We supply and maintain fire extinguishers across the region. All extinguishers are installed and maintained in accordance with BS5306.
Foam Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are very versatile and can be used to provide protection against both Class A and Class B fires, so they can be installed in a variety of locations that are at risk of material fires, as well as flammable liquid fires. The foam they release is also non-conductive, so it lowers the risk of electric shock if the fire contains electrical equipment.
The foam is used to effectively suffocate fire, by sealing the surface of burning materials or objects, and smothering it. This also cools the surface of the fire and prevents any stray materials from scattering and starting secondary fires elsewhere.
Water Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are extremely effective at tackling Class A fires that contain combustible materials. This makes them ideal for residential locations, schools, hotels and retail premises, as they can safely be used on:
- Soft furnishings
- Paper and cardboard
- Wood and timber
- Textiles
Water fire extinguishers work in two ways-the water extinguishes the flames and soaks the burning materials to cool them and put the fire out completely.
CO2 Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are an ideal solution if your property is at risk of fires involving electrical equipment and also suitable for use in Class B combustible fires.
They can be safely used on;
- Computers
- Live cables
- Engine oils
- Petrol and fuels
The CO2 works by cutting off the oxygen supply of the fire, effectively smothering it to extinguish the flames -and because it’s a gas, it doesn’t leave any sticky residues or soggy puddles.
Powder Extinguishers
ABC Powder fire extinguishers use to be the go to for all situations – commonly referred to as multi purpose for good reason. The latest version of BS5306 however does not recommend they are use in internal environments unless a specific fire risk assessment is in place. They can be safely used on;
- Solid material fires
- Combustible liquids
- Flammable gasses
- Electrical equipment
- Flammable Gas Fires
The dry powder is an extinguishing agent which is released by a compressed gas to create a blanket over the flames and smother the source of the fire, cooling it and stopping it from spreading.
Automatic Extinguishers
Automatic fire extinguishers can be the ideal protection solution for a host of environments, and are ideally suited to locations and premises where manual operation is not always possible and where immediate fire extinguisher activation is sometimes necessary. Therefore, they are ideal for a variety of applications, such as:
- Plant rooms
- Engine bays
- Boats
- Flammable liquid stores
Suitable for Class A, Class B and Class C fires, they are designed specifically to tackle fires involving wood, paper, textiles, fabrics and flammable liquids and gases, meaning that these extinguishers offer comprehensive protection against a range of fire types.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers have been specifically designed to tackle the fire hazards present in commercial and residential kitchens, referred to as Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats. This makes them ideal for use in:
- Restaurants and cafés
- School and university halls
- Staff kitchens in workplaces
- Mobile catering facilities
The wet chemical is released as a fine spray which dampens the flames, whilst the chemical element reacts with the fuel of the fire to create a film which can seal the surface and extinguish the fire altogether.
Did You Know!
Some AFFF Foam Fire Extinguishers contain a group of toxic chemicals called PFOS (perfluorooctanoic acids) which do not degrade easily in nature and can cause environmental damage and serious health risks. These foams are currently being phased out and will be banned for use from 4th July 2025.
Preparing for the Change
With the upcoming AFFF ban, organisations should act now to ensure their fire safety equipment is compliant. Here’s a checklist to help prepare:
1. Conduct a Fire Safety Assessment: Review all fire safety equipment to identify and phase out any AFFF foam extinguishers currently in use.
2. Plan for Disposal: Arrange for proper disposal of AFFF extinguishers through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company, as improper handling could lead to environmental contamination and regulatory penalties.
3. Transition to Safer Alternatives: Explore suitable replacements for AFFF(Some are already safe), such as water mist, fluorine-free foam, to maintain effective and compliant fire protection.
4. Schedule Staff Training: Ensure all personnel are familiar with the new fire safety equipment, its applications, and safety protocols.
5. Monitor Compliance: Keep up-to-date with regulations to ensure your business complies with fire safety standards.