Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
| Extinguisher Colour | Type of Extinguisher | Class of Fires | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Water | Class A | Wood, paper, textiles |
| Cream | Foam | Class A, Class B | Flammable liquids, solid combustibles |
| Blue | Dry Powder | Class A, Class B, Class C, Electrical | Various settings, including flammable gases |
| Black | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | Electrical, Class B | Electrical fires, flammable liquids |
| Yellow | Wet Chemical | Class F | Cooking oils and fats (commercial kitchens) |
Understanding the colours of fire extinguishers is crucial for ensuring your safety in the event of a fire. Each colour represents a different type of extinguisher, designed to tackle specific classes of fires.
It’s important to familiarise yourself with these differences so you can respond quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Fire extinguishers are categorised by the fire-fighting substances they contain, which are suited to extinguishing different kinds of fires, such as those involving wood, paper, flammable liquids, or electrical equipment.
The colours found on these extinguishers — red, cream, blue, black, and yellow — act as a guide to help you choose the right one for the right situation.
Knowing the appropriate fire extinguisher to use can prevent the escalation of fires and potentially save lives and property. By committing to memory what each colour signifies, you’ll be better equipped to act confidently and maintain fire safety, whether at work, in public spaces, or at home.
Understanding Fire Classifications
It’s crucial for your safety to recognise the different classes of fires, as each category requires a specific type of fire extinguisher for effective suppression.
Here’s a clear breakdown of fire classifications:
Class A: Combustible Materials
Class A fires involve common combustible materials such as wood and paper. These materials are organic in nature, consisting of compounds that leave ash.
Water is often effective in dousing these fires.
Class B: Flammable Liquids
These fires are fuelled by flammable liquids like petrol. The key to extinguishing this type of fire is to cut off the oxygen supply and avoid water, which can spread the flammable liquid, worsening the situation.
Class C: Flammable Gases
Flammable gases such as propane or butane are the accelerants in Class C fires.
It’s vital to shut the gas supply before extinguishing these fires to prevent re-ignition.
Class D: Fires Involving Flammable Metals
Fires that involve metals like magnesium or titanium fall under Class D.
You should use a special dry powder extinguisher specifically designed for metal fires, as they require a suppressing agent that does not react with the metal.
Class F: Cooking Oils and Fats
Class F fires relate to cooking fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Using the correct extinguisher, such as a wet chemical extinguisher, is essential, as these fires reach extremely high temperatures and are not easily put out with water or common foam extinguishers.
Colour Coding of Fire Extinguishers
It is essential for your safety to understand the colour coding of fire extinguishers as set out in the British and European Standard BS EN3. Each colour code on the extinguisher is indicative of the type of fire it is designed to combat.
Signal Red
Signal Red fire extinguishers are filled with water and are most effective against Class A fires, which involve solid combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles.
Your identification of these is straightforward – they feature a completely red label.
Cream
Cream-coloured extinguishers contain foam and can be used for Class A and B fires.
These are ideal for flammable liquids and are easily recognised by the cream band around the top of the red or chrome body.
Blue
Fire extinguishers with a blue label are dry powder extinguishers. They have a wider range of use, suitable for Class A, B, C fires and electrical fires, hence their common presence in various settings.
Black
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are identified by their black label, suitable for electrical fires and flammable liquids.
The black signifies their content of CO2, making them optimal for situations where a non-conductive and clean extinguishing agent is necessary.
Yellow
Lastly, yellow label extinguishers are wet chemical extinguishers, specifically designed for fighting Class F fires caused by cooking oils and fats.
These are usually found in commercial kitchens and are a vital safety measure in such an environment.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Use
Understanding fire extinguisher types and their applications is essential for tackling various classes of fires effectively. Each colour represents a specific type of extinguisher, designed for particular fire classes.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers are identifiable by their bright red colour. They’re suited for Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles.
You must use them only on these materials, as water is a conductor of electricity and can be dangerous if used on electrical fires.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers can be recognised by a cream band on a red body.
Ideal for Class A and B fires, they tackle fires caused by solids as well as liquids like petrol or paint. The foam forms a seal over the burning substance, preventing re-ignition.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Indicated by a blue panel, dry powder extinguishers are versatile and can be used on Class A, B, and C fires. This includes flammable gases.
However, they are not recommended for indoor use if other suitable extinguishers are available, due to the difficulty of cleaning up the powder and its potential to impair visibility.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers feature a black band or label and are specifically designed for electrical fires, although they can also be used on flammable liquids (Class B).
CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and do not leave a residue, which makes them suitable for use on sensitive electronic equipment.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Recognisable by their yellow label, wet chemical extinguishers are the choice for Class F fires involving cooking oils or fats.
They’re especially designed for kitchens and catering settings. The wet chemical rapidly cools the burning oil and chemically reacts to form a soap-like substance, sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition.
Application in Different Environments
Fire extinguisher types and colours are specifically designed for different environments to effectively tackle various classes of fires.
It’s vital you understand which is most suited to your setting to ensure safety.
Commercial Kitchens
In your commercial kitchen, you should have a wet chemical extinguisher (yellow label) ready for any fires involving cooking oils or fats.
This is in line with a proper fire risk assessment to prevent the rapid spread of flames caused by flammable liquids common in such an environment.
Offices
Offices typically house electrical equipment, paper, and furniture, which point to a need for CO2 extinguishers (black label) for electrical fires and foam extinguishers (cream label) for organic materials.
Your office should have a clear fire safety plan that covers the right extinguisher placement and staff training.
Enclosed Spaces
Enclosed spaces like garages or server rooms, where ventilation is limited and fires can grow quickly, require CO2 extinguishers due to their non-damaging effect on electronics and machinery.
Regular checks and fire risk assessments in these areas cannot be overstated to ensure the appropriate extinguisher is at hand.
Industrial Sites
On industrial sites, where the fire risk is diverse, you should equip your area with a range of extinguishers.
Dry powder extinguishers (blue label) are versatile for various fire types, making them ideal for this high-risk environment.
Ensure that emergency plans and equipment checks are a standard routine.
Vehicles
Work vehicles and transport fleets require dry powder extinguishers due to their effectiveness on gas and flammable liquid fires.
It’s crucial for vehicle operators to be trained in the correct usage and for extinguishers to be serviced regularly, keeping in line with transportation safety regulations.
Specialist Fire Extinguishers
When you encounter specific types of fires, especially those that regular extinguishers can’t handle, you’ll need to use specialist fire extinguishers.
These are designed for particular classes of fire, such as those involving flammable metals or cooking oils.
Water Mist
Water mist extinguishers are versatile and use a fine mist to cool the flames, reduce the oxygen supply and limit the chance of re-ignition.
They’re identifiable by their white label and are safe across most classes of fire, making them suitable for a variety of environments.
Wet Chemical
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as Class F fires.
They work by creating a soapy film on the surface to smother the fire and cool the temperature.
These extinguishers have a yellow label and are a must-have in commercial kitchens.
Powder: Standard and Specialist
The blue label on a powder extinguisher indicates that it’s a dry powder extinguisher.
The standard powder extinguisher is versatile and works well on Class A, B, and C fires, including those with carbon dioxide.
However, for fires involving flammable metals or Class D fires, you’ll need a specialist powder extinguisher.
This type of extinguisher isolates the metal from oxygen and absorbs heat, effectively extinguishing the fire.
Fire Safety Equipment Maintenance
Maintaining your fire safety equipment, especially fire extinguishers, is paramount to ensuring they function effectively in times of danger. As a business owner, you bear the responsibility for their upkeep.
Regular Inspections
Your fire extinguishers require routine checks at least once a month.
During these inspections, ensure that:
- The extinguisher is readily accessible.
- The safety pin is intact and the tamper seal unbroken.
- There are no signs of physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
Regular professional inspections should also be conducted annually by a certified engineer to guarantee comprehensive assessment.
Recharging and Replacement
Post-use or as recommended by the manufacturer, your extinguishers may need recharging.
Keep a record of the recharge dates and maintain an order of replacement units if required.
Extinguishers have a lifespan and should be replaced every 5–10 years, subject to the manufacturer’s guidance.
Proper Handling and Usage
You should familiarise yourself with the correct handling procedures of fire extinguishers to avoid inadvertent damage.
It includes understanding the fire extinguisher colours, indicating their specific use cases:
- Water (Red): For paper, wood, and textiles.
- Foam (Cream): For flammable liquids and solids.
- CO₂ (Black): For electrical fires and flammable liquids.
- Powder (Blue): For mixed fire risk environments.
- Wet Chemical (Yellow): For cooking oil or fat fires.
Handling fire safety equipment properly can mitigate risks and contribute to longer equipment lifespans.
Safe Operating Procedures
Understanding the appropriate safe operating procedures for fire extinguishers is crucial. When faced with an emergency, knowing the correct usage techniques and protocols can help you act swiftly and effectively to protect both life and property.
Emergency Protocols
In the event of a fire, it is essential that you remain calm and assess the situation.
Before operating a fire extinguisher, ensure that an emergency alarm has been raised and that the building is being evacuated.
Ensure you have a clear escape route that won’t be blocked by fire spreading.
Only attempt to fight a fire if it is in its early stages and you are trained in the proper usage techniques.
Usage Techniques
When operating a fire extinguisher:
- Pull: Remove the safety pin to unlock the operating mechanism.
- Aim: Direct the nozzle towards the base of the fire, avoiding any direct contact with the flames.
- Squeeze: Press down the operating handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- Sweep: Use a side-to-side sweeping motion for consistent coverage while maintaining a safe distance.
Be aware of the type of fire extinguisher you’re using:
- Water extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires involving solid materials like wood or paper. They have a cooling effect on the fire.
- CO2 extinguishers are ideal for Class B fires involving flammable liquids or electrical fires, as they do not conduct electricity. They work by smothering the fire and removing the oxygen.
- Dry powder extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, and C fires and work by creating a barrier between the fuel and the source of oxygen.
- Foam extinguishers are also primarily for Class A & B fires, providing a cooling effect while smothering flames.
Always use environmentally friendly and non-harmful extinguishers when possible.
After extinguishing the fire, keep the area clear and do not assume the fire will not reignite.
Wait for the fire services to arrive and inform them of your actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the colour codes on fire extinguishers is crucial for ensuring safety and responding effectively in emergency situations.
What do the different colours on fire extinguishers indicate?
The colours on a fire extinguisher identify the type of extinguishing agent it contains and the classes of fires it is designed to combat. Each colour corresponds to a specific type of fire risk.
Which type of fires is a black-labelled fire extinguisher designed to tackle?
A black-labelled fire extinguisher is usually carbon dioxide (CO2) based and is mainly used for electrical fires or flammable liquids, excluding cooking oils or fats.
How does a blue-labelled fire extinguisher differ in use from other extinguisher types?
Blue-labelled fire extinguishers contain dry powder and are versatile, as they can extinguish Class A, B, and C fires, which include flammable solids, liquids, and gases.
For what purpose is a red-labelled fire extinguisher typically employed?
You would use a red-labelled fire extinguisher, which typically contains water or foam, to put out Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, paper, or fabric.
What does a yellow fire extinguisher signify, and when should it be used?
A yellow fire extinguisher denotes it contains wet chemical agents suitable for Class F fires, commonly used for cooking oil or fat fire emergencies in kitchens.
In what ways do fire extinguisher colour codings ensure safety and efficiency?
The colour coding of fire extinguishers helps you quickly identify the correct extinguisher to use in various fire classes. This reduces the risk of escalation and ensures effective response.
