Fire Extinguisher Colours

In Ireland, fire extinguishers are typically colour-coded following the European standard for fire safety. These colour codes are designed to quickly identify the type of fire the extinguisher is suitable for. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the following colour-coding system is commonly used in Ireland:

Different colour options:

Red: Red fire extinguishers are for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. They typically contain water or a water-based extinguishing agent.

Cream: Cream-colored fire extinguishers are used for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and solvents. These extinguishers often contain foam or dry chemical agents.

Blue: Blue fire extinguishers are for Class C fires, which involve electrical equipment and appliances. They typically contain non-conductive agents like carbon dioxide (CO2) or clean agents (halon alternatives).

Black: Black fire extinguishers are used for Class D fires involving combustible metals. These extinguishers contain dry powder agents specifically formulated for metal fires.

Yellow: Yellow fire extinguishers are used for Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats, often found in commercial kitchens. Class F extinguishers typically contain a specialised wet chemical agent designed to extinguish high-temperature fires involving cooking oils.

Please note that fire safety standards and regulations can change over time, so it's important to check with local authorities or fire safety organisations in Ireland for the most up-to-date information on fire extinguisher colour codes and usage guidelines. Additionally, always read the labels and instructions on the fire extinguisher itself to ensure you are using the correct type for the specific fire hazard.