Portable extinguishers are usually the first response to a small fire at work. Used on the right fire, at the right moment, they can limit damage and help people get out. Used on the wrong fire, they can make things worse. There is no one extinguisher that works on every fire.
Start with your fire risk assessment
The type and number of extinguishers you need depends on your premises, the materials and equipment in each area and the layout. We would not recommend a set without knowing your business. Your fire risk assessment identifies the risks, which tells you what to buy and where to put it. Extinguishers do not prevent fires. They help you tackle small ones early and make a safe exit.
Fire classes
| Class | Type of fire | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A | Solids | Wood, paper, textiles, plastics |
| B | Flammable liquids | Petrol, diesel, oil, paint |
| C | Flammable gases | Propane, methane, butane |
| D | Metals | Magnesium, aluminium, potassium |
| F | Cooking oil and fat | Deep fat fryers, commercial kitchens |
Fires involving electrical equipment are not a class of their own, but need an extinguisher that is safe on live equipment. Isolate the power if you can.
Which extinguisher for which fire?
| Type | Use on | Do not use on | Points to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Class A | Flammable liquids, cooking oil, electrical equipment | Cheapest option |
| Foam | Class A and B (paint, oil, petrol, paper, fabric, wood) | Cooking oil, live electrical equipment (safer than water, but not ideal) | Popular for general business use |
| Dry powder | Class A, B and C | Enclosed spaces where possible | Versatile. For gas fires, isolate the gas supply first. Very messy indoors, can damage machinery and obscure vision |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | Electrical equipment and Class B | Class A as the main choice | Does not prevent re-ignition |
| Wet chemical | Class F | Flammable liquids, gas or live electrical equipment | Essential for restaurants, cafes, takeaways and kitchens with deep fat fryers |
| Special powder | Class D (metals) | General use | A specialist extinguisher; do not use water on metal fires |
Every extinguisher is red, with a coloured band that identifies its contents. See what do fire extinguisher colours mean and special extinguishers for electrical fires.
Using an extinguisher safely
Always call the fire service straight away. Only tackle a fire if it is small and safe to do so, and always make sure you are between the fire and your exit. Never put yourself, colleagues or customers at risk. Use the PASS method:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle to discharge.
- Sweep from side to side.
If a small fire is not dealt with quickly it can spread out of control. Everyone should know where extinguishers are, which one is for which fire and how to use it. Nominated staff should ideally be trained as fire wardens, and regular fire drills help everyone know what is expected.
Where to put them
- On escape routes on every floor, at "fire points", and ideally near a fire exit that leads to a place of safety
- Close to specific risks, but not so close that a fire would stop you reaching them
- No more than about 30 metres from any point where a fire could start
- In plain sight. Do not hide them in cupboards or behind doors, and do not disguise them for decoration. The red body and colour band must stay recognisable
- Away from cookers, heaters and extremes of heat and cold. Store in a dry, cool place
- Fixed on brackets or stands, with the carrying handle about 1 metre from the floor for heavier units and about 1.5 metres for smaller ones
- With clear signs where different types sit together, such as water next to foam, so nobody picks up the wrong one
- If possible, with all extinguishers operating in the same way
Servicing and maintenance
An extinguisher that is out of date, damaged or discharged will let you down at the worst moment. The law requires extinguishers to be maintained, and BS 5306-3 sets out the standard.
- Monthly: a nominated person does a visual check. Is it in place, undamaged, with the pin and tamper seal intact and the pressure gauge in range?
- Annually: a competent person, such as a BAFE-registered engineer trained to FIA standards, services every extinguisher. Further overhaul work is needed at set intervals as the standard requires.
- After use: replace or recharge it, whether or not it was used fully.
- Records: keep the paperwork. It shows due diligence to your insurer and the fire authority.
Re-check your extinguishers whenever you extend the premises or change what you store.
Buying extinguishers
Buy from an accredited specialist who supplies quality products made to the appropriate standards, and who can advise on the right numbers and types for your premises. A good supplier will also provide stands and signs, one-off servicing (including extinguishers they did not supply), ongoing maintenance and staff training.
Not sure what you need?
We supply, install, service and maintain fire extinguishers across Milton Keynes, Luton, Northampton, Bedford, Oxford and Aylesbury. See our fire extinguisher services, or book a fire risk assessment to find out exactly what you need. Call 01908 564301.
