FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
6
100-CAH-01-IGDO © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Post signs to show the locations of fire extinguishers, particularly in large floor areas where they could
be easily blocked from view. The signs should be large enough to be seen clearly from a distance. Figure 3
gives examples of fire extinguisher signs.
Figure 3: Fire Extinguisher Signs
Identify walls or columns on which fire extinguishers are mounted with a red band. The band should
be 2.4 to 3m (8 to 10 ft.) above the fire extinguisher. The background on which the fire extinguisher is
mounted should also be painted red.
Identification
Manufacturers place markings on fire extinguishers to indicate the class or classes of fire for which they
are suitable. To make identification easier in an emergency, consider applying class ratings to wall panels
near extinguishers. There markings should be easy to see from a distance of 4.6m (15 ft.). One marking
system uses letters, symbols and colours (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Symbol and Colour Marking on Extinguishers
SYMBOL COLOUR
MARKING
DESCRIPTION
Ordinary Combustibles Extinguishers for Class A fires are identified by a triangle
containing the letter "A". If coloured, the triangle is green.
Flammable Liquids Extinguishers for Class B fires are identified by a square
containing the letter "B". If coloured, the square is red.
Electrical Equipment Extinguishers for Class C fires are identified by a circle
containing the letter "C". If coloured, the circle is blue.
Combustible Metals Extinguishers for Class D fires are identified by a star
containing the letter "D". If coloured, the star is yellow.
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