Read a post on frontpage and did a little research regarding types of extinguishers and thought to share to avoid causing more harm by using the wrong extinguisher for the wrong fire type during emergencies.

Fire extinguisher types & colour codes

Fire extinguisher colour codes are present so you can identify a type of extinguisher at a glance. The old standard specified that the whole of the body of the extinguisher was painted the appropriate fire extinguisher colour codes. You may still come across these in many premises, they are still legal as long as there is nothing else defective about them, however, when the extinguisher comes to be replaced it must be replaced with one complying with new fire extinguisher colour codes.

TYPES

1. WATER (H2O)

COLOUR - Red
DESCRIPTION - Can be used on all class A fires: Fires involving freely burning materials. For example wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials.

2. FOAM

COLOUR - Cream
DESCRIPTION - Can be used on all A and B class fires: Fires involving flammable liquids, petrol and spirits. Not for use on alcohol or cooking oils

3. DRY POWDER

COLOUR - Blue
DESCRIPTION - Can be used on A Class, B Class, and C Class fires: Fires involving flammable gasses. propane and butane

4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

COLOUR - Black
DESCRIPTION - Can be used on B class fires and all electrical equipment fires: For example photocopiers, fax machines and computers, electric fires, hair dryers, washing machines

5. Wet Chemical

COLOUR - Yellow
DESCRIPTION - Can be used on all class fires & fires involving cooking oil and fat: For example olive oil, maize oil, lard and butter.