Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises. Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Code of practice

What is this standard about?

It details best practice in how to install and maintain portable fire extinguishers.

Who is this standard for?

Potential users include:

• Architects
• Fire protection service technicians
• Fire & Rescue Services
• Fire extinguisher servicing companies
• Fire extinguisher manufacturers
• Facility management companies
• Police services
• Care home management companies incorporating sheltered accommodation
• Companies undertaking fire risk assessments
• Landlords

Why should you use this standard?

Because it provides the following:

• Recommendations for the initial commissioning of portable fire extinguishers
• Schedules for the subsequent maintenance of extinguishers installed in all locations
• Recommendations for handling certain obsolescent types of extinguishers, for which no maintenance schedules are provided
• Recommendations for the five levels of installation and maintenance:

1. Commissioning
2. Basic service
3. Extended service
4. Overhaul procedures
5. Recharge

What’s changed since the last update?

The standard was updated to reflect changes to both the products themselves and to environmental considerations. Specifically, the principal changes:

• Reflect new agreements with water regulators on the disposal of water based media
• Include recommendations for halon replacement gaseous agents
• Clarify the previous maintenance label
• Introduce electronic bar code labelling
• Clarify the actions to be taken on service exchange/replacement extinguishers at time of extended service
• Supply better guidance in respect of environmental issues re. discharging contents during extended servicing
• Clarify the do’s and don’ts on extinguisher safety pins and anti-tamper tags
• Overhaul the refresher system for extinguisher technicians
• Update Note 5 to delete FIA as they no longer offer training courses
• Add in the consideration that needs to be given to extinguishers serviced to manufacturers’ instructions outside of Annexes B & D-F