Fire extinguishers

Safety marks

Buy wisely. Whatever type of make of fire extinguisher you choose, make sure if conforms to the appropriate British Standard.

Look for the kitemark or the special BAFE mark.

Where to fix your extinguisher

Fix an extinguisher where you can reach it quickly. The best place is on an escape route, that is near an outside door, or on the route from the living areas to an outside door, or adjacent to a specific risk. It should be properly fixed to the wall at a height where it can be reached.

• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• Fire extinguishers should be fixed where they can be easily seen.
• Fixing them inside cupboards or behind doors will only waste valuable time if a fire breaks out.
• Do not place them over cookers or heaters or in places of extreme temperatures.

Maintenance

The manufacturer's instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year by a FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trades Association) qualified engineer. The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service have suitably qualified engineers who can offer a full maintenance package including the sale of new fire extinguishers and fire blankets to the specifications below. For information on new extinguishers, maintenance or training please contact the Commercial Training Department on

Fire blankets

Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Fire blankets conforming to

British Standard BS 6575 are suitable for use in the home.

These will be marked to show whether they should be thrown away after use or used again after cleaning in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

• A fire blanket or damp cloth should be used on a fat pan fire.
• Never use a fire extinguisher on a fat pan fire.
• Fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen.
• Do not put your blanket too close to your cooker, you may not reach it in the event of a fire

Further information

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguisher of fire blanket you should buy, ask your local fire brigade. They will be glad to help you and their advice is expert and free of charge.

They will also be able to provide you with general fire safety advice.

Types of Extinguisher ( With colour band)

The main types of extinguisher that you will come across are,

Water (Red)

CO2 (Black)

Dry Powder (Blue)

Foam (Cream)

These have been colour banded so that you can identify them quickly and you do not use the wrong extinguisher and put yourself in danger.

Their uses and their colour codding according to BS EN 3:1996

If you have any doubt then please contact your local Fire Safety department for advice.

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Information Provider Last Updated Friday March 5, 2004 3:34 PM