Fire Extinguishers for home

londonman81 · 31 December 2009 at 9:33PM

Not sure if this is the right forum but I would like to buy a fire extinguisher for home use.

My question is whether this is allowed, or do I have to be qualified or certified in some way before buying and (possibly) using a fire extinguisher?

Can I just buy one straight-away?

1984ReturnsForReal_2 · 31 December 2009 at 9:39PM

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/FireSafety/DG_071772

Fire extinguishers

There are three main types of fire extinguisher: powder; water; and foam. No single type of extinguisher is totally effective on every kind of fire. Before buying one, it's vital to look carefully at what kinds of fires it can be used on to make sure you get one suitable for your own needs.
Multi-purpose dry powder extinguishers or Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishers are usually the best choices for home use. They have the fewest dangers and are effective on many types of fire.
Tips for the safe use of any type of extinguisher:
make sure you read the instructions and are familiar with how to use it

they are best placed in the hall and taken where needed

only buy one you can carry easily

don’t put it near a heater or fire, but do fix it to the wall, so that it is out of the reach of children, but easily accessible by others

get it serviced once a year (or as often as the manufacturer recommends

when using the extinguisher on a fire, keep yourself on the escape route side of the blaze

If you’re not sure which extinguisher to get for your home, you can contact your local Fire and Rescue Service for advice.

Wookey · 2 January 2010 at 3:28AM

There is a 4th, Co2 for use with electrical or fuel fires (oil, gas, petrol etc). Useful if you have a workshed or a bunch of electrical equipment.

allydowd · 2 January 2010 at 10:43PM

You can just buy one and use it. Homebase type shops sell them. And if you ask your local fire brigade they'll tell you how to use it safely and advise where to situate it.