Fire Extinguishers for Laboratories

Laboratories often contain many flammable substances and potential fire risks. It is essential that the occupants of a laboratory are fully aware of the risks and the appropriate extinguishing media to use.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers - For use on General Risks

Brand new to the market, water mist fire extinguishers offer A, B, C, F* and Electrical fire fighting. In a laboratory situation with multiple fire risks from different sources of ignition, the water mist is the most all-round portable fire extinguisher available. 

The residue left by water mist is minimal, so important machinery and electrical products remain undamaged after discharging the unit thus reducing disruption and collateral damage.

*Following our own independent research we do not recommend using water mist on anything above a 5F rated fire (this is equivalent to an average domestic deep fat fryer).

Fire Classification

Water mist fire extinguishers are suitable for use on the following types of fire:

CO2 Fire Extinguishers - For use on Electrical Risks

Labs often contain electrical fire hazards which need to be addressed cautiously to ensure the fire does not spread during the extinguishing process. CO2 extinguishers starve the fire of oxygen without the use of additional chemical substances that could potentially react with other volatile materials often found in laboratories.

Fire Classification

CO2 fire extinguishers are suitable for use on the following types of fire:

Metal Fire Extinguisher - For use on Flammable Metal Risks

Flammable metals are highly unpredictable and require specialist extinguisher media to ensure that the fire can be safely contained. The non-reactive, dry chemical compound douses flames and builds a thick crust starving the burning metal of oxygen which extinguishes the fire and prevents reignition.

Fire Classification

Metal fire extinguishers are suitable for use on the following types of fire:

Related Guides

Read our guide to fire classes and guide to fire extinguisher types to learn more.

Reviewed: 28/02/2023 (doc:13 V1.2). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.