Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Jason G
Can anyone help me with a question regarding servicing of fire extinguishers?
As I understand it, BS5306 stated that CO2 extinguisher could remain in service for 20 years from new where a continuing record of annual inspections is kept.
I am informed that CO2 extinguisher are now considered under the same legislation as some other compressed gas cylinders under BS5430/EN1803 and that this means that CO2 extinguishers can only remain in service for 10 years before requiring a major overhaul and hydraulic testing is required. The major overhaul includes shot blasting and repainting the cylinder.
My question is, is this accurate and do CO2 cylinders need a major overhaul and hydraulic testing every 10 years?
Thanks in advance
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul T9
Hi Jason
You are correct it is now every 10 years but remember this is from the date stamped on the extinguisher (normally on the shoulder of the cylinder or neck) and not from the date of issue/commission.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Jason G
Thanks Paul
I am informed that the major overhaul and pressure testing required would cost almost as much as replacing the extinguisher all together, so wouldn't this mean that effectively all CO2 extinguishes would need to be replaced every 10 years?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul T9
Depends on the size of the extinguisher, we use a number of 10kg trolleys and the usual smaller handhelds so you can imagine the costs involved in these. I have had a number of arguments with office staff who seem to think that because they have a PC on their desk that they should have a CO2 handy in case it suddenly bursts into flames! Buying new is always an option but then you have to deal with the disposal of the old ones and it depends on how long the extinguisher has been held by the supplier (i.e. may come out the box but have been filled a year ago). Yesterday I replaced a 2kg dry powder, took it out the box, manufacture date Feb 07 five year life so due replacing Feb 12 two years wasted in the box. At least if it is serviced you will get the whole ten years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Jason G
Thanks again Paul,
Nearly all of our CO2 extinguishers that need servicing/replacing are 2kg's. Do you think it should still cost as much to service these as to replace them?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul T9
Hi Jason,
I would shop around and look for the best deal in your area. Personally I would always recommend getting them serviced because of the environment impact. These extinguishers are very resilient; they have to be as they hold a toxic gas under high pressure which also makes them very recyclable and refillable.
A quick look on google and one company charges £8 to service and refill whereas a new one £25 - £30.
Although a CO2 is a very reliable extinguisher my department always takes care where they are issued. They are only effective against certain types of fires and in certain environments, they are heavy for their size, they are noisy when used (had a case once where a young lady’s computer started smoking so she grab a CO2 and discharged it at her desk, she did not expect the noise or jet reaction so dropped it right onto her foot!) and there is the risk of cold burns (before someone points out it can also cause asphyxiation with a 2 kg CO2 you would have to be locked in a small broom cupboard that’s on fire). It might be advisable to review the requirement of the type of extinguisher for the area of risk.
Regards
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Jason G
Thanks again Paul for all your assistance, you have given me plenty of food for thought.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.