FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blanket sare falling under Australian Standard AS2444, the extinguisher and fire point location signs shall have a symbol, border and letters in white on a red field, complying with Australian Standard (AS) 2700, theyprovide buildings with the quickest method the fight small fire if is safe to do, it’s eliminate the spread of fire in early stages, and provide considerable level of safety to business & properties.

Type of Fire &Fire Extinguisher Categories

Class A: Class A Fire Extinguishers are used for fires that involve paper products, fabrics of textiles, wood-based products, plastics, and rubber-based products

Fire Extinguisher Category:Powder ABE, water, foam and wet chemicals

Class B: Class B extinguishers are used to put out fires that started due to flammable or combustible liquids. In the work environment, this could include chemical-based cleaning products, electrical contact cleaner, and lubricants used for equipment.

Fire Extinguisher Category:Powder ABE and BE, and foam.


Class C: Class C extinguishers are used for fires started by flammable gases. Circumstances in which these gases are used to operate machinery could lead to a fire or probable explosion. These extinguishers could put out the fire before pressure builds and produces further events.

Fire Extinguisher Category: Powder ABE and BE.


Class D: Combustible Metals – Often used in Laboratories, fighting material like aluminium, magnesium, titanium, …etc

Fire Extinguisher Category: Special Dry Powder.


Class E: Class E extinguishers stop electrical fires. This includes events related to electrical equipment that requires electricity or circuit to operate.

Fire Extinguisher Category: Powder ABE and BE, carbon dioxide, and vaporizing liquid.


Class F: Class F extinguishers manage fires caused by cooking oils and fat based products. They address fires that could occur in a kitchen setting of the workplace.

Fire Extinguisher Category: Powder BE and wet chemical.


CO2 Fire Extinguishers:

Carbon Dioxide is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus, and will also extinguish class B liquid fires, but has NO POST FIRE SECURITY and the fire could re-ignite.


Foam Fire Extinguishers:

More expensive than water, but more versatile. Used for Classes A & B fires. Foam spray extinguishers are not recommended for fires involving electricity, but are safer than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical apparatus.


Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers:

Often termed the ‘multi-purpose’ extinguisher, as it can be used on classes A, B & C fires. Best for running liquid fires (Class B). Will efficiently extinguish Class C gas fires, BUT BEWARE, IT CAN BE DANGEROUS TO EXTINGUISH A GAS FIRE WITHOUT FIRST ISOLATING THE GAS SUPPLY. Special powders are available for class D metal fires.


Water Fire Extinguishers:

The cheapest and most widely used fire extinguishers. Used for Class A fires. Not suitable for Class B (Liquid) fires, or where electricity is involved.


Extinguisher mounting information

  • Max - 1200mm from floor to top of extinguisher handle
  • Min - 100mm from floor to bottom of extinguisher
  • At a point that makes them most apparent to a person of average height & visual acuity.
  • The extinguisher or extinguisher sign shall be clearly visible for up to 20 metres on approach.
  • The size of the sign shall be determined by location on and distance at which the sign must be legible.

Routine Maintenance & Service

  • Level 1 Service Interval – 6 monthly test, tag and inspection
  • Level 2 Service Interval – Yearly test, tag, inspection and annual fire safety statement.
  • Level 5 Service Interval – Pressure test and recharge every 5 years or when a fire extinguisher is discharged.