Fire extinguishers are common safety tools that you’ll find in homes, offices, and vehicles. Even if you’re not directly involved in facility maintenance, it’s important to know how to use them correctly. This knowledge could make the difference between stopping a fire early or making it worse.
A fire extinguisher is a handheld device designed to put out small fires in emergencies. There are two main types: cartridge-operated and stored pressure. These extinguishers are meant for small fires, not large, uncontrollable ones that pose a serious danger.
You’ve probably noticed that fire extinguishers come in different colors and sizes. These colors are not just for looks—they’re vital for safety. Understanding what each color means can help you choose the right extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with.
Classes of Fire
- Class A Fire: Fires fueled by solid materials like paper, wood, clothing, and plastics. Water is the best way to extinguish these fires.
- Class B Fire: Fires caused by flammable liquids like petrol and kerosene. These fires should be smothered using foam extinguishers to cut off the oxygen supply.
- Class C Fire: Fires ignited by electrical sources. Use a non-conductive extinguishing agent like carbon dioxide (CO2) but only after turning off the power.
- Class D Fire: Fires involving combustible metals like Titanium and Magnesium. A dry powder extinguisher works best here by absorbing heat and cutting off the oxygen supply. Never use water on metal fires.
- Class K Fire: Fires caused by cooking oils and animal fats, usually in kitchens. Saponification is the quickest and most effective way to extinguish these fires. Another effective option is Purple-K (PKP), a dry chemical fire suppression agent.
Fire Extinguisher Color Coding
- Red: Contains water. Never use this on electrical or liquid fires, as it will make the situation worse.
- Cream: Contains foam, invented by Russian engineer Aleksandr Loksan in 1902. It’s effective for Class B fires and is made from organic solvents, foam stabilizers, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors.
- Blue: Contains chemical powder, known as the most versatile fire extinguisher. It can be used on Class A, B, and C fires but leaves a residue. Avoid prolonged exposure to the fumes.
- Black: Contains carbon dioxide (CO2), ideal for sensitive electrical equipment because it leaves no residue.
- Yellow: Contains wet chemical powder, suitable for Class A and K fires. The main component is a potassium solution that cools the fire and reacts with cooking oil through saponification. Don’t use it on electrical equipment or flammable gases and liquids.
In 2004, the fire extinguisher color-coding regulation changed to BS EN3. Now, all fire extinguishers are red with a colored band to indicate their class of fire. It’s important to check the class of fire before using a fire extinguisher. Using the wrong type can lead to serious injuries or even death.
