Fire Extinguishers
Choosing Fire Extinguishers
Identify the type of materials in the area
| 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 |
Water Fire Extinguishers:
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.
Foam Fire Extinguishers:
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.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers:
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.
