You may be noticing a new colour on your workplace fire extinguishers and not sure why this is?
Well there has been a new standard come into effect being BS5306‐10:2019 “COLOUR CODING TO INDICATE THE EXTINGUISHING MEDIUM CONTAINED IN PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS”
This new standard supersedes BS 7863:2009, which is withdrawn.
The major change is the colour‐code for class D Powder extinguishers (for metal fires) is changing from Blue to Signal Violet.
This change reflects the characteristics class D powders which are often very different to other powders and a clearer differentiation was felt to be necessary for the safety of the operator.
As a result, newly manufactured class D powder extinguishers will exhibit the new colour.
The Blue colour code for BC and ABC Powder remains unchanged and the colours used for all other extinguishers are also unchanged.
Not sure on what colours refer to what extinguishing medium or how to operate an extinguisher?
Essential 6 can help you with this as we provide a range of fun, practical and engaging Fire Safety training courses. We’ll teach you to operate extinguishers on live fires under complete safety. Visit the links below to see the range of courses that are delivered by our subject matter experts of current and ex firefighters.
Source: Guidance Note: Guideline to BS5306‐10:2019 “Colour coding to indicate the extinguishing medium contained in portable fire extinguishers” can be viewed on the FIA website here:https://www.fia.uk.com/resourceLibrary/guidance-to-bs5306-10-2019-.html
