Chrome and Stainless Steel
Fire Extinguishers
A Stylish and Compliant Fire Safety Solution
In today’s world, where style and aesthetics play a significant role in various environments, chrome fire extinguishers have gained immense popularity. However, this rise in popularity has also led to confusion among many individuals who are unaware of the laws and standards governing fire extinguishers, especially when it comes to chrome extinguishers.
Let’s dive into this simple guide, which aims to clear up any confusion surrounding chrome fire extinguishers. We will explore their unique features, the most common areas of application, and their compliance with relevant British Standards, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of these stylish fire safety devices.
Enhancing Style and Functionality
Chrome fire extinguishers, although manufactured from stainless steel or aluminium, bear an eye-catching chrome effect once polished and finished. The use of aluminium is generally recommended due to its ability to withstand high gas pressures while remaining lightweight and easy to handle. Similar to their red counterparts, chrome extinguishers are made with the same components and function just as effective when it comes to tackling fires. These extinguishers are available in various sizes and types, including water, foam, dry powder, CO2, and wet chemicals.
Where to Use Chrome Fire Extinguishers?
Chrome extinguishers find their most common applications in locations where visual appeal holds significant importance. Hence, they are particularly popular in settings such as hotels, reception areas, restaurants, modern offices, and show homes. Additionally, due to their stainless steel or aluminium construction, chrome fire extinguishers are less susceptible to corrosion, making them suitable for outdoor areas or places with high moisture levels, such as swimming pools, spas, and marine environments. However, it is important to note that due to their sleek design, chrome extinguishers may be less visible than their red counterparts. To ensure their presence is easily noticed, proper signage should be employed to draw attention to their location.
Legal Compliance and British Standards
Let’s address the concerns regarding legal compliance and adherence to British Standards by chrome fire extinguishers. While there is confusion surrounding these extinguishers, it is important to note that they are entirely legal. However, they do not conform to British Standards, specifically BS EN3-7:2004+A1:2007. This standard recommends that 95% of a fire extinguisher’s body be red to be considered BS EN3-approved. Nonetheless, chrome extinguishers carry other approvals, and installing them does not violate fire safety regulations.
The governing legislation for fire extinguishers is the CE Mark. Since May 2002, all pressure-operated fire extinguishers must be manufactured in accordance with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) to feature the CE Mark. Rest assured, chrome fire extinguishers bear the CE Mark, ensuring full legal compliance. Furthermore, all chrome extinguishers made in the UK undergo manufacturing under BS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Supervision and testing in accordance with BS EN3 rules, despite not conforming to each requirement. This guarantees that by installing chrome fire extinguishers, you fulfil your fire safety obligations and comply with all relevant fire laws and regulations.
In Conclusion
Chrome fire extinguishers offer a stylish alternative to traditional red extinguishers, catering to environments where visual appeal is of paramount importance. With their stainless steel or aluminium construction, these extinguishers provide durability and resistance to corrosion. While they may not conform to British Standards, their compliance with the CE Mark and other approvals ensures their legal compliance. By choosing chrome fire extinguishers, you can strike the perfect balance between style and safety, fulfilling your fire safety obligations with confidence.
Please note that this article provides basic easy-to-understand guidance on fire safety provisions and the key fire safety information required to comply with legislation. Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. We aim to assist you to understand the fire-related terms within your Fire Risk Assessment. It does not provide detailed technical guidance on all fire safety provisions, and you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
Fire Risk Consultancy Services have the knowledge and experience to assist your business to comply with all legal requirements surrounding Fire Safety including the legislation regarding Fire Alarms. Be sure to read our accompanying guides: Guide to Classes of Fire in the UK from A to F, Types of Fire Extinguisher, How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need?, Siting of Fire Extinguishers, P50 Fire Extinguishers, Maintaining & Servicing Your Fire Extinguishers AND Fire Alarm System Types, Emergency Lighting, Fire Door Regulations, Fire Safety Signs, also published on this site.
Please take a moment to have a look around our website where you will find related articles and guides to all the services we can provide your business with, from providing fire risk assessments, fire safety training, advisory services to Articles on Fire Safety Provisions and our Top Fire Safety Tips!