A guide to the colours and uses of fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are a vital tool when it comes to protecting your staff, your premises and your assets against the risk of fire. You may know which fire extinguisher should be used on each type of fire, but in an emergency, would you be able to identify the right one by the colour of its label alone?
Many businesses have a wide range of fire hazards and may need different extinguishers on site. Being able to quickly identify the right extinguisher colour can save valuable time and improve the chances of responding safely. In this blog, we take a closer look at fire extinguisher colours, uses and types to help you make a fast decision under pressure.
In this blog, we take a closer look at the colours and uses of fire extinguishers to help you in the event of having to make a fast decision under pressure.
Fire Extinguisher Colours, Uses and Types
Red Fire Extinguishers: Water Extinguishers
Red fire extinguishers contain water and are used for Class A fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper and cloth. These water extinguishers work by cooling the flames and reducing the fire’s temperature. They should not be used on electrical fires, kitchen fires, flammable liquids or gas fires. Red fire extinguishers are one of the most common types of extinguishers and are often found in office buildings, schools, and hospitals for example.
Cream Fire Extinguishers: Foam Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers, identified by their cream colour, are suitable for Class A fires and many Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol. The foam works by smothering the fire and cooling the fuel surface, helping to prevent reignition. Foam extinguishers should not usually be used on electrical fires, kitchen fires or gas fires unless they have been specifically approved for that use.
Blue Fire Extinguishers: Dry Powder Extinguishers
Blue fire extinguishers are filled with dry powder and are suitable for use on a variety of fires, including Class A, Class B, Class C (those involving flammable gases such as butane or LPG), and Class D fires (those involving flammable metals like lithium and potassium). They should not be used on kitchen fires, electrical fires, or in enclosed spaces. These versatile extinguishers are often founds in businesses such as garages and workshops where different types of fires may occur.
Black Fire Extinguishers: Carbon Dioxide CO2 Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers are black in colour, making them easily distinguishable in case of an emergency. These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class B and electrical fires, as they work by displacing oxygen and suffocating the flames. It’s important to note that they shouldn’t be used on kitchen fires, flammable gases, or in enclosed spaces. The non-conductive nature of carbon dioxide also makes these extinguishers safe to use on electrical fires without the risk of causing damage to sensitive equipment. CO2 extinguishers are often found in offices, building sites, and electrical storage rooms such as server rooms for example.
Yellow Fire Extinguishers: Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Yellow fire extinguishers are associated with wet chemical extinguishers, which are specifically designed to tackle Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats, making them a common type for commercial kitchens, restaurants, canteens. Wet chemical fire extinguishers work by creating a barrier between the burning oil and the oxygen it needs to fuel the fire, effectively smothering the flames. These types of fire extinguishers should not be used on fires involving flammable liquids or gases or electrical fires.
Choosing the right fire extinguisher colour for your fire risk
Understanding fire extinguisher colours is useful, but the safest choice should always be based on the type of fire risk present in your premises. Each extinguisher colour identifies the extinguishing agent inside, helping users quickly recognise whether it is suitable for the fire they are dealing with.
For example, if you are asking what fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires, a CO2 extinguisher is usually the most suitable option. The colour of carbon dioxide fire extinguisher labels is black, making it easy to identify in offices, server rooms, electrical cupboards and areas with sensitive equipment.
Wet chemical extinguishers are different. The colour of wet chemical fire extinguisher labels is yellow, and these are designed for cooking oil and fat fires, commonly found in commercial kitchens, canteens and catering environments.
While colour coding is helpful in an emergency, it should be supported by correct extinguisher placement, clear signage, staff training and regular servicing. Hoyles Fire & Safety can help businesses choose the right extinguisher types and ensure they are clearly labelled, correctly located and suitable for the risks in each area.
The importance of maintaining your fire extinguishers
Maintaining your fire extinguishers is crucial to ensure they are ready for use in case of an emergency. Regular inspection and maintenance help to guarantee that the extinguishers are functioning correctly and have not expired.
It’s recommended to check the pressure gauge, inspect for any physical damage or corrosion, and ensure that the pin and tamper seal are intact regularly. Ensuring the extinguisher is easily accessible so that everyone in the vicinity knows its location is also important, especially in the event of an emergency. Staying proactive with maintenance gives you peace of mind knowing that your fire extinguishers are in optimal condition to combat any potential fires effectively.
Learn more about the colours of fire extinguishers and types
We hope our guide to the colours and uses of fire extinguishers have given you a better understanding of the different types of fire extinguishers available. It’s important to note that anyone expected to use a fire extinguisher should have the appropriate training to do so to ensure everyone’s safety.
At Hoyles Fire & Safety, we provide, install, and maintain all kinds of fire extinguishers to businesses and organisations in and around Leeds, Huddersfield and Bradford. Great care is taken to ensure that all our fire extinguishers’ labels clearly represent their correct usage. We can also help place your extinguishers in the ideal location for the specific fire risks at your premises.
If you’d like to learn more about the colours and uses of fire extinguishers, or if you have any questions about our services, get in touch with our friendly experts today.
Fire extinguisher FAQs
- How do I use a fire extinguisher?
- Using a fire extinguisher requires specific training to ensure everyone’s safety in the event of a fire. If you have the adequate knowledge, use the PASS method is the most memorable way of using an extinguisher: Pull the pin to break the tamper seal. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.
- How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
- Below are the recommendations when it comes to inspecting and maintaining your fire extinguisher: Monthly: a visual inspection should be done to ensure the extinguisher is fully charged and accessible. Annually: a thorough and professional inspection conducted by a certified technician. Every 6-12 years: depending on the type of extinguisher, it may need a hydrostatic test or replacement.
- Where should I store my fire extinguisher?
- You should store your fire extinguisher in an accessible, visible location where fires are most likely to occur (e.g., kitchens, garages, near exits). It should be mounted at a height that allows easy access and you should inform all relevant individuals so they are aware of the location of the extinguisher.
- Do fire extinguishers expire?
- Yes, fire extinguishers do have expiration dates. They lose effectiveness over time and should be checked for signs of pressure loss, corrosion, or any damage. Look for a date on the label or body of the extinguisher, and replace it as needed.
- What are the colours and uses of fire extinguishers?
- The colours and uses of fire extinguishers help identify which extinguisher should be used on different fire risks. Common colours include red for water, cream for foam, blue for dry powder, black for CO2 and yellow for wet chemical. Each type is designed for specific fire classes, so choosing the right extinguisher is essential.
- What do fire extinguisher colours mean?
- Fire extinguisher colours show the type of extinguishing agent inside the unit. Modern extinguishers are usually red with a coloured label or band to identify the contents. This colour coding helps users select the correct extinguisher quickly during an emergency.
- What fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires?
- If you are asking what fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires, CO2 is usually the preferred choice. CO2 extinguishers are suitable for many electrical fire risks because they do not leave residue and are non conductive. They are commonly found in offices, server rooms and electrical plant areas.
- What is the electric fire extinguisher colour?
- The typical electric fire extinguisher colour is black, which identifies a CO2 extinguisher. While the extinguisher body is usually red, the black label or band shows that it contains carbon dioxide and is suitable for many electrical fire risks.
- What is the colour of carbon dioxide fire extinguisher labels?
- The colour of carbon dioxide fire extinguisher labels is black. CO2 extinguishers are commonly used for electrical fires and some flammable liquid fires, making them a common choice in commercial buildings with computers, servers or electrical equipment.
- What is the colour of wet chemical fire extinguisher labels?
- The colour of wet chemical fire extinguisher labels is yellow. Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats, so they are commonly found in commercial kitchens, restaurants, canteens and food preparation areas.
- Why is it important to understand fire extinguisher uses and colours?
- Understanding fire extinguisher uses and colours helps staff choose the right extinguisher quickly and avoid using the wrong type. Using an unsuitable extinguisher can make a fire worse or put the user at greater risk, so training, signage and correct placement are all important.
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