Fire Extinguisher Help and Guidance

Fire extinguishers are an essential element of fire protection and to ensure that the correct type of extinguishers are specified and installed a fire risk assessment should ideally be carried out.

This helpful guide has been designed to identify potential fire risks, give an overview of fire classes, provide a basic understanding of the different fire extinguisher types and their suitability and to demonstrate how fire extinguishers can be used in an emergency.

Fire Extinguisher Types

Fire extinguishers are available with various types of extinguishing media. Each type of fire extinguisher (meeting the BS EN3) has a specific colour code which allows them to be easily identified.

Fire Extinguisher Classes

Fires are classified according to what type of combustible material is involved. Each fire class is represented by a letter with the exception of electrical fires which is represented by a graphical symbol.

Fire Extinguishers by Location

It is important to ensure that the correct type of fire extinguishers are installed in the various locations throughout a building and that surrounding areas have been accounted for.

How to Use Fire Extinguishers

Each type of fire should be approached differently depending on which type of fire extinguisher is being used. If a fire is tackled incorrectly the level of danger for the user could be increased.

Installation of Fire Extinguishers

It is essential to make sure that fire extinguishers are installed correctly to ensure that they are recognisable and available in the event of a fire.

Extinguisher Servicing & Maintenance

It is important to ensure that fire extinguishers are serviced and maintained to ensure they are fully functional in the event of fire.