Fire Extinguishers
Standards
There are typically two British Standards that you will come across when using a fire extinguisher.
BS5423 - This standard was in use until 1997. Extinguishers manufactured under this standard followed a colour code to identify their contents.
In some circumstances it was also feasible for equipment manufactured under this standard to be natural metal coloured i.e. stainless steel finish or for extinguishers to be entirely red.
BS EN3 - Since 1997 extinguishers have been manufactured to a European led standard. This is an attempt to ensure that all extinguishers across Europe are manufactured to a common specification and draws upon an amalgamation of standards from several different countries. Under the European standard all fire extinguishers must be coloured red.
We are currently in a phasing in period where it is permissible for the old colour codes to be retained as a portion of the main front instruction label. As a result you will find that a modern EN3 powder extinguisher has a blue coloured panel, a carbon dioxide extinguisher has a black coloured panel etc...
Maintenance
BS5306 -3 :2003 - All fire extinguishers should be maintained to this British Standard. The recommendations given by BSI and The Health & Safety Executive include:
User - weekly
There are typically two British Standards that you will come across when using a fire extinguisher.
BS5423 - This standard was in use until 1997. Extinguishers manufactured under this standard followed a colour code to identify their contents.
| Water Extinguisher | - Red |
| Foam Extinguisher | - Cream |
| Powder Extinguisher | - Blue |
| Carbon dioxide | - Black |
| Halon extinguisher | - Green |
In some circumstances it was also feasible for equipment manufactured under this standard to be natural metal coloured i.e. stainless steel finish or for extinguishers to be entirely red.
BS EN3 - Since 1997 extinguishers have been manufactured to a European led standard. This is an attempt to ensure that all extinguishers across Europe are manufactured to a common specification and draws upon an amalgamation of standards from several different countries. Under the European standard all fire extinguishers must be coloured red.
We are currently in a phasing in period where it is permissible for the old colour codes to be retained as a portion of the main front instruction label. As a result you will find that a modern EN3 powder extinguisher has a blue coloured panel, a carbon dioxide extinguisher has a black coloured panel etc...
Maintenance
BS5306 -3 :2003 - All fire extinguishers should be maintained to this British Standard. The recommendations given by BSI and The Health & Safety Executive include:
User - weekly
- Check the extinguisher safety clip or pin and any pressure indicator to determine whether the extinguisher has been operated
- Check the extinguishers external condition for dents, corrosion or other damage that could render the appliance unsafe.
- Basic annual service (in accordance with BS5306)
- Extended service (discharge test and refill) at five/ten yearly intervals