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Dont give fire a home

home Community Safety Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are only designed to be used to tackle fire in its very early stages, and you should always ensure that the fire service has been called. A fire should not be tackled if it has started to spread to other items in the room or if the room is filling with smoke. If you cannot put out a fire or the fire extinguisher becomes empty, move away from the fire closing any door behind you.

Which type of fire extinguisher should you use in the event of an emergency?

Please refer to the chart below, and remember these handy hints.

You should know the PASSword for using portable fire extinguishers.
  • Pull the pin. Some extinguishers require releasing a lock, pressing a puncture lever or other motion.
  • Aim low, pointing at the base of the fire with the discharge nozzle.
  • Squeeze the handle. This releases the extinguishing agent.
  • Sweep from side to side, aim at the base of the fire.

Always test the extinguisher before approaching a fire.

Don't put yourself in danger and always keep yourself between the fire and the exit.

Don't place extinguishers over cookers, heaters or places of extreme heat. They should be fixed to a wall at a convenient height, on escape routes or outside living areas and close to specific risks as well as out of reach of children.

Do read the instructions.

Do recharge the extinguisher if fully or partly discharged.

Do service properly once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

All new extinguishers should comply with BS EN3: 1996

Extinguishers Manufactured before this date should comply with BS 5423: 1987

Fire Blankets should comply with BS 6575

Fire Extinguisher Chart
Extinguisher Type of Fire
Colour Type Solids
(wood, paper, cloth, etc)
Flamable
Liquids
Flamable
Gasses
Electrical
Equipment
Cooking
Oils & Fats
Special
Notes
Fire Extinguisher - Water Water
Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No
Dangerous if used on 'liquid fires' or live electricty.
Fire Extinguisher - Foam Foam
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes
Not practical for home use.
Fire Extinguisher - Dry Powder Dry Powder
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No
Safe use up to 1000v.
Fire Extinguisher - Carbon Dioxide Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
No

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes
Safe on high and low voltages.
Fire Extinguisher - Halon Halon Halon extinguishers are not recommended due to their toxic nature
and cause damage to the environment.
Existing halon extinguishers will no longer be re-filled and should be
replaced with a suitable alternative.