Extinguishers, 999 calls and higher-risk situations

Extinguishers and emergency calls matter, but evacuation has priority. Optical staff should know the location of extinguishers, follow local procedure, recognise when not to use an extinguisher and be ready to give clear information when calling 999.

Extinguisher awareness

Attempt to use an extinguisher only if you are trained, the alarm has been raised, the fire is small, the correct extinguisher is available and a clear escape route remains behind you. If there is smoke, rapid spread, uncertainty or any risk to people, stop and evacuate.

• Water extinguishers: for some solid materials such as paper, cardboard and wood.
• CO2 extinguishers: commonly used for electrical fires and some flammable liquid fires.
• Foam extinguishers: suitable for some solid-material fires and some flammable liquid fires.
• Dry powder extinguishers: may cover several fire types, but local policy and training should guide use.
• Wet chemical extinguishers: used for cooking-oil fires where relevant.

Higher-risk situations in optical practice

• Electrical equipment faults: isolate if safe, take equipment out of use and report according to local procedure.
• Lithium batteries and chargers: overheating batteries, swollen devices or damaged chargers need prompt escalation.
• Chemicals and aerosols: store cleaning products, sprays and lens-care stock as instructed and away from heat.
• Workshop or lab activity: frame warmers, edging equipment, soldering or contractor work may need extra controls.
• Oxygen brought in by patients: oxygen can make materials burn faster, so keep it away from ignition sources and follow local procedure if it is present.

Extinguishers are for trained, limited use on small fires only. If you are unsure, evacuate, call 999 and give clear information about people, location and hazards.