Portable Fire Fighting Equipment

The main types of Portable Fire Fighting Equipment are Fire Extinguishers.

In most countries portable appliances must be coloured red and display a distinguishing coloured label, usually on its collar, to identify the type of extinguishing agent contained. These are as follows:

• Water : Red
• Chemical foam : Cream
• Carbon dioxide : Black
• Dry powder : Blue

In addition, each appliance has to have the date of its last inspection marked on it.

Water Extinguishers:

Stored - pressure extinguishers must be checked to ensure that the pressure is correct, that the hoses and nozzles are not blocked and there is no corrosion. They should be discharged annually.

Gas - cartridge extinguishers should be opened annually and the working parts and contents checked. The gas cartridge should be weighed to check for losses and the sealing washer examined. They should be discharged every five years.

Foam Extinguishers:

These should be opened annually and checked to ensure that no clogging has occurred and all the working parts are in good order. Gas cartridges should be weighed and losses in excess of 10% will require replacement. 

The Extinguisher, if pre-mixed, should be discharged every two years, or if the compound is kept separate, every four years. All foam extinguishers must be thoroughly washed out after discharging.

Dry Powder Extinguishers:

Examination should be once a year for all the features covered for the other extinguishers. With the gas cartridge type, which can be opened, the powder should be checked to ensure it has not caked. They should be discharged every five years.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers:

The contents should be checked by weighing or by gamma ray to ensure there is no loss. The working parts should be examined and the horn checked for freedom of movement. Every 10 years, or when discharged, the cylinder should be hydraulically tested.  After 20 years the test should be every five years.

Vaporising Liquid Extinguishers:

Annual working order checks are required by weighing the contents. The extinguishers should be checked by discharge every five years.

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