fire they are designed to efficiently extinguish.

Class A Solid Fuel Fires

In a Class A Fire, the numerical value is measured in cubic metres. This represents the area of fire that the extinguisher can effectively control and put out.

The appropriate extinguisher in the instance of a Class A Fire would be a Water Fire Extinguisher. This has been specifically designed to tackle Solid Fuel Fires (wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal, etc.).

Class B Liquid Fuel Fires

In the instance of a Class B Fire, the numerical value is measured in litres and represents the quantity of flammable liquid that this extinguisher can comfortably put out.

The Foam Fire Extinguisher is ideally suited where both Class A and B fire risks exist. Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is particularly suited to fight liquid spills such as petrol, oil, fats, paints etc. and works by forming a film on the liquid to extinguish the fire effectively. This extinguisher has passed the electrical conductivity test at 35kv.

The Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher is also suitable for Class B fire risks where flammable liquids and electrical problems are the most likely fire hazard. CO2 is harmless to electrical equipment (Class E Fire), and is ideally suitable for modern offices, electrical faults and fires caused by combustion of liquids such as oils, fats, solvents, etc.

Class C Gas Fires

Class C Fires are very difficult to measure as flammable gas is not easy to measure with any accuracy. It is dependant on the ratio of gas to air in the local atmosphere.

The Powder Fire Extinguisher is especially designed to tackle an environment where more than one fire risk is a possibility. It is a good all round fire extinguisher as it is suitable to handle flammable liquid fire such as methane, propane, hydrogen, natural gas etc.

This extinguisher is efficient at tackling Class A, B and C Fires

Class D Metal Fires

A Class D Fire is measured in cubic metres. This relates to the area of fire that this extinguisher is efficient in putting out.

The M28 Powder Extinguisher is based on sodium chloride and is suitable for use on Class D, Metal Fires. By fusing powder to form a crust, oxygen is excluded from the surface of the molten metal and with the addition of a specific agent will prevent the powder from sinking into the surface of the metal fire. For safety purposes the extinguisher is fitted with a slow, low velocity applicator cup which is approximately 2m in length. This helps to reduce splashing of the molten metal.

Class E Electrical Fires

Once the source of electricity is shut down the electrical fire will revert to a different class of extinguisher. Please speak to one of our advisors if you require further advice.

The CO2 Fire Extinguisher is ideal where electrical appliances are the most likely fire hazard. They will also extinguish Class B Fires. However, you should be aware that due to there being no Post Fire Security there is a possibility that the fire could re-ignite.

Class F Cooking Oil Fires

A Class F Fire is measured in the same way as a Class B Fire. It indicates the litres of flammable liquid of 20L (cooking Oil etc) that can be comfortably extinguished using a single fire extinguisher.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers are especially designed to deal with oil/deep fat fryer (or Class F) Fires. They are however, efficient at tackling Class A Fires (wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal, etc.) This fire extinguisher has also passed the electrical conductivity test at 35kv.

Where do you put your fire extinguisher?

You need to be able to see and reach your fire extinguisher quickly and with ease. Ideally it should be placed on an escape route that is either near an outside door or on route from the living areas to an outside door. It is advisable to fix it so that it is adjacent to the potential fire risk.

It should be correctly fixed to a wall at a height where it is easily reached. It must however be kept out of the reach of children. Do not place them over cookers or heaters or anywhere of extreme temperatures.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

The manufacturer will supply instructions on how to keep your extinguisher in good working order.

After an extinguisher has been used it will be necessary to recharge it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

It is advisable that ALL fire extinguishers are serviced on an annual basis. You should always use an accredited company, for failure to do so may affect your insurance cover.

How many fire extinguishers do I require?

This is simply measured by the size of the premise and the risk factor.

Below we have provided guidelines that are based on a low risk basis.

Standards stipulate that no person should be more than 30 metres away from a fire extinguisher.

The general guideline is 1 x 9L of water or foam per 200sq metres plus a fire extinguisher for special risk such as a CO2 for electrical or liquid fires.

If there are any special circumstances or cause for concern your local Fire Service Officer will be happy to advise.

It is always worth contacting one of our qualified engineers to advise you.

Please call 0800 5999 704 / 01709 769237 and speak to one of our advisors today. Whether it's for an office or industrial unit, an industrial kitchen or your home, even if it's for your vehicle, we are on hand and will be more than happy to assist you!