British Standard 5306 is a series of standards that provide guidance on fire extinguishing installations and equipment. Specifically, it sets out the requirements for the maintenance and service of fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom.
BS 5306 is divided into several parts, each of which addresses a different aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance. These parts include:
BS 5306-1: This part of the standard provides guidance on the selection and installation of fire extinguishers, including the types of extinguishers that should be used for different types of fires and the positioning of extinguishers.
BS 5306-2: This part of the standard provides guidance on the commissioning and maintenance of fire extinguishers, including the frequency of inspections and testing, and the requirements for record keeping.
BS 5306-3: This part of the standard provides guidance on the service and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, including the types of inspections and tests that should be carried out, and the requirements for refilling or replacing extinguishers.
BS 5306-8: This part of the standard provides guidance on the commissioning and maintenance of water mist fire extinguishing systems.
Overall, BS 5306 sets out the requirements for the installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems in the United Kingdom, with the aim of ensuring that these systems are effective in protecting against fires and safeguarding life and property.
In addition the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a European Union directive applicable to high pressure extinguisher such as the typical Carbon Dioxide extinguishers. These out the technical requirements for the design, manufacture, and conformity assessment of pressure equipment. The directive applies to pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar, and includes a wide range of equipment such as boilers, pressure vessels, piping, valves, and pressure accessories.
The PED aims to ensure that pressure equipment placed on the market within the European Union meets the essential health and safety requirements for design, manufacturing, and testing. The directive sets out a range of technical requirements related to design, materials, manufacturing, and testing, and specifies the procedures and requirements for conformity assessment and marking of pressure equipment.
Manufacturers or importers of pressure equipment that fall within the scope of the PED must ensure that their equipment complies with the directive before placing it on the market within the European Union. This typically involves carrying out a conformity assessment procedure, which may involve third-party certification by a notified body.
By setting out clear technical requirements and conformity assessment procedures, the PED aims to promote the free movement of pressure equipment within the European Union, while also ensuring a high level of health and safety protection for workers and the public.