Introduction.

Fires have been classified into four groups A, B, C, and D

• Class A fires - are fires involving organic solids like paper, wood, etc
• Class B fires - are fires involving flammable Liquids.
• Class C fires - are fires involving flammable Gasses
• Class D fires - are fires involving Metals .

Electrical fires are not included, as they can fall into any of the classifications. However if you use a water extinguisher you must isolate the electric supply first as you could be electrocuted. In addition it must be remembered that certain electrical apparatus maintains a lethal charge for some time after it has been switch off.

What should you do if you discover a fire? You must get everyone out as quickly as possible and call the fire brigade. However you may discover a fire in its very early stages and think that you can deal with it yourself. The first thing that you should remember is that fire spreads very quickly. Even a small contained fire can quickly spread, producing smoke and fumes which can kill in seconds. If you are in any doubt do not tackle the fire, no matter how small. You can put yourself at risk by fighting the fire. If in doubt get out, call the Fire Service out and stay out.

New F Class for fire extinguishers  

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published a standard introducing a new fire classification for cooking oil and fat fires, Class F, in BS 7937: Specification for portable fire extinguishers for use on cooking oil : 2000.
The standard, which was published in January, is available from BSI, tel: 020 8996 9001, fax: 020 8996 7001.
The standard includes a detailed description of the rigorous testing extinguishers must successfully undergo to achieve the Class F test fire rating.

Colour coding of Extinguisher

The type of extinguisher is identified by a colour coding as indicated below. The old standard the whole of the body of the extinguisher was painted the appropriate colour code. You will find these in many premises and are legal , you do not need to change them unless the the extinguisher is defective and need to be replaced. New extinguisher use the new standard.

• The new standard is BS EN 3 part 5 "Portable Fire Extinguishers - Specification and supplementary tests"
• Water extinguishers are coloured signal red.
• Other extinguishers will be predominantly signal red with the manufacturers label, a band or circle covering at least 5% of the surface area of the extinguisher of a second colour to indicate the contents of the extinguisher. I prefer the band around the extinguisher to be used because it can be seen from any angle.
• The old standard, the entire body of the extinguisher was colour-coded.
  

Consequently you may see any of the above methods of colour coding but the indicating colour always indicates the same type of extinguisher medium.

Fire Rating

All extinguishers capable of extinguishing class A and B fires carry a Fire Rating which is indicated by a number and letter. (13A, 55B) The number is the size of fire it can extinguish under test conditions, the larger the number, the larger the fire it can extinguish. The letter indicates the fire classification as above. Some extinguisher like Dry Powder carry both a class A and class B rating because of the properties of the extinguishing medium.

Allocation and Siting of Extinguishers.

For the home a fire blanket and a 2kg CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen, would be considered satisfactory for most situations. The domestic tap using a suitable container or a hose reel is satisfactory for most of the class A fires in the home but remember if in doubt, get out and always call the fire service out.

Commercial organisation's need to be more professional by conducting a survey to ascertain the number and type of extinguisher that is required and a more substantial fire extinguishing capability will be required. As a rule of thumb you need one 9 litres water extinguisher for every 200 sq metres of floor space with a minimum of two extinguishers. Special risks other than Class "A" must be considered separately. Companies that are FETA approved should be used and this will ensure the installation and maintenance is of the highest standard.

Extinguishers should normally be sited on escape routes and in similar locations on all floors forming groups to create ‘fire points’.They should be fixed in a location where the extinguisher can be reached quickly. The best place is near a door leading to a place of safety, on an escape route or adjacent to a specific risk. They should be fixed where they can be easily seen, fixing them inside cupboards or behind doors will only waste valuable time if a fire breaks out. Do not place them over cookers or heaters or in places of extreme temperatures hot or cold.

The additional following factors should also be considered when siting fire extinguishers.

• Extinguishers should be fixed at an elevated height so that the carrying handle is, 1m from the floor for heavier units and 1.5m for smaller units.
• For special risks hey should adjacent to the risk but not too close to prevent use in the event of fire occurring.
• They should be near the door, in shallow recesses, and away from extremes of temperature.
• Ensure a maximum 30m traveling distance from a fire to an extinguisher.
• The method of operation should be similar for all extinguishers, where possible.
• The occupiers should be capable of handling all the types and sizes recommended.
• Where different types of extinguishers for different risk types are sited together they must be properly labeled to prevent confusion.
• Extinguishers should br fitted with suitable jet or spray nozzles or flexible hoses to suit the risk involved.

Maintenance

Extinguishers to be serviced to the latest standard. The manufacturers instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturers instructions.

The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year. You should use a company registered by the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE). BAFE is a Government recognised national organisation. You can get details of approved products and advice from

 British Approvals for Fire Equipment,
 48a Eden Street,
 Kingston upon Thames,
 Surrey, KT1 1EE
 (Tel: 0181 541 1950).

Note. They can also supply a list of companies approved by them to service portable fire extinguishers.

Purchasing Portable Fire Extinguishers

When purchasing fire extinguishers always ensure they meet the requirements of the appropriate British Standard. Look for the kite mark or the special BAFE mark. You should also make sure you have a maintenance contract available and have them checked regularly.

If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguisher you should buy, ask your local fire brigade. They will be glad to help you and their expert advice is free of charge. They will also be able to provide you with general fire safety advice.

Surfing the web or the yellow pages will produce many suppliers but always use an UK based companies who will stock extinguishers meeting the appropriate British Standard.

Which Portable Fire Extinguishers to Use

	Fires involving freely burning materials. For example wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials.	Fires involving flammable liquids. For example petrol and spirits. NOT ALCOHOL OR COOKING OIL.	Fires involving flammable gasses. For example propane and butane.	Fires involving flammable metals. For example magnesium and lithium.	Fires involving electrical equipment. For example photocopiers, fax machines and computers.	Fires involving cooking oil and fat. For example olive oil, maize oil, lard and butter.
Water
Foam
ABC Dry Powder
Dry Special Powder
CO2 Gas
Wet Chemical

Before you tackle a fire.

Many people put out small fires quite safely. However, some people die or are injured by tackling a fires which are beyond their capabilities. Here is a simple fire code to help you decide whether to put out or get out.

• Only tackle a fire in its very early stages.
• Always put your own and other peoples safety first. Make sure you can escape if you need to and never let a fire block you exit.
• Fire extinguishers are only for fighting a fire in its very early stages. Never tackle a fire if it is starting to spread or has spread to other items in the room or if the room is filling with smoke. Around 70% of fire deaths are caused by people being overcome by smoke and fumes.
• If you cannot put out the fire or if the extinguisher becomes empty, get out and get everyone else out of the building immediately, closing all doors behind you as you go. Then ensure the fire brigade has been called.

Further information

Additional information can be found in Portable Fire Extinguisher Guide.

Chief & Assistant Fire Officers Association which has public section giving advice on fire safety matters. http://www.cfoa.org.uk/

Fire Industries Association is a new trade association formed by the merger of two leading associations within the fire protection industry - FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trades Association established in 1916), the trade association of companies responsible for the manufacture and maintenance of portable fire-fighting equipment and BFPSA (British Fire Protection Systems Association established in 1966), the coordinating body for the UK fire systems industry. The two associations have long shared the common interest of upholding and enhancing the professional status of the UK fire industry. http://www.fia.uk.com/

British Approval for Fire Equipment is an organisation that ensures and lays down the standards for fire equipment in the UK. http://www.bafe.org.uk/

Information on types and use of extinguishers

History of the Portable Fire extinguisher