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Fire Extinguisher Types, Uses & Maintenance Guide UK (2024)

Looking for the right type of fire extinguisher for your UK home or business? Understanding fire extinguisher types, their specific applications, and proper maintenance is essential for meeting fire safety regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers in the UK?

In the UK, fire extinguishers are colour-coded and designed for specific classes of fire. Using the wrong one can be dangerous or ineffective.

Extinguisher Type	Label Colour	Used On	Avoid On
Water	Red	Class A: Paper, wood, textiles	Electrical, flammable liquids
Foam (AFFF)	Cream	Class A, B: Solids & flammable liquids	Electrical, cooking oils, metal fires
CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)	Black	Electrical fires, Class B	Class A (ineffective), confined spaces
Dry Powder (ABC)	Blue	Class A, B, C: Gases, liquids, solids	Indoors (residue, inhalation risk)
Wet Chemical	Yellow	Class F: Cooking oils, fats	Flammable liquids, electrical fires
Water Mist	White (text only)	Class A, some Class F, and electrical (up to 1000V)	Flammable gases, Class B fires
Class D (Specialist)	No standard label	Combustible metals: magnesium, lithium	All other fire classes

Fire Classes in the UK

Understanding the British fire classification system is key to choosing the correct extinguisher:

Fire Class	Description	Examples
Class A	Solid combustibles	Paper, wood, cloth, plastics
Class B	Flammable liquids	Petrol, diesel, oil, paint
Class C	Flammable gases	Propane, butane
Class D	Combustible metals	Magnesium, aluminium
Class F	Cooking oils and fats	Deep-fat fryers, restaurant kitchens
Electrical	Fires involving electrical equipment (unofficial)	Computers, servers, appliances

Common Use Cases for Fire Extinguishers in UK Settings

Offices and Workplaces

Foam: For general fire risks (Class A and B)
CO₂: For IT equipment and electrical cabinets
Monthly maintenance checks required by law

Homes and Flats

Water or Foam: For general fire risks in bedrooms or living areas
CO₂ or Water Mist: For kitchen and electrical appliance safety

Commercial Kitchens

Wet Chemical: Required for fryers and cooking oil
CO₂: For electrical cooking equipment

Industrial Environments

ABC Dry Powder: For varied risk areas (gases, liquids, solids)
Class D Specialist: For metal fires in manufacturing or labs

Vehicles and Caravans

Dry Powder: Compact and effective for Class B and C fires

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance UK (BS 5306-3:2017)

UK fire extinguisher maintenance must comply with British Standard BS 5306-3. These rules apply to commercial, industrial, and rented properties.

Monthly (Visual User Checks)

Extinguisher is visible, accessible, upright
Pressure gauge in green
No corrosion, leaks, or missing parts

Annual (Basic Service by Technician)

Carried out by a competent BAFE-registered engineer
Includes checking tamper seal, weight, and functionality
Service label must be updated and logged

Extended Service (Every 5 or 10 Years)

Extinguisher Type	Extended Service Type	Frequency
Water, Foam, Powder	Full discharge and internal inspection	Every 5 years
CO₂	Hydrostatic pressure test	Every 10 years

Replacement Triggers

Damaged cylinder or parts
Failed pressure test
Obsolete model
Out of date or not BS EN 3 certified

Legal Fire Safety Responsibilities (UK)

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must:

Conduct a fire risk assessment
Install appropriate fire extinguishers
Maintain extinguishers annually
Provide staff training on how to use them
Keep a fire safety logbook

Failure to comply can result in fines or imprisonment following a fire or safety inspection.

Training: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher (PASS Method)

Teach staff and household members the PASS method:

P – Pull the pin
A – Aim at the base of the fire
S – Squeeze the handle
S – Sweep side to side

Always ensure:

You’re using the correct extinguisher type
You have a clear escape route
You don’t attempt to fight large or fast-spreading fires

Final Word: Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher, Stay Compliant

Fire extinguishers are a legal and practical necessity in UK homes and businesses. Understanding their types, uses, and servicing requirements is essential for both safety and compliance with UK fire safety law.