I read somewhere a few months ago that in the next year or so it will be a compulsory requirement to place the above type of hand held fire extinguishers in battery rooms. Can anyone direct me towards the correct legislation for this or offer guidance on it? Thanks in advance.

As I’m sure you are aware, specialist fire extinguishers are required to tackle Class D flammable metal fires. As you might expect when dealing with such volatile and specialist materials, you need the correct agent for the metal being extinguished. The most common Class D fire extinguishers are 9kg M28 models, whereas the most common UK lithium-extinguishing model is the 9kg L2. You must undertake a comprehensive risk assessment, as has been mentioned. In terms of legislation, this is already covered under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Also worth mentioning that you should also provide suitable and sufficient training in the use of extinguishers, following your risk assessment process. Hope this helps?

I've been puzzling over this topic for a couple of days and struggling to think of the correct fire extinguisher to use in such as situation. I can understand the reasoning behind the use of a class D extinguisher but i think there are so many more hazards within there that might make trying to use a fire extinguisher risks, mainly the explosive atmosphere from the battery's gassing of and also the acid that would have been spilt from the battery's and also the possible electrocution risk. Class D will deal with flammable metals but not sure if that would be the overriding risk as i'm not sure of the likelihood of the metal to reach such a temperature to be a risk i would have thought the acids and explosive atmosphere would be a greater hazard. Maybe it's some one with a fire-fighter background could comment on , but certainly would need specialist training. My thought would be to leave well alone due to so many risks I think initial fire fighting would be OK but once you get into having to use class D extinguisher then so many other hazards would be present it would be wise to evacuate the area. Phil

I carry out FRA and this would be out of my realms of knowledge from a fire extinguisher selection point of view, far to many variables. i would say initial fire fight while small with powder or co2 after that get out and stay out. the fire would have to be well developed for a class D extinguisher to be required which in my mind the other hazards would be to great to even attempt to tackle. Hopefully specific legislation on this (class D extinguishers in battery rooms) is just a roamer As i can see it placing people in unnecessary risk given all the hazards are far to many and all present very high risks. Phil

Bluewater, I'm not aware of a change coming up - I'd suggest that the requirement for extinguishers is already in place. Does the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 apply to offshore locations? If not, what would be the equivalent? Does that help, or have you already looked in that direction?

Good point Ken.