Britannia BC2 Manual

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BRITANNIA
RANGE
EXTINGUISHER
SERVICING &
MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
extinguishers

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SPINTRO REV 5: September 2010
PROCEDURES FOR SERVICING THE BRITANNIA RANGE OF
HAND PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Introduction
The commissioning and servicing of fire fighting equipment must be carried out by a competent
person using the correct tools to follow these manufacturer’s instructions and any National
standards required in the relevant Country.
This maintenance should be performed at least annually. The extinguishers should be visually
inspected at least quarterly, but preferably monthly, by the user, to ensure that the equipment
is in its designated position, has not been used and has not been tampered with.
Servicing and recharging should be carried out in a clean dry environment. All recharge
materials and spare parts must be as specified by the manufacturer. Particular attention is
drawn to replacement CO2 cartridges, which must be obtained from the Manufacturer. Minor
differences in cartridge design may affect the correct operation of the extinguisher.
In the event that an extinguisher cannot immediately be rendered suitable for continued
service, it must be marked ‘NOT MAINTAINED’ until it can be repaired/recharged.
The competent person must advise the user of any equipment, which is either condemned or
unfit for service and make any recommendations for replacement and/or remedial work.
Always check the security and suitability of the hanging bracket, and that the extinguisher is of
the right type for the prevalent risk.
If the extinguisher is to be sited in a hazardous/corrosive environment i.e. marine use, the
inspection periods should be more frequent. The effects of the environment should be
considered, with particular reference to corrosion and legibility of marking instructions. If there
is corrosion or the markings are not legible, then the extinguisher should be withdrawn from
service. This is a requirement of the Marine Equipment Directive.
It is essential that extinguishers are not subjected to temperatures outside of the temperature
range stated on the extinguisher.
Extinguishers should remain in their allocated location, and should be used only for the
purposes of extinguishing a fire. On no account should the extinguisher be removed for any
other purpose, and should not be subjected to any impact, force, heat, abrasion or any other
misuse or condition that may be detrimental to the integrity of the extinguisher.
Failure to use the recommended spare parts and adhere to these maintenance instructions may
cause the extinguisher to malfunction or prevent it from operating altogether. This may
invalidate the warranty and the manufacturer accepts no liability in the event that these
instructions are not followed.
Care must be taken to ensure that residual media (powder and foam) are disposed of in
accordance with environmental legislation. Where facilities exist, condemned extinguishers and
components should be recycled.

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SPC02 REV 2: September 2010
SERVICING PROCEDURES FOR BRITANNIA RANGE
STORED PRESSURE CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
MODELS
MODEL NO'S: BC2, BC2A, BC5, BC5A.
WARNING: NEVER DISCHARGE CO2EXTINGUISHERS WITH NO DISCHARGE HORN
ATTACHED
1. Remove extinguisher from hanging bracket and check security of the bracket, rectify
if necessary. Check exterior of extinguisher for corrosion or damage, if found,
withdraw from service.
2. Ensure safety pin is in position and the extinguisher has not been completely or
partially discharged. If the extinguisher has been completely or partially discharged,
discontinue servicing procedure and commence recharge procedure (Ref. SPCO2).
3. Ensure instruction label is legible, rectify as necessary. Check for damage/corrosion
to extinguisher body. If damage/corrosion is found, mark the extinguisher as
condemned and/or remove from service.
4. Checkweigh the extinguisher against the gross weight stamped on cylinder. If
underweight by more than 10% of contents, the extinguisher should be removed
from service and recharged.
5. Check safety pin for free movement. Replace pin and fit new seal (in accordance
with service colour code).
6. Ensure safety pin is in position, loosen discharge horn retaining nut and remove the
swivel horn/hose and horn from the valve. Blow through swivel horn/hose and horn
and check for cracks, abrasion or other damage.
7. Check date of last hydraulic pressure test stamped on cylinder shoulder. If hydraulic
testing is due remove from service.
8. Refit swivel horn/hose and horn, fit new ‘O’ring and ensure that sealing washer is
present and in good condition. Tighten retaining nut (ensuring that a swivel horn
can be raised into its fire fighting position and remain stationary).
9. Record service details, including weight on the service label and return to service.

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RPC02 REV 2: September 2010
RECHARGE PROCEDURES FOR BRITANNIA RANGE
CARBON DIOXIDE (C02) MODELS
MODELS NO'S: BC2, BC2A, BC5, BC5A.
Due to the specialised equipment and high pressures involved in the recharging of CO2
extinguishers, only specially trained competent persons should carry out this procedure
using special High-pressure Liquid CO2 transfer pumping equipment.
Recharging should be carried out following the recommendations of BS 6643 part 1.
Always check date of last hydraulic pressure test and do not recharge any extinguisher
that requires a hydraulic pressure test.