Extinguisher Types and Uses
What are the different classes of fire?
There are six different classes of fire in the UK. These include:
Class A: Fires caused by combustible materials including paper, fabric, wood and other flammable solids
Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids such as paint, turpentine or petrol
Class C: Fires caused by flammable gases including methane, butane or hydrogen
Class D: Fires caused by combustible materials such as potassium, aluminium or magnesium
Class F: Fires caused by cooking oils such as chip-pan fires
Electrical Fires: Fires involving electrical equipment such as plug socketsTop causes
What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?
The type of fire extinguishers needed in the workplace will depend on the classes of fire that have the potential to start in your workplace. The different extinguishers available and the most suitable classes of fire they’re equipped to deal with are;
Foam Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are commonly used to deal with class A+ fires. They are most suited to extinguishing liquid fires (petrol/diesel) and can also be used on flammable solids such as wood and paper.
Water Extinguishers
These extinguishers are most commonly used for class A fire hazards. They’re best equipped for dealing with fires caused by organic materials such as fabrics, textiles, cardboard and paper.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers because they can deal with fires from classes A, B and C. It’s important to note that these types of extinguishers shouldn’t be used in smaller, enclosed spaces because the released dry powder can be easily inhaled.
As well as being used for fires caused by organic materials, dry powder extinguishers can also tackle fires caused by flammable liquids and gases.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers are specially designed to fight class F fires caused by cooking oils and fats. No other type of extinguisher can deal with fires caused by these substances.
These extinguishers contain a solution of potassium, which effectively attacks the flame by using a combination of a mist and potassium salts to react with the hot oil to stop it from spreading.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are used for electrical fires. They work by displacing the oxygen in the air, suffocating the fire and preventing it from spreading. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can also be used to deal with class B fires caused by flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and solvents.