Guideline related to: : Article 10, paragraph 2(c) and Annex I, sections 1.3, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12 and 3.2.3
Question:
Shall portable extinguishers be equipped with protective devices against over-pressure ?
Answer:
The prevention of danger due to overpressurization of fire extinguishers shall be achieved for all foreseeable circumstances either by eliminating the hazard by the design, or by providing a protective device.
The risk of external fire shall be adequately considered according to the type of fire extinguisher.
Due to the fact that portable extinguishers are very wide-spread and are also consumer products, their possible misuse (over-filling, use of incorrect cartridge …) must be carefully assessed. Written instructions alone cannot be regarded as sufficient.
Examples
In general the risk of over-filling is significant for cartridge type fire extinguishers, which are manually (re-)filled.
External fire will cause high risks for CO2 fire extinguishers (cylinders).
In such cases protective devices or similar methods shall be taken to meet damage limitation requirements.
|
Accepted by WPG on: 2002-04-09 |
|
Accepted by Working Group «pressure» on: 2002.05.23 |