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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: kewellman2000 on May 09, 2009, 09:33:39 AM

Title: Hoses for CO2 extinguishers
Post by: kewellman2000 on May 09, 2009, 09:33:39 AM

Can anyone please give me guidance on the above in terms of
1/ Frequency of inspection
2/ Frequency of re-test
3/ Frequency of replacement
4/ Which standard refers to the above info is it an EN standard or a BS

Thanks

Title: Re: Hoses for CO2 extinguishers
Post by: Thomas Brookes on May 10, 2009, 07:34:54 PM

Hoses?

Do you mean Horn's

Title: Re: Hoses for CO2 extinguishers
Post by: kewellman2000 on May 11, 2009, 08:51:11 AM

No I do mean the hoses not horns.

Any ideas ?

Cheers

Title: Re: Hoses for CO2 extinguishers
Post by: AnthonyB on May 11, 2009, 11:40:14 AM

BS 5306-3 covers the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, including their components, which would include the horn & elbow and horn & hose of CO2 extinguishers.

The user monthly check would usually identify any obvious damage and the basic service each year would involve a thorough inspection for wear & tear, damage and functionality, including renewal of O-rings &/or fibre washers to ensure a good seal of the hose/elbow to the valve.

Any obvious damage would result in replacement - air entrainment through a cracked horn can affect extinguishing capability and a totally broken off horn and elbow presents an injury damage risk as with the resulting loss of pressure reduction the extinguisher once discharged can literally fly off like a rocket and has caused serious injury and fatalities. A worn hose could rupture affecting efficacy as well as being a hazard.

During the 10 year overhaul it is normal (but not mandatory)to renew the horn & hose/horn & elbow assemblies.

(A revised edition of this standard is due for release imminently)

BS EN 3 details the functional requirements for hoses and horns fitted to CO2 extinguishers