Fire Extinguishers

NOTE: The information contain within this page may be incorrect or out-of-date please refer beyond this website for more accurate information.

1. Choose the right extinguisher

These symbols will assist you in selecting the correct extinguisher for the task.


Class A	Class B	Class C	Class E	Class F

2. When using a Portable Fire Extinguisher remember PASS


P	*	Pull the pin or release any locking device
	*	Test the extinguisher by pointing the nozzle away from all people and squeeze the hand

A	*	Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire

S	*	Squeeze the trigger or handle to activate the extinguisher

S	*	Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished

Portable extinguishers are used for quick response before the fire becomes too big
Take precautions from smoke inhalation and radiant heat
Extinguishers are designed to be used in the upright position
REMEMBER: The safety of yourself and others is the Number 1 priority.

Extinguishing Agent		A	B	C	D	(E)	F	Comments
Extinguishing Agent		Wood Paper Plastics	Flammable & Combustible Liquids	Flammable Gas	Metal Fires	Electrically Energised Equipment	Cooking Oils & Fats	Comments
Water								Dangerous if used on flammable liquids, energised electrical equipment and cooking oil / fat fires
Foam							Limited	Dangerous if used on energised electrical equipment * Solvents such as alcohol & acetone mix with water and therefore require special foam
Powder	(ABE)							Look carefully at the extinguisher to determine if it is a BE or ABE unit as the capability is different
Powder	(BE)
Carbon Dioxide		Limited	Limited					Not suitable for outdoor use or smouldering deep seated A Class Fires
Wet Chemical								Dangerous if used on energised electrical equipment
Vapourising Liquid			Limited	Limited				Check the characteristics of the specific extinguishing agent. 5 yearly servicing must be done by a qualified / licenced person.
Fire Blanket		Limited	Limited					* Fire blankets may be used as a thermal barrier against radiant heat and to control a fire in clothes being worn by a person.

	the class or classes in which the agent is most effective
	not recommended for these classes of fire
Limited	indicates that the extinguisher is not the preferred choice for the class of fire, but may have limited extinguishing capacity.