The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Rule 110(1)

SCHEDULE 20 NON-PORTABLE FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1.  Every foam fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher, provided in compliance with these Rules shall be so designed and constructed that the interior of the extinguisher can be examined.

2.  The body of the extinguisher shall be cylindrical with ends which shall be dished outwards, without reverse flanging, to a radius not exceeding the diameter of the body. The body and ends shall be made of sheet steel which shall be tinned or lead-coated internally or they shall be provided with equivalent protection against corrosion internally. Each other part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.

3.  The body of the extinguisher shall be welded or riveted. All riveted joints shall be soldered.

4.  The body shall be provided with an opening for the introduction of an inner container. The opening shall be fitted with a cap of gunmetal or other suitable material, screwed with a continuous thread, through the side of which safety holes or slots shall be provided so that when the cap is being removed any pressure of gas remaining in the container may be released gradually should the discharge opening be choked. The cap joint shall be made with acid-resisting rubber, greased leather or other suitable material.

5.  If the extinguisher is provided with an inner container, such container shall be adequately supported.

6.  A reinforced discharge hose shall be provided, together with a nozzle, the area of which shall be such that, when the extinguisher is operated, the foam is projected a distance of 14 metres for a period of not less than 100 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of 136 litres capacity or over, and a distance of 11 metres for a period of not less than 90 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of under 136 litres.

7.  The charge and the air space above the level of the solution in the body shall be so regulated that the maximum pressure in the extinguisher when put into action, with all outlets closed, does not exceed 19 kilogrammes force per square centimetre with the solution at a temperature of 38°C.

8.  The extinguisher shall be capable of withstanding for a period of 5 minutes an internal pressure of 1 1/2 times the pressure in the extinguisher when put into action with all outlets closed, and in no event of less than 24 kilogrammes force per square centimetre

9.  The outside of the extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with:—

(a) the name of the maker or vendor of the extinguisher;

(b) the capacity of the extinguisher;

(c) the level of the solution, when the extinguisher is filled to its working capacity;

(d) the pressure under which the extinguisher was tested;

(e) instructions for operating the extinguisher;

(f) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured.