What is a P50?
What is the P50 fire extinguisher?
A P50 fire extinguisher manufactured by Britannia Fire is a 10 year service free unit, which can be extended to 20 years after a manufactures service. It can be routinely inspected in house until 10 years old with no parts requiring replacement during this period.
Are P50 Fire Extinguishers legal?
P50 fire extinguishers fulfil all the legal and certification requirements for fire extinguishers.
– Carry the legal CE mark required for all fire extinguishers.The CE mark means that the fire extinguisher complies with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), a European standard which ensures the extinguisher will not rupture at a crucial moment.
– Comply with British Standard BS EN 3-7.This standard is not a legal requirement but gives a good indicator of the performance and suitability of the extinguisher.
– Are certified and kitemarked by the British Standards Institution (BSI).British standards are not a legal requirement; however, they are accepted as best practice across the industry.
Why an annually serviced by a third-party BAFE service technician is not required
A P50 extinguisher is service-free due to its unique construction and robust nature when compared to traditional extinguishers requiring annual servicing by a third-party BAFE service technician. An in-house service can be carried out by a responsible member of staff completing a simple visual inspection each year to ensure the P50 is in good working order.
We would still recommend that the initial commissioning and installation of P50 extinguishers is carried out by a third-party BAFE service technician to ensure legal duties are met under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 by businesses and organisations. This will always ensure the correct selection and positioning of fire extinguishers in a premises. BS 5306-3 recommends that extinguishers are annually maintained.
What does an annual visual inspection entail
The extinguisher annual visual service/maintenance programme, which is undertaken by suitably trained staff members.
– If an indicator is in the RED segment return to manufacturer or appointed distributor.
– Remove any dust with a clean cloth.
– Turn upside down to inspect base and locate the testing magnet, stored here.
– Check date is within 10 year operational lifespan (colour coded stud in base gives year of manufacture.
– At 10 years return to manufacturer or distributor for manufacturers overhaul to extend the lifespan by a further 10 years.
– Check the tamper seal is in place along with the pin. If tamper seal/pin are missing, contact manufacturer or distributor.
– Check both indicators with a magnet to confirm operation. Moving magnet from side to side needle should move then return to GREEN segment.
– Return magnet to base.
– Check for any damage to the unit and the hose.
– Is the hose connected securely to the unit.
– Is the fire extinguisher indicator sign displayed.
– Record yearly inspection date into logbook and mark extinguisher body with permanent marker pen.
Benefits
– Long-lasting
– 10-year manufacturer’s operational corrosion guarantee
– Super strength material
– No service contract required
– Requires only one maufacturer’s overhaul at 10 years
– Fully recyclable (minus contents)
– Easy to use
– Can be self maintained with an annual maintenance inspection to check magnetic gauges with a magnet
– 20-year lifecycle
– 10-year manufacturing faults and workmanship guarentee
– Kitemark, UKCA, PED, MED and EN3 approved
– Reduced maintenance requirements
– Suitable for use on multiple classes of fire
– Eliminates need for discharge tests every five years
– Lightweight for ease of operation
– Accredited to the highest standards
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