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Understanding Fire Extinguishers: What The Letters Mean And How To Use Them

Publish Time: 2025-08-12

At AOFEI, we think that fire safety is not merely a precaution, but a responsibility. With more than three decades of presence in Singapore‘s fire protection sector, we strive to enable people and companies to stay safe with seasoned advice and first–class fire safety solutions. One of the most significant components of any fire protection plan is fire extinguishers—basically, discovering what the letters and color codes mean, and how to operate them. Throughout this article, we‘ll guide you through fire extinguisher types, classes, and how AOFEI can assist your safety plan with reliable kit, servicing, and complete fire safety solutions.



Why Fire Extinguishers Are Not One-Size-Fits-All


Choosing the right fire extinguisher can be the difference between the fire being put out in the blink of an eye or spreading throughout. All extinguishers are designed to extinguish a specific class of fire, which is characterized by letters: A, B, C, D, F, and electrical equipment fires.


Below is a quick description of fire classes:


Fire Class

Caused by

Class A

Solid materials like wood, paper, or textiles

Class B

Flammable liquids such as petrol or paint

Class C

Flammable gases like propane or butane

Class D

Combustible metals (e.g., magnesium)

Electrical

Fires involving electrical equipment

Class F

Cooking oils and fats


We here at AOFEI help our clients test their premises so the right extinguishers may be fitted in the right locations, based on the specific fire risks present.AV


How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher: The PASS Method



In an emergency, the difference between life and death is knowing how to operate a fire extinguisher correctly. We teach the PASS method:


Pull the pin


Aim the nozzle at the bottom of the fire


Squeeze the handle


Sweep back and forth


Along with our services, AOFEI provides on-site fire safety training to instruct your employees on how to use extinguishers effectively and respond during emergencies.

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