Buy Fire Extinguishers the right way!
Protect your premises and your people from the dangers of fire with our complete guide to Fire Extinguishers. Buy fire extinguishers and understand your responsibilities with information including supply, installation, maintenance, servicing, training and legislation.
Buy Fire Extinguishers with confidence from Alert Fire & Security today – call 0330 056 3551

Which Fire Extinguishers Do You Need In Your Workplace?
Buy fire extinguishers with confidence and fulfill your legal and insurance obligations.
We’ll help you understand which type of extinguishers and quantity you need in your workplace.
RED
Fire Extinguisher
WATER
Red Label
Can be used on Wood, Paper, Textiles and Solids
BLACK
Fire Extinguisher
CARBON DIOXIDE
Black Label
Can be used on Liquids and Electricals
BLUE
Fire Extinguisher
POWDER
Blue Label
Can be used on Liquids and Electricals
YELLOW
Fire Extinguisher
WET CHEMICAL
Yellow Label
Can be used on Chemicals, Oils and Fats
CREAM
Fire Extinguisher
FOAM
Cream Label
Can be used on Liquids
Which Fire Extinguishers should I use?
- Water (Red label) – Can be used on wood, paper, textiles and solids
- Powder (Blue label) – Can be used on liquid and electricals
- Foam (Cream label) – Can be used on liquids
- Carbon Dioxide (Black label) – Can be used on Liquids and electricals
- Wet Chemical (Yellow label) – Can be used on chemicals, oils and fats
British Standard EN 2 classifies fires as:
- Class A Fires involving solid materials where combustion normally takes place with the formation of glowing embers.
- Class B Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids.
- Class C Fires involving gases.
- Class D Fires involving metals.
- Class F Fires involving cooking oils or fats.
RED or CHROME Fire Extinguishers?
Red Fire Extinguishers are the most commonly seen extinguishers as they comply with British Standards, specifically BS EN3-7: 2004. Part 16.1 of the Standard states that, in order for a fire extinguisher to be BS EN3 approved, 95% of the body of the fire extinguisher must be red.
Chrome Fire Extinguishers are generally used in hotels and public places where aesthetics looks are a consideration.
Chrome fire extinguishers are actually made from stainless steel or aluminium, but because the outer body is not 95% red, it does not comply to BS EN3-7: 2004.
BS EN3-7: 2004 is only a recommendation, not law, which can create confusion, however as a Chrome fire extinguisher uses the same components and functions in the same way as as a red extinguisher, they hold the CE Mark, meaning they are legal to use in the UK.
Make sure you buy fire extinguishers that comply with legislation. Call for more information 0330 056 3551
Commissioning a Fire Extinguisher In Place
When you buy fire extinguishers, they must be officially commissioned in situ before they can be used by anyone.
This means you cannot simply buy fire extinguishers online, have delivered and place on the floor in a suitable location ready to use.
By commissioning a fire extinguisher there many elements to consider including CE Marks, pressure gauges, weights, tamper seals, nozzle attachments, damage free and suitable storage and placement options, installed to BS 5306-8: 2003 standard.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 states a fire extinguisher should be commissioned by a ‘competent person’. That means most employers will either place the commissioning responsibility on a company Director, an employee or suitable outsourced fire professional.
Are you comfortable taking on that responsibility or forcing it on an employee?
We recommend you seek the support of a fire professional.
Fire Extinguisher Inspections & Maintenance
- Visually inspect the fire extinguisher for corrosion and damage.
- Check that the extinguisher has not been used, by checking that the safety pin and tamper seal are in place.
- Pressure gauge reading (indicating needle should be in the green area (This is not applicable for CO2 fire extinguishers)
- Check that the operating instructions on the extinguisher are clear and legible.
- Remove the discharge hose and check for blockages and corrosion. Once the discharge hose has been removed replace the ‘O’ ring.
- Weigh the extinguisher and record on the service label – if there is more than a 10% weight loss, investigate and recharge.
- Wipe down the extinguisher and ensure that the wall mountings are secure and in good condition before replacing the appliance back on the wall.
Fire Marshal Training
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers have a responsibility to provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training.
Send your staff on our fun and interactive Fire Marshal Training Course.
- Use Fire Fighting Equipment to extinguish a fire
- Enjoy an interactive, hands on and fun way of learning
- Understand the common sense approach to reduce the
impact of fire - Your list
- Learn about your responsibilities
- Certificate and information pack
Call us on 0330 056 3551 for more information
See Our Trainer In Action
Enquire Online For Your Solution
Call us on 0330 056 3551 or complete the form below.
- Supply
-
Which Fire Extinguishers Do You Need In Your Workplace?
Buy fire extinguishers with confidence and fulfill your legal and insurance obligations.
We’ll help you understand which type of extinguishers and quantity you need in your workplace.
RED
Fire Extinguisher
WATER
Red Label
Can be used on Wood, Paper, Textiles and Solids
BLACK
Fire Extinguisher
CARBON DIOXIDE
Black Label
Can be used on Liquids and Electricals
BLUE
Fire Extinguisher
POWDER
Blue Label
Can be used on Liquids and Electricals
YELLOW
Fire Extinguisher
WET CHEMICAL
Yellow Label
Can be used on Chemicals, Oils and Fats
CREAM
Fire Extinguisher
FOAM
Cream Label
Can be used on Liquids
- What Do I Need?
-
Which Fire Extinguishers should I use?
- Water (Red label) – Can be used on wood, paper, textiles and solids
- Powder (Blue label) – Can be used on liquid and electricals
- Foam (Cream label) – Can be used on liquids
- Carbon Dioxide (Black label) – Can be used on Liquids and electricals
- Wet Chemical (Yellow label) – Can be used on chemicals, oils and fats
British Standard EN 2 classifies fires as:
- Class A Fires involving solid materials where combustion normally takes place with the formation of glowing embers.
- Class B Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids.
- Class C Fires involving gases.
- Class D Fires involving metals.
- Class F Fires involving cooking oils or fats.
- Red or Chrome?
-
RED or CHROME Fire Extinguishers?
Red Fire Extinguishers are the most commonly seen extinguishers as they comply with British Standards, specifically BS EN3-7: 2004. Part 16.1 of the Standard states that, in order for a fire extinguisher to be BS EN3 approved, 95% of the body of the fire extinguisher must be red.
Chrome Fire Extinguishers are generally used in hotels and public places where aesthetics looks are a consideration.
Chrome fire extinguishers are actually made from stainless steel or aluminium, but because the outer body is not 95% red, it does not comply to BS EN3-7: 2004.
BS EN3-7: 2004 is only a recommendation, not law, which can create confusion, however as a Chrome fire extinguisher uses the same components and functions in the same way as as a red extinguisher, they hold the CE Mark, meaning they are legal to use in the UK.
Make sure you buy fire extinguishers that comply with legislation. Call for more information 0330 056 3551
- Install
-
Commissioning a Fire Extinguisher In Place
When you buy fire extinguishers, they must be officially commissioned in situ before they can be used by anyone.
This means you cannot simply buy fire extinguishers online, have delivered and place on the floor in a suitable location ready to use.
By commissioning a fire extinguisher there many elements to consider including CE Marks, pressure gauges, weights, tamper seals, nozzle attachments, damage free and suitable storage and placement options, installed to BS 5306-8: 2003 standard.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 states a fire extinguisher should be commissioned by a ‘competent person’. That means most employers will either place the commissioning responsibility on a company Director, an employee or suitable outsourced fire professional.
Are you comfortable taking on that responsibility or forcing it on an employee?
We recommend you seek the support of a fire professional. - Maintenance
-
Fire Extinguisher Inspections & Maintenance
- Visually inspect the fire extinguisher for corrosion and damage.
- Check that the extinguisher has not been used, by checking that the safety pin and tamper seal are in place.
- Pressure gauge reading (indicating needle should be in the green area (This is not applicable for CO2 fire extinguishers)
- Check that the operating instructions on the extinguisher are clear and legible.
- Remove the discharge hose and check for blockages and corrosion. Once the discharge hose has been removed replace the ‘O’ ring.
- Weigh the extinguisher and record on the service label – if there is more than a 10% weight loss, investigate and recharge.
- Wipe down the extinguisher and ensure that the wall mountings are secure and in good condition before replacing the appliance back on the wall.
- Training
-
Fire Marshal Training
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers have a responsibility to provide staff information, fire safety instruction and training.
Send your staff on our fun and interactive Fire Marshal Training Course.
Book On Our Next Course >- Use Fire Fighting Equipment to extinguish a fire
- Enjoy an interactive, hands on and fun way of learning
- Understand the common sense approach to reduce the
impact of fire - Your list
- Learn about your responsibilities
- Certificate and information pack
Call us on 0330 056 3551 for more information
See Our Trainer In Action
- ORDER NOW
-
Enquire Online For Your Solution
Call us on 0330 056 3551 or complete the form below.
Order Now - Call 0330 056 3551

Buy your Fire Extinguishers from Alert Fire & Security
We Supply, Commission and Maintain Fire Extinguishers
- Alert Supply of Fire Extinguishers
- Alert Commission Fire Extinguisher ready to use
- Alert Service and Maintain Fire Extinguishers
- Alert provide Fire Extinguisher training
- Alert provide Fire Extinguisher information
- Alert provide dedicated Account Managers to you
IMPORTANT: If you buy fire extinguishers online, they must be officially commissioned in situ before they can be used by anyone.
Call us on 0330 056 3551 to get not only your fire extinguishers, but have them delivered and installed (commissioned) at the same time, ready to use.
Ensuring Fire Extinguishers are serviced correctly just makes sense – why risk trying to fight a fire with an extinguisher that has lost its pressure or is empty?
Make sure that you have the correct number and type of extinguishers located throughout your building.

Ensuring Fire Extinguishers are serviced correctly just makes sense – why risk trying to fight a fire with an extinguisher that has lost its pressure or is empty?
Make sure that you have the correct number and type of extinguishers located throughout your building.
There are many factors to consider when buying fire extinguishers. Are you buying the right one?
Factors include the use and main activities of the building, floor space and fire exit placements.Your Fire Risk Assessment will also highlight other factors that are specific to your situation.
Our fire extinguishers can help your staff fight a small fire (obviously they would need to be trained), therefore preventing a full evacuation of the building and the risk of the fire spreading.
A small fire can easily and safely be extinguished, so ensure that the correct type and quantity are readily available around your property.
Contact us about of Fire Marshal Training courses to ensure your staff are confident in using the equipment.
When you buy fire extinguishers from Alert Fire and Security, you can be assured they conform to legislation. All our fire extinguishers are stamped with CE Mark, installed to BS 5306-8: 2003 and commissioned and maintained to BS 5306-3: 2009
With an Alert Fire & Security Maintenance Package, you can quickly call out an Engineer if an extinguisher becomes damaged, used, or the pressure drops meaning that the number of fire fighting units is not compromised.