fire extinguishers servicing.

[RED21]

Just been doing some catch up surfing and found this on the SPA site, which seems to have creeped up on us? http://www.spa-uk.co.uk/news/article/?objid=30
I know that we all look after our fire extinguishers in our cars but this hasn’t been mention any where before even from our H & S at work, and if like mine, a new system is require as it's over 10yrs old. (Has been serviced regularly)

The thing is I don't recall that the blue book (2008) having any regs for servicing of extinguishers just that the pressure gauge has to be visible and in the full charge position?

[GORDON STREETER]

The blue book I believe doesn't give any regs regarding timescale or servicing.
However the FIA have a different approach, and most abroad meetings that are not, insist on a valid service label.
I would think that in the 2009 book it will be changed. More money !!!!

[Tim Falce]

What the MSA want and what the manufacturer wants are not always the same. The first sentence mentions insurance so they are covering their own backsides. Easy answer is if you don't agree, don't buy SPA.

[Farbrooke]

If pressurized equipment has now been 'lifed' at 10 years by National and International authorities how do you go on with brake pipes - fuel injection stuff - tyre valves - your traction engine boiler - your home hot water cylinder etc etc

As has been said seems a single company insurance satisfaction completed with the sales hat on.

[GORDON STREETER]

Well we all know the score as regards extinguishers/ belts n things as we have had threads on how we are being shafted. At least you don't have to have your extinguisher refilled by the firms that make it (at least that's my understanding) and if you shop around they can be done a lot cheaper by a local firm. Probably someone will come on here and shoot me down in

[RED21]

I must apologize if this came across, as a whinge as to fire extinguisher servicing, which it isn’t, just that there seems to be a possible regulation that as a UK only competitor (Non circuit/rally) I was not aware of, and due to a company’s on going self assments and evaluation they also found out that it had to be enforced here in the UK.
I will with out doubt go and purchase another system just to comply with the 10 year rule as safety comes first, but if its been part of the FIA regs for a couple of years regards having a valid servicing sticker would it have been proactive to have a “We Recommend” in the Blue Book so those who want to will?
Unless it is in the 2009 book??

[Turby]

IMHO its a marketing ploy.. just like some new safety items which are labelled "HANS compatible"... there is no such FIA / MSA requirement...

[graham bahr]

Originally Posted by Turby

IMHO its a marketing ploy.. just like some new safety items which are labelled "HANS compatible"... there is no such FIA / MSA requirement...

i agree,

in fact my the paper work i got with my lastest SPA extingusher took it one step further stating in black and white it will fail scruitieering if not serviced by its expiry date!

[GORDON STREETER]

I did notice that the MSA do not specify an age limit for fire extinguishers, however manufacturers guidelines should be followed regarding the servicing of units.
The next thing is that Catalytic Converters (MSA)must be fitted to all petrol engined production based saloon, touring and sports cars,including specialist production and kit cars, manufactured after 31/12/99.
But will they all be tested at the circuits to see if they actually work ?

[Tim Falce]

You can't test to see if they work unless the MSA set some form of limit, then the circuits will need around £7Ks worth of equipment to test them. Oh and all cars will need to be run until hot or they wont work anyway and how many cars are taken to scrutineering running let alone hot? Fitting cats is no more than "looking like they are doing something"

[GORDON STREETER]

More bxxxocks just to shaft us then !

[Tim Falce]

Yep!

[RICHARD.T]

I have always had excelent and helpfull service from Lifeline who are convieniently situated in Coventry. I take my extinguisher in after I have visited the Autosport show or Race Retro and they do it whilst I wait.
Hence, You can guess what make I buy.

[Tim Falce]

They do seem to give good service yes. I deal with one of their agents, Lanan racing who do a same day service at a very good price.

[Frailloop]

For fire extingiushers outside the car - the life span is ten years, with annual servicing, discharge test even couple of years, etc. If the bottles are showing any sign of damage - rust, dent - it will fail and need replacing. Thats not an option but a legal requirement.

Still with luck the system will never be called upon.