Stainless Steel Extinguishers.

[f500]

The problem of plastic headcap ejections is compounded by the threads being easily stripped or damaged, specifically on the dry powder models, where an inexperienced/ham-fisted technician can take several attempts to re-install the headcap.
We do not service S2000 powder extinguishers as a matter of course, but water & foam extinguishers are fine provided the heads & threads are in good condition and there is no degredation of the plastic visible.
As there are fewer of these in service each year, the problem will die a death with the extinguishers.

[AnthonyB]

(back off hols)

The 20 year rule I quoted came from one of the drafts of the new proposed version of BS5306-3 and also an older draft of a Euro standard that never surfaced. There is no current upper limit.

The argument against plastic heads is furthered by the existing BS scrapping the old plastic bodied Powder extinguishers seen from Betterware, Angus, Pyrene, Rampart & Chubb (all from same manufacturer) - if they are unsafe because you cannot verify the pressure safety of the shell, then plastic head-caps must be the same.

I've had the plastic spray nozzles shear off the last generation of S2000 spray foams and fly like baton rounds on several occasions even with an apparently clear nozzle.

Yes plastic head threads can take a ragging if you misalign them, which affects their efficacy.

Plastic head extinguishers will be around a while as not everyone will be proactive in condemning them and some manufacturers still use Ceo-Deux plastic heads for their cartridge models (they do have metal rings though, but most of the head is still plastic)

[alwaysright]

I am new to this forum so hello to everyone.

Although i have found a lot of information on here credible, I must say i am disappointed in the comments regarding Thomas Glover, I have dealt with them for years and have always found them to be great, we are always quick in this country to pull down succesful companys and people ...but very slow sometimes non existent in praise.

[f500]

I too have dealt with TG for years, this is why i'm disappointed with them now!

[alwaysright]

But why

Am i missing something

[nim]

2. No plastic headed extinguisher has been passed for CE marking. In fact the S2000 model was laughed out of the door when put forward by you know who.

I haven't looked too closely at the Nu Swift 6000 range with palstic headcaps for CE markings and don't know when the stopped making them but could they be CE marked? What about the Gloria plastic headcap with a metal ring?

Would you Condemn a Plastic shroud covering a brass valve (like certain Chubb extinguishers) that are suffering from UVD or would you only Condemn plastic parts subject to pressure?

3. I have in my files 2 coroners reports of people killed when these heads sheared off under pressure (2 different manufacturers, same type of bakelite head c(r)ap).

Is it possible to have copies of these reports or can you tell me where I can find them?

[The Reiver]

I haven't looked too closely at the Nu Swift 6000 range with palstic headcaps for CE markings and don't know when the stopped making them but could they be CE marked?

They look metallic to me. May I suggest that the plastic ones may have disappeared around about (CE Year) 2002. Just a guess.

What about the Gloria plastic headcap with a metal ring?

Model Number ?
Is the metal ring the pressure retaining part ?

Would you Condemn a Plastic shroud covering a brass valve (like certain Chubb extinguishers) that are suffering from UVD

Nope, I would replace the shroud if spares were available.

or would you only Condemn plastic parts subject to pressure?

Yup !

Is it possible to have copies of these reports

Nope ! Never (and not going to be) copied. I am lead to believe that there is a 75 year sensitivity closure on reports such as these and I shouldn't really have them.  

or can you tell me where I can find them?

My (home) filing cabinet, second drawer down, under "not for copying"



I wouldn't worry anyways nim. All will be revealed in the new 5306 pt 3
PM thingy sent...........'coz now we're in the realms of "Top Secret - Eyes Only"

[AnthonyB]

Gloria & total cartridge extinguishers currently use the Ceo-deux plastic head, with a metal ring (but pressure does run through the main plastic body too) and are CE marked.

http://www.rotarex.com/catalogs/firetec-powder-water-valves-4-12kg2.pdf

(scroll down to page 15)

This head was also used in the 1980's by the now departed Firesnow, Merryweather & FPS/Firemark and by Allied Safety until Chubb took over in '98/99

ANAF small powders appear to be plastic valves and still CE marked - these are still sold in the UK by Jactone and various boat chandlers.

Can't remember the most recently dated 'traditional' E600x nu swift head before the chinese stuff seen above, but will keep my eyes open