Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Have You Got the Right Fire Extinguishers for Your Business?

Not all businesses have the same fire safety needs, so when it comes to choosing fire extinguishers, how can you decide which ones you need? While we can come and make an assessment for you, the following guide should give you an idea whether your current extinguishers are sufficient.

If your premises is in Bristol or within a 20 mile radius of the city we can service your fire extinguishers.

Types of Fires

The first thing to work out is what types of fires your business might encounter. This will usually be determined by the type of materials you have on site. Fires can generally be divided into six different classes:

Class A

Fires involving solids, such as wood, paper and plastics.

Class B

Fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol and spirits.

Class C

Fires involving flammable gases, such as butane, propane and methane.

Class D

Fires involving metals such as magnesium, lithium and aluminium.

Class E

Fires involving electrical apparatus such as computers and microwaves.

Class F

Fires involving cooking
oil and fat.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Once you have worked out the types of fires you need protection against, you should look at which extinguishers are effective against which types of fires.

Water Fire Extinguisher

The cheapest and most common type, these are only really suitable for Class A fires and should never be used on Class B flammable liquid fires or Class E electrical fires as this could have catastrophic results.

Foam Fire Extinguisher

Foam extinguishers are ideal for Class A and B fires. Although they are not intended for use on Class E electrical fires, accidental use here will not be as dangerous as using water.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

The most versatile variety (sometimes referred to as a ‘multi-purpose extinguishers) these are effective against Class A, B and C fires. However, when used on Class C gas fires it is important to make sure the source of the gas is turned off before using an extinguisher as failing to do so can be highly dangerous.

CO2 Fire Extinguisher

Primarily intended for use against Class E electrical fires, CO2 extinguishers are also effective against Class B flammable liquid fires. It is important to note, however, that as CO2 extinguishers work by denying a fire oxygen, once the extinguisher is spent, fires may reignite as fresh oxygen reaches them.

Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher

Specially formulated for Class D metal fires, chemical powder extinguishers are highly effective and work at a low velocity to prevent the spread of lightweight material, such as filings and other machining waste.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Designed for Class F cooking oil and fat fires, wet chemical extinguishers are more effective here than CO2 versions as they smoother the fire, cool the burning liquid and form a soapy solution on the surface of the liquid to prevent re-ignition.

Bristol Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Of course, having the right equipment is only half the job. To make your business truly safe, you and your staff need fire extinguisher training so you have the confidence to act appropriately in the event of a fire.

We offer fire extinguisher training in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

To find out about the training we offer, use our online contact form or call us.