Posted By Darren J Fraser
Assistance and clarification in respect of the following would be very much appreciated.

We have been advised by our servicing engineers of our fire fighting equipment that we should replace 20% of our extinguishers each year, effective replacing the entire stock in 5 years. I questioned where this is stated and the reply was non existant.

I believe that this is just a money making exercise.

The extinguishers are tested on an annual basis and any replacement parts / units authorised, but 20% complete replacement seems a bit excessive to me.

I have come across some information in respect of test discharge, 2 yearly for water (stored pressure), 4 yearly for foam (gas cartridge and stored pressure, 5 yearly water (gas cartridge), Powder (gas cartridge or stored pressure (field refillable type)), no mention of carbon dioxide.

The fire service where not able to help and I am a bit loath to contact suppliers of extinguishers etc for obvious reasons.

For all that reply, thanks, you help is most welcomed

Regards

Daz

Posted By Bob Youel

There are British, EN & ASME standards + manufacturers, insurers, fire brigade guidance re these issues

get up to date re these areas then tackle / or not your supplier as there are timings etc indicated in such guidance etc

such equipment is noted for failing just when you need it so you need to ensure that adequate systems are in place

also note RRFO 2006