15.7.1 Multi-purpose fire extinguishers have a
capability to deal with both Category A fires involving solid materials
and Category B fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids may be
marked with the multipurpose rating, e.g. 13A/113B in Section 15.4.1
above; and 5A/34B in Section 15.4.2 above.
15.7.2 BS EN 3:1996 - Portable fire extinguishers,
became a national standard in August 1996. The previous standard,
BS 5423:1987, was withdrawn on 1 January 1997. The principal difference
between the two standards is the colour coding of the body of the
extinguisher which, for BS EN 3, is red.
15.7.3 BS EN 3 allows a zone of colour of up to
5% of the external area of the extinguisher body to be used to identify
the extinguishing agent. Manufacturers have complied with this by
printing the operating instructions in the appropriate extinguishing
agent colour.
15.7.4 Manufacturers producing extinguishers certified
and marked to BS EN 3 cannot revert to the colour schemes contained
in the withdrawn BS 5423:1987. Owners of vessels must not overpaint
red BS EN 3 extinguishers to the "old" colours.
15.7.5 EC Regulation 2037/ 2000 prohibits the
sale and use of halons, including material that has been recovered
or recycled. No fire fighting equipment containing Halons should be
used. Marine Guidance Note MGN 191 provides further information.