(Yes, There’s More Than Just the Red One)
Picking a fire extinguisher shouldn’t feel like a pub quiz — but with all the colours, types, and codes, it often does. If you’re the Responsible Person for a Newcastle business, knowing which extinguisher to use is crucial… because using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire ends one way: badly.
Let’s break it down.
🧯 The 5 Main Fire Extinguisher Types (and What They’re For)
- Water – Red label
✅ Great for: Paper, wood, textiles
❌ Avoid: Electrical fires (unless you like sparks) - CO₂ – Black label
✅ Great for: Electrical equipment and servers
❌ Useless on flammable solids - Foam – Cream label
✅ Great for: Flammable liquids (petrol, paint)
❌ Avoid: Electrical unless labelled safe - Dry Powder – Blue label
✅ Great for: Multiple fire types, including gas
❌ Creates a dust cloud that looks like you’ve angered a ghost - Wet Chemical – Yellow label
✅ Great for: Deep fat fryer fires (Class F)
❌ Keep away from electrics unless you’re feeling brave
🚨 One Size Does Not Fit All
Your fire risk assessment should tell you which extinguishers are right for each room or zone. Got a server room? CO₂. Workshop with oils? Foam or dry powder. Staff kitchen? Wet chemical — and maybe some cooking lessons.
❗ Common Mistakes We See in Newcastle Offices:
- Only water extinguishers… in IT suites
- Extinguishers hidden behind filing cabinets
- Labels worn off like a 90s CD
Don’t be that office.
We’ll Sort Your Extinguishers (and Your Sanity)
From fire risk assessments to full extinguisher installs, we help Newcastle businesses stay compliant and fire-ready — without the confusion.
📞 Call Sanjay at The Fire Safety Company on 01748 811992
Or visit 👉 www.firesafetycompany.com
Because “guess and spray” is not a fire safety strategy.
