Fire Extinguishers
All fire extinguishers must be coloured red regardless of content with the exception of a patch occupying no more than 5% of the surface area to indicate the type of extinguishing content.
It is crucial that extinguishers are all tested to the appropriate standards and that they carry the correct certification marks.
As well as compliance testing to all of the standards below, BSI can offer a complete testing package including on-site witness testing and integrated multi-assessment visits to cover, CE (pressure equipment and marine directives) and Kitemark certification. BS EN 1866-1 can be tested against the Pressure Equipment Directive and /or the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive. Kitemark certification schemes for these products will automatically qualify against CE marking compliance.
BS EN 3-7: 2004
Portable fire extinguishers. Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods.
BS EN 3-8: 2006
Additional requirements to EN3-7 construction, resistance to pressure and mechanical tests for
extinguishers with a maximum allowable pressure equal to or lower than 30 bar.
BS EN 3-9: 2006
Additional requirements to EN3-7 for pressure resistance of CO2 extinguishers
BS 6165: 2002
Specification for small disposable fire extinguishers of the aerosol type
BS EN 1866-1: 2007
Mobile fire extinguishers. Characteristics, performance and test methods
Water mist systems operate in a similar way to standard sprinkler systems, however, when activated, instead of a heavy spray, they produce a fine mist of water. The steam which is produced effectively uses the energy of the fire against itself, by cooling down hot objects and creating an atmosphere not supportive to combustion.
The three types of mist system are: Low pressure: <12.5 bar, Medium pressure: >12.5 and< 35 bar and High pressure: >35 bar.
BSI testing services
BSI can provide Kitemark Certification based on FM approved water mist systems, but not against system components.
FM 5560
Water mist systems
BS ISO 15371
Ship and marine (protection of galley deep fat cooking equipment)
In most instances fire blankets are used to extinguish kitchen environments. However, they are also an effective method of smothering fire on a person, for example, if their clothing should catch light during a fire incident. Some fire blankets can be multi use and this should be clearly indicated on the packaging. If a blanket is for single use it must not be reused as the blanket’s capabilities will have been compromised.
The two types of fire blankets are: Industrial, for commercial kitchens and Domestic, for home use.
BSI testing services
Full compliance testing to BS EN 1869 and BS 7944, plus Kitemark certification on the above scheme. Kitemark certification schemes for these products will automatically qualify against CE marking compliance.
BS EN 1869:1997
Fire blankets
BS 7944: 1999
Type I heavy duty fire blankets and
Type 2 heavy duty heat protective blankets.
Fire hoses and connectors
Lay flat Fire hoses are used by firefighters worldwide and are probably the most important piece of equipment on a fire appliance.
All fire hoses with Kitemark certification will conform with construction, dimension, weight, burst pressure, adhesion, moisture absorption, flexibility, heat ageing, abrasion resistance and ozone resistance requirements of the standards. Every length of the hose is pressure tested and marked correctly. Kitemark certification schemes for these products will automatically qualify against CE marking compliance.
BS 6391 -Type 1
Fire hoses - no heat treatment applied liquid absorbable
BS 6391 -Type 2
Fire hoses - external coating against liquid absorption
BS 6391 -Type 3
Fire hoses - external coating against abrasion
BS EN 694: 2001
Fire-fighting hoses. Semi-rigid hoses for fixed systems
BS 336: 1989
Fire hose couplings and ancillary equipment
Fire Hose Reels
There are two main types of reel. Automatic reels and manual reels. As well as Kitemark certification to the above standards, full compliance testing can be done against the Construction Products Directive.
BS EN 671-1: 2001
Hose reels with semi rigid hose
BS EN 671-2: 2001
Hose systems with lay flat hose
Fire Hydrant Valves
In addition to Kitemark certification on the above standards, stand alone CE marking is offered on BS EN 14339. Testing can be undertaken both on-site or at BSI’s extensive test facilities. This can be further complemented with full compliance testing against the Construction Products Directive (CPD).
BS 750: 2006
Specification for underground fire hydrants and surface box frames and covers.
BS EN 14339: 2005
Underground fire hydrants
BS 5041-1: 1987
Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for landing valves for wet risers.
BS 5041-2: 1987
Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for landing valves for dry risers.
BS 5041-3: 1975
Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for inlet breechings for dry riser inlets.
BS 5041-4: 1975
Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for boxes for landing valves for dry risers.
BS 5041-5: 1974
Fire hydrant systems equipment. Specification for boxes for foam inlets and dry riser inlets.
