Fire extinguishers save money and lives

According to a recent joint survey into the use of portable fire extinguishers in the UK by FETA and IFEDA, fire extinguishers are estimated to:-

  • Save the UK economy over £7 billion ( based on values of the total fire claims for commercial premises in 1999);
  • Prevent 1629 injuries ( based on figures for deaths and injuries caused by fire published in 2001);
  • Prevent the loss of 24 lives ( based on figures for deaths and injuries caused by fire published in 2001).

Fire losses in the UK are currently estimated at £7 billion per annum.

Fire extinguishers are designed to prevent relatively minor incidents becoming major conflagrations.

The survey concluded that:-

  • Fire extinguishers were used to extinguish 79.9% of all fires and as a consequence the fire brigade were not called;
  • 84.2% of fires started as a result of an accident;
  • 43.6% of fires were caused by electric;
  • ALL FIRES START AS SMALL FIRES.

Never underestimate the value to YOUR business of having having fully serviced Fire Extinguishers available at all times, for your peace of mind.

The table below indicates which type of fire extinguisher to select and use in event of fire:-

Fire ClassificationsWaterAFFF Foam SprayCO2ABC Powder
Wood, Paper, textiles etc. and any other carbonaceous materials    
Flammable liquids    
Flammable gases    
Combustible metals   M28 Powder Only
Electrical hazards    
Vehicle protection    
Mixed risk office areas    




Water Fire Extinguishers

Water extinguishers are suitable for class A fires caused by the combustion of solid materials, mainly of organic origin, such as: wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal etc. These extinguishers are available as either full jet or super-spray versions. The 6 litre spray version has passed electrical conduvtivity tests although should not be used on electrical hazards.

Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry powder fire extinguishers are suitable for mixed fire risk environments and are especially suited for flammable liquids and fires involving flammable gases such as methane, propane, hydrogen, natural gas etc. This range offers a combination of fire performance and ease of service.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam extinguishers are ideal where both A & B class fire risks exist. AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is particularly suited to class B fires caused by the combustion of materials that liquefy such as petrol, oils, fats, paints, tar etc. This equipment has passed the 35kv electrical conductivity test.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are suitable for class B risks involving flammable liquids and for electrical hazards. CO2 is harmless to electrical equipment and is ideal for modern offices, electrical risks, and fires caused by the combustion of liquids such as: oils, fats, solvents etc. the 5 kg size has a 70 B fire rating.






MCFP Ltd. Unit B5 Telford Road Bicester OXON OX26 4LD