Types of Fire Extinguishers in Australia: Which One Do You Need and When to Use It

Types of Fire Extinguishers in Australia: A Complete Guide

Understanding the different types of fire extinguishers and knowing which one to use on which type of fire is one of the most critical pieces of knowledge for workplace safety. Using the wrong extinguisher on the wrong type of fire can be ineffective at best and catastrophically dangerous at worst. This guide covers every type of fire extinguisher used in Australian workplaces, their colour coding, and the fire classes they are designed to combat.

Fire Classes in Australia

Before understanding extinguisher types, it is essential to understand how fires are classified in Australia. Australian Standard AS 1940 defines six classes of fire:

Class	Type of Fire	Examples
Class A	Ordinary combustibles	Wood, paper, textiles, rubber, plastics
Class B	Flammable liquids	Petrol, oil, paint, solvents, alcohol
Class C	Flammable gases	LPG, natural gas, acetylene
Class D	Combustible metals	Magnesium, titanium, sodium
Class E	Electrically energised equipment	Switchboards, computers, machinery
Class F	Cooking oils and fats	Deep fryers, commercial kitchens

Fire Extinguisher Types and Their Applications

Water Extinguishers (Red label)

Water extinguishers are the most common type and are suitable for Class A fires only. They work by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. Water extinguishers must never be used on:

• Class B fires (flammable liquids) — water can spread the burning liquid
• Class E fires (electrical) — water conducts electricity and creates electrocution risk
• Class F fires (cooking oils) — water causes violent steam explosions

Foam Extinguishers (Blue label)

Foam extinguishers are effective on Class A and Class B fires. They work by smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition by forming a blanket over the burning liquid. Foam extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires (Class E) as the foam solution can conduct electricity.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguishers (Black label)

CO₂ extinguishers are effective on Class B and Class E fires. They work by displacing oxygen around the fire, suffocating it. CO₂ extinguishers are particularly valuable in environments with sensitive electrical equipment because they leave no residue. Key considerations:

• Not effective on Class A fires (the fire may re-ignite when CO₂ disperses)
• Not suitable for outdoor use in windy conditions
• The discharge horn becomes extremely cold during use — do not hold the horn

Dry Chemical Powder Extinguishers (White label)

Dry chemical powder (DCP) extinguishers are the most versatile type, effective on Class A, B, C, and E fires. They work by interrupting the chemical chain reaction of combustion. There are two main types:

• ABE powder: Effective on Class A, B, and E fires — the most common type for general workplaces
• BE powder: Effective on Class B and E fires only — used in specific industrial applications

DCP extinguishers leave a significant residue that can damage sensitive equipment and is difficult to clean up. They should not be used in food preparation areas or environments with sensitive electronics where CO₂ would be more appropriate.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Oatmeal/Yellow label)

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats) and are the only type that should be used in commercial kitchen environments. They work by creating a soapy foam layer over the burning oil, cooling it and preventing re-ignition. Using a water or DCP extinguisher on a cooking oil fire can cause a violent explosion.

Vaporising Liquid Extinguishers

These extinguishers use a clean agent (typically a halon replacement compound) and are effective on Class B and E fires. They are primarily used in environments where residue from other extinguisher types would cause unacceptable damage, such as server rooms and aircraft.

Colour Coding in Australia

Australian Standard AS 1841 specifies the colour coding for fire extinguishers. All extinguishers must have a red body, with a coloured band indicating the agent type:

Agent	Band Colour
Water	Red (no band — entire body is red)
Foam	Blue
CO₂	Black
Dry Chemical Powder	White
Wet Chemical	Oatmeal/Yellow
Vaporising Liquid	Purple

Selecting the Right Extinguisher for Your Workplace

The selection of fire extinguishers for a workplace should be based on a fire risk assessment that considers:

• The types of materials and processes present in the workplace
• The fire classes most likely to occur
• The size of the area to be protected
• The location of electrical equipment
• Any special hazards (cooking, chemical storage, etc.)

For most standard office environments, ABE dry chemical powder extinguishers or CO₂ extinguishers are appropriate. For commercial kitchens, wet chemical extinguishers are essential. For environments with sensitive electronics, CO₂ extinguishers are preferred.

The PASS Technique for Using a Fire Extinguisher

When using a fire extinguisher, follow the PASS technique:

• P — Pull the pin to break the tamper seal
• A — Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• S — Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent
• S — Sweep from side to side, keeping the nozzle aimed at the base of the fire

Always maintain a safe distance from the fire (typically 1-2 metres for most extinguisher types) and position yourself with an escape route behind you. Never allow the fire to get between you and your exit.

When NOT to Fight a Fire

Fire extinguishers are designed for small, contained fires in their early stages. You should not attempt to fight a fire if:

• The fire is larger than a wastepaper basket
• The fire is spreading rapidly
• The room is filling with smoke
• You do not have the correct type of extinguisher
• You have not been trained to use a fire extinguisher
• Your escape route could be compromised

If in doubt, evacuate immediately and call 000. No property is worth your life.

The Importance of Practical Training

Understanding the theory of fire extinguisher use is only the first step. Practical, hands-on training with real extinguishers is essential for developing the confidence and muscle memory needed to use an extinguisher effectively under the stress of a real fire emergency. Ready Set Rescue WA delivers fire extinguisher training onsite at Perth workplaces, using live fire demonstrations where participants actually discharge extinguishers on real fires in a controlled, safe environment.