What is the fire extinguisher colour code and why do you need to know it?
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we have all of your fire extinguisher needs covered. Whether you need general safety information from our helpful blog posts, professional inspection services from our team members, or fire extinguisher supply and installation, we have it all.
Find out more about the different types of fire extinguishers today and let us know if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
The Fire Extinguisher Colour Code Explained
Every fire extinguisher comes with a coloured band to help you identify its use. There are different fire extinguishers designed for use against different types of fires.
Why do you need to know the meaning behind the fire extinguisher colour labels?
Fires need three different elements to thrive — heat, fuel, and oxygen. Each extinguisher works to combat one or more of these elements. Every fire has a different fuel and there are extinguishers designed to most effectively put out different fuels.
If you use the wrong extinguisher, you are putting yourself in danger.
In worst case scenarios you could give yourself an electric shock or add more fuel to a flame. In best case scenarios you are left in a dangerous position with a fire extinguisher that won’t work properly. Either way, it’s not good.
Get to know the fire extinguisher colour code in New Zealand and be prepared for an emergency.
White
The white band means your extinguisher contains dry powder. The white ABE extinguisher is suitable for use on the following types of fires:
Class A – Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics & rubber
Class B – Flammable liquids
Class C – Combustible gases
Class E – Electrically energised equipment
Black
The black band means your extinguisher contains C02. This type of extinguisher works to neutralise oxygen and cut off supply to the fire. It can be used on the following types of fires:
Class B – Flammable liquids
Class E – Electrically energised equipment
Oatmeal
This is one of the less popular (but still important) fire extinguisher types and colours. The oatmeal band is a sign that your extinguisher contains a wet chemical solution. It is suitable for use on the following types of fires:
Class A – Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics and rubber
Class F – Cooking oils or fats
Blue
The blue banded extinguisher contains a foam solution that is designed to suppress a flame. The blue extinguisher is suitable for the following types of fires:
Class A – Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics & rubber
Class B – Flammable liquids
Red
There is one type of fire extinguisher that does not come with a coloured band. That is the red extinguisher. The plain red canister is a sign that your extinguisher contains water. Water is used to remove the heat element from a fire, rather than removing oxygen.
The red fire extinguisher can be used on the following types of fires:
Class A – Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics & rubber
It must not be used on class E fires involving electrically energised equipment.
Contact Jim’s Fire Safety Today!
Now that you are familiar with the fire extinguisher colour code, get in touch with us to maintain your fire extinguishers. You need proper inspection and maintenance to keep them in working order.
Call us or fill in the online form for a free quote.
