NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH

PROGRAMME: Bachelor of Science Honors Degree in Environmental Science and Health

NAME: STEWART TATENDA SANHEWE

SUPERVISOR: Mrs. A. Mutsikira

ASSIGNMENT TOPIC: Fire, types of fire extinguishers, fire colour

coding

DUE DATE: 21/11/23

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 INTRODUCTION
Fire safety is a critical concern in both residential and commercial settings. Fires can be unpredictable
and devastating, causing extensive damage to property and posing significant risks to human life. In
such situations, fire extinguishers serve as indispensable tools for preventing and suppressing fires,
playing a crucial role in protecting lives and property.
To ensure that fire extinguishers are used appropriately, a colour coding system has been established,
providing quick identification of the type of fire for which a particular extinguisher is suitable. This
colour-coding system helps individuals select the correct fire extinguisher based on the fire class,
allowing for a rapid and effective response to different types of fires.
Understanding the significance of fire extinguisher colours is paramount for everyone’s safety. In
emergency situations, every second counts, and being able to identify the appropriate fire extinguisher
quickly can make a significant difference in containing a fire before it escalates. By familiarising
ourselves with the fire extinguisher colour coding system, we empower ourselves to take immediate
action, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.
In our article, What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need for My Premises, we looked at all the different
types of fires and where they are most likely to occur, and which fire extinguishers are suitable for those
fires. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the five fire extinguisher colours,
and their corresponding fire classes.
There are six classifications of fires and different fires call for different types of fire extinguishers, which
are therefore divided into 5 fire extinguisher colours. It is absolutely crucial that the correct type of fire
extinguisher is selected depending on the risks at hand, not just in terms of legal compliance under the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, but also because fire extinguishers can literally save lives.
So, whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or simply someone concerned about fire safety,
join us as we unravel the mysteries behind fire extinguisher colour coding. Together, let’s ensure that we
are well-prepared to tackle fires swiftly and effectively, safeguarding lives and property in the face of
this formidable threat.

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 TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?
There are five main types of fire extinguisher:

1. Water (Spray and Mist)

2. Dry powder

3. Foam

4. Carbon dioxide (CO2)

5. Wet chemical

Also fire extinguishers are mainly in two categories:

1. Cartridge operated

2. Stored pressure

Cartridge Operated

Designed for rugged industrial use, cartridge operated extinguishers are different from stored

pressure extinguishers based on where the propellant for the extinguishing agent is stored. In

cartridge operated units, the dry chemical is stored in the non-pressurized cylinder while the

propellant; either “dry air” or nitrogen is stored in a separate cartridge located on the side of the

unit.

Cartridge operated units are preferred in the construction and heavy equipment industries for the

following reasons:

 heavy duty construction

 simple design reduces possibility of failure

 better suited for harsh environments

Industrial Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher

Similar to the multi-purpose uses of a regular dry chemical fire extinguisher, an industrial dry

chemical fire extinguisher also protects against a number of common hazards. However, the

unique combination of specialized coating and paint on the cylinder makes this unit a better choice

for corrosive and more industrial environments.

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These units may be most useful in the chemical industry or marine environments. Chemical

storage areas, marinas, spray paint booths, and welding areas are only a few of the many uses for

these types of extinguishers. These units are rechargeable and manufactured with high quality,

durable materials.

The 6 L, cartridge operated, fat fire extinguisher has been specially designed for extinguishing

cooking oil fires in industrial kitchens and canteens. As the first line of defence, it can be installed in

addition to the automatic system in open kitchens where automatic equipment is required, or as a

means suited to the risks presented in kitchens, reheating rooms and cooking islands.

FEATURES

 A and F rated- specially designed for kitchen oil fires (class F)

 The fat fire extinguishers contain a high performance wet chemical designed for fat fires

 In addition, it will extinguish electrical fires up to 35 k

 High firefighting capabilities meaning quicker and safer firefighting

 The integrated flow control valve at the curved hose end equips the user with a direct and

better control to fight the fire

 The higher than normal, industry standard burst pressure for the cylinder and hose

safeguard the user when firefighting

 Long life and low maintenance costs are assured as survitec’s extinguishers are

manufactured from 2 mm thick steel, shot blasted and polyester coated and with an anti-

rust safety pin

Stored pressure fire extinguishers are easily the most common type. In these units, the
expellant is stored in the same cylinder as the agent itself. The different agents used in
the fire extinguisher may require different propellants. Dry chemical extinguishers
typically use nitrogen or dry air as a means of propelling the agent onto the fire. Water
and foam extinguishers typically use air.

The most common types of stored pressure extinguishers include:

ABC Dry Chemical – Reliable Fire & Security recommends ABC dry chemical
extinguishers that can be used for many common fires.

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BC Dry Chemical– Suitable for use on flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment.

Special Application Extinguishers

 K-Class and F-Class extinguishers (for restaurant kitchen hazards)

 Class D agents (for combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, lithium
and uranium)
 Foam which is recommended for use on Class A combustibles and Class B flammable
liquids.

Clean Agent extinguishers contain various environmentally friendly, non-residue

forming chemicals well-suited for flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers are used for class B flammable liquids fires as
well as Class C Electrical fires.

Pressurized Water – used for Class A fires only.

Water Mist is a useful extinguisher for Class A fires and where a potential Class C
(electrical) hazard exists.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER COLOURS

There are five fire extinguisher colours:

1. Red – Water (both spray and mist)

2. Blue – Dry powder

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 3. Cream – Foam

4. Black – Carbon dioxide (CO2)

5. Yellow – Wet chemical

All fire extinguishers have a red or chrome body. Each type is identified using individual fire
extinguisher colour codes shown on a band at the top of the extinguisher.
Up until 1997, the body of the fire extinguisher was the identifying colour. For example, carbon dioxide
extinguishers were completely black, and dry powder extinguishers were blue. This all changed,
however, to fall in line with British Standard and European Standard BS EN3, with the red colouring
making it easier to locate a fire extinguisher when in a smoke-filled or dark environment.
Chrome coloured extinguishers, whilst not quite fitting with the visibility concept, are still tested against
BS EN3, but it is recommended they are used alongside more prominent fire extinguisher signs so that
they are more obviously visible.

Colour Type Class of fire Use on Notes

Red Water A Organic solids e.g. Not suitable for

paper, wood, straw, electrical or deep fat
plastics, coal, soft fires*
furnishings

Blue Dry powder A, B, C, D Organic solids plus Not suitable for

flammable liquids e.g. electrical fires over
Electrical
petrol, oil, solvents, 1,000 volts
paraffin, tars;
flammable liquids e.g.
propane, butane,
methane; metals and
swarf; electrical fires

Cream Foam A, B Organic solids, Not suitable for

flammable liquids domestic fires

Black Carbon dioxide B, electrical Flammable liquids, Suitable for high and

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 electrical fires low voltage electrical
fires

Yellow Wet chemical A, F Organic solids, cooking Suitable for use at very
oils and fats high temperatures

* Water mist extinguishers are suitable for electrical or hot fat fires, but water spray extinguishers must
NEVER be used on such fires. Water fire extinguishers with additives are also usually safe for use on
fires involving electrical equipment, as long as they have been dielectrically tested.
Our guide to the different classes of fires reveals more about the fuel sources behind each fire type and
how they are extinguished.
Always bear in mind that using the wrong type of extinguisher on a particular fire could lead to more
than just a failed attempt to put it out; it could make things considerably worse by further fuelling the
flames. It is therefore vital that the correct colour extinguisher or extinguishers are chosen. Your fire
risk assessment will reveal which one you need.
Water fire extinguishers work by removing the heat source from the fire. The cooling action of the water
slows down the burning until the flames are extinguished. They are most commonly used for Class A
fires – anything involving organic solids such as paper, wood, straw, plastics, coal and soft furnishings –
but a water spray extinguisher must never be used on electrical equipment, kitchen fires or fires
involving flammable gas and liquids. A water mist extinguisher can, however, be used on electrical and
hot fat fires. Here’s why.
Water mist extinguishers spray water so finely that it will not conduct electricity at regular commercial
voltage levels. What’s more, there are no puddles created that could act as a conductor. Water mist
extinguishers are often preferred as more versatile for a greater variety of fire types, and because they
leave very little mess.
Water spray and water mist extinguishers are both colour-coded red.
A range of colour-coded fire extinguishers are available. These include:

SMALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Small fire extinguishers are designed for compact, enclosed spaces, where there is limited storage. They
are also lighter and easier to handle. Mini fire extinguishers can be dry powder or foam. They are easy-
to-operate, environmentally friendly aerosols usually available in sizes from 600g to 900g dry powder or
600ml foam. Check for a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and either BS 6165 certification or the BS
EN3 kitemark.
Slightly larger but still classed as small fire extinguishers are the regular squeeze grip operation 1Kg or
2Kg dry powder models, or 1 or 2-litre foam extinguishers. With these, you need to check for the BS

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 EN3 kitemark, a CE mark and a 5-year guarantee.
Water extinguishers with additives are usually smaller and lighter too. For example, a 6-litre water fire
extinguisher with additives will offer the same rating as its 9-litre equivalent but is much easier to
handle.

REFURBISHED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

It is possible to purchase refurbished fire extinguishers, although they are usually only available in
carbon dioxide and sometimes dry powder. Carefully check the standards to which the extinguisher has
been refurbished and make sure you get a warranty, even if it is just one year. It may be possible to save
up to 50 per cent off the price of a brand-new extinguisher but do weigh up the pros and cons before you
go ahead.

MAINTENANCE-FREE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

P50 maintenance-free fire extinguishers are available in a range of sizes and types. These extinguishers
are designed to avoid internal corrosion by containing the extinguishing chemicals within a multi-
layered composite container. This means they don’t need regular servicing.
P50 extinguishers are constructed with additional security features to ensure it remains possible to
gauge the correct pressure and check the safe status of the extinguisher. Visual inspections are still
required, the hose must be checked for obstruction and the pressure indicator read regularly. If all is
found to be acceptable then this is logged in the fire safety logbook. If any issues are found, however, the
supplier will usually replace the extinguisher for free within the first ten years of life.

REFERENCES

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