These web pages provide a guide about fire extinguishers and their use. Use the various links to navigate to the relevant sections for further information.
Safe Living: Fire Extinguishers Fire Safety Guidance
If you area aware of a fire in your home or business premises, you MUST get EVERYONE out of the building
as quickly as possible and call the fire and rescue service. Even in its early stages the fire can develop
and spread very quickly. You may feel that you are able to deal with it yourself.
If you are in any doubt...
If you are in any doubt...
- DO NOT TACKLE THE FIRE no matter how small it is.
- Always put your and other people’s safety first.
- Ensure that someone calls the fire and rescue service.
- Do not move the object on fire.
- Get everybody out.
If you choose to install and use fire extinguishers follow these guidelines.
Buy wisely....
Whatever type or make of fire extinguisher you choose, make sure if conforms to the appropriate British Standard, look for the kitemark or, British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) mark.
Where to fix your extinguisher...
Maintenance
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for
wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Look for the British Standard mark (BS EN 1869 / BS 7944)
and follow the maker’s intructions for positioning and use.
Buy wisely....
Whatever type or make of fire extinguisher you choose, make sure if conforms to the appropriate British Standard, look for the kitemark or, British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) mark.
Where to fix your extinguisher...
- Fix an extinguisher where you can reach it quickly.
- The best place is on an escape route, that is near an outside door, or adjacent to a specific risk.
- It should be properly fixed to the wall at a height where it can be reached.
- Do not place them over cookers, heaters or other extreme heat source.
- Always follow manufacturer's instructions when using and siting extinguishers.
- Never use water on fat pan fires or electrical fires.
- Do not use extinguishers on chip or pan fires as the jet from the extinguisher may force burning fat out of the pan.
Maintenance
The manufacturer’s instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be recharged according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The extinguisher should be properly serviced once a year.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are made of fire resistant materials. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for
wrapping round a person whose clothing is on fire. Look for the British Standard mark (BS EN 1869 / BS 7944)
and follow the maker’s intructions for positioning and use.
- A fire blanket should be used on a fat pan fire.
- Fire blankets should be kept in the kitchen.
- Do not put your blanket too close to your cooker, you may not reach it in the event of a fire.
We are Happy to Provide Further Information
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of fire appropriate to each one and follow their instructions carefully. If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguisher of fire blanket you should buy, ask us. We will be glad to help you and our advice is expert and free of charge. We are always happy to provide you with general fire safety advice.
The main types of extinguisher that you will come across are:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of fire appropriate to each one and follow their instructions carefully. If you require any further information about the type of fire extinguisher of fire blanket you should buy, ask us. We will be glad to help you and our advice is expert and free of charge. We are always happy to provide you with general fire safety advice.
The main types of extinguisher that you will come across are:
Water
For wood, paper,
textile and solid
material fires.
DO NOT USE on
liquid, electrical
or metal fires.
Colour code: red
For wood, paper,
textile and solid
material fires.
DO NOT USE on
liquid, electrical
or metal fires.
Colour code: red
Powder
For liquid and
electrical fires.
DO NOT USE on
metal fires.
Colour code: blue
For liquid and
electrical fires.
DO NOT USE on
metal fires.
Colour code: blue
Foam
For liquid fires.
DO NOT USE on
electrical or
metal fires.
Colour code: yellow
For liquid fires.
DO NOT USE on
electrical or
metal fires.
Colour code: yellow
Carbon Dioxide
For liquid and
electrical fires.
DO NOT USE on
metal fires.
Colour code: black
For liquid and
electrical fires.
DO NOT USE on
metal fires.
Colour code: black
Download the Fire Extinguisher Leaflet (PDF - 662kb)
Further Information
Further information and safety advice is available from these sources:
The Arson Prevention Bureau which has been set up by the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers to spearhead a national programme of action against arson.
Additional help and advice on protection of your premises is available from:
The Arson Prevention Bureau which has been set up by the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers to spearhead a national programme of action against arson.
Additional help and advice on protection of your premises is available from:
- Your insurer.
- Our Community Fire Safety Department. Our RBFRS Helpline is available on: (0118) 932 2152. Or visit the Community Safety Section section for more guidance.
-
The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.
Take Positive Action
In case of fire... call 999
Get Out !
Dial 999
Get the Fire Brigade Out
Stay Out!
If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your call is free and completely anonymous. Visit the Crimestoppers website for further information.
Get Out !
Dial 999
Get the Fire Brigade Out
Stay Out!
If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your call is free and completely anonymous. Visit the Crimestoppers website for further information.
