If you discover a fire
- Raise the alarm.
- Contact Security at the earliest possible time.
Only fight the fire if:
- You have been trained in the use of extinguishers.
- It is safe for you to do so.
- Your escape route is clear.
- The fire can easily be controlled by using only 1 extinguisher.
If you have to use an extinguisher:
- Check there are no live electrics - switch off power first.
- Do not use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire involving burning gas, turn off the gas if it is safe to do so or leave the fire for the Fire Brigade.
- Never play or tamper with fire extinguishers. If one is used or damaged, report it so that it can be checked or recharged.
Action in the event of a fire
- Water extinguisher
- Foam extinguisher
- Powder extinguisher
- Carbon dioxide extinguisher
- Wet chemical extinguisher
Description:
Red with a red label - suitable for most fires with wood, paper and fabrics, but NOT for fires involving flammable liquids or electrics.
GUIDANCE:
Aim water at the base of the fire.
Risks:
Electrocution if used on electrical equipment. Worsens the fire if used on flammable liquids as the fire will float on the water. Can cause explosion/fireball if used on boiling oils.
Description:
Red with a cream label - suitable for most fires including flammable liquids. Not advisable to use on electrical fires.
Guidance:
With flammable liquid fires, stand well back and direct the jet with a slow sweeping motion, allowing the foam to fall and lay on the surface of the liquid.
Risks:
Electrocution if used on electrical fires.
Description:
Red with a blue label - suitable for fires with flammable liquids or electrics.
Guidance:
If electrical, switch off power first.
On liquids, direct the jet at the near edge of the fire first and drive the fire with a rapid sweeping motion towards the far edge until all the flames are out.
Risks:
Has a limited cooling effect - fire may reignite.
Description:
Red with a black label - suitable for fires with flammable liquids or electrics. If electrical, switch off power first.
Guidance:
On liquids, direct the jet at the near edge of the fire first and using a rapid sweeping action to direct the fire towards the far edge until all flames are out.
Risks:
Not to be used in confined spaces where gas may be inhaled and cause suffocation. The extinguisher will chill quickly, so do not hold the discharge horn. Has limited cooling effect - fire may reignite.
Description:
Red with a yellow label - suitable for fires in deep fat/oil fryers.
Guidance:
Can be used on wood, paper or textiles. On deep far/oil fires, stand well back, direct the extended applicator in slow circular motions allowing the spray to land directly onto the flames until all contents have been discharged.
Not suitable for use on flammable liquids or flammable gases.
Risks:
Not be used on live electrical equipment.