STANDARD DRY POWDER knocks down flames. Best for liquids such as grease, fat, oil, paint, petrol (except chip or fat pan fires).

MULTI-PURPOSE DRY POWDER knocks down flames and, on burning solids, melts to form a skin smothering the fire. Provides some cooling effect.

Best for wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc. Fires involving solids. Liquids such as grease, fats, oils, paint, petrol etc. (except chip or fat pan fires).

DANGER
This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and care has to be taken that the fire does not re-ignite. Additionally, although it is safe to use on live electrical equipment, it does not readily penetrate spaces inside the equipment and similar care has to be taken to ensure the fire does not re-ignite, the simplest method of which is usually to isolate the power supply.

Smoldering material in deep seated fires such as upholstery or bedding can cause the fire to start up again.

WATER works mainly by cooling burning material.

Best for wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc. Fires involving solids.

DANGER
Do not use on burning fat or oil or on electrical appliances.

AFFF (AQUEOUS FILM-FORMING FOAM) [MULTI-PURPOSE] forms a fire extinguishing film on a surface of a burning liquid. Has a cooling action with a wider extinguishing application than water on solid combustible materials.

Best for wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coals, etc. Fires involving solids. Liquids such as grease, fats, oils, paint, petrol etc. (except chip or fat pan fires).

FOAM forms a blanket of foam over the surface of the burning liquid and smothers the fire.

Best for a limited number of liquid fires - check manufacturer's instructions for suitability of use on fires involving liquids.

DANGER
These extinguishers are generally not recommended for home use.

CARBON DIOXIDE CO2 vaporising liquid gas which smothers the flames by displacing oxygen in the air.

Best for liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol etc. (except chip or fat pan fires.) Clean, effective and safe on live electrical equipment.

DANGER
This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and you need to watch that the fire does not start up again. Gas from CO2 extinguishers can be harmful if used in confined spaces as it displaces oxygen in the air. Ventilate the area as soon as the fire has been extinguished.

VAPORISING LIQUID (including Halon*) vaporising liquid gas which gives rapid knock down by chemically inhibiting combustion.

Best for liquids such as grease, fats, oil, paint, petrol (except chip and fat pan fires).

DANGER
This type of extinguisher does not cool the fire very well and care should be taken to ensure that the fire does not re-ignite. Fumes from vaporising liquid gas extinguishes can be harmful if used in confined spaces, particularly if used on hot metal. The area should be well ventilated as soon as the fire has extinguished.