Health & Safety Jargon Buster
Fire Extinguishers
Types of fire – classification
A : fire involving flammable solids eg wood, paper, textiles, fabrics
etc
B : fire involving flammable liquids eg petrol, oil, fat, paint,
solvents, grease etc.
C : Fire involving flammable gases eg propane, butane, natural gasses
etc.
E : Fires involving electrical equipment eg computers, printers etc.
Foam extinguisher
Colour: cream
Produces a water based, film forming foam which blankets the surface of
the fire creating a smothering and cooling effect
Fire classifications this type of extinguisher is suitable for: A &
B
Dry Powder extinguishers
Colour: blue
Covers fire surface with fine dry powder which prevents oxygen from
feeding the flames and any chance of re-igniting
Fire classifications this type of extinguisher is suitable for: A, B
& C (please check product description as some are not suitable for
A fires)
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers
Colour: black
Creates no residue when putting out fires so no water/foam damage to
clear afterwards
Fire classifications this type of extinguisher is suitable for: A, B, E
Water extinguishers
Colour: red
Water saturates flames allowing to cool, prevents re-ignition
Fire classifications this type of extinguisher is suitable for: A only
Warranties
All fire extinguishers come with a 5 year warranty
Fire blankets
Manufactured from woven glass fibre. Shaken out this ‘blankets’ the
flames. Useful in kitchen areas