Which Fire Extinguisher Should You Use?

Fire extinguishers are found in almost every workplace, yet many employees are unsure which extinguisher should be used in an emergency. Choosing the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse, increase the risk of injury and even damage valuable equipment.

Fire Extinguisher Training helps employees understand the different types of extinguishers, the fires they are designed to tackle and, just as importantly, when they should leave the building instead of attempting to fight a fire.

Why Do Fire Extinguishers Have Different Colours?

In the UK, all portable fire extinguishers have a red body, with a coloured band that identifies the extinguishing agent inside.

The colour band allows people to quickly recognise the correct extinguisher during an emergency.

The main types you’ll encounter are:

• Water – Red band
• Foam – Cream band
• Dry Powder – Blue band
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – Black band
• Wet Chemical – Yellow band

Understanding these colours is one of the first things covered during Fire Extinguisher Training.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water extinguishers are designed for Class A fires, involving materials such as:

• Wood
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Textiles

They work by cooling the burning material.

Never use a water extinguisher on:

• Electrical equipment.
• Flammable liquids.
• Cooking oil or fat fires.

Using water in these situations can significantly increase the danger.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam extinguishers are suitable for:

• Class A fires.
• Class B fires involving flammable liquids.

They create a blanket over the fuel, helping to prevent re-ignition while also cooling the fire.

Foam extinguishers are commonly found in offices, warehouses and commercial premises.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Fire Extinguishers

CO₂ extinguishers are most commonly used on:

• Electrical equipment.
• Computers.
• Server rooms.
• Electrical cabinets.

Because CO₂ leaves no residue, it helps minimise damage to electrical equipment.

Employees should remember that the discharge horn becomes extremely cold during use and should only be held by its insulated handle.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry powder extinguishers can be used on several fire types, including:

• Flammable liquids.
• Flammable gases.
• Some electrical fires.

However, they are less commonly used inside offices because the powder can reduce visibility and create breathing difficulties in enclosed spaces.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for commercial kitchens.

They are suitable for:

• Cooking oils.
• Deep fat fryers.
• Commercial catering equipment.

These extinguishers help cool burning oil while creating a protective layer that helps prevent the fire from reigniting.

Should Employees Always Fight a Fire?

No.

One of the most important messages in Fire Extinguisher Training is that life safety always comes first.

Employees should only consider using a fire extinguisher if:

• The fire is very small.
• The correct extinguisher is available.
• They have received suitable training.
• Their escape route remains clear.
• They feel confident it is safe to do so.

If there is any doubt, employees should raise the alarm, evacuate immediately and call the emergency services.

Why Fire Extinguisher Training Matters

Having fire extinguishers installed is only part of workplace fire safety.

Training helps employees understand:

• Which extinguisher to choose.
• How extinguishers operate.
• When they should not be used.
• Safe evacuation procedures.
• Personal safety during an emergency.

A calm, informed response can make a significant difference during the early stages of a fire.

Flexible Training for Businesses

Modern Fire Extinguisher Training can be delivered in a way that suits your organisation.

USB training allows businesses to provide consistent in-house instruction whenever required, while online training offers flexibility for remote workers and organisations with multiple locations.

Both formats include structured learning that helps employees develop confidence and understand their responsibilities in the event of a fire.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the difference between water, foam, CO₂, dry powder and wet chemical extinguishers is an important part of workplace fire safety.

However, choosing the correct extinguisher is only one element of responding safely during an emergency. Employees should always remember that protecting people is the priority, and no fire extinguisher should ever be used if doing so puts someone at unnecessary risk.

Providing Fire Extinguisher Training helps employees recognise the different extinguisher types, understand their uses and limitations, and respond more confidently should a small fire ever occur.