Fire extinguisher rules.

[saraj]

hi there, i really hope someone can help me, as i have been trying to find out all morning the answer to this, i need to know the basic requirments that a fire extinguisher needs when it is being serviced, as we have approx 40 sites each with approx 20 extinguishers in them, and when getting them serviced it just seems that there is every year a very very lot of work done on them when they have not been used, is there a basic minimum requirment?? or would anyone know where i would be able to find this information out?? i would so much appreciate help as my boss is driving me crazy about this!!!!
thanks sara

[John Webb]

The checks required on a fire extinguisher vary depending on the type of fire extinguisher fitted. Firstly the occupier should regularly check that the extinguishers are in their correct place and have not been used/misused/moved - this is explained in more detail in the various Guides to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order which came into effect in October last year.
Then there are the more detailed technical checks needed usually once a year. These include checks on hoses/nozzles and discharge horns, check-weighing of the extinguisher or the gas cartridge which operates it. Extinguishers need to be test-discharged at set intervals and internally examined. All these are set out in BS 5306, part 6, I think.
It is customry to test discharge a proportion of the extinguishers on each site each year. For example water extinguishers should be discharged every 5 years - so each year 20% are so tested and at the end of five years they have all been done and you start all over again.
There is a nationally recognised scheme 'British Approvals for Fire Equipment' (BAFE) which arranges third-party accreditation both for suppliers and servicers of equipment. See www.bafe.org.uk for more information. Many insurers expect their customers to use such approved people.

[AnthonyB]

John has summarised it well.

BS 5306-3 details the standard required for competent maintenance on extinguishers and states 3 types of service:

In the UK, three types of maintenance are required:

    * Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require a basic inspection annually to check weight, correct pressure (using a special tool, not just looking at the gauge) and for signs of damage or corrosion, cartridge extinguishers are opened up for internal inspection & check weighing of the cartridge, labels are checked for legibility, where possible dip tubes, hoses and mechanisms checked for clear free operation ;

    * Extended Service: Water, Wet Chemical, Foam & Powder extinguishers require every five years a more detailed examination including a test discharge of the extinguisher and recharging- on stored pressure extinguishers this is the only opportunity to internally inspect for damage/corrosion. by recharging fresh agent is used as they all have a shelf life, even water goes foul inside an extinguisher;

    * Overhaul: CO2 extinguishers, due to their high operating pressure, are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulic pressure tested, inspected internally & externally and date stamped every 10 years. As it cannot be pressure tested a new valve is also fitted.

Three types of extinguisher companies exist:
1 - Those whom are not competent and do not fully service an extinguisher (wipe & swipe) thus appearing good value to the user through cheap prices, but meaning an extinguisher may not operate when required or even be dangerous.
2 - The very competent firm who carry out all required checks, but are either overpriced on new equipment or over zealous in condemning extinguishers or in numbers required
3 - The fair priced, yet competent company, that does not over sell or do unnecessary work

Third party accreditation & trade body membership will ensure that you do not get company type 1, but not stop you getting type 2 - if you Private Message me with who you use I can advise further

[Jason Miller]

Sara

In addition to Anthony's input, my advice, when checking your service company/companies is:

1. Make it clear than the service technician is not allowed to do remedial work over, say £50, without authorisation from a manager - this will stop alot of the extras appearing as they hate having to wait around to ask for permission
2. If possible, get an 'all-inclusive' maintenance that includes parts, discharge tests, CO2 horns, CO2 valves (make sure those are included in writing) - this will give more consistent pricing every year as they will price per item
3. When a powder or CO2 extinguisher needs a discharge test, buy a new one online as it's usually cheaper (many of the online companies like us sell extinguishers that are made by Chubb or Kidde but at a tiny fraction of the price)
4. Simply tell them that you are changing as you've found someone who will service them 'all-inclusive' for £4.00 each - they'll probably match or beat it if you give them all your sites

Extinguisher service technicians usually are paid commission of every item right down to the anti-tamper seal and, to add to this, they larger national provider usually have monetary targets to be achieved that you would be shocked to hear.

Many of them are earning £35-40,000 a year as too many customers do not question the invoice or can't be bothered once the work has been done and the surprisingly high bill arrives.

Jason

[John Dragon]

Use a small privately owned company, not a national company.
Get a fixed price from them for this years service.
Choose a company that is ISO 9001 registered.
Most companies will give you a price for servicing that sounds great - until you get the invoice which now includes cost of testing any extinguishers due plus the cost of parts used.
Anyone servicing all inclusive for £4.00 cannot be doing it properly (particularly if you have cartridge operated extinguishers).
National company extinguisher technicians may get £35k (ours are on £14k).
When you buy from an internet supplier, make sure that they will deliver the extinguishers at a sensible price, (the above company seem fine), but remember that if they are supplied without service labels (initial service) you will then need a company to service them and to wall mount them.

[Richard Earl]

i agree but if you provider lowers their price then you MUST ask why they have been charging you so much in the past. fully all inclusive may cost up to £15.00 each but then you dont normally get any more bills even for condemed units etc. also find a company big or small who can deal with your work, can cover the uk if required, and are 3rd party accreddited, call me if you need anymore help

Sara

In addition to Anthony's input, my advice, when checking your service company/companies is:

1. Make it clear than the service technician is not allowed to do remedial work over, say £50, without authorisation from a manager - this will stop alot of the extras appearing as they hate having to wait around to ask for permission
2. If possible, get an 'all-inclusive' maintenance that includes parts, discharge tests, CO2 horns, CO2 valves (make sure those are included in writing) - this will give more consistent pricing every year as they will price per item
3. When a powder or CO2 extinguisher needs a discharge test, buy a new one online as it's usually cheaper (many of the online companies like us sell extinguishers that are made by Chubb or Kidde but at a tiny fraction of the price)
4. Simply tell them that you are changing as you've found someone who will service them 'all-inclusive' for £4.00 each - they'll probably match or beat it if you give them all your sites

Extinguisher service technicians usually are paid commission of every item right down to the anti-tamper seal and, to add to this, they larger national provider usually have monetary targets to be achieved that you would be shocked to hear.

Many of them are earning £35-40,000 a year as too many customers do not question the invoice or can't be bothered once the work has been done and the surprisingly high bill arrives.

Jason

[PhilHallmark]

All the above is sound advice, except, if you buy online you will need a competent engineer to correctly instal the new kit and affix service labels. No offence FPO but I have a customer who called me in following buying online and had all his Co2's sat in position without swivel horns fitted. He knew no better, nor the courier who delivered them. Chose your supplier carefully Sara, the best are usually those you have had recommended to you from fellow companies.
There is a tendency in this business for fire protection companies to fight tooth and nail for a contract then only to treat the client with contempt as they are "just another number".
Look for third party acreditation - FETA, BAFE or IFEDA. These are the only ones advised by British Standards. Best advise is to take your time and understand everything before entering into any agreements.