Fire Extinguishers

We install and maintain all types of extinguishers and fire blankets to meet your specific needs

At Infinite Fire and Security we can meet all your fire extinguisher needs.

We can…Supply, Install & Maintain…all types of system.

We can advise you on the best extinguishers to meet your specific needs.
The most common types are:

Colour Coding of Fire Extinguishers

The colour coding of fire extinguishers serves to indicate the type of extinguishing media contained within and should adhere to the standards set by BS 7863: 2009 Recommendations for Colour Coding to Indicate the Extinguishing Media Contained in Portable Fire Extinguishers.

Modern fire extinguishers are primarily red, featuring a distinct colour-coded section on the front to specify the extinguishing medium. Older extinguishers, however, were manufactured with the entire body painted in a single colour. These older models remain acceptable for use until they are no longer serviceable. However, best practice as per BS 5306-8 recommends avoiding a mix of old and new-style extinguishers on the same floor of a building to ensure consistency and clarity in emergencies.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses

Water Extinguishers (Red)

Suitable for: Class A fires (solid combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles).

Description: Water extinguishers project a jet of water over a considerable distance, allowing effective fire suppression from a safe range.

Considerations:

A standard 9-litre water extinguisher can be quite heavy.
Some water extinguishers contain additives to enhance efficiency, enabling a smaller, lighter extinguisher to achieve the same rating.
Not suitable for: Use on live electrical fires, as water is a conductor of electricity and could cause electrocution.

Water Extinguishers with Additives (Red)

Suitable for: Class A fires.

Description: These extinguishers are enhanced with chemical additives, making them more effective than conventional water extinguishers.

Advantages:

Require less water to achieve the same firefighting power.
Smaller and lighter than standard water extinguishers, improving ease of handling.

Foam Extinguishers (Cream)

Suitable for: Class A and B fires (solid combustibles and flammable liquids such as petrol and diesel).

Description:

Particularly effective against liquid fires by forming a blanket over the burning surface, cutting off the oxygen supply.
Can also be used on solid material fires (Class A).

Considerations:

Should not be used on free-flowing liquid fires unless the user is trained, as improper application could cause the fire to spread.
Not suitable for: Use on deep-fat fryers or chip pan fires.

Powder Extinguishers (Blue)

Suitable for: Class A, B, and C fires (solid combustibles, flammable liquids, and flammable gases).

Description:

Offers a strong “knockdown” effect on fires, suppressing flames rapidly.
Can be used on electrical fires but may cause damage to delicate electronic equipment.

Considerations:

Does not cool the fire significantly, which may lead to re-ignition.
Creates visibility issues and can irritate airways, making it less suitable for enclosed spaces.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers (Black)

Suitable for: Class B fires (flammable liquids) and electrical fires.

Description:

Extinguishes fires by displacing oxygen and removing heat.
Preferred for electrical fires as it leaves no residue and prevents further damage to equipment.

Considerations:

Does not cool the fire significantly, meaning re-ignition is possible.
The horn of the extinguisher becomes extremely cold, potentially startling the user.
Makes a loud discharge noise, which could be disorienting in high-stress situations.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow)

Suitable for: Class F fires (cooking oil and fat fires, typically found in kitchens).

Description:

Primarily used in commercial catering environments with deep-fat fryers.
Extinguishes fires by cooling and forming a soapy layer over the burning oil, preventing re-ignition.

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are essential safety tools that should be positioned near potential fire hazards for easy access in case of an emergency.

Types of Fire Blankets:

Light-Duty Fire Blankets:

Suitable for small container fires involving cooking oils or fats.
Can be used to smother fires involving clothing.

Heavy-Duty Fire Blankets:

Designed for industrial applications where they must withstand penetration by molten materials.

Fire Safety Compliance and Best Practices

Ensuring that fire extinguishers and blankets are correctly installed, maintained, and used is crucial for fire safety. Key recommendations include:

Regular inspections to confirm extinguishers are in working condition.
Clear and consistent signage to help users quickly identify extinguisher types.
Adequate training for personnel to understand which extinguisher to use for different fire classes.
Avoiding the mixing of old and new-style extinguishers within the same area for clarity and compliance with best practices.

By following these guidelines, workplaces and homes can maintain a high standard of fire safety, ensuring preparedness in the event of an emergency.

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE, WITH DEDICATED FIRE AND SECURITY EXPERTS ON HAND 24/7

ACCREDITATIONS

We are a highly accredited, insured and experienced team.
We are committed to compliance and legislation, ensuring we adhere to the latest industry standards.
We are proud to carry the latest accreditations and be part of the industry’s leading associations.

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