Water Fire Extinguishers UK Are Suitable for Use on Class A Fires.

Water Fire Extinguishers UK – Colour Red – Class A fires.

Water Extinguishers- are suitable for most Class A fires, caused by the combustion of materials such as wood, straw, textiles, paper, coal etc. but remember they must NEVER be used on fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment as: –

The water can conduct electricity back to you.

Water makes fat or oil fires worse – they can explode as the water hits them.

Water Fire Extinguishers- are filled with water and pressurised with oxygen and are available as either full jet or super-spray versions.

The range of the jet is 4 – 6 m. – discharges time 45 seconds- both variables according to type.

A displayed numerical rating indicates the amount of water it holds and the expanse of fire it can extinguish.

Some incorporate a controlled discharge facility and a check control device, for maintenance verification.

Application- Read the instructions and make yourself familiar with HOW TO USE IT. Don’t leave it until you have a fire! 

• Pull out the safety pin- then sqeeze the lever.

• Aim the jet at the burning material – not the flames and keep it moving across the area of the fire.

• A fire advancing vertically should be tackled at its base then followed upwards.

• The water cools the burning material.

• Check for any hot spots after the main fire is extinguished.

How Do Water Fire Extinguishers Work?

At the top of the casing, there is a small container filled with compressed gas.

A release valve prevents this gas from escaping until the safety pin is pulled and the lever squeezed.

The lever operates a rod, which presses the valve down to release the compressed gas, which applies a downward pressure on the water, pushing it out of the nozzle at high pressure.

Fire extinguishers should be sited in a conspicuous position on a wall, (brackets are usually supplied) or on a stand; they should have a sign above to identify the extinguisher type and application.

Water Fire Extinguisher Maintenance is Important.- You should inspect your fire extinguishers at least once a month and have them serviced once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested after a number of years in use, to ensure that the cylinder is still safe. Consult your extinguisher manual, the label, or the manufacturer to find out when yours requires testing.

N.B.The colour coding of fire extinguishers has changed.- The NEW types now comply with the European Standard BS EN3. They have red bodies with a section of colour, up to 5% of the surface, to indicate the contents of the extinguisher.