Foreword

Publishing information

This part of BS 5306 is published by BSI Standards Limited, under licence from The British Standards Institution, and came into effect on 30 November 2023. It was prepared by Technical Committee FSH/2, Fire extinguishers. A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to the committee manager.

Supersession

This part of BS 5306 supersedes BS 5306‑8:2012, which is withdrawn.

Relationship with other publications

BS 5306 is published in the following parts:

• Part 0: Guide for selection, use and application of fixed firefighting systems and other types of fire equipment;
• Part 1: Hose reels and foam inlets;
• Part 2 (withdrawn): Specification for sprinkler systems1;
• Part 3: Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers – Code of practice;
• Part 4: Specification for carbon dioxide systems;
• Part 8: Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers – Code of practice;
• Part 9: Recharging of portable fire extinguishers – Code of practice;
• Part 10: Colour coding to indicate the extinguishing medium contained in portable fire extinguishers – Code of practice.

This part of BS 5306 is intended to be read in conjunction with BS EN 2 and BS EN 3 (see also Information about this document).

Information about this document

This is a full revision of the standard, and introduces the following principal changes:

• recognition of current legislation;
• removal of the subclause on training, noting that this is not part of the selection and installation process, and that it is covered by legal obligations;
• removal of the subclause on commissioning and maintenance, noting that it is covered by the new post‑installation arrangements subclause of this standard;
• inclusion of new recommendations on environmental impact;
• revision of information on the use of powder;
• clarification on the recommendations for class A hazards;
• changes in the recommendations for class C hazards;
• revision of travel distances;
• revision of calculation examples; and
• inclusion of information on batteries.

The fire rating system of BS EN 3, in which the fire performance of extinguishers on class A, class B and class F fires, as defined in BS EN 2, is assessed on the basis of their ability to extinguish specified test fires, is used in this part of BS 5306 for the determination of the distribution of extinguishers on premises.

This part of BS 5306 does not define the use of any particular body/body-cover colour.

It is expected that the fire ratings marked on the fire extinguisher will have been verified as being achieved in accordance with BS EN 3‑7.

This publication can be withdrawn, revised, partially superseded or superseded. Information regarding the status of this publication can be found in the Standards Catalogue on the BSI website at bsigroup.com/standards, or by contacting the Customer Services team.

Where websites and webpages have been cited, they are provided for ease of reference and are correct at the time of publication. The location of a webpage or website, or its contents, cannot be guaranteed.

Hazard warnings

WARNING. This British Standard calls for the use of substances and/or procedures that can be injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and does not absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and safety at any stage.

WARNING. Products of decomposition in a fire situation are likely to be hazardous to persons in enclosed spaces with restricted ventilation.

Use of this document

As a code of practice, this part of BS 5306 takes the form of recommendations and guidance. It is not to be quoted as if it were a specification. Users are expected to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.

Users may substitute any of the recommendations in this part of BS 5306 with practices of equivalent or better outcome. Any user claiming compliance with this part of BS 5306 is expected to be able to justify any course of action that deviates from its recommendations.

Presentational conventions

The provisions in this standard are presented in roman (i.e. upright) type. Its recommendations are expressed in sentences in which the principal auxiliary verb is “should”.

Commentary, explanation and general informative material is presented in smaller italic type and does not constitute a normative element.

Where words have alternative spellings, the preferred spelling of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary is used (e.g. “organization” rather than “organisation”).

Contractual and legal considerations

This publication has been prepared in good faith, however no representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by BSI in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or reasonableness of this publication. All and any such responsibility and liability is expressly disclaimed to the full extent permitted by the law.

This publication is provided as is, and is to be used at the recipient’s own risk.

The recipient is advised to consider seeking professional guidance with respect to its use of this publication.

This publication is not intended to constitute a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

Particular attention is drawn to the following statutory regulations:

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 [1] and associated Guidance Notes;
• Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 [2] and associated Guidance Notes;
• Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 [3] and associated Guidance Notes;
• Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 [4]; and
• Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 [5].

BS 5306-8:2023

Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises - Selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers. Code of practice

Current

Published:

30 Nov 2023