MECHANICAL MARKINGS ON FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

1 SANS 1475 BULLETIN # 2 SANS 1475 INFORMATION BULLETIN MECHANICAL MARKINGS ON fire EXTINGUISHERS While it is appreciated that the fire extinguisher belongs to the owners and that the SANS 1475 service companies are only maintaining the equipment for them, certain practices of some owners and/or fire service companies are however in contravention with the Pressure Equipment Regulation and SANS 1475 requirements. It has come to the attention of the SABS that some companies are marking or numbering their fire EXTINGUISHERS with an engraver or punch. Apart from during the manufacturing process no MECHANICAL MARKINGS may be applied to an extinguisher cylinder.

2 This includes the numbering of an extinguisher by means of engraving or punching. This practise renders the fire EXTINGUISHERS illegal, and it can there for not be maintained by a SANS 1475 permit holders. SANS 1475 requirement states as follows: .. Rejection of the cylinder Condemn any extinguisher cylinder that a) has been repaired by means of soldering, brazing, welding or the use of patching components, b) has damaged screw threads, c) exhibits excessive corrosion, damage, or MECHANICAL MARKINGS on the body other than authorized MARKINGS applied in terms of the applicable manufacturer s specification, d) has been burnt in a fire , e)

3 Is of stainless steel and has been in use with a calcium chloride type of extinguishing medium (water and powder with a high chloride content are not compatible with certain types of stainless steel), f) is constructed of copper or brass joined by soft solder or by riveting or that is manufactured from a non-metallic material (The reliability and safety of such EXTINGUISHERS cannot be determined by standard pressure testing.), or g) is unable to be maintained in compliance with the requirements of the original manufacturer .. By using an engraver or punch to mark fire EXTINGUISHERS , the integrity of the metal are compromised and it is a potential area where rusting of EXTINGUISHERS can occur.

4 Service companies are in terms of the requirements of SANS 1475 required to write off all fire EXTINGUISHERS marked in any manner by engraving or punching of the cylinder. fire EXTINGUISHERS are critical life safety equipment and no deviation of this rule is allowed. SABS will raise major non-conformance findings against any SANS 1475 companies who continue to maintain this equipment, and can suspend their mark permit.