When it comes to fire safety, grabbing the wrong extinguisher in an emergency isn’t just ineffective, it can make things worse. So, how do you know which one you need?
Let’s break it down – here are most common fire extinguisher types:
- Water: Best for paper, wood, or textile fires (Class A). Not for electrical or oil fires!
- CO2 fire extinguisher: Ideal for electrical fires. You’ll often find these near server rooms or electrical panels.
- Foam: Great for flammable liquids (Class B) but can also be used on solids.
- Powder: A bit of an all-rounder—but can reduce visibility and make a mess.
- Wet Chemical: Specifically designed for cooking oil and fat fires (Class F).
Each extinguisher type is colour-coded and must be serviced annually by a qualified technician.
Servicing Matters
At Surrey Fire & Safety Ltd., we provide certified fire extinguisher servicing across Surrey, London, and the South East, helping businesses stay safe and compliant. We’ll even help you figure out exactly what you need—and where it should go.
Need help with your fire extinguishers?
Get in touch for a free site visit or quote.
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Quick-Fire Guide
Knowing the types of fire extinguishers is just the first step. But the real challenge is applying that knowledge to your unique business environment. When in doubt, you should always rely on professionals with specialised knowledge.
But it’s never wrong to have at least some idea what models work best in specific environments.
| Business Type | Fire Risks | Best Extinguishers | Extras You Might Miss |
| Retail Shops | Electrical equipment, display lighting, paper, textiles | ✅ Water or Foam (Class A) ✅ CO₂ (Electrical areas) |
Fire blankets near fitting rooms (for safety, not just kitchens) |
| Offices | Computers, chargers, paper, cables | ✅ CO₂ (desks, server rooms) ✅ Water or Foam (paper storage) |
Check power leads—overloaded sockets are a fire magnet |
| Cafés & Restaurants | Cooking oil, fryers, electrics, gas, flammable cleaners | ✅ Wet Chemical (Class F) ✅ CO₂ (appliances) ✅ Foam (dining areas) |
Fire blankets are legally required near cooking stations |
| Hair & Beauty Salons | Hairdryers, straighteners, aerosols, acetone | ✅ CO₂ (for tools) ✅ Foam (for general coverage) ✅ Powder (if flammable storage is significant) |
Avoid powder near mirrors or beauty stations—it’s corrosive and messy |
| Workshops & Garages | Welding, solvents, electrics, gas, metals | ✅ Dry Powder (Class A/B/C) ✅ CO₂ (electrics) |
If you weld or cut metals, you may need a Class D extinguisher (rare, but crucial) |
Common Mistakes That Put You at Risk
Too many businesses treat fire extinguishers like insurance policies—something to tick off a compliance list and forget.
But here’s what often goes wrong:
- Wrong Type, Wrong Place
A CO₂ extinguisher in the kitchen won’t help when a chip pan goes up in flames—and could even blow burning oil around the room. - One-Size-Fits-All Thinking
Some people buy a single Powder extinguisher and call it a day. Yes, it covers A/B/C classes, but the residue can destroy electronics and clog up sensitive machinery. - No Servicing or Certification
An extinguisher looks fine—until you need it. UK law requires annual servicing by a qualified technician (under BS 5306-3). Without that, your insurance may not pay out. - Untrained Staff
If your team doesn’t know which extinguisher to grab in a real fire, what’s the point of having them?
Is it a Legal Requirement?
Yes. And if your business fails to comply, you’re liable. Unfortunate, but necessary. Fire extinguisher logbooks must also be maintained.
- You need monthly visual checks, plus annual professional servicing.
- Signage must meet Health & Safety Regs 1996.
- Staff training isn’t optional—it’s part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
So, What Should You Do?
- Don’t overbuy—get the right type for the right place.
- Schedule annual servicing with a BAFE-certified technician.
- Train your staff—not just once, but regularly.
- Consider a fire risk assessment if you’re unsure.
We’re Here to Help
At Surrey Fire & Safety Ltd., we make fire compliance easy:
- Certified extinguisher servicing (with paperwork!)
- Honest advice tailored to your business
- Free site surveys across Surrey, London & the South East
Need some guidance or a quote?
Get in touch today—we’ll help you get it right, before you need it.
Contact usFire protection isn’t just about equipment—it’s about preparation.