Knowing the fire extinguisher types Ireland law requires matters for every business., not just a safety precaution. Irish Standard I.S. 291:2015+A1:2022 governs the selection, installation and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. The standard requires every business to choose the correct type for the fire risks on their premises. Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can make it significantly worse. This guide covers every type in use in Ireland, the fire class each one addresses, and how to choose correctly.
Fire Classes in Ireland
Before choosing an extinguisher, you need to identify the fire risks on your premises. Irish and European standards classify fires into six classes. Class A covers solid combustibles such as wood, paper and textiles. Flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel and paint fall under Class B. Flammable gases such as propane and butane fall under Class C. Class D covers metal fires, which are rare and require specialist equipment. Electrical fires sit outside the lettered class system and are treated as a separate category. Class F covers cooking oils and fats, which are common in commercial kitchens.
Most Irish workplaces face Class A and electrical risks as a minimum. Consequently, the type of extinguisher you need depends directly on the activities and materials present in your building.
Fire Extinguisher Types in Ireland — A Complete Guide
1. Water Fire Extinguishers — Red Label
Water extinguishers carry a plain red body with no coloured panel. They cover Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, paper, cardboard and textiles. However, never use a water extinguisher on electrical fires, flammable liquids or cooking oils. Each of those risks becomes significantly more dangerous with water applied.
Water extinguishers suit storage areas, offices, schools and retail premises. They work well where the primary risk is solid combustibles and there are no electrical or liquid fuel hazards nearby. They are straightforward to use and leave no damaging residue.
2. Water Mist Fire Extinguishers — White or Grey Label
Water mist extinguishers are the most versatile modern option and carry a white or grey label on a red body. They cover Class A fires, many Class B risks and electrical fires. This makes them a strong all-round choice for most Irish commercial premises. The fine mist droplets cool the fire rapidly, displace oxygen and do not conduct electricity at safe operating distances.
Water mist has become increasingly common as Irish businesses move away from AFFF foam following the prohibition on 3 December 2025 under EU Regulation 2019/1021. AFFF foam contained PFAS chemicals, which are persistent environmental contaminants. Businesses must remove any AFFF extinguishers still on site from service and manage them as hazardous waste. Water mist is a practical, compliant replacement for many premises that previously relied on AFFF foam. Procheck supplies and installs water mist extinguishers nationwide.
3. Foam Fire Extinguishers — Cream Label
Foam extinguishers carry a cream-coloured panel on a red body. They cover Class A and Class B fires. As a result, they suit premises where flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or solvents are present alongside ordinary combustibles. The foam forms a blanket over burning liquids, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing re-ignition.
Since 3 December 2025, EU Regulation 2019/1021 prohibits AFFF foam extinguishers in Ireland because they contain PFAS chemicals. Fluorine-free foam is the compliant replacement for premises that genuinely need Class B coverage. Notably, many premises that previously relied on AFFF foam find that water mist covers their actual risks. In those cases, foam is not needed at all. Procheck can assess your premises and supply the correct replacement.
4. CO2 Fire Extinguishers — Black Label
CO2 extinguishers carry a black panel on a red body and are identifiable by their distinctive black horn nozzle. They cover electrical fires and Class B flammable liquid fires. CO2 displaces oxygen to suppress the fire and leaves no residue, so it does not damage electrical equipment, servers or sensitive machinery. As a result, CO2 extinguishers are standard in server rooms, offices with significant IT equipment, electrical switch rooms and data centres.
However, CO2 provides no cooling effect, so there is a risk of re-ignition once the gas disperses. You should therefore always isolate the electrical supply at source where possible. In addition, never hold the horn during discharge. Rapid depressurisation causes extreme cold and can burn skin.
5. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers — Blue Label
Dry powder extinguishers carry a blue panel on a red body. They cover Class A, B and C fires, so they are one of the few types rated for flammable gas fires. This makes them suitable for boiler rooms, LPG storage areas, industrial sites and garage forecourts.
Dry powder is not suitable for indoor use in most occupied buildings. The powder cloud significantly reduces visibility, causes respiratory irritation and leaves a residue that damages electronics and furnishings. Therefore, dry powder is generally not the first choice for offices, retail premises or schools. It is best reserved for specific gas or multi-class hazards identified in a risk assessment.
6. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers — Yellow Label
Wet chemical extinguishers carry a yellow panel on a red body. They cover Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. The wet chemical agent reacts with hot oil to form a soapy layer that seals the surface and prevents re-ignition. Wet chemical extinguishers are a legal requirement in any Irish premises with deep fat fryers or commercial cooking equipment. The gov.ie Fire Safety Guide for Building Owners and Operators sets out this requirement.
Never use water, foam or CO2 on a cooking oil fire. Each of those agents can cause a violent flashback that spreads burning oil and makes the fire significantly worse. Wet chemical extinguishers are the only type safe for Class F fires. Procheck can supply wet chemical extinguishers for commercial kitchens on request.
Which Fire Extinguisher Types Does Your Premises Need in Ireland?
Choosing the right fire extinguisher types Ireland businesses need starts with identifying the fire risks in your building. Most Irish offices, retail units, schools and light industrial premises need at least one water or water mist extinguisher for Class A coverage. In addition, they need at least one CO2 extinguisher for electrical risks. Premises with server rooms or significant IT infrastructure should have CO2 as a minimum in those areas. Premises with flammable liquid storage need foam or water mist with Class B coverage. Commercial kitchens require a wet chemical extinguisher. Industrial sites with gas risks may also need dry powder in specific locations.
The standard requires the correct type and quantity for your specific fire risk profile. As a result, the right starting point is a site assessment rather than simply matching a type to a building category. Procheck carries out fire extinguisher maintenance and supply across Ireland. On every visit, we assess the premises and confirm the correct fire extinguisher types Ireland regulations require are in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are AFFF foam fire extinguisher types still legal in Ireland?
No — EU Regulation 2019/1021 prohibits AFFF foam extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals in Ireland as of 3 December 2025. Businesses must remove any remaining stock from service and manage it as hazardous waste, so fluorine-free foam or water mist are the compliant replacements depending on your fire risk profile.
How many fire extinguisher types does a business need in Ireland?
The standard sets out minimum requirements based on floor area, risk level and travel distance to the nearest extinguisher. The correct number therefore depends on a site assessment rather than a fixed rule, and Procheck can carry out that assessment as part of a fire extinguisher service visit.
How often do fire extinguisher types need servicing in Ireland?
The standard requires a monthly visual check by a designated person on site and a full annual service by a competent person. Therefore, every extinguisher needs professional attention at least once a year, regardless of type.
Can Procheck supply all fire extinguisher types in Ireland?
Yes — Procheck supplies and services water, water mist, foam, CO2, dry powder and wet chemical extinguishers for businesses across Ireland. As a result, you can manage supply, installation and annual servicing through one provider. Contact Procheck to request a quote.