Common Fire Extinguisher Types Used by Businesses in NSW, Australia
Water Extinguishers (Class A Fires)
Suitable for fires involving paper, wood, textiles, and other solid materials. Not suitable for flammable liquids, electrical fires, or cooking oil fires.
Foam Extinguishers (Class A & B Fires)
Effective on fires involving solids and flammable liquids like petrol or paint. Not recommended for electrical fires.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers (Class B & Electrical Fires)
Ideal for electrical fires and flammable liquids. CO2 does not leave any residue, making it a good choice for electrical equipment.
Dry Chemical Powder Extinguishers (Class A, B, C, and E Fires)
A versatile extinguisher suitable for most types of fires, including solids, liquids, gases, and electrical fires. The powder can be messy and may damage sensitive electronic equipment.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Class F Fires)
Specifically designed for cooking oil and fat fires, commonly used in commercial kitchens. They can also be effective on Class A fires but are generally not suitable for other fire classes.
Vaporizing Liquid Extinguishers (Class A, B, and Electrical Fires)
Effective on electrical fires, as well as small Class A and B fires. They leave no residue, making them suitable for environments with sensitive electronic equipment.