Commission Directive 2010/36/EUShow full title

5 Portable fire extinguishers (R 6)

NEW CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS CONSTRUCTED BEFORE 1 JANUARY 2003 AND EXISTING CLASS B SHIPS:

.1 All fire extinguishers shall be of approved types and designs.

.2 The capacity of required portable fluid extinguishers shall be not more than 13,5-litre and not less than 9 litres. Other extinguishers shall be at least as portable as the 13,5-litre fluid extinguisher and shall have a fire-extinguishing capability at least equivalent to that of a 9-litre fluid extinguisher.

.3 Spare charges shall be carried for 50 % of the total of each type of extinguisher on board. Another extinguisher of the same type is a spare charge for an extinguisher which cannot be readily recharged on board.

.4 In general, portable CO₂ fire extinguishers shall not be located in accommodation spaces. Where such extinguishers are provided in radio rooms, at switchboards and other similar positions, the volume of any space containing one or more extinguishers shall be such as to limit the concentration of vapour that can occur due to discharge to not more than 5 % of the net volume of the space for the purpose of this Regulation. The volume of CO₂ shall be calculated at 0,56 m³/kg.

CLASS B, C AND D SHIPS CONSTRUCTED ON OR AFTER 1 JANUARY 2003:

.5 Portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

.6 Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall not be placed in accommodation spaces. In control stations and other spaces containing electrical or electronic equipment or appliances necessary for the safety of the ship, fire extinguishers should be provided whose extinguishing media are neither electrically conductive nor harmful to the equipment and appliances.

.7 Fire extinguishers shall be situated ready for use at easily visible places, which can be reached quickly and easily at any time in the event of a fire and in such a way that their serviceability is not impaired by the weather, vibration or other external factors. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided with devices which indicate whether they have been used.

.8 Spare charges shall be provided for 100 % of the first 10 extinguishers and 50 % of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged on board.

.9 For the extinguishers which cannot be recharged on board, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in paragraph .13 below shall be provided in lieu of spare charges.

NEW CLASS B, C AND D AND EXISTING CLASS B SHIPS:

.10 Fire extinguishers containing an extinguishing medium which either by itself or under expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger persons or gives off gases which are harmful to the environment shall not be permitted.

.11 The fire extinguishers shall be suitable for extinguishing fires which are possible in the vicinity of the fire extinguisher location.

.12 One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be located near the entrance of that space.

.13 The minimum number of fire extinguishers shall be as follows:

.1

in accommodation and service spaces:

the fire extinguishers shall be so located that no point in the space is more than 10 metres walking distance from an extinguisher;

.2

an extinguisher suitable for use in high voltage areas shall be located in the proximity of any electric panel or subpanel having a power of 20 kW or more;

.3

in galleys the extinguishers shall be so located that no point in the space is more than 10 metres walking distance from an extinguisher;

.4

an extinguisher shall be located in the proximity of paint lockers store rooms containing readily flammable products;

.5

at least one extinguisher shall be located on the navigating bridge and in each control station.

.14 Portable fire extinguishers provided for use in accommodation or service spaces shall so far as practicable have a uniform method of operation.

.15 Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers:

the Administration of the Flag State shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers shall be periodically inspected, function-tested and pressure-tested.