What do the symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate?

The symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate the vital information about how to use it and the kinds of fires it can put out safely.

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Symbols

The symbol can be a letter or numeric label that represent different fire classes. The letters are written in containers that have a designated color code and shape to help user identity the purpose of the extinguisher easily.

Fire extinguishers may also include pictograms that further clarify their suitable application. We’ll take a look at those in a minute. Here are the symbols and the fire classes they indicate.

Symbol	Fire class indicated	Extinguisher capability
Green triangle	Class A	Indicated by a green triangle, this fire class involves ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, and cloth. Extinguisher with that symbol can put out those kind of fires.
Red square	Class B	Indicated by a red square, this fire class refers to flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. Extinguisher is capable of putting those fires if it has that symbol.
Blue circle	Class C	Indicated by a blue circle, this fire class involves electrical fires, including those caused by live wires or electrical equipment. Use extinguisher with this symbol to put out electrical fires.
Yellow decagon	Class D	Indicated by a yellow decagon, this fire class refers to fires caused by combustible metals, like magnesium or titanium. Only extinguishers with that symbols can put out metal fires.
Black hexagon	Class K	Indicated by a black hexagon, this fire class involves kitchen fires, such as those caused by cooking oils, fats, or greases. Look of that symbol on the extinguisher to make sure it can put out kitchen fires.

Pictograms that may accompany the symbols

Flame

This symbol indicates that the extinguisher is designed for extinguishing ordinary combustible fires. That’s why it is often found on class A fire extinguishers or those with a color code of red.

Electrical outlet

This symbol indicates that the extinguisher is safe to use on electrical fires. It’s found on Class C extinguishers and their color code is blue.

Pan and flame

This symbol denotes that the extinguisher is suitable for kitchen fires. So it is found on class K extinguishers and the color code is black.

Gear and Beaker

This one is found on Class B. The symbol represents flammable liquid fires. The color code is yellow.

In case of a fire emergency

Assess the situation.
Select the appropriate type of extinguisher.
Get familiar with the P.A.S.S technique.
ALWAYS stand at a safe distance.
ALWAYS keep a clear escape route.
Instead of continuously spraying the extinguisher, use short bursts to conserve the extinguishing agent.
If you are unable to control or extinguish the fire within a few seconds, RUN FOR YOUR LIFE.

It’s important to get familiar with these symbols and understand the right fire classes for each extinguisher to make sure you can use them effectively and safely in case of an emergency. And hey, it’s always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and get proper training on how to use a fire extinguisher.