What do the Fire Extinguisher colours mean?
Knowing the meaning of the different fire extinguisher colours.Fire extinguishers are made up of six different classifications and five different colours. The colours represent what type of extinguisher it is. It’s essential for the correct extinguisher to be used when a risk is nearby.
What are the 5 main types of Fire Extinguisher Colours?
Water Fire Extinguishers (Red)
Water fire extinguishers are used for fires caused by paper, cardboard, wood, coal and fabric.
When shouldn’t you use a water fire extinguisher?
Water fire extinguishers can make live fires worse if used during kitchen fires, flammable liquids or electronic equipment.
Where should they be stored?
Once your fire risk assessment locations are identified as class A fire risks, this is where the Water fire extinguishers will be placed. They must be next to all floor exits.
Foam Fire Extinguishers (Cream)
Foam fire extinguishers are used for fires caused by, like water fire extinguishers, wood, paper and fabric. However, fire extinguishers can also be used on flammable liquids like petrol or any paints.
When shouldn’t you use a foam fire extinguisher?
Like water fire extinguishers, foam fire extinguishers shouldn’t be used on kitchen fires, flammable liquids or electronic equipment.
Where should they be stored?
When a class A or class B fire has been identified, Foam extinguishers should be stored at exit points at those locations.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Yellow)
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are used for fires that involve any cooking oils.
When shouldn’t you use a wet chemical fire extinguisher?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers should not be used on fires caused by flammable liquids, electrics and fires that involve flammable metals.
Where should they be stored?
After a fire risk assessment, they should be placed next to the source of a fire risk.
Powder Fire Extinguishers (Blue)
Dry powder fire extinguishers can be used on flammable liquids like petrol and any electrical sourced equipment.
When shouldn’t you use a powder fire extinguisher?
You should never use a dry powder fire extinguisher on fires caused by cooking oil, high voltage electrical equipment and small spaced fires.
Where should they be stored?
They should be stored next to the source of the risk of a fire, and of quick access.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers (Black)
CO2 fire extinguishers can be used to stop the spread of fires caused by electricals and flammable liquids like petrol.
When shouldn’t you use a CO2 fire extinguisher?
CO2 fire extinguishers should not be used when preventing a fire caused by paper, fabrics. They should be kept clear from kitchen fires.
Where should they be stored?
They should be placed by the closest fire exits and by what may cause the risk of a fire. These points are noticed when the risk assessment has been completed.
