The Indispensable Role of Fire Extinguishers in Your Business: Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types & Their Applications
Different types of fires require different types of extinguishers. Using the wrong type can be dangerous and ineffective. We ensure your premises are equipped with the correct mix of commercial fire extinguishers for your site’s fire risk profile:
Water Extinguishers (Red)
Ideal for Class A fires (combustible materials like wood, paper, textiles). Not suitable for electrical fires.
Foam Extinguishers (Cream label)
Effective on Class A and B fires (flammable liquids like petrol, oils). They create a seal over the liquid, starving the fire of oxygen.
CO2 Extinguishers (Black label)
Perfect for Class B (flammable liquids) and electrical fires (Class E). They displace oxygen and leave no residue, making them suitable for sensitive equipment.
Dry Powder Extinguishers (Blue label)
Multi-purpose, effective on Class A, B, C (flammable gases), and some electrical fires. However, they can cause damage to sensitive equipment and impair visibility.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow label)
Specifically designed for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats), commonly found in commercial kitchens.
Lithium-ion Extinguishers (Specialised)
With the rise of modern electronics, specialised extinguishers are emerging for lithium-ion battery fires. We can advise on these as needed. We can advise on these as needed for sites with significant battery storage, EV charging or modern electronics.
Benefit Cards
Our Commercial Fire Extinguisher Installation & Maintenance Process
Every commercial fire extinguisher installation we deliver follows a transparent four-stage process. Get solid advice from BAFE-accredited engineers and a maintenance plan that keeps you compliant under BS 5306 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Where a fire risk assessment is required to determine your extinguisher specification, Chilman can deliver both in a single visit.
1. Free Site Survey & Fire Risk Assessment
A Chilman engineer visits your premises to identify fire hazards, classify each area by risk type (Class A through F plus electrical), and document the existing extinguisher provision. Where a current fire risk assessment is in place, we use it as the starting point; where it isn't, we can include a BAFE SP205-accredited fire risk assessment in the same visit.
2. Selection & Commercial Fire Extinguisher Installation
Based on the survey, we specify the correct mix of commercial fire extinguishers, type, size and quantity, against BS 5306-8 (selection and positioning). Installation includes wall brackets, signage to BS 5499, and clear identification labels at every device. All work is documented with as-installed plans and a commissioning certificate.
3. Annual Service to BS 5306-3
BS 5306-3 requires every commercial fire extinguisher to be serviced annually by a competent person. Chilman maintenance contracts include the annual basic service, certification stickers, and a service report that satisfies your insurer and enforcing authority. We also flag any extinguishers approaching their five-year extended service or ten-year overhaul.
4. Discharge Testing, Refill & Replacement
Water, foam and powder extinguishers require discharge testing and refilling every five years. CO₂ extinguishers require an overhaul every ten years. Chilman handles all of this on your behalf, including disposal of any unit that has reached end-of-life and supply of compliant replacements. Any extinguisher that has been used or partially discharged is recharged or replaced promptly so you're never under-protected.
Serving Oxford, London & Bristol
From our offices in Oxford, London and Bristol, we deliver commercial fire extinguisher installation, annual servicing and emergency replacement across the Thames Valley, Home Counties, Greater London and the South West. Local engineers mean faster response on emergency call-outs, simpler scheduling on planned maintenance, and a single trusted partner across multi-site estates. See our full service areas for detailed coverage by region.