When used correctly, fire extinguishers are your first line of defence against a fire. They will protect your staff, premises and contents against the devastating effects of a fire. Therefore, if the wrong fire extinguisher is used, it won’t be as effective and can make things worse. You must equip your building with the correct type of fire extinguisher for your specific sector, as well as provide training to your staff members on how to use them in the event of an emergency.
In this blog, we will discuss the types of fire extinguishers available and which ones are suitable for each sector.
Different Classes of Fire
Fires are sorted into different classes based on the type of fuel that is burning.
- Class A: Combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth
- Class B: Flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and paint
- Class C: Flammable gases such as methane and hydrogen
- Class D: Combustible metals, including potassium, lithium, and magnesium
- Class E: Electrical equipment
- Class F: Cooking oils and deep fat fryers
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers tackle fires with powerful streams of cool water. The water douses the flames, removes the heat and reduces the rate at which the fire burns. These fire extinguishers are suitable for use on class A fires and are commonly found in offices, schools, hotels, hospitality venues and retail outlets.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers release cold carbon dioxide onto the source of the fire, removing the oxygen and cooling it down to prevent reignition. The gas is stored in the extinguisher as a liquid, but when the release mechanism is triggered, it changes into a gas due to the pressure. CO2 fire extinguishers are most appropriately used to tackle electrical fires only, which means they are suitable for areas or businesses that incorporate large amounts of wiring or electrical equipment.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers separate the fuel from the flame with a thick foam barrier. The flame is unable to continue burning without access to fuel, which means the fire decelerates until it’s fully extinguished. Foam extinguishers are the most common type to use, and are found in the majority of businesses and commercial establishments, as they are effective for extinguishing Class A and Class B fires.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers work similarly to foam ones; however, they achieve the separation using a dry chemical known as monoammonium phosphate. They are the most versatile extinguishers and can be used on Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. Be mindful of using them in an enclosed space, as inhaling the powder can be harmful to your health.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers spray a solution of potassium onto a fire, which attacks it in two ways. Firstly, it cools the flame, which decreases the rate at which it burns. The second method is by coating the surface in a soapy foam, which creates a barrier between the flame and the fuel. Wet chemical extinguishers tackle Class F fires, which are known as ‘cooking fires’. Chip pans are the most common example of this. People instinctively choose to throw water over cooking fires, but this causes the burning oil to splash and spread the fire further.
Quick Guide to Finding the Most Appropriate Fire Extinguisher for Each Sector
| Sector | Fire Risks | Best Extinguishers |
| Construction | Materials such as wood, waste material, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Cooking appliances such as deep fat fryers and cooking oils from on-site canteens or cooking facilities | Dry Powder Wet Chemical |
| Factories and Warehouses | Electrical equipment and machinery (including machinery faults) Flammable substances such as petrol or paint thinners Store room waste, and combustible materials such as wood, paper, or textiles | Dry Powder Foam, CO2, or Dry Powder Foam, Water, Dry Powder, or Wet Chemical |
| Education | Paper, wood, textiles, and plastics Cooking appliances such as deep fat fryers and cooking oils from on-site canteens and cooking facilities Flammable gases found in science labs Open fires from Bunsen burners Electrical equipment in areas such as reception desk, science labs, IT suites, etc. | Water, Foam, Powder, or Wet Chemical Wet Chemical Dry Powder Water CO2, or Dry Powder |
| Hotels | Combustible materials, including wood and paper from waste, or textiles such as clothing or bed linen Flammable liquids such as alcohol or cleaning products Flammable gases such as propane and butane, fuel heaters, pools and cookers Cooking appliances and cooking oils from the kitchen and restaurant areas | Foam, Water, Dry Powder, or Wet Chemical Foam, Dry Powder, or CO2 Dry Powder Wet Chemical |
| Offices | Electrical equipment, including wiring, and overloaded power sockets | CO2, or Dry Powder |
| Leisure Centres | Electrical appliances such as gym equipment, computers in reception areas, TVs, and vending machines Cooking appliances and cooking oils from the kitchen and cafeteria areas | CO2, or Dry Powder Wet Chemical |
| Retail | Cooking equipment and cooking oils from on-site cafés and restaurants Electrical equipment such as tills and computers Flammable clothing and textiles Store room waste, and combustible materials such as wood and paper | Wet Chemical CO2, or Dry Powder Water, Foam, Dry Powder, or Wet Chemical Water, Foam, Dry Powder or Wet Chemical |
| Sports Grounds | Flammable liquids such as alcohol or cleaning products Store room waste and combustible materials such as wood, paper, or textiles Cooking equipment and cooking oils from kitchen and catering areas Electrical equipment such as lighting fixtures, digital equipment, and HVAC equipment | Foam, CO2, or Dry Powder Water, Foam, Dry Powder, or Wet Chemical Wet Chemical CO2, or Dry Powder |
| Transport | Flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel | Foam, CO2, or Dry Powder |
Choose Fire Safe Services For Your Fire Extinguisher Service
Now that you understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their specific purposes, it’s important to get them serviced. This is a crucial part of ensuring your workplace remains safe, legally compliant and fully prepared in the event of a fire.
At Fire Safe Services, we understand the importance of reliable fire safety equipment. We ensure your extinguishers meet all current British Standards and legal requirements, giving you peace of mind that your business, staff, and property are well protected.
Contact Fire Safe Services today to book your annual service or arrange a free site survey. Together, we’ll help keep your workplace safe, compliant and ready for whatever comes next. Call us on 01527 570 952 or email info@firesafeservices.co.uk.
