Portable Fire Extinguishers

All portable fire extinguishers should undergo an annual maintenance inspection and service, consisting of internal and external inspection of each extinguisher, covering general service, greasing, and triggering the mechanism to check there is no corrosion.   

WFP offer a complete fire extinguisher service, fully conforming to British Standard 5306, part 3 2009.  From the initial risk assessment of your premises, through to your annual maintenance extinguisher checks, all work is carried out by qualified personnel.  All of the products we offer are quality products from leading suppliers.

We offer non-incentivised advice,  and a no quibble warranty on goods.  We can also carry out extinguisher user training for personnel, with class sizes/duration to suit your needs.

Checklist for Safe Use and Care of Extinguishers:

• Check your fire extinguishers often, all equipment should remain undamaged and serviceable;
• Ensure that the extinguisher is in the correct position;
• In the case of extinguishers fitted with a pressure indicator, ensure that no loss of pressure is showing on dials;
• The appropriate identification signage must be positioned by the extinguishers;
• Appliances should always be free from obstruction, and available for use;
• Make sure that personnel are trained in the use of the equipment;
• Use the correct appliance if you have to tackle a fire.

Class of Fires:

Class A – Solids (eg paper/wood/plastic)
Class B – Flammable Liquids (eg paraffin/petrol/oil)
Class C – Flammable Gases (eg propane/butane/methane)
Class D – Combustible metals (eg aluminium/magnesium/titanium)
Class F – Cooking oil/fat etc.

Colour Codes:

Although all new extinguishers purchased should conform to British Standard EN 3, which requires the entire body colour to be signal red, with a band of colour to identify the contents, extinguishers using the old colour coding are still legal as long as they are fully maintained and serviced as recommended.  They will need to be replaced at the end of their useful life.  Green Halon extinguishers are now illegal, and should not be in use.

Types of Extinguisher:

Water – these extinguishers are coloured all red and are suitable for Class A fires, involving flammable solid materials such as wood, paper, coal, straw, textiles etc.  They are very cost-effective and good at absorbing heat.  Their usage is limited, however, and they are not recommended for flammable liquids, gases, cooking oil, electrical fires, or metals.

Wet Chemical – These extinguishers are recognisable by the bright yellow label, and are suitable for tackling class F fires.  This type of extinguisher is relatively new,  and is ideal for tackling the likes of cooking oil and deep fat fryer fires.  The extinguisher foam forms a “blanket”, thus sealing the cooking fat, and preventing the risk of re-ignition.

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) – These extinguishers carry a black band and are recommended for class B fires, involving flammable liquids and electrical hazards. CO2 is non-messy and harmless to electrical equipment and is therefore ideal for the modern workplace and/or computer room.

Foam– Distinguishable by their cream band, these extinguishers are suitable for class A and B fires, involving flammable solids and liquids and fire caused by the combustion materials that liquify such as petrol, oils, fats, paints, tar etc. They are not suitable for deep fat fryer fires, or fires involving electricity.

Powder – These extinguishers are distinguishable by the blue band, and are recommended for classes A B and C.  This is the most versatile of all fire extinguisher types and is often referred to as a multi-purpose or general purpose extinguisher.

Siting, Care and Use of Extinguisher:

All equipment should remain undamaged and serviceable at all times.  The best option is for extinguishers to be fixed, preferably at an elevated height so that the handle is 1m from the floor for heavier units, and 1.5 for smaller units.  They should be sited adjacent to the risk, but not close enough that it would prevent use in the event of a fire. They should be free from obstruction and available to use at all times.

All extinguishers should be near a door, in shallow recessed areas, away from extremes of temperature.  There should only ever be a maximum of 30m travelling distance from an extinguisher to the fire.

Extinguishers should be fitted with suitable nozzles or flexible hoses to suit the hazards involved, and should be properly labelled, with appropriate signage adjacent to the equipment.

All staff should be trained in their usage.  Fires should not be tackled unless they are small and easily contained.  Fires can spread rapidly, producing smoke and fumes, which can kill in seconds.

If in doubt – get out.  Call the Fire Brigade.