How dry powder fire extinguishers work:

Dry powder fire extinguishers smother fires by forming a barrier between the fuel and the source of oxygen.

As they do not cool the fire, there is a small risk of re-ignition.

Pros and Cons of dry powder fire extinguishers:

Pros: work on most types of fire; they suppress fires very quickly; specialist dry powder extinguishers are the only extinguishers that work on flammable metals.

Cons: slight danger of the fire re-igniting; when discharged, the powder can spread over a large area leaving a residue; can obscure vision when discharged and can be inhaled if used in enclosed areas.

Who needs dry powder fire extinguishers?:

Dry powder fire extinguishers are ideal for open or outdoor environments with the risk of several different types of fire, especially those involving chemicals, fuel, or vehicles. Examples include:

• Garage forecourts
• Large, commercial boiler rooms
• Flammable liquid storage facilities
• Large workshops
• Fuel tankers and other vehicles

Whilst powder fire extinguishers do extinguisher electrical fires involving equipment under 1000v, we recommend also having CO2 extinguishers on hand where there is this kind of fire risk, such as in a team kitchen, or where electric heaters are used.

How to use a dry powder fire extinguisher:

Removing a safety pin

In all cases, firstly remove the safety pin to break the anti-tamper seal, and stand well back from the fire.

Remember – don’t use dry powder extinguishers in enclosed areas.

Using the extinguisher:

• Aim at the base of the fire and move the jet rapidly backwards and forwards
• For electrical fires: switch off the power if it’s safe to do so, then direct the jet of powder straight at the fire