Types of extinguishers

* A Powder Extinguisher will leave a residue that can damage sensitive electrical equipment. If possible, use a CO2 Extinguisher.

Types of material

Class A – Solids such as paper, wood, plastic
Class B – Flammable liquids such as petrol, paraffin
Class C – Flammable gases such as propane, methane, butane
Class D – Metals such as aluminium, titanium, magnesium
Class E – Fire involving electrical apparatus
Class F – Cooking oils and fat

Colour coding

Water – Red
Foam – Cream
Dry Powder – Blue
CO2 – Black
Wet Chemical – Yellow

Types of extinguishers

Water – used for Class A fires. Not suitable for liquid fires (Class B) or where electricity is involved.

Foam – used for Class A & B fires. Not recommended for fires involving electricity, but is safer than water if accidentally, inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus.

Dry powder – called the “multi-purpose” extinguisher, it can be used on Class A, B and C fires. Best for running liquid fires and effective on Class C gas fires, but be aware to isolate the gas supply first.
CO2 – is ideal for Class E fires involving electrical apparatus. it can also extinguish Class B fires but they could re-ignite.

Wet chemical – specialist extinguisher for Class F fires.