Understanding fire extinguisher colour codes
In any UK workplace, understanding fire extinguisher colour codes isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The colour of a fire extinguisher tells you what type of fire it should be used on, and using the wrong one could make the situation worse.
At Black and White Fire Safety, we believe that fire safety should be simple. That’s why we’ve created this quick-reference guide to UK fire extinguisher colour codes, tailored for offices and commercial spaces.
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Why Do Fire Extinguisher Colours Matter?
The colour-coded labels help you quickly identify the contents of the extinguisher—and therefore what types of fires it can tackle. This is particularly important in high-stress situations, where acting fast and correctly makes all the difference.
UK Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes (BS EN3 Standard)
Since the introduction of the BS EN3 standard, all fire extinguishers in the UK are red with a small colour band to indicate type. Here’s a breakdown:
Water – Red Label
Use for: Class A fires (paper, wood, cloth, etc.)
Don’t use on: Electrical or flammable liquid fires
Common in: Offices, shops, schools
Simple and safe for most office-based fires involving solid materials.
Foam – Cream Label
Use for: Class A and B fires (solids and flammable liquids)
Don’t use on: Electrical fires (unless rated safe)
Common in: Offices with printers, solvents, etc.
Versatile and widely used in mixed environments.
CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) – Black Label
Use for: Electrical fires and small flammable liquid fires
Don’t use on: Class A (solid materials) fires
Common in: Server rooms, offices with lots of electronics
Leaves no residue—ideal for protecting sensitive equipment.
Dry Powder – Blue Label
Use for: Class A, B, and C fires (solids, liquids, gases)
Don’t use in: Enclosed spaces (can impair vision & breathing)
Common in: Garages, workshops, forecourts
Very effective, but not ideal for indoor office use.
Wet Chemical – Yellow Label
Use for: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats)
Don’t use on: Electrical fires
Common in: Office kitchens, commercial food areas
Specifically for deep fat fryer and kitchen-related fires.
Fire Safety Tip for UK Offices
Every UK office must:
Have the correct extinguisher types for their environment
Ensure extinguishers are clearly labelled and mounted
Conduct annual servicing (as per BS 5306-3)
Provide staff training on how and when to use them
Don’t just tick the box—make sure your team knows what each extinguisher does.
Need Help With Fire Extinguishers?
At Black and White Fire Safety, we supply, install and maintain BAFE-approved fire extinguishers, tailored to your building’s needs. We also offer on-site training so your staff feel confident using the right extinguisher when it matters most.
