Identify the type of materials in the area.
Class A: SOLIDS such as paper, wood, plastic etc
Class B: FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS such as paraffin, petrol, oil etc
Class C: FLAMMABLE GASES such as propane, butane, methane etc
Class D: METALS such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium etc
Class E: Fires involving ELECTRICAL APPARATUS
Class F: Cooking OIL & FAT etc
CO2
Carbon Dioxide is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus, and will also extinguish class B liquid fires, but has NO POST FIRE SECURITY and the fire could re-ignite.
These extinguishers come in two popular sizes, 2kg and 5kg and are supplied complete with fixing brackets.
FOAM
More expensive than water but more versatile. Used for Classes A & B fires.
Foam spray extinguishers are not recommended for fires involving electricity but are safer than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus.
These foam extinguishers are available in; 2 ltr, 3 ltr, 6 ltr and 9 ltr, but the most popular sizes are 6 & 9 ltr and all units are supplied with fixing brackets.
WATER
The cheapest and most widely used fire extinguisher. Used for Class A fires, not suitable for Class B (Liquid) fires or where electricity is involved.
These fire extinguishers are avail in 6Ltr and 9Ltr, all units are supplied with fixing brackets.
WET CHEM
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are a specialist extinguisher mainly used for medium to large fat fryers. These are available in 3ltr and 6ltr, plus they come with fixing brackets.
Often termed the ‘multi-purpose’ extinguisher as it can be used on classes A, B & C fires.
Best for running liquid fires (Class B). Will efficiently extinguish Class C gas fires. Special powders are available for class D metal fires.
BUT BEWARE! IT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO EXTINGUISH A GAS FIRE WITHOUT FIRST ISOLATING THE GAS SUPPLY.
These Dry Powder Extinguishers are available in; 2Kg, 3Kg, 4Kg, 6Kg and 9Kg all units are supplied with fixing brackets.
Warning: when used indoors, powder can obscure vision or damage goods and machinery. It is also be very messy.
