Fire Extinguishers

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Having the right fire extinguisher is important, otherwise not only might you be unsuccessful in putting out a fire, but can actually make a fire worse. So it is important that you first understand the risks that could potentially occur in your home or business.

Since October 2006, when the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 was put into legislation, it is now a requirement for the owner/manager of every kind of premises to ensure visitors and staff are safe by supplying and maintaining the right extinguishers. Even landlords have to in HMO properties.

In order to figure out the best extinguisher, you have to know the classification of the fires which are likely.

Fires are classified according to the fuel which is keeping them burning:

Class A fires involve wood, paper, rubbish, cloth, and other ordinary combustibles.

Generally the most common, you’re best off using:

• Water Extinguishers
• Water Additive Extinguishers
• Foam Extinguishers
• Powder Extinguishers

Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as petrol, spirits, solvents, oil, and diesel.

The safest extinguishers you’re best of using are:

• AFFF Foam Extinguishers
• ABC Powder Extinguisher
• Monnex Powder Extinguisher
• CO2 Extinguisher

Class C fires involve flammable gases like propane, methane, ammonia, acetylene, and hydrogen.

Only safe to tackle once the gas supply is turned off or isolated, use a:

• Powder Extinguisher

Class D fires involve flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium.

Requiring a specialist extinguisher, ensure you have one of these ready if you’re at risk:

• M28 Powder Extinguisher
• L2 Powder Extinguisher
• Other specialist powders including Purple K

Class F fires involve deep fat fryers and cooking oil.

Extremely dangerous if using the wrong extinguisher, you can only use:

• Wet Chemical Extinguisher
• MultiCHEM Foam Extinguisher

Electrical fires are not officially classified in the UK.

However, using the wrong extinguisher can cause the person using it to become electrocuted, so for your own safety use a:

• CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguisher
• FE36 Automatic Extinguisher
• ABC Powder Extinguisher
• Monnex Powder Extinguisher

All of our extinguishers have genuine BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) certification, are BSi Kitemarked to BS EN3, and have a CE Mark. Without these, they’re possibly a cheap foreign import and cannot be relied upon.

Extinguishers should be placed on the wall, or on an extinguisher stand. They should be checked regularly to ensure they’re in good condition, and you must have them professionally serviced every year (except CO2) to comply with the law, the British Standards, and to guarantee their condition.

You can also rely on our extinguishers as they come with several guarantees:

• Low Price Guarantee
• 30-Day Free Returns Guarantee
• 5 Year Manufacturer Warranty
• Next Day Delivery