Zambian Standard

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - Specification

Part 2: Carbon dioxide type fire extinguishers

ZAMBIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS

ZS 373 Part 2: 2010

ICS 13220

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DATE OF PUBLICATION

This Zambian Standard has been prepared and published under the authority of the Standards Council of the Zambia Bureau of Standards on 19th May 2010.

ZAMBIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The Zambia Bureau of Standards is the Statutory National Standards Body for Zambia established under an Act of Parliament, the Standards Act, Cap 416 of 1994 of the Laws of Zambia.

REVISION OF ZAMBIAN STANDARDS

Zambian Standards are revised, when necessary, by the issue either of amendments or of revised editions; It is important that users of Zambian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or editions.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS A Zambian Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of Zambian Standards are responsible for their correct application.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE The preparation of this Zambian Standard was undertaken by the Fire Fighting Equipment & Fire Prevention/Protection Technical Committee (TC 7/14) upon which the following organizations were represented:

Fire Services Association of Zambia Ibolokwa Fire Extinguishers & Consultants (IFEC) Indeni Petroleum Refinery Kabwe Fire Brigade Lusaka Fire Brigade Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company Ministry of Labour and Social Security (OHS Dept) Ministry of Local Government & Housing National Airports Corporation Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia Safety Contractors Zambia Bureau of Standards

ZAMBIA BUREAU OF STANDARDS, P.O. BOX 50259, ZA 15101 RIDGEWAY, LUSAKA

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT

©ZABS 2010

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from Zambia Bureau of Standards.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD ................................................................................................................ iii

1. SCOPE .................................................................................................................... 1

2. NORMATIVE REFERENCES ............................................................................. 1

3. DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................... 2

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 3

5. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS ..................................... 5

6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ 8

7. PACKING AND MARKING ................................................................................ 9

8. INSPECTION AND METHODS OF TEST ...................................................... 11

8.1 Documentation required for inspection and testing ................................ 11

8.2 Inspection ....................................................................................................... 11

8.3 Hydrostatic pressure test .............................................................................. 11

8.4 Leakage test ................................................................................................... 12

8.5 Hydrostatic pressure test on hose assemblies ............................................. 12

8.6 Impact test on operating heads .................................................................. 133

8.7 Test for rupture discs ................................................................................... 13

Annex A (Notes to purchasers) .................................................................................. 15

Annex B (normative) Fire classification symbols ..................................................... 16

Annex C (informative) ................................................................................................ 17

Quality verification of portable rechargeable fire extinguishers of the CO2 type 17

Bibliography ..18

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FOREWORD

Zambia has been faced with a lot of fire out breaks which has resulted in the loss of property and lives because they could not be controlled due to the poor quality of fire-fighting equipment coupled with the absence of official specifications. The absence of these specifications necessitated the development of this standard.

This standard was prepared by the Fire Fighting Equipment & Fire Prevention/Protection Committee TC 7/14 in accordance with the procedures of the Bureau.

In the preparation of this Zambian Standard, reference was made to the South African Standard SANS 1567:2003.

ZS 373 consists of the following parts, under the general title Portable Fire Extinguishers-Specification

Part 1: Portable, non-refillable fire extinguishers (general purpose type)

Part

2: Carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher

Annex A and B forms an integral part of this standard. Annex C is for information only.

COMPLIANCE WITH A ZAMBIAN STANDARD ZAMBIAN DOES NOT IN ITSELF CONFER IMMUNITY FROM LEGAL OBLIGATIONS.

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ZAMBIA BUREAU STANDARDS __________________________________________________________

Zambian Standard __________________________________________________________

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - Specification

Part 2: Carbon dioxide Type Fire Extinguishers __________________________________________________________

1. SCOPE

This Standard specifies the characteristics of portable rechargeable fire extinguisher of the Carbon dioxide type, of charge not exceeding 9 kg and suitable for use on class B and C fires and on fires involving electricity.

2. NORMATIVE REFERENCES

The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a standard is deemed to be a reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Information on currently valid national and international standards can be obtained from the Zambia Bureau of Standards.

BS 341-1, Transportable gas container valves

Part 1: Specification for industrial valves for working pressures upto and including 3×107Pa.

BS 341-3, Transportable gas container valves

Part 3: Valve outlet connections.

BS 5045-2, Transportable gas containers

Part 2: Specification for steel containers of 0.5 L up to 450 L water capacity with welded seams.

EN 3-1, Portable fire extinguishers

Part 1: Description, duration of operation, class A and B fire test.

EN 3-3, Portable fire extinguishers

Part 3: Construction, resistance to pressure, mechanical tests.

EN 3-5, Portable fire extinguishers

Part 5: Specification and supplementary tests.

EN 3-6, Portable fire extinguishers

Part 6: Provisions for the attestation of conformity of portable fire extinguishers in accordance with EN 3 Part 1 to 5.

ISO 13769, Gas cylinders

Stamp marking

SANS 7253, Paints and varnishes - Determination of resistance to neutral salt spray (fog)

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SANS 1910, Portable refillable fire extinguishers

SANS 6172, Fire extinguishers

Assessment of fire rating

SANS 10019, Transportable metal containers for compressed gas

Basic design, manufacture, use

and maintenance.

ZS 648-1, The classification, use and control of fire-fighting equipment - Part 1: Portable fire extinguishers.

ZS 649-1, The servicing of fire-fighting equipment

Part 1: Portable and wheeled (mobile) rechargeable fire extinguishers.

3. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions apply:

3.1 Acceptable: Conforming to this standard.

3.2 Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: Fire extinguishers in which the carbon dioxide is retained under its own pressure (stored pressure) in a liquid state at room temperature. The extinguishing medium (see 3.4) is self-expelling and is discharged by operation of a valve.

NOTE: The carbon dioxide is expelled through a horn in its vapour and in its solid phase. The horn may be attached to the valve assembly by means of a metal swivel joint connector on small models or by length of flexible hose on larger models.

3.3 Charge mass: Mass of the extinguishing medium contained in a fully charged extinguisher.

3.4 Charge medium

Extinguishing medium: Dry Carbon dioxide contained in the extinguisher, the substance contained in the extinguisher which causes extinction.

3.5 Classes of fire

3.5.1 Class A: Fires involving solid combustibles (mainly carbonaceous) materials, such as coal, paper, straw, wood, cloth, rubber and any plastics in which combustion normally takes place with the formation of glowing embers and leaves ashes.

3.5.2 Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids such as grease, oils, tar, oil based paints, lacquers, flammable gases and liquids formed from liquefiable solids.

3.5.3 Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as propane, butane, acetylene e.t.c

3.5.4 Class D: Fires involving metals such as magnesium, aluminium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium and potassium that burn at a high temperature and require a special type of extinguisher and extinguishing medium.

NOTE: Electricity has no specific class as it is just a cause of fire in all the classes stated in 3.5

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3.6 Design pressures

3.6.1 Bursting pressure: Minimum plastics instability pressure obtained during a bursting test.

3.6.2 Developed pressure: Equilibrium pressure developed in a fully and correctly charged extinguisher at a temperature of 65 °C.

3.6.3 Hydrostatic test pressure: Pressure equal to 1.25 times the developed pressure of the extinguisher

3.6.4 Service pressure

Working pressure: Pressure at a temperature of (25

5) °C, to which the extinguisher is charged during manufacture. This t

3.7 Filling ratio: Ratio of the mass of liquid gas introduced into a container to the mass of water determined at, or corrected to (25

1) °C that would fill the container.

3.8 Water capacity: Actual inside volume of the cylinder.

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General

4.1.1 Every portable rechargeable fire extinguisher of the Carbon dioxide type distributed in Zambia shall comply with all requirements of this standard.

NOTE 1: Although this type of extinguisher can be used without hazard on class A fires, i.e. fires involving solid combustible material, it is not considered effective for this purpose and its use for class A fires is therefore not recommended.

NOTE 2: Under certain operating conditions, static electricity could cause unpleasant shock to the operator.

NOTE 3: Details of the regular control, inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers are given in ZS 648-1 and ZS 649-1.

4.2 Test fire rating, cylinder gross mass and class

4.2.1 Test fire rating

An extinguisher shall be rated by the manufacturer for its performance in extinguishing a class B fire. When an extinguisher is tested in accordance with SANS 6172, the rating shall be one of the test fire ratings given in column 1 of table 1 of that method, presented in accordance with Annex B.

4.2.2 Gross mass of a fully charged extinguisher

The total mass of a fully equipped, fully charged extinguisher (excluding the bracket) shall not exceed 23 kg and shall be equal to that marked on the extinguisher (see 7.2.2.6 (c)) subject to a tolerance of

5 %.

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4.2.3 Class

Although an extinguisher shall be rated for its performance in extinguishing a class B fire, it shall also be safe for use on fires of classes A and C.

4.3 Components

An extinguisher shall consist of a metal container with an integral neck ring, and the following other components:

a) An operating head secured onto the neck ring and carrying the actuating mechanism and control valve;

b) A discharge horn, mounted onto or adjacent to the operating head or, when relevant, onto the end of a discharge hose (see 5.9);

c) A recoil adaptor built into the discharge horn or, when a discharge hose is fitted, into the discharge horn;

d) A carrying handle or other facility for handling the extinguisher when in use (see 5.10);

e) Support fitting(s) (see 5.11) and a mounting bracket (see 5.12);

f) When a discharge hose is fitted, a securing device shall be fitted for securing the discharge horn;

g) A rupture disk; and

h) A discharge tube.

4.4 Method of operation

4.4.1 The extinguisher shall be designed for operating in the vertical position, with the actuating mechanism at the top.

4.4.2 The discharge through the discharge horn shall be controlled by a valve operated by a trigger device that allows the operator to interrupt the flow of the extinguishing medium.

4.4.3 The method of operation shall be readily apparent and in accordance with the directions marked on the container (see 7.2.2.3).

4.4.4 The operating devices of an extinguisher shall be located either on the upper part of the extinguisher or partly on the upper part of the extinguisher and partly at the end of the hose or nozzle.

4.5 Design pressures

4.5.1 Developed pressure

The charge shall be such that, when measured at a temperature of 65 °C (see 3.6.2) by means of an acceptable pressure gauge connected to the operating head, the developed pressure does not exceed 20 MPa.

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4.5.2 Hydrostatic test pressure

When tested in accordance with 8.3, the extinguisher and all fittings subject to pressure (except rupture disks designed to be ruptured by pressure on operation), shall not leak or distort permanently at a pressure equal to or less than the hydrostatic test pressure.

4.6 Charge and filling ratio

4.6.1 Charge

NOTE: An extinguisher that has not been recharged as intended by the manufacturer could be dangerous either due to excessive pressure and risk of failure, or due to low pressure which would render the extinguisher ineffective.

The extinguisher shall be charged with carbon dioxide that has a purity of at least a mass fraction of 99 %, and moisture content not exceeding 0.003 %.

4.6.2 Filling ratio

When measured by any acceptable method to an accuracy of ±2 %, the filling ratio shall not exceed a mass fraction of 68 %.

4.7 Production control

4.7.1 Manufacturer's leakage test

After being charged and before delivery, every extinguisher shall have been subjected by the manufacturer to the leakage test described in 8.4 (or any other acceptable leakage test) and shall have shown no leakage.

4.7.2 Manufacturer's pressure test

Unless every container is supplied with an acceptable proof of compliance with the pressure test, the extinguisher manufacturer shall subject the extinguisher to a hydrostatic test at a pressure of at least 1.25 times the developed pressure.

5. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Materials, design and construction of container

The container shall comply with the requirements of SANS 10019, except for the colour scheme which, for this standard, shall be:

Red with a black panel above the operating instructions.

5.2 Dissimilar metals in contact

In a case where dissimilar metals are used in contact with one another, they shall be such that electrolytic corrosion does not occur in the presence of moisture. A paint coating shall not be considered to be a means of preventing contact between dissimilar metals.

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5.3 Plastics materials

Plastics materials used for the manufacture of components for fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements of clause 11 of EN 3-3.

Components under the influence of the working pressure shall not be manufactured from plastics materials.

5.4 Stability

The fire extinguisher shall be able to stand upright without support.

5.5 Operating head

The operating head of an extinguisher shall:

a) Be of steel, a copper alloy or an aluminium alloy, and

b) When tested in accordance with 8.3 and 8.6, not leak or develop a defect that will impair its serviceability.

5.6 Mating threads on valve stems and on cylinder neck rings

5.6.1 Types

5.6.1.1 On aluminium cylinders, the thread shall be parallel and shall comply with the requirements given in BS 341-1 and BS 341-3.

5.6.1.2 On steel cylinders, the threads shall be parallel or tapered and shall comply with the requirements given in BS 5045-2.

5.6.2 Design

When parallel threads are used, the joint between the neck ring and the operating head shall be made leak-tight by means of an "O" ring joint or other acceptable method, and at least one of the mating faces shall be recessed in order to locate the "O" ring in an acceptable manner.

5.7 Valve body

5.7.1 The method of operation of a valve shall be simple and readily apparent. (See also 4.4.4.)

5.7.2 A valve assembly shall be made of intrinsically corrosion-resistant metal of acceptable strength.

5.7.3 The component of an actuating mechanism that opens the valve (see 4.4.2) shall be secured by a locking pin or other acceptable means of preventing accidental actuation. The locking pin (or other safety measure) shall be so retained in position as to indicate whether or not the extinguisher has been actuated or tampered with. The emission control and safety devices shall also comply with the relevant requirements of 4.1 and 4.2 of EN 3-5.

5.8 Discharge hose assemblies (hoses with adaptors).

5.8.1 Discharge hose

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5.8.1.1 Extinguishers with a charge greater than 3 kg shall be equipped with a discharge hose assembly with a minimum length of 400 mm.

5.8.1.2 The hose and coupling system shall function throughout the operating temperature range, and coupling systems shall be designed and fitted in such a way that they cannot damage the hose.

5.8.2 Metal components of a hose assembly

Any ferrule, hose clamp or other associated metal component that forms part of the hose assembly shall preferably be intrinsically corrosion resistant or otherwise be furnished with a corrosion- resistant coating of quality at least appropriate to that of the fire extinguisher to which the hose assembly is fitted.

5.8.3 Hose assembly

When a hose assembly is tested in accordance with 8.5, at a hydrostatic pressure equal to (28.5 ± 0.5) MPa, the hose shall not burst, no component of the hose assembly shall become dislodged, no component shall show any sign of permanent distortion and the hose assembly shall not leak.

5.9 Discharge horns

5.9.1 General requirements

Discharge horns shall comply with the requirements of 4.8 of EN 3-5.

5.9.2 Handgrip for discharge horn

An extinguisher fitted with a hose shall have a handgrip on the discharge horn that is constructed of thermally insulating material, which will protect the operator's hand from the freezing effects of the discharge.

5.9.3 Support for discharge horn

When a discharge hose and horn are fitted to an extinguisher, a suitable means of supporting the horn shall be provided.

5.10 Handling facilities

An extinguisher shall have a suitable carrying handle of acceptable strength and of such shape and dimensions as to provide a grip for the full hand. The handle shall be situated diametrically opposite the discharge horn connection.

5.11 Support fittings on extinguisher

An extinguisher shall incorporate a support fitting or fittings of such design as to ensure effective mounting of the extinguisher (see 5.12) and the easy removal of the extinguisher from its mounting bracket(s). The support fittings shall be of sufficient robustness to resist distortion that might impede such removal.

5.12 Mounting brackets for extinguishers

5.12.1 General

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A mounting bracket shall be so designed as to enable the extinguisher to be secured to a wall or to a vehicle, as required (see Annex A).

NOTE: To prevent deterioration caused by weathering of paint, hoses, labels, etc., care should be taken regarding the location of extinguishers. (See also the recommendations given in DZS 648-1).

5.12.2 Brackets for wall mounting

A bracket for wall mounting shall comply with the following requirements: a) It shall be of an acceptable material;

b) It shall be of robust construction and shall effectively support the extinguisher;

c) Removal of the extinguisher from the bracket shall be easy and its method of removal shall be obvious;

d) An extinguisher which is not rigidly held by its bracket shall not fall from its bracket if given a side thrust causing a tilt of up to 45°; and

e) When the bracket is mounted on a wall in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, it shall be capable of supporting a load of at least twice the total weight of the extinguisher without permanent deformation.

5.12.3 Brackets for vehicle mounting

A bracket for vehicle mounting shall not only incorporate a restraining device that holds the extinguisher securely in the closed position, but shall also be so designed as to allow for easy one-handed release and removal of the extinguisher.

5.13 Rupture discs

Rupture discs shall be of acceptable quality and design. The pressure at which the rupture discs burst shall be marked on the extinguisher, preferably on the rupture disc holder. When an extinguisher is tested in accordance with 8.7, bursting shall occur at a pressure between 80 % and 100 % of the hydrostatic test pressure of the fire extinguisher.

5.14 Resistance to external corrosion

The extinguisher shall comply with the external corrosion requirements of 5.1 of EN 3-5 or SANS 7253.

5.15 Periodical checking

It shall be possible to check each extinguisher periodically in accordance with the requirements of ZS 648-1.

NOTE: The interval may be included in the marking related to Part 4 (see 7.2.2.1.3(c).

6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Freedom from leakage

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When an extinguisher is tested in accordance with 8.4, there shall be no leakage of the charge.

6.2 Capacity to extinguish fires

When an extinguisher is tested in accordance with the appropriate test method given in SANS 6172, it shall extinguish a test fire of the size corresponding to the class B test fire rating of the extinguisher (see 4.2.1).

6.3 Operation, residual charge and commencement of discharge

Fire extinguishers shall comply with the operation, residual charge and commencement of discharge requirements of clause 6 of EN 3-1.

7. PACKING AND MARKING

7.1 Packing

Each extinguisher shall be packed individually in a manner that will adequately protect it from damage during normal handling and transportation.

7.2 Marking

7.2.1 General

Each extinguisher shall bear the information given in 7.2.2 to 7.2.3 (in English) in legible and indelible marking.

7.2.2 Information on label

7.2.2.1 Lettering and sizes

7.2.2.1.1 The information given in 7.2.2.2 to 7.2.2.6 shall appear on the label, in bold characters that are upright when the extinguisher is in the mounted position, on the side of the extinguisher remote from the side to which the support fittings are attached.

7.2.2.1.2 The marking required by 7.2.2.1.3(a), (b) and (d) shall be contained on the same label or frame. The information given in 7 .2.2.1.3(c) may be placed elsewhere on the extinguisher. The label (or frame) shall be in such a position that it can be clearly read when the extinguisher is on its bracket.

7.2.2.1.3 The height of the markings shall be as follows:

a) Part 1

1) The words "FIRE EXTINGUISHER": at least 4.5 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass

3 kg and at least 7.5 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass > 3 kg;

2) Other indicators: at least 2.5 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass 3 kg, and at least 3.75 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass > 3 kg.

b) Parts 2 and 3

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1) The text shall be at least 3.0 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass

3 kg, and at least

5.0 mm for fire extinguishers with a charge mass > 3 kg.

2) The pictograms shall be squares of at least 20 mm for extinguishers with a charge mass

3 kg

and squares of at least 25 mm for extinguishers with a charge mass > 3 kg.

c) Part 4

At least 1.5 mm for extinguishers with a charge mass

3 kg and at least 2.5 mm for extinguishers with a charge mass > 3 kg.

d) Part 5

The height of the frame shall not exceed 1/3 of the total height of Parts 1, 2 and 3.

7.2.2.2 Part 1 of label

The following information shall appear in Part 1 of the label:

a) The words "FIRE EXTINGUISHER";

b) The type of extinguishing medium (either the symbol "CO2" or the name "Carbon dioxide"); and its nominal charge;

c) The class of the fire (marked as given in Annex B) for which the extinguisher is suitable;

7.2.2.3 Part 2 of label

The following information shall appear in Part 2 of the label:

a) The instructions for use (in English), which shall include one or more pictograms adequately explained; and

b) Pictograms showing the types of fire for which the extinguisher may be used.

7.2.2.4 Part 3 of label

Part 3 of the label shall give a warning (in English) regarding the shock that can occur due to static electricity. The size of the text shall be the same as given in 7.2.2.1.3.

7.2.2.5 Part 4 of the label .

The following information shall appear in Part 4 of the label:

NOTE: This information may also be placed elsewhere on the extinguisher.

a) The words "Recharge immediately after use";

b) An instruction to check and service extinguishers periodically in accordance with DZS 648-1 and to use only products and spare parts that comply with the requirements of the agreed model for refilling (in accordance with DZS 649-1) and maintenance;

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c) The type of extinguisher medium (either the symbol "CO2 or the name "Carbon dioxide"), and its nominal charge;

d) The number(s) or reference(s) of the approval of the agreed model;

e) The manufacturer's model designation; and

f) A reference to this standard

7.2.2.6 Part 5 of the label

The following information shall appear in Part 5 of the label:

a) The name and address of the extinguisher manufacturer or supplier (or both);

b) The tare mass of the extinguisher, in kilograms;

c) The total mass of the extinguisher, in kilograms; and

d) The filling ratio.

7.2.3 Stamp markings on the cylinder body and position

The stamp marking shall be as given in ISO 13769.

7.3 Durability of marking

The markings listed in 7.2.2.1 to 7.2.2.5 shall be such that, after the extinguisher has been tested in accordance with 8.7, they remain legible.

8. INSPECTION AND METHODS OF TEST

NOTE: For information regarding quality verification, see Annex C.

8.1 Documentation required for inspection and testing

When fire extinguishers are submitted for inspection and testing, they shall be accompanied by at least the documents specified in clause 3 of EN 3-6.

8.2 Inspection

Visually examine and measure each extinguisher in the sample for compliance with the appropriate requirements of clauses 4 to 7 for which tests to assess compliance are not given in 8.3 to 8.7 (inclusive).

8.3 Hydrostatic pressure test

8.3.1 Apparatus

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8.3.1.1 Hydraulic pump, that has a suitable adaptor for connection to the container of the extinguisher

under test, and that is capable of exerting a pressure sufficient to burst the container.

8.3.1.2 Calibrated pressure gauge, fitted to the pump and having an accuracy of ±1 % of the hydraulic test pressure.

8.3.1.3 Stop valve, positioned between the pump and the extinguisher under test.

8.3.2 Procedure

CAUTION: Take suitable precautions against possible fragmentation etc. during this test.

8.3.2.1 Empty the extinguisher of its charge, then completely fill it with water at (25 ± 5) °C, ensuring that all the air has been purged.

8.3.2.2 Connect the extinguisher to the hydraulic pump and gradually apply pressure in sequence until the hydrostatic test pressure (1.25 times the developed pressure) has been reached. Maintain the pressure for 60 s and inspect the extinguisher for compliance with 4.5.2 and 4.7.2, as relevant.

8.4 Leakage test

8.4.1 Apparatus

Hot water bath, maintained at a temperature of 65 °C.

8.4.2 Procedure

Completely submerge the charged fire extinguisher in the bath and, after one minute, check the fire extinguisher body and all joints and outlets for leaks, and check for compliance with the requirements of 4.7.1 or 6.1, as relevant.

8.5 Hydrostatic pressure test on hose assemblies

8.5.1 Apparatus

8.5.1.1 Hydraulic pump, that has a suitable adaptor for connection to the inlet of the hose assembly.

8.5.1.2 Calibrated pressure gauge, fitted to the pump and having an accuracy of ±1 % of the hydraulic test pressure.

8.5.2 Procedure

8.5.2.1 Completely fill the hose assembly with water at ambient temperature, ensuring that all air has been purged.

8.5.2.2 Connect one end of the hose assembly to the hydraulic pump and blank off the other end. Gradually apply pressure until a hydraulic pressure equal to (28.5 ± 0.5) MPa is reached. Maintain this pressure for a period of 30 s and, during the test, check the hose assembly for compliance with 5.8.3.

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8.6 Impact test on operating heads

8.6.1 Apparatus

8.6.1.1 Steel hammer, of mass 4.0 kg, that has a flat striking face of diameter 75 mm and is so mounted in loosely fitting guides that, when the hammer is allowed to fall freely through a specified height, it will strike the operating head at the selected test point.

8.6.1.2 Rigid steel block, of suitable size (see 8.6.1.3(b))

8.6.1.3 Heavy rigid base, on which the extinguisher can be placed directly beneath the hammer in the following two positions:

a) Normal upright position; and

b) Lying on its side with the operating head supported on the steel block.

8.6.1.4 Stop watch.

8.6.2 Preparation of the test specimen

Before testing, condition the extinguisher for at least four hours in a refrigerator maintained at a temperature of (-10

2) °C.

8.6.3 Procedure

8.6.3.1 Immediately on removal of the extinguisher from the refrigerator, start the stop watch. Place the extinguisher upright on the base in such a position that the hammer will strike the top of the operating head. Within 60 s of the removal of the extinguisher from the refrigerator, allow the hammer to fall onto the operating head through a height calculated from the following formula:

20mh

Where

h is the height through which the hammer falls, in metres; m is the mass of the fully charged extinguisher, in kilograms.

8.6.3.2 Check the operating head for compliance with 5.5(b) and, unless the head shows signs of failure, immediately place the extinguisher on its side on the base, with its operating head resting on the rigid steel block. Allow the hammer to fall on the operating head through the same height of fall as in 8.6.3.1 and again check for compliance with 5.5(b).

8.7 Test for rupture discs

8.7.1 General

Rupture discs shall be tested in accordance with a recognized standard unless they are supplied with an acceptable certificate of compliance.

8.7.2 Apparatus

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Hydraulic pump, as in 8.5.1.1, that has a suitable adaptor for connection to the fire extinguisher.

8.7.3 Procedure

Connect the hydraulic pump to the extinguisher. Fill the extinguisher with water, ensuring that no air is entrapped, then apply a steadily increasing pressure. Record the pressure at which a rupture disc bursts. Check for compliance with 5.13.

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Annex A

(Normative)

Notes to Purchasers

Whether the extinguisher is to be wall-mounted or vehicle-mounted (see 5.12)

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Annex B

(normative)

Fire classification symbols

B.1 General

B.1.1 Fire classification symbols are used to identify the suitability of an extinguisher for use on a specific class or on specific classes of fire.

B.1.2 Figure B shows the symbols to be given on a fire extinguisher that is suitable for use only on a class B and C fire.

B.2 Colour of symbols

The colours of the various portions of the fire classification symbols shown in figure B are given in table B.1.

Table B.1: Colour identification

Portion of symbol Colour

Pictograms (e.g. flame, cylinder), letters B and C and borders of picture objects

White

Background of pictograms and letters Red

Figure B- shows symbols to be used on a fire extinguisher suitable for use on class B and C fires.

ZS 373

2:2010

17

Annex C

(informative)

Quality verification of portable rechargeable

fire extinguishers of the CO2 type

When a purchaser requires ongoing verification of the quality of fire extinguishers, it is suggested that, instead of concentrating solely on evaluation of the final product, he also direct his attention to the manufacturer's quality system. In this connection it should be noted that ZS ISO 9001 covers the provisions of an integrated quality system.

ZS 373

2:2010

18

Bibliography

EN 3-2, Portable fire extinguishers - Part 2: Tightness, dielectric test, tamping test, special provisions.

EN 3-4, Portable fire extinguishers - Part 4: Charges, minimum required fire.

ZS ISO 9001, Quality management systems - Requirements.

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