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tillybelle  
#1 Posted : 17 April 2014 15:21:43(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
tillybelle

I'm hoping someone can help me. We've been asked to sell some mini fire extinguishers that are for using in the home, car, mobile home etc. I'm suspicious about them as there is no CE marking on them and it specifically says 'This is not a fire extinguisher according to EN3.' I don't know that much about fire extinguishers and could so with some advice? Any help would be appreciated.
mssy  
#2 Posted : 17 April 2014 19:22:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
mssy

To be fair, it is not a legal requirement to but BS/EN rated extinguishers, but enforcing authorities will always accept them as being suitable & sufficient if so marked. For those reasons - and that buying firefighting equipment has never been cheaper, I would always recommend a 'compliant' extinguisher. I am interested: What type, and size are they? Do they conform with the coloured panel arrangements? How about servicing and most importantly, where are they from? All extinguishers are pressurized vessels - or capable of being so. And that is where the risk lies. An EN rated extinguisher will give the user confidence that it will operate and wont explode when/if its required. Unless there's a huge mark up to ensure reasonable returns, I wouldn't touch them
tillybelle  
#3 Posted : 17 April 2014 20:19:08(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
tillybelle

Hi 'mssy', I'm unable to tell you much about these extinguishers as they are at work and I'm off now until after Easter. There are two types, one was a 500ml can and the other I think was 750ml maybe 900ml. They suggest that they can be used on A, B, E & F fires. The container is red but isn't like a normal fire extinguisher. It has pictures on the can of flames etc. Having searched it on the internet I can't find much in English. I spoke to our fire extinguisher suppliers and they said don't touch it if it doesn't have BS EN3, otherwise we could be held responsible if, God forbid, something went wrong. I'm guessing that's sort of what you were saying.
Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 18 April 2014 11:19:22(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Capacities you quote are I think too small for EN 3 compliance. At least the product isn't making a false claim of compliance (some did in the past). EN 3 applies (to the best of my recollection) down to 1Kg and 2 litre capacities. The general presumption is that anything smaller wouldn't offer sufficient discharge in the event of a life-threatening incident (thus "not a fire extinguisher"). I take it you're in the supply chain. Why not have a chat with your local Trading Standards people? On a note personal opinion, given the modern vehicle construction standards, and unless your concerned with ADR - on the basis of risk -is a fire extinguisher in a modern vehicle really necessary?
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