Fire Extinguishers in the Workplace: Choosing the Right Type for Your WA Business

Fire extinguishers are essential safety equipment for all Western Australian workplaces. But having an extinguisher on the wall is not enough. You must ensure:

• The correct extinguisher type is installed based on potential fire risks

• The extinguisher complies with Australian Standard AS2444 for selection and location

• Routine servicing is conducted in line with AS1851

• Staff are trained to use the extinguisher confidently and correctly

This article explains the different types of fire extinguishers used in Perth workplaces, what each one is designed for, and how to ensure your business remains compliant with current WA fire safety regulations.

Understanding Fire Classes in Australia

Before choosing the right extinguisher, it’s important to understand the types of fires that may occur in your workplace. Fires are categorised by their fuel source:

Fire Class	Type of Fire	Common Examples
A	Combustible solids	Paper, wood, cardboard, textiles
B	Flammable liquids	Petrol, diesel, oils, solvents
C	Flammable gases	LPG, butane, propane
D	Combustible metals	Magnesium, aluminium, lithium
E	Electrical equipment	Computers, switchboards, appliances
F	Cooking oils and fats	Deep fryers, commercial kitchens

Each fire class requires a specific extinguisher to safely and effectively suppress the fire.

Types of Fire Extinguishers Used in WA Workplaces

🔴 Water (H₂O) Extinguishers

Colour Code: Solid RedEffective On: Class A fires (paper, wood, textiles)Not Suitable For: Electrical, flammable liquids, or cooking oil fires

Typical Use Cases:

• Offices

• Schools

• Storage areas with combustible packaging materials

Water extinguishers are highly effective for basic combustible fires but can cause electrocution if used on electrical equipment.

🔵 Foam (AFFF) Extinguishers

Colour Code: Red with Blue bandEffective On: Class A and Class B fires (solids and flammable liquids)Not Suitable For: Electrical or gas fires

Typical Use Cases:

• Vehicle workshops

• Warehouses storing flammable liquids

• Loading bays and mechanical rooms

Foam extinguishers smother fires by forming a film over flammable liquid surfaces, helping prevent re-ignition.

⚪ Dry Chemical Powder (ABE) Extinguishers

Colour Code: Red with White bandEffective On: Class A, B, and E fires (solids, flammable liquids, and electrical)Not Suitable For: Confined areas where powder residue could impair breathing or visibility

Typical Use Cases:

• Manufacturing facilities

• Commercial vehicles

• Electrical switchrooms

• Construction sites

ABE extinguishers are the most versatile and commonly used in general workplaces across Perth.

⚫ Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguishers

Colour Code: Red with Black bandEffective On: Class E fires (electrical)Not Suitable For: Class A or F fires

Typical Use Cases:

• Server rooms

• IT environments

• Office spaces with printers and computers

CO₂ extinguishers leave no residue, making them ideal for sensitive electronic equipment.

🟡 Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Colour Code: Red with Yellow bandEffective On: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats)Not Suitable For: Electrical or metal fires

Typical Use Cases:

• Cafes

• Restaurants

• Commercial kitchens

• School tuck shops

Wet chemical extinguishers are required in any workplace with deep fryers or commercial cooking equipment, as they cool and smother the fire simultaneously.

Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguishers in WA Workplaces

Workplaces in Western Australia must comply with the following fire safety standards:

✅ AS2444 – Selection and Location of Portable Fire Extinguishers

• Correct extinguisher type must be selected based on identified fire hazards

• Extinguishers must be mounted at accessible heights with compliant signage

• Units should not be obstructed or stored in locked cabinets without clear access

• Appropriate extinguisher types must be distributed based on floor area and risk level

✅ AS1851 – Routine Servicing of Fire Protection Equipment

• Fire extinguishers must be inspected at least every 6 months by a competent person

• Each extinguisher must be fitted with a service tag showing the date of last inspection

• Units must be replaced or refilled immediately if discharged, damaged, or expired

• Pressure testing is required every 5 years to ensure the cylinder is still safe for use

Failure to maintain fire extinguishers can result in fines, non-compliance notices, or increased liability in the event of an incident.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong extinguisher type (e.g. water on an electrical fire)

• Obstructed extinguisher access due to furniture or clutter

• Expired or unserviced extinguishers with faded or missing tags

• Lack of signage or incorrect mounting height

• No staff training on how or when to use extinguishers safely

These mistakes are preventable with regular servicing and staff awareness training.

Fire Extinguisher Signage and Placement Requirements

In accordance with AS2444, fire extinguisher signs must:

• Be located above the extinguisher, clearly visible from a distance

• Use the correct extinguisher type symbol (e.g. water, foam, powder, CO₂)

• Be mounted at a minimum height of 2 metres from the floor to the base of the sign

Extinguishers should be mounted so that the handle is no more than 1.2 m above floor level, and the base of the extinguisher is at least 100 mm from the ground.

Staff Training and First Response Confidence

Even the best fire equipment is ineffective without trained staff. Employees should know:

• How to identify the right extinguisher using colour codes and symbols

• The PASS method of operation:Pull the pinAim at the base of the fireSqueeze the handleSweep side to side

• When to use an extinguisher—and when to evacuate instead

Incorporating hands-on fire extinguisher and fire blanket training into your workplace safety plan is strongly recommended to ensure compliance and readiness.

Conclusion

The right fire extinguisher can make all the difference in the first moments of an emergency. By understanding the different types, maintaining them properly, and ensuring your staff are confident using them, you’re protecting both your people and your property.

For WA workplaces, compliance with AS2444 and AS1851 is not optional. It’s a critical part of your duty of care and legal fire safety responsibilities.

Need fire safety training for your workplace?We deliver on-site group training across Perth for:

• Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket use

• Fire Warden (PUAFER005)

• Chief Warden (PUAFER006)

• Confine Small Workplace Emergencies (PUAFER008)