Portable Appliances

In the majority of premises fire extinguishers are provided as a means of extinguishing a fire whilst in its early stages. It is important that extinguishers are properly sited, easily identified and always ready for use in a fire situation. We are able to supply, install and maintain all types of portable extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets and associated equipment.

Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguisher – use on class A fires. Do not use on live electrical equipment, or burning liquid
Wet chemical fire extinguisher – use on class F fires (cooking oil / fats in deep fat fryers
Foam fire extinguisher – use on Class A & B fires. Do not use on live electrical equipment
Dry powder fire extinguisher - use on Class A & B fires. Safe for use on live electrical fires
Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher – Use on class B fires. Safe for use on live electrical equipment.
Hosereel – use on class A fires. Do not use on live electrical equipment
Fire Blanket – Use on classes A & B fires. Suitable for burning clothing and small fires involving burning liquids

All fire extinguishers should be maintained annually. In addition, every 5 years fire extinguishers should be discharge tested and re-filled. In addition, carbon dioxide extinguishers should be discharge tested and re-filled every 10 years, and then every 5 years subsequently)

Hosereels should be subjected to regular monthly inspections to ensure that the inlet valve, glands, tubing and jet/spray nozzle are sound and free from leaks. If booster pumps are installed, these should be checked for correct operation.

Once a year the hoses should be run out and be subjected to operational pressure test. A flow test should be carried out to ensure that a discharge of 24 litres per minute is achieved with a throw of 6 metres.

Fire blankets should be inspected annually.

Classification of fires and extinguisher types

Class A	Fires involving freely burning materials, for example wood, paper, textiles and other carbonaceous materials. Appropriate Extinguishers: Water, Foam, ABC Dry Powder and Wet Chemical Extinguishers. Extinguishers with white, yellow or blue labels.
Class B	Fires involving flammable liquids. For example petrol, diesel, solvents, lubricants and spirits. Not alcohol or cooking oil. Appropriate Extinguishers: Foam, ABC Dry Powder, Monnex Dry Powder and CO² Gas Extinguishers. Extinguishers with yellow, blue (not L2 or M28 Powder) or black labels.
Class C	Fires involving flammable gases. For example butane and propane. Appropriate Extinguishers: ABC Powder and Monnex Dry Powder Extinguishers. Extinguishers with blue labels (not L2 or M28 Powder).
Class D	Fires involving flammable metals. For example sodium, lithium, magnesium and aluminium when in the form of swarf or powder. Appropriate Extinguishers: L2 Powder and M28 Powder Extinguishers (M28 Powder does not cover lithium). Extinguishers with blue labels (not ABC or Monnex Dry Powders).
Class E	Fires involving electrical equipment. For example photocopiers, fax machines and computers. Appropriate Extinguishers: ABC Powder, Monnex Dry Powder and CO² Gas Extinguishers. Extinguishers with blue (not L2 or M28 Powder) or black labels.
Class F	Fires involving cooking oil and fat. For example olive oil, maize oil, sunflower oil, lard and butter. Appropriate Extinguishers: Wet Chemical Extinguishers. Extinguishers with yellow labels.