CFA Fire Extinguishers Factsheet - June 2023T
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nidhi JINDALCFA Fire Extinguishers Factsheet - June 2023T
Uploaded by
nidhi JINDALFire Extinguishers
A GUIDE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
Fire Extinguishers can be used by building occupants (employees or visitors) to put out
a fire whilst it is still small. They are the most common form of fire safety equipment in
buildings.
Fire Extinguisher Checklist What are the different types of fire
extinguishers and why is it important to
☐ Are there enough of the correct type of fire install the correct one?
extinguishers?
There are many rules and regulations that
☐ Are they located appropriate to fire hazards? relate to the installation, number, and type of
☐ Are the operating instructions clear and fire extinguishers required in buildings. These
guidelines ensure that fire extinguishers are readily
legible?
accessible and located in a manner that does not
☐ Is the fire extinguisher accessible at all times? pose hazards to potential users.
☐ Is the fire extinguisher maintained correctly and
provided with a maintenance tag? What are the different types of Fire
☐ Have all staff been trained in the proper use of Extinguishers?
fire blankets? For a fire extinguisher to be effective, it is
extremely important that the correct type of fire
extinguisher is provided to match the risk that is
present.
A B C E F D
Current Extinguishing Flammable & Comments
Agent Wood Paper combustible
Flammable Electrically Cooking Oils Metal
Gases Energised and Fats Fires
Liquids
Water Dangerous if used on flammable liquid,
Use only special purpose ex tinguisher s and seek exper t advice
✓ x x x x energised electrical equipment and cooking
oil/fat fires
Wet Chemical Dangerous if used on energised electrical
✓ x x x ✓ equipment
Foam* Dangerous if used on energised electrical
✓ ✓ x x Limited equipment
(ABE) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ x Look carefully at the extinguisher to
Powder determine if it is BE or ABE unit as the
(BE) x ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ capability is different
Carbon Dioxide Not suitable for outdoor use or smouldering
Limited Limited x ✓ x deep seated A Class Fires
Vaporising Check the characteristics of the specific
Liquid ✓ Limited Limited ✓ x extinguishing agent. 5 yearly servicing must
be done by ODS & SGG licensed persons
Fire Blanket *Fire Blankets may be used as a thermal
Limited Limited x x ✓ barrier against radiated heat and to control a
fire in clothes being worn by a person
OUR COMMUNIT Y • OUR CFA cfa.vic.gov.au
Where should I put a fire extinguisher? What are fire extinguisher identification
Fire extinguishers should be put in easily discs?
accessible positions within the building. This Fire extinguisher identification discs are used
means they should be located in areas where to label different types of fire extinguishers and
occupants can reach them quickly in the event of a communicate the type of fire they can be used for.
fire emergency.
By providing clear labeling, people can quickly
At the same time, the standard emphasises that identify the appropriate extinguisher to use based
fire extinguishers should not be positioned in on the type of fire there is.
locations where access could be hazardous to the
user. This ensures that individuals attempting to
use a fire extinguisher do not put themselves at
risk while trying to reach it.
What signage am I required to provide?
“Fire Extinguisher” signs shows the location of a
fire extinguisher in the case of an emergency.
To help people find fire extinguishers quickly and
easily, signage must be:
• Clearly visible from a distance of up to 20 meters
in all directions.
• Signage should be installed 2m or more above
the floor level
Is there training available in the use of fire
extinguishers?
All occupants of buildings should be trained in fire
awareness and the safe and effective use of all fire
safety equipment – including fire extinguishers.
CFA’s Fire Equipment Maintenance team provides
training to businesses. Contact us for more
information: [email protected]
Further information
Comprehensive guidelines can be found in
AS 2444 - Portable Fire Extinguishers and
Fire Blankets.
If you have any questions or need support,
Watch this Instructional Video: please contact CFA’s Fire Equipment
How to use fire extinguishers. Maintenance (FEM) Hotline on 1300 363 661
