What Every Fire Extinguisher Colour Really Means
In an emergency, knowing which fire extinguisher colour to use can be the difference between a controlled situation and a major incident. Each extinguisher is designed for specific fire types, and using the wrong one can be dangerous. In Australia, fire extinguishers are marked with a coloured band that indicates their contents and intended use.
This guide explains what each colour means and where each extinguisher should (and shouldn't) be used, helping you stay compliant and, more importantly, safe.
Here's a guide to common Australian fire extinguisher colour codes:
RED BAND
- Contents: Water (also known as Stored Pressure Water or SPW).
- How it works: Great at putting out ordinary fires caused by combustible materials. Doesn't leave behind chemical residue.
- Suitable for: Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, plastic, or rubber products.
- Not suitable for: Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (combustible gases), Class D (combustible metals), Class E (electrical equipment – NEVER use on live electrical equipment), Class F (cooking oils and fats).
The Water-Type Fire Extinguisher Identification Sign is a critical safety feature designed to comply with Australian Standards AS2444. This sign ensures water-based fire extinguishers are easily identifiable, enabling prompt and effective responses.
Shop 9L water fire extinguisher for timber, paper and general combustible risks.
BLACK BAND
- Contents: Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
- How it works: Offer excellent protection against flammable liquids and electrical fires. They work by displacing the oxygen around the fire. CO2 is very clean and doesn't leave a mess.
- Suitable for: Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids such as petrol, oil paint, and solvents, and Class E Fires – where the ignition source contains electrical equipment such as motors, switchboards, and electrical appliances.
- Not suitable for: Class C (combustible gases), Class D (combustible metals), Class F (cooking oils and fats).
The CO2 Fire Extinguisher Identification Sign is an essential safety feature designed to comply with Australian Standards AS2444. It must be displayed above all CO2 fire extinguishers to ensure easy identification in emergencies.
Protecting switchboards, motors or server rooms? Order a 3.5kg CO2 fire extinguisher.
BLUE BAND
- Contents: Foam.
- How it works: Emanate a film that rapidly smothers the fire’s oxygen supply, knocking down its flames.
- Suitable for: Class A Fires – involving normal combustible materials, and Class B Fires – involving combustible liquids like petrol, oil paint, and solvents.
- Not suitable for: Class C (combustible gases), Class D (combustible metals), Class E (electrical equipment), Class F (cooking oils and fats).
The Foam Fire Extinguisher Identification Sign is a vital safety component designed to comply with Australian Standards AS2444. This sign ensures foam fire extinguishers are easily identifiable, facilitating prompt and appropriate responses.
Get a 9L foam fire extinguisher suited to fuel storage, workshops and plant areas.
WHITE BAND
- Contents: Powder AB(E).
- How it works: Dry Chemical Powder ABE extinguishers provide excellent protection against wood, paper, liquid, and electrical fires. Their wide range of applications makes them extremely versatile.
- Suitable for: Class A Fires (ordinary combustible materials), Class B Fires (combustible liquids), and Class E Fires (electrical equipment).
- Not suitable for: Class C (combustible gases) and Class D (combustible metals).
The ABE (Powder) Fire Extinguisher Identification Sign is an essential component of fire safety protocols, designed to comply with Australian Standards AS2444. This sign ensures that ABE powder fire extinguishers are easily identifiable during emergencies.
Buy a 4.5kg ABE dry powder fire extinguisher for the widest single-unit cover on site.
OATMEAL BAND
- Contents: Wet Chemical.
- How it works: Designed to extinguish fires on kitchen ranges caused by cooking oils and fats. Contains a liquid agent that becomes soapy when discharged, sealing the surface and preventing re-ignition.
- Suitable for: Class A Fires (ordinary combustible materials) and Class F Fires – involving cooking oils and fats.
- Not suitable for: Class E (electrical equipment).
The Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Sign Kit includes a Wet Chemical Identification Poly Sign. Clear, bold signage is designed to meet regulatory standards, enhancing safety compliance and offering clear guidance in locating and utilising Wet Chemical extinguishers effectively.
Every commercial kitchen needs a wet chemical fire extinguisher within reach of the cooktop.
Fire safety starts with preparation, and that includes being able to quickly identify the right extinguisher for the job. Whether you're managing a construction site, warehouse, kitchen, or office, the colour band only tells you what's inside; how many extinguishers your site needs and where they mount is set by AS 2444. We supply a full range of compliant fire extinguishers and clear signage kits to help ensure your site is properly equipped.
