Fire Extinguisher Band Colours NZ
Fire extinguishers are an essential tool in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Not only can they save property but can also save lives and reduce the chance of danger to those involved.
Different fire extinguisher types are more effective with different classes of fire. Some types may even cause more harm if used on the wrong kind of fire.
It is necessary to know and appreciate each extinguisher’s different uses as using the incorrect type of fire extinguisher could be deadly.
Before knowing how and when to use each fire extinguisher, it is important to have an understanding of each class of fire.
The Different Classes Of Fire Are:
Class A – Combustible solids such as wood, paper, cloth or plastic
Class B – Flammable liquids such as petrol, Kerosene or paint
Class C – Flammable gases such as LPG gas or natural gas
Class D – Combustible metals such as aluminium or magnesium
Class E – Electrically energised equipment such as short-circuited machinery or overloaded electrical cables.
Class F – Cooking fats and oils such as vegetable oil, fats and lard.
A fire requires three key elements to thrive. These are oxygen, heat, and fuel. Fire extinguishers work by removing at least one of these three key elements.
An easy way to identify each type of fire extinguisher is by the different coloured bands found on the top of each cylinder.
This band allows us to identify what type of fire extinguisher it is from a distance, therefore, allowing us to recognise which fire to use it for.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry chemical fire extinguishers or otherwise known as ABE or BE are the most popular type of extinguisher in New Zealand.
They can fight multiple classes of fire and are commonly installed in offices, homes and factories.
A dry powder fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and white band that runs around the top of the tank.
In New Zealand, you can find two types of dry powder fire extinguisher.
ABE Fire Extinguishers
Due to their wide variety of uses, the ABE dry chemical powder extinguisher is by far the most used in New Zealand.
As the name suggests, it can be used to fight fires from class A, B and E.
ABE fire extinguishers contain a chemical powder called monoammonium phosphate which extinguishes the fire by melting over the fuel source.
Using a powder fire extinguisher in a confined space or indoors can cause poor visibility, and may make it difficult to breathe.
BE Fire Extinguishers
The BE fire extinguisher is not as commonly used. These fire extinguishers are used to fight Class B and E fires. The chemicals usually found in BE extinguishers are sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate which smothers the fire and extinguishes it.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide, also known as CO2, is recommended for use on class E fires.
They are identified by the black band running around the top of the red cylinder.
CO2 fire extinguishers contain a non-conductive and non-corrosive extinguishing agent, therefore, will cause no damage to electrical equipment.
This type of fire extinguisher is often found in areas such as electrical server/data rooms, switch rooms, or next to electrical machinery.
Carbon dioxide works by removing the oxygen element from the fire.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers can also be referred to as AFFF extinguishers due to the aqueous film foaming foam that it contains.
Foam fire extinguishers are used for class A and B fires.
It is simple to identify a foam fire extinguisher by the blue band that runs around the top of the cylinder.
When foam fire extinguishers are used to extinguish a fire, they remove the element of oxygen by creating a blanket of foam on top of the fuel source of the fire as well as creating a cooling effect from the water.
AFFF fire extinguishers are generally used within warehouse’s, petrol stations and storage facilities and are not recommended for use in kitchens on class F fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are used for class A and F fires.
They are the only type of fire extinguisher recommended for use on class F fires.
You can identify wet chemical extinguishers by the oatmeal coloured band running around the top of the cylinder.
It is highly suggested that they are installed in commercial kitchens.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers contain a solution of potassium; this solution smothers the fire and removes the element of heat.
A wet chemical fire extinguisher must never be used on Class E fires.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers are the commonly found both domestically and commercially and are recommended for use on class A fires.
The all-red cylinder can identify these extinguishers with no coloured band.
Water fire extinguishers are often found in storage facilities and warehouses.
As with wet chemical and foam extinguishers, it’s important to remember that water fire extinguishers should never be used on a class E fires as it would potentially put you at risk of electrocution.
How To Use A Fire Extinguisher
All fire extinguishers in New Zealand require the PASS technique to operate
The PASS technique is as follows…
- Pull the pin.
- Aim it at the fire.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep from side to side.