Fire Extinguishers are a confusing subject for some people, especially businesses who are legally obliged to ensure their place of business has all of the fire extinguishers they need in order to effective combat any small fires that may breaks out. Fire Extinguishers – plural – because there are different fire extinguisher types that can handle some fire types but may be ineffective for others.

This has come about as traditional fire extinguishers in the past used to be water based ones only, these can be bad for electrical fires which can happen in many workplaces as computers have been known to overheat or any other kind of electrical fire. There are now a wide range of different fire extinguishers available which may be needed but many businesses are not sure which ones.

Luckily each fire extinguisher is coloured differently, whilst they are mostly red they each have different labels and colourings to signify which each one is. Your business should appoint a fire marshal to ensure the right one is used in the event of a fire.

Water Fire Extinguishers Water extinguishers are usually larger solid red extinguishers and can be used on Class A fires (ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic, rubber)

Foam Extinguishers (AFFF) Foam extinguishers are now red with a section of the extinguisher painted cream. This extinguisher is used for Class A fires as well as Class B fires which includes flammable liquids such as oil or petrol.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers (CO2) This extinguisher is red with the black section painted on too, Carbon Dioxide is used on fires to starve them of oxygen and don’t get them wet make them suitable for Class B, Class C (flammable gasses) and Class D fires (fires involving electrical equipment).

Dry Powder Extinguishers Dry powder extinguishers use a blue panel to indentify it from other extinguishers. These are used on Class A, B and C fires although there are metal based foam extinguishers that are recommended for Class D fires only.

If you are unsure of which fire extinguishers you need for your workplace it is worthwhile doing some research into which are recommended or contact your local fire department to arrange for an evaluation of your business premises where they will be able to point out the fire risks that you may not have even been aware of. Make sure your business and its employees are safe and make sure you get the right fire extinguishers for your business before it is too late.

There are plenty of fire extinguishers available online as well as other business essentials such as first aid kits and the health and safety law poster that must be displayed at all business premises.