Fire extinguishers in the UK must conform to strict standards, and that includes their colour coding. The colour coding conveys what class of fire the extinguisher is suitable for. This is particularly important because there are different classes of fire and using the wrong extinguisher can be dangerous and potentially put yourself and others at risk.
Fire can spread quickly. If in doubt, get out, stay out, and call Emergency services. But if the need arises to use an extinguisher, then you must know the right one to use. Colour coding can help on that front.
Why Is Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding Important?
You may think fire extinguisher colours aren’t necessarily important, as all you have to do is read the label to know which fire the extinguisher is suitable for. However, in a fire emergency, time is of the essence.
You may be racing to put out the fire and not have sufficient time to read labels or scan for key words. Furthermore, there may be smoke or heat or other environmental factors obstructing your view and preventing you from reading the label. Which is why the colour code is an effective way to quickly determine whether or not the fire extinguisher is the one you need.
Types of UK Fire Extinguishers and their Colours
All UK fire extinguishers that comply with the British Standards are manufactured in a rich red colour known as signal red. There are also designer fire extinguishers which come in chrome, antique copper, and polished gold. These are legal and widely accepted, but not Kitemarked. (You may find older ones which are solid colours other than red – these are still legal, but will need to be replaced at the end of their use, with the exception of green Halon extinguishers, which are now illegal.)
The type of extinguisher is displayed by the colour code, which is a band or panel of a colour different to signal red and located at the top of the extinguisher.
What colour is a water fire extinguisher?
All water fire extinguishers are solid signal red, including water-additive types. They do not display a colour code. These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A fires only.
What colour is a foam fire extinguisher?
AFFF or (Aqueous Film Forming Foams) foam fire extinguishers are signal red with a cream panel above their printed instructions. They are suitable for use on Class A and Class B fires.
What colour is a dry powder fire extinguisher?
Dry powder fire extinguishers are signal red with a blue panel above the printed instructions. These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A, Class B or Class C fires. There are powder extinguishers suitable for Class D fires – indicated by the fire ratings displayed on the label of the fire extinguisher label.
What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher?
Carbon Dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers are signal red with a black panel above their printed instructions. They are suitable for use on Class B fires and fires involving electrical equipment.
What colour is a wet chemical fire extinguisher?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers can technically be used on Class A fires, but are designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. These fires tend to spread uncontrollably if the wrong extinguisher is used. You can tell a wet chemical fire extinguisher from others by a bright yellow panel above the operating instructions.
Here are the 5 types of extinguishers side by side. You can see how the colour code truly makes a difference when it comes to telling them apart.
Halon Fire Extinguisher Colour and Legal Status
Halon fire extinguishers are now illegal in the UK. If you have an old green halon fire extinguisher, dispose of it immediately by calling a commercial halon disposal service or your local Fire Service.
Fire Extinguisher Standards and Ratings
All fire extinguishers should carry a British Standards Institute or BSI standard of BS EN3, a BS (BSI) Kitemark, indicating BAFE (British Approval for Fire Equipment) approval and a CE stamp (European Conformity). Many will also now include the new UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) approval too.
In addition, each fire extinguisher will be marked with the classes of fire it should be used on, plus a rating, such as 13A or 55B. This indicates the size of the fire that can be extinguished under test conditions, so the larger the number, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can be used on. (However, never overestimate the size of fire you should use a fire extinguisher on. If in doubt, get out, stay out, and call the Fire Brigade immediately.)
Situation and Visibility of Fire Extinguisher Coding
What’s on the outside of a fire extinguisher is just as important as what’s inside. Which is why care should be taken to have extinguishers in easy-to-access locations, positioned so that their carrying handle is preferably 1 metre from floor level, with labels and colour coding clearly visible.
Depending on the environment, such as say a modern office, additional fire extinguisher signs that point to the nearest fire extinguisher stand and identify different fire extinguisher types can be real time-savers in a fire emergency.
