Fire extinguishers from the Emergency Evacuation Company

Fire Extinguishers

If you discover a fire in its early stages and think that you can deal with it yourself using a fire extinguisher or fire blanket you must realise that fire can spread easily. Even a small-contained fire can quickly spread and its fumes and smoke can kill in seconds. If you are in any doubt do not tackle the fire. IF IN DOUBT GET OUT! And call the fire brigade.

If used carefully and properly, fire extinguishers can save lives, but always remember that fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires or to contain them until the Fire Department arrives, these portable extinguishers are simply not designed to fight large fires or rapidly spreading fires. Fire Blankets are ideal for wrapping round someone whose clothing is on fire as well as over a chip pan etc. In fact fire blankets are also most commonly used on deep fat frying or chip pan fires as you would expect, but remember that they can be used on people or other objects too. The suppleness and strength of the blanket ensures user confidence as it is well insulated, yet they easily drape over any fire.

Before attempting to fight a fire you must already be aware of how to use fire extinguishers, if in doubt ask your appropriate supervisor or manger to instruct you on the use. If necessary you decide to tackle a small fire you must first make sure everyone in the work place has left or is leaving the building and make sure the Fire Brigade has been notified by dialing 999.

Never try to fight a fire with an extinguisher if one of the following is true: the fire is spreading rapidly beyond the immediate area; the fire could spread to block your escape route; you have not been trained in the proper use of an extinguisher; you are not sure whether the extinguisher is the right type to fight the fire. Using the wrong extinguisher for the wrong fire could make the fire worse.

There are four different types of fire extinguishers, each of which extinguishes specific types of fire. The following extinguishers fight the following fires:

  1. Red-labeled extinguishers contain water and are best for solids - wood, cloth, paper, and plastics but should not be used on burning fat or oil and electrical appliances.
  2. Blue labeled extinguishers contain dry powder and are best for liquids - grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol and electrical equipment but should not be used on chip or fat pan fires and it does not easily penetrate equipment - so the fire may re-ignite.
  3. Cream labeled extinguishers are limited to a number of liquid fires but the multi-purpose (AFFF Cream) is best for solids - wood, cloth, paper, plastics and liquids - grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol but should not be used on chip or fat pan fires.
  4. Black labeled extinguishers contain CO2 and are best for liquids - grease, fats, oil, paint, and petrol but should not be used on chip or fat pan fires. Only problem is it does not cool fire well - so the fire may re-ignite. Fumes from CO2 extinguishers can be harmful if used in confined spaces.

Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Fire blankets conforming to BS 7944:1999 and BS EN 1869:1997 are suitable for use in the home. These will be marked to show whether they should be thrown away after use or used again after cleaning in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

A fire blanket or damp cloth should be used on a fat pan fire. Never use a fire extinguisher on a fat pan fire. Remember too that fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen.

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Disclaimer: Business Health & Safety UK have provided this advice on the basis that the content and advice contained within these documents is to the best of our knowledge accurate at the time of publication. The Business Safety Company does not accept any liability for the accuracy of the information provided in the above' and website pages.