Fire extinguishers are required for safeguarding staff, premises and assets of businesses. Unfortunately, when a high-pressure emergency hits, how many of you can identify the right one for a quick response? If you are unsure of successfully combating a fire hazard, read this blog post. It could save you valuable time and help you make the right decision, quickly. We have taken a closer look at the indicated colours and their purposes to draw more in-depth insights.

Significance of Colour-Coding Fire Extinguishers

In the past, fire extinguishers were completely coloured to represent the extinguishing agent comprised within. Today, this system has been altered to welcome all-red ones for their stark visibility in the dark or rooms where smoke fills.

Currently, modern fire extinguishers feature different band colours on a red backdrop with the name of the extinguisher agent printed on them. It could be ‘foam,’ ‘water,’ ‘powder,’ or others in bold and contrasting letters for easy identification. Now, what they indicate is explained in the following section. So, keep perusing and adding to your knowledge.

What are the Fire Extinguisher Colours and Uses?

In the UK, you are more likely to come across five different types, and they are enclosed below:

1. Red

Filled with water, this fire extinguisher is categorised for Class A fires. It tackles ordinary combustibles, including paper, cloth and wood. The working principle of such an extinguisher is to cool down the flames and lower the fire’s temperature. It is strictly not to be used for electrical fire breakouts, gas fires, flammable liquids, and kitchen fires. Expect to find this type of Extinguisher in offices, schools, warehouses, etc.

2. Black

This fire extinguisher contains CO₂. Black makes it more distinguishable during an emergency. Applicable to Class B fires, it works by displacing oxygen and conquering the flame. You may use it on petrol, oil, paint, and electrical fires. It’s commonly found in areas with sensitive electronic equipment like server rooms, offices, and laboratories

3. Cream

This fire extinguisher contains Foam. It’s incredibly versatile for its effectiveness on Class A and B fires. Wondering how it works against fire hazards? It’s simple; the foam cools down the fuel surfaces and smothers the fire to prevent re-ignition. However, it does not apply to flammable liquids, electrical, kitchen and gas fires. You can find one in your office, garage, or warehouse.

4. Yellow

Comprised of wet chemicals, yellow extinguishers tackle Class F fires more effectively. These emerge from kitchens of restaurants, canteens and other commercial kitchens. Can you guess how it suffocates the flames? It creates a barrier for the burning oil to not mix with oxygen. However, fire extinguisher installers instruct strictly against using it for flammable gases and liquids besides electrical fires.

5. Blue

Fire extinguishers colour-coded blue are filled with dry powder. They are the most versatile of all, and effective against Class A, B, C, and D fires. In simple words, they work on flammable gases like LPG and butane other than those emerging from flammable metals—potassium and lithium. No matter what, you should keep it away from electrical fires, kitchen fires, and those breaking out in enclosed spaces. Expect them to be installed in workshops and garages.

Stay Compliant with the Installation of the Right-Coloured Fire Extinguisher!

All commercial premises must adhere to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the best way is through firefighting equipment installation. As for the ideal count, assess the risks by considering your business nature, the presence of other equipment, like sprinklers, and the existence of specialist firefighting equipment.

At IQ Fire Solutions, we locate the right coloured fire extinguisher in corridors, room exits and other areas where the risk is high. The idea is to place one close enough for accessibility when a fire breaks out. Our staff are trained to understand the differences between various types by adhering to BS EN54 guidelines and holding the required BAFE accreditation, we offer a higher level of assurance and expertise for your fire safety compliance. Furthermore, our exceptional fire safety systems maintenance services are designed to completely eliminate the risk of injuries within your commercial space.