Fire Extinguishers 101: Which Type Do You Need and Where Should They Be Placed?

When it comes to workplace fire safety, fire extinguishers are one of the most essential tools. They can be the difference between containing a small fire and suffering a devastating loss. But with so many types available, it can be confusing to know which one you need and where it should go. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you understand the basics.

The Main Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers in the UK are colour-coded to make identification easier. Each one is designed for specific fire risks:

●     Water (Red): Best for fires involving paper, wood, textiles, and other solid combustibles. Never use on electrical or oil fires.

●     Foam (Cream): effective on flammable liquids like petrol or paint, as well as solid combustibles.

●     CO₂ (Black): Designed for electrical fires and flammable liquids. Leaves no residue, making it ideal for offices and IT rooms.

●     Dry Powder (Blue): A versatile option suitable for gas, liquid, and solid combusibles. However, it can reduce visibility and is not ideal indoors.

●     Wet Chemical (Yellow): Specially created for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.

Choosing the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse. For example, spraying water on a live electrical fire could cause serious harm, so it’s vital to match the type to the risks in your premises.

Where Should They Be Placed?

Strategic placement is just as important as the type of extinguisher. Key rules include:

●     Visibility and Accessibility: Extinguishers should be mounted on walls or in easily accessible stands, never hidden away. Never obstruct them with furniture or stock.

●     Near Risk Areas: Place extinguishers close to fire hazards, such as kitchens, electrical equipment, or fuel storage.

●     Height and Signage: They must be installed at the correct height with clear signage, ensuring they can be spotted quickly during an emergency.

A fire risk assessment will help identify the right locations for your business.

Training and Maintenance

Having the right extinguishers in the right places is only part of the solution. Staff should also receive basic training so they know when and how to use them safely. Equally important is ensuring that extinguishers are serviced annually by a competent engineer. This guarantees they’ll work correctly if needed.

Protecting Your Business the Smart Way

Fire extinguishers are only reliable if they’re cared for. A neglected extinguisher is as dangerous as having no extinguisher at all. By building maintenance into your fire safety plan, you’ll protect staff, property, and ensure compliance with UK law.

EK Fire Protection offers full fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance to give you peace of mind that your equipment will be ready when it matters most.