Fire Extinguishers – Your First Line of Defence in a Fire

When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Having the correct fire extinguisher in the right place can make the difference between a minor incident and a devastating fire. However, having an extinguisher isn’t enough – it must be the correct type, properly maintained, and users should know when and how to use it safely.

Are Powder Fire Extinguishers Now Banned Indoors?

This is one of the biggest questions we’re asked.

The simple answer is no – powder extinguishers are not banned and there is no legislation making it illegal to have them inside buildings.

However, British Standard BS 5306-8 now recommends that powder extinguishers should not be installed inside enclosed premises unless there is a specific risk that makes them necessary. This guidance is widely followed throughout the fire safety industry.

Why are they no longer recommended indoors?

Although dry powder extinguishers are highly effective, they can create significant problems inside buildings:

• They produce a dense cloud of powder that drastically reduces visibility.
• The powder can be inhaled, causing breathing difficulties, particularly for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• The residue is extremely messy and can damage sensitive equipment such as computers, machinery and electronics.
• Powder extinguishers do not cool the fire effectively, increasing the chance of re-ignition.

Today, powder extinguishers are generally recommended for:

• Outdoor areas
• Construction sites
• Fuel storage areas
• Garages and workshops
• Industrial environments where multiple fire risks exist

Which Fire Extinguisher Do You Need?

💧 Water Extinguisher

Best for:

• Wood
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Textiles

Ideal for offices, schools, shops and general workplaces.

Never use on:

• Electrical fires
• Flammable liquids

🫧 Foam Extinguisher

Best for:

• Solid combustible materials
• Petrol
• Diesel
• Paints and other flammable liquids

Commonly found in offices, warehouses and commercial premises.

Avoid using on:

• Live electrical equipment unless specifically rated.

⚫ CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)

Best for:

• Electrical equipment
• Computers
• Server rooms
• Switchboards

CO₂ leaves no residue, making it ideal where protecting equipment is important.

Not suitable for:

• Deep-seated Class A fires such as wood or paper.

🟡 Wet Chemical

Best for:

• Cooking oils
• Deep fat fryers
• Commercial kitchens

These are specifically designed for Class F fires and are essential in restaurants, takeaways and catering facilities.

🔵 Dry Powder

Best for:

• Flammable liquids
• Gases
• Electrical equipment
• Outdoor industrial risks

Although versatile, these are generally not recommended for indoor enclosed spaces unless a fire risk assessment identifies a specific need.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips

Remember the PASS method:

P – Pull the safety pin.

A – Aim at the base of the fire.

S – Squeeze the handle.

S – Sweep from side to side.

Most importantly:

• Only tackle a fire if it is small and you have a clear escape route behind you.
• Never allow a fire to block your exit.
• If you’re unsure, evacuate immediately, raise the alarm and call 999.
• Never put yourself or others at risk trying to save property.

Fire Safety Facts

• Fire and rescue services attend tens of thousands of fires in England every year, with many incidents occurring in workplaces and commercial premises.
• Many fires are successfully extinguished in their early stages using portable extinguishers before they develop into major incidents.
• A correctly selected and maintained fire extinguisher can significantly reduce fire damage when used safely and at the earliest stage of a fire.

Don’t Forget Maintenance

A fire extinguisher is only effective if it works when you need it.

Responsible persons should ensure extinguishers:

• Are serviced annually by a competent engineer.
• Remain unobstructed and easy to access.
• Are suitable for the fire risks identified in the fire risk assessment.
• Are replaced when they reach the end of their service life or fail inspection.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers are an essential part of any fire safety strategy, but choosing the correct type is just as important as having one in the first place.

While powder extinguishers remain legal, current British Standard guidance recommends avoiding their use inside enclosed premises because of the risks they pose to occupants. In most offices, shops and commercial buildings, modern water-based, foam, CO₂ or wet chemical extinguishers provide a safer and more appropriate solution.

If you’re unsure whether your premises have the correct extinguishers, a professional fire risk assessment and extinguisher survey can ensure you’re fully protected and compliant.

Contact us for further information.