Water fire extinguishers
This fire extinguisher can be used for Class A fires i.e. solids only, such as wood, paper and fabrics. Not suitable for Class B liquid fires i.e. paraffin, petrol, oil fires, or where electricity is involved. The fire extinguisher is colour coded red. The fire extinguisher works by cooling burning material.

How to use a water fire extinguisher:

1. Direct the jet at the base of the flame and keep it moving across the area of the fire.
2. Seek out any hot spots after the main fire is extinguished.
3. A fire spreading vertically should be attacked at its lowest point and followed upwards.

Foam fire extinguishers
This fire extinguisher is more versatile than water. It can be used for Classes A & B fires but is not recommended for fires involving electricity. The fire extinguisher is colour coded cream. The fire extinguisher forms a blanket or film on the surface of a burning liquid.

How to use a foam fire extinguisher:

1. Where the liquid on a fire is in a container, direct the spray at the back edge of the container or at an adjoining vertical surface above the level of the burning liquid. This allows the foam to build up and flow across the surface of the liquid to smother the fire.
2. Where this is not possible stand well back, direct the spray with a gentle sweeping movement, allow the foam to drop down and lie on the surface of the liquid.
3. Do not aim the spray directly into the liquid as this will drive the foam beneath the surface and render it ineffective. In addition, it may splash the fire onto the surroundings.

Dry powder fire extinguishers
This fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose fire extinguisher and can be used on Classes A, B & C fires. The fire extinguisher is colour coded blue. The fire extinguisher works by "knocking down" the flames.

How to use a dry powder fire extinguisher:

1. On fires involving either liquids in containers or spilled liquids, direct the nozzle towards the near edge of the fire. With the rapid sweeping motion drive the fire towards the far edge until all the flames are extinguished.
2. On fires involving flowing liquids, direct the nozzle at the base of the flames and sweep upwards.
3. On fires in electrical equipment, switch of the current if safe to do so and then direct the nozzle straight at the fire.
4. Where the equipment is enclosed, direct into any opening with the object of penetrating the interior.
5. When the fire appears to be extinguished shut off the discharger and wait until the atmosphere clears. If any flame is then still visible, discharge again.

Co2 fire extinguishers
This fire extinguisher is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus and Class B liquid fires. It does not cool and is not suitable for solids. The fire extinguisher is colour coded black.

How to use a Co2 fire extinguisher:

1. Carbon dioxide extinguishers should NOT be used in confined spaces where there is a danger that fumes may be inhaled.
2. DO NOT HOLD THE HORN SINCE IT BECOMES EXTREMELY COLD DURING USE.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers
This fire extinguisher is used for Class F cooking oil or fat fires.

How to use a wet chemical fire extinguishers:

1. Turn off the source of heat if safe to do so.
2. Hold the lance at arm's length, well above the fire with its nozzle at least 1 Metre away from the fire.
3. Holding the lance still, discharge so that the spraying wet chemical falls gently onto the surface of the fire.
4. Even if the fire appears to go out quickly, discharge the entire contents of the extinguisher.

Training
All people regularly employed in a workplace should be aware of the risk of fire. They need to know:

• How to summon the fire brigade.
• How to warn others of the fire including the operation of the fire -warning apparatus.
• The location and use of escape routes
• The procedure for assisting visitors or members of the public from the workplace.
• The location of the fire assembly point.
• How to use the fire equipment provided.