COMPANYNAME M/V “VSLNAME” SOLAS TRAINING MANUAL PART B – Section 8 Fire Extinguishers & Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems Page 3 of 37
The most appropriate extinguisher should be found near any risk, but this may not always be the case, especially where there is more than one risk in the same area. For instance, in a Control Room there may be hydraulics, computers and other electrical equipment, papers and books. If the wrong type of extinguisher is used on a fire the already serious situation may be made considerably worse. Using a water extinguisher on a chip-pan fire could result in a contained, controllable situation becoming a catastrophe, as the effect of directing water into burning hot fat is to cause the fire to spread. It is important that every crew member is familiar with the advantages and limitations of each fire extinguishing medium. 8.1.2.
Fire extinguishers colour coding BLUE = Dry Powder
BLACK = CO2
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RED = Water
GREEN = Halon substitutes
YELLOW = Foam
8.1.3.
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Fire extinguishers may be colour coded to indicate the extinguishing medium they contain. Older extinguishers may have the entire body of the extinguisher appropriately coloured; more recent extinguishers will be red with a block of colour placed above the operating instructions. Some vessels may have extinguishers that are red without any colour coding; in this case it is necessary to read the instructions to determine the extinguisher contents. In addition to fire extinguishers normally having some form of colour coding to indicate their contents, modern fire extinguishers will also bear graphic symbols to show the types of fire for which the contents are suitable. The symbol for electrical hazard will be shown on those extinguishers whose contents are safe to use on fires involving all types of electrical equipment. Sitting of fire extinguishers
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LOCATION Normally, extinguishers should be located in conspicuous positions on brackets or stands where they will be readily seen by persons following an escape route. The carrying handle of larger, heavier extinguishers should be about 1m from the deck but smaller extinguishers handles should be about 1,5m from the deck. Sitting positions near to room exits, alleyways, stairways, lobbies and landings are most suitable. Attention should be drawn to the position by photoluminescent signs. The extinguishers, type and size, should be shown on the vessel’s fire plan, or in the case of smaller craft, on some other suitably arranged diagram. ACCESSIBILITY Extinguishers should be available for immediate use at all times. The number of extinguishers required will vary depending on the type of vessel and the risk.
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