Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguisher types explained: which one for which fire
Match the extinguisher to the fire. The wrong type can make things worse, so here is a plain guide to what goes where.
Pro-Active Fire Safety · · 3 min read
The short answer: water and foam suit ordinary materials like paper, wood and fabric, CO2 suits electrical equipment, wet chemical suits cooking oils and fats, and dry powder is a multi-purpose option best kept for outdoor or specialist use. Your fire risk assessment should decide what goes where.
Water
For solids such as paper, wood and textiles. Not for electrical equipment or cooking oil fires.
Foam
For solids and flammable liquids. Common in offices and general workspaces.
CO2
For electrical equipment and flammable liquids. It leaves no residue, so it suits server rooms and electrical rooms.
Wet chemical
For cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens.
Dry powder
Multi-purpose, but it reduces visibility and leaves residue, so it is generally avoided indoors.
How do I tell them apart?
Extinguisher bodies are red, with a colour-coded label or band showing the type. Check the label rather than relying on memory.
Where should they go?
Near exits and at the hazards they are meant for, mounted on brackets or stands, and visible. Your risk assessment sets the numbers and positions.
How often should they be serviced?
A basic visual check monthly by someone on site, and a full service by a competent person at least once a year, to BS 5306-3.
Common questions
Can I use water on an electrical fire? No. Use CO2 and, where safe, isolate the power.
Do I need a different extinguisher in the kitchen? Usually yes: wet chemical, plus a fire blanket.
Do extinguishers expire? They have service and extended-service intervals set by the standard and the manufacturer. We can check dates on site.
Need your extinguishers checked or replaced?
Tell us about your premises and we will explain what you need.
