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right fire extinguishers

How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Business

April 04, 20251 min read

"Not all fires are the same—make sure you have the right extinguisher for the job."

Introduction

Fire extinguishers are essential for fire safety, but using the wrong one can be dangerous. Different types of fires require specific extinguishers, and every business must ensure they have the correct fire-fighting equipment on-site.

fire extinguishers

1. Understanding Fire Classes and Extinguisher Types

Fires are classified into different categories:
🔥 Class A: Wood, paper, textiles – Use water or foam extinguishers.
🔥 Class B: Flammable liquids (petrol, oil) – Use foam or CO₂ extinguishers.
🔥 Class C: Gas fires – Use dry powder extinguishers.
🔥 Class D: Metal fires – Use specialist dry powder extinguishers.
🔥 Electrical Fires: Use CO₂ extinguishers (never water).

2. Common Fire Extinguisher Mistakes

🚨 Placing extinguishers incorrectly – Extinguishers should be accessible and clearly marked.
🚨 Using the wrong extinguisher type – This can make fires worse instead of stopping them.
🚨 Not maintaining extinguishers – Regular inspections and servicing are mandatory.

3. How to Ensure Fire Extinguisher Compliance

  • Conduct a fire risk assessment to determine your needs.

  • Install the correct extinguishers in the right locations.

  • Train staff on proper extinguisher use and fire safety procedures.

🔥 Need help choosing the right extinguisher? Contact us today for expert advice!


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POPULAR QUESTIONS

Get Answers to Your Questions

What is fire protection, and why is it important?

Fire protection refers to the systems, processes, and equipment used to prevent, detect, and suppress fires. It is critical for safeguarding lives, property, and businesses from the devastating effects of fire. Effective fire protection ensures compliance with fire codes, reduces risk, and minimizes property damage.

What fire protection services do you offer?

We offer a wide range of fire protection services, including:

Fire risk assessments

Fire alarm installation and maintenance

Fire door inspection and maintenance

Fire suppression systems installation

Fire stopping and compartmentation solutions

Emergency lighting installation and maintenance

Fire safety training and consultation

How often should fire extinguishers be inspected and serviced?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are in proper working order. In addition, they must undergo a professional service and maintenance check at least once a year, or more frequently if required by local regulations or usage conditions.

What are fire doors, and why do I need them?

Fire doors are specially designed doors that help prevent the spread of smoke and fire throughout a building. They are essential for protecting escape routes, ensuring that occupants can safely evacuate in the event of a fire, and limiting damage to property. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure fire doors perform as intended.

How do I know if my building is fire code compliant?

To determine if your building is fire code compliant, you should conduct a fire risk assessment and have a fire protection expert perform a thorough inspection. This will ensure that all safety measures, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, fire doors, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers, meet the requirements set by local and national fire codes.

What should I do if I discover a fire hazard in my building?

Passive fire protection (PFP) refers to the use of fire-resistant materials and design strategies to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building. Examples include fire-rated walls, fire doors, and fire-resistant insulation. PFP helps contain a fire, allowing more time for evacuation and minimizing overall damage.

How often should fire drills be conducted?

Fire drills should be conducted at least twice a year to ensure that employees and occupants know how to respond in the event of a fire. More frequent drills may be necessary for certain businesses, such as those with high-risk operations or large numbers of people.

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