Res.A.951(23) - Improved quidelines for marine portable fire extinguishers

Improved guidelines for Marine portable fire extinguishers

		dd-mm-yyyy = Entry into force
Document	A.951(23)	05-12-2003
Revokes	A.602(15)	Expired 04-12-2003

THE ASSEMBLY,

RECALLING Article 15(j) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Assembly in relation to regulations and guidelines concerning maritime safety,

RECALLING ALSO that, by resolution A.602(15), it adopted the Revised Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers, to supplement the relevant requirements of chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, as well as chapter V of the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977,

RECOGNIZING the need to further improve the said Revised Guidelines following the adoption of amendments to chapter II-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol to the 1977 Torremolinos Convention referred to above, and in the light of the experience gained from the application of the Revised Guidelines,

HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendation made by the Maritime Safety Committee at its seventy-fifth session,

1. ADOPTS the Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers, the text of which is set out in the Annex to the present resolution;
   
   
2. RECOMMENDS Governments concerned to apply the annexed Improved Guidelines in conjunction with the appropriate requirements of the international instruments referred to above;
   
   
3. AUTHORIZES the Maritime Safety Committee to keep the Improved Guidelines under review and amend or extend them as necessary;
   
   
4. REVOKES resolution A.602(15).

01 Scope

1 Scope

These Guidelines have been developed to supplement the relevant requirements for marine portable fire extinguishers¹ of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 74, as amended, the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) and the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol relating to the Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977. The Guidelines are offered to Administrations to assist them in determining appropriate design and construction parameters. The status of the Guidelines is advisory. Their content is based on current practices and does not exclude the use of designs and materials other than those indicated below.

 

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¹ Wherever in the text of these Guidelines the word .portable extinguisher. appears it should be taken as meaning. marine portable fire extinguisher..

 

02 Definitions

2 Definitions

2.1 An extinguisher is an appliance containing an extinguishing medium, which can be expelled by the action of internal pressure and be directed into a fire. This pressure may be stored pressure or be obtained by release of gas from a cartridge.

2.2 A portable extinguisher is one, which is designed to be carried and operated by hand, and which in working order has a total weight of not more that 23 kg.

2.3Extinguishing medium is the substance contained in the extinguisher which is discharged to cause extinction of fire.

2.4Charge of an extinguisher is the mass or volume of the extinguishing medium contained in the extinguisher. The quantity of the charge of water or foam extinguishers is normally expressed in volume (litres) and that of other types of extinguishers in mass (kilograms).

03 Classification

3 Classification

3.1 Extinguishers are classified according to the type of extinguishing medium they contain. At present the types of extinguishers and the uses for which they are recommended are as follows:

Extinguishing medium	Recommended for use on fires involving
Water Water with additives	wood, paper, textiles and similar materials
Foam	wood, paper, textiles and flammable liquids
Dry powder/dry chemical (standard/classes B, C )	flammable liquids, electrical equipment and flammable gases
Dry powder/dry chemical (multiple or general purpose/classes A, B, C)	wood, paper, textiles, flammable liquids, electrical equipment and flammable gases
Dry powder/dry chemical (metal)	combustible metals
Carbon dioxide	flammable liquids and electrical equipment
Wet chemical for class F or K	cooking grease, fats or oil fires
Clean agents2

 

3.2 A table is provided in the appendix which describes the general characteristics of each type of extinguisher.

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² Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular Publication ISO 7165:1999, Fire-fighting . Portable fire extinguishers . Performance and construction.

04 Construction

4 Construction

4.1 The construction of an extinguisher should be designed and manufactured for simple and rapid operation, and ease of handling.

4.2 Extinguishers should be manufactured to a recognized national or international standard¹, which includes a requirement that the body, and all other parts subject to internal pressure, be tested:

1. to a pressure of 5.5 MPa or 2.7 times the normal working pressure, whichever is the higher, for extinguishers with a service pressure not exceeding 2.5 MPa; or
   
   
2. in accordance with the recognized standard for extinguishers with a service pressure exceeding 2.5 MPa.
   
   

4.3 In the design of components, selection of materials and determination of maximum filling ratios and densities, consideration should be given to the temperature extremes to which extinguishers may be exposed on board ships and operating temperature ranges specified in the recognized standards.

4.4 The materials of construction of exposed parts and adjoining dissimilar metals should be carefully selected to function properly in the marine environment.

 

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¹ Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular Publication ISO 7165:1999, Fire-fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction.

 

05 Fire classifications

5 Fire classifications

5.1 Fire classifications are generally indicated as A, B, C, D and F (or K). There are currently two standards, defining classes of fires according to the nature of the material undergoing combustion, as follows:

International Organization for Standardization (ISO standard 3941)1		National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 10)
Class A:	Fires involving solid materials, usually of an organic nature, in which combustion normally takes place with the formation of glowing embers.	Class A:	Fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.
Class B:	Fires involving liquids or lliquefiable solids	Class B:	Fires in flammable liquids, oils, greases, tars, oil base paints, lacquers and flammable gases.
Class C:	Fires involving gases	Class C:	Fires, which involve energized electrical equipment where the electrical non-conductivity of the extinguishing medium is of importance. (When electrical equipment is de-energized, extinguishers for class A or B fires may be used safely.)
Class D:	Fires involving metals	Class D:	Fires in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium.
Class F:	Fires involving cooking oils	Class F:	Fires involving cooking grease, fats and oils.

¹ Comite Europeen de Normalisation (CEN standard EN2) closely follows ISO standard 3941

06 Test specifications

6 Test specifications

6.1 Construction, performance and fire-extinguishing test specifications should be to the satisfaction of the Administration, having due regard to an established international standard¹.

 

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¹  Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular Publication ISO 7165:1999, Fire-fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction.

 

07 Criteria for assessing compliance with chapter 4 of the FSS Code and regulations V/20 and V/38 of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol relating to the 1977 Torremolinos Convention

7 Criteria for assessing compliance with chapter 4 of the FSS Code and regulations V/20 and V/38 of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol relating to the 1977 Torremolinos Convention

7.1 Chapter 4 of the FSS Code requires that extinguishers have a fire-extinguishing capability at least equivalent to that of a 9 L fluid extinguisher having a rating of 2A on class A fire which may be water or foam as required by the Administration. This equivalence may be demonstrated by fire test ratings determined according to an international, national or other recognized standard¹.

7.2 The size and type of extinguishers should be dependent upon the potential fire hazards in the protected spaces while avoiding a multiplicity of types. Care should also be taken to ensure that the quantity of extinguishing medium released in small spaces does not endanger personnel.

 

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¹ Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular Publication ISO 7165:1999, Fire-fighting - Portable fire extinguishers - Performance and construction.

 

08 Marking of extinguishers

8 Marking of extinguishers

8.1 Each extinguisher should be clearly marked with the following minimum information:

1. name of the manufacturer;
   
   
2. types of fire and rating for which the extinguisher is suitable;
   
   
3. type and quantity of extinguishing medium;
   
   
4. approval details;
   
   
5. instructions for use and recharge (it is recommended that operating instructions be given in pictorial form, in addition to explanatory text in language understood by the likely user);
   
   
6. year of manufacture;
   
   
7. temperature range over which the extinguisher will operate satisfactorily; and
   
   
8. test pressure.

09 Periodical inspections and maintenance

9 Periodical inspections and maintenance

9.1 Extinguishers should be subject to periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding one year.

9.1.1 At least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and kept on board a ship should be test discharged at five yearly intervals (as part of a fire drill).

9.1.2 All extinguishers together with propellant cartridges should be hydraulically tested in accordance with the recognized standard or the manufacturer's instruction at intervals not exceeding ten years.

9.1.3 Service and inspection should only be undertaken by, or under the supervision of, a person with demonstrable competence, based on the inspection guide in table 9.1.3.

 

9.2 Records of inspections should be maintained. The records should show the date of inspection, the type of maintenance carried out and whether or not a pressure test was performed.

 

9.3 Extinguishers should be provided with a visual indication of discharge.

 

9.4 Instructions for recharging extinguishers should be supplied by the manufacturer and be available for use on board.

 

ANNUAL INSPECTION
Safety clip and indicating devices	Check to see if the extinguisher may have been operated
Pressure indicating device	Where fitted, check to see that the pressure is within limits. Check that dust covers on pressure indicating devices and relief valves are in place
External examination	Inspect for corrosion, dents or damage which may affect the safe operation of the extinghuisher
Weight	Weigh the extinguisher and check the mass compared to the fully charged extinguisher
Hose and nozzle	Check that hoses and nozzles are clear and undamaged
Operating instructions	Check that they are in place and legible
INSPECTION AT RECHARGE
Water and foam charges	Remove the charge to a clean container if to be reused and check if it is still suitable for further use. Check any charge container
Powder charges	Examine the powder for reuse. Ensure that it is free flowing and that there is no evidence of caking lumps or foreign bodies
Gas cartridge	Examine for damage and corrosion
INSPECTION AT FIVE AND TEN YEAR INTERVAL
INSPECTION AFTER DISCHARGE TEST
Air passages and operating mechanism	Prove clear passage by blowing through vent holes and vent devices in the cap. Check hose, nozzle strainer, discharge tube and breather valve, as applicable. Check the operating and discharge control. Clean and lubricate as required
Operating mechanism	Check that the safety pin is removable and that the lever is undamaged
Gas cartridge	Examine for damage and corrosion. Weigh the cartridge to ascertain that it is within prescribed limits
O-rings washers and hose diaphragms	Check O-rings and replace hose diaphragms if fitted
Water and foam bodies	Inspect the interior. Check for corrosion and lining deterioration. Check separate containers for leakage or damage
Powder body	Examine the body and check internally for corrosion and lining deterioration
INSPECTION AFTER RECHARGE
Water and foam	Replace the charge in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
Reassemble	Reassemble the extinguisher in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
Maintenance label	Fill in entry on maintenance label, including full weight
Mounting of extinguishers	Check the mounting bracket or stand
Report	Complete a report on the state of maintenance of the extinguisher.

Table 9.1.3 - Inspection guide

Appendix Types of extinguishers

	TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
Extinguishing medium used:	Water			Foam		Powder	Carbon dioxide	Clean agents
	Water, with possible salts in solution				Water solution containing foam generating substances	Dry chemical powders	Pressurized carbon dioxide
Expellant charge of the extinguisher (stored pressure or cartridge as indicated)		Carbon dioxide or other pressurized inert gases or compressed air (stored pressure or separate cartridge)			Carbon dioxide or other pressurized inert gases or compressed air (stored pressure or separate cartridge)	Carbon dioxide or other inert gases or dry air (stored pressure or seperate cartridge)
The discharge of the extinguisher is achieved by:		Opening of the valve. Action of pressurized gas (opening of the cartridge)			Opening of the valve. Action of pressurized gas (opening of the cartridge)	Opening of the valve. Action of pressurized gas (opening of the cartridge)	Opening of the valve of the container constituting the extinguisher

	TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
The discharged extinguishing medium consists of:	Water			Foam		Powder	Carbon dioxide	Clean agents
	Water with possible salts in solution				Foam containing the gas used	Dry chemical powders and carbon dioxide or other gas	Carbon dioxide
The discharged extinguishing medium causes the extinction of the fire by:	Cooling of the burning materials. Water evaporation and consequent  formation of a local atmosphere (water/steam) which isolates the burning products from the surrounding air			Formation of a foam layer which isolates the burning products from the surrounding air and cooling in the case of class A fires		Inhibition of the combustion process by the interrupting the chemical reaction. Some separation of burning materials from the surrounding air	Formation of a local inert atmosphere (carbon dioxide) which isolates the burning material from the surrounding air. Smothering and cooling action of carbon dioxide
The electrical resistance of the discharged extinguishing medium is:	Very low	Very low			Varied	Very high. Under intense heat some powders may be electrically conductive	Very high
Operating peculiarities and limitations:	The jet or spray of the extinguisher should be directed towards the base of the fire					Powder mixture subject to windage;  they may therefore have reduced effectiveness in the open or in ventilated spaces	Gas subject to windage; they therefore have limited effectiveness in the open or in ventilated spaces
				The extinction of the fire achieved only when all the  burning surface is covered by foam

 

	TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
	Water			Foam		Powder	Carbon dioxide	Clean agents
Disadvantages and dangers:	Not to be used where there is electrical hazard					Generated powder mixtures may be suffocating and can impair vision. Powder can damage electrical contact.	Carbon dioxide may be suffocating
Maintenance:	Extinguishers with copper or copper alloy body should not be polished with products of corrosive or abrasive nature which may cause wall thickness reduction. Such extinguishers should be avoided but where used they should preferably be painted externally.					Some types of powder may be altered by humidity, therefore, avoid the refilling of the extinguisher in humid locations.
	The charge can freeze at temperatures of about 0ºC (unless the charge is made non-freezable chemically)			The charge can freeze at about 5ºC. The charge can be altered by elevated temperatures (about 4ºC or more). Therefore, the extinguisher should not be installed in positions where it may be exposed to high or low temperatures.
						When a carbon dioxide container is provided, avoid the installation of the extinguisher in excessively warm locations, where the internal pressure of the carbon dioxide in the container might rise to very high values.

• Informatietype: Internationaal
• Documentsoort: Resolutie
• Toegangsrechten: Intern
• Identificatie: PUC_2095_14
• Versie: 1
• Datum beschikbaarheid: 19-11-2010
• Geldigheid van: 30-07-2010
• Wijzigingsdatum: 20-08-2024
• Titel: Res.A.951(23) - Improved quidelines for marine portable fire extinguishers
• Organisatie: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• Taal: Engels
• Onderwerp: Veiligheid / Safety
• Hoofdtaak: Koopvaardij / Merchant Shipping
• Thema: Zeevaart / Seagoing ships / Policy Rules / IMO Instruments (Policy Rules) / Resolutions (Policy Rules) / Assembly Resolutions (Policy Rules) / A./Res. 900 until 999