Types of Fire Extinguishers and their Indian Standards | What You Need to Know

Indian standards for fire extinguishers set the benchmark for quality, performance, and reliability, ensuring that fire extinguishers are ready to protect lives and property in the event of a fire emergency.

Fire extinguishers are a vital tool in preventing and controlling fires, making them an essential component of fire safety measures.

In India, fire extinguishers are regulated and certified by stringent Indian Standards to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property.

This blog will explore the importance of Indian Standards for both Portable fire extinguishers (IS 15683) and Wheeled fire extinguishers (IS 16018), focusing on their significance, scope, classification and the BIS certification process.

Importance of Indian Standards for Fire Extinguishers

Indian Standards (IS 15683 and IS 16018) ensure the quality and reliability of fire extinguishers.

These standards have been assigned and are rigorously maintained by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a government body responsible for establishing and promoting quality and safety standards across various industries in India.

IS 15683 for portable fire extinguishers and IS 16018 for wheeled fire extinguishers are pivotal in safeguarding lives and property.

By complying with these standards, manufacturers can produce reliable and effective fire extinguishing equipment, while consumers can trust that the devices they purchase are capable of effectively combating fires.

Scope of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers combat fires in their initial stages, preventing them from escalating and causing severe damage. These essential tools are designed to tackle a range of fire hazards and have a profound impact on fire safety in numerous settings.

They are especially useful in homes, businesses, industrial settings, and public spaces where fires can occur due to various factors.

They play a pivotal role in addressing various classes of fires, including those involving solids, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and specialized cooking fires, catering to a wide spectrum of fire risks.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are two types of fire extinguishers, such as:

1. Portable Fire Extinguishers (IS 15683)

These are the most common types of fire extinguishers, designed for easy handling and mobility. They come in various sizes and are suitable for a wide range of fire types.

2. Wheeled Fire Extinguishers (IS 16018)

Wheeled fire extinguishers are larger and more powerful, designed for use in industrial and high-risk areas where larger fires may occur. They are equipped with larger capacities and longer hose lengths for effective fire control.

Categories of Fire

Understanding the categories of fires is crucial when selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher:

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles (e.g., wood, paper)
• Class B: Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, oil)
• Class C: Electrical fires
• Class D: Metal fires (e.g., magnesium, sodium)
• Class K: Kitchen fires involving oils and fats

The Role of Indian Standards (IS 15683 and IS 16018) for Fire Extinguishers

The Indian Standards IS 15683 and IS 16018 are vital in ensuring the effectiveness, reliability, and safety of fire extinguishers in India.

These standards are vital in assuring users that they have a reliable and effective tool at their disposal when fire emergencies arise.

Their role in the realm of fire safety is important for several reasons:

• Quality Assurance: IS 15683 and IS 16018 establish strict quality control measures for both portable fire extinguishers and wheeled fire extinguishers. These quality measures ensure that fire extinguishers are reliable and can be counted on when needed most.
• Fire Classification: These standards classify fire extinguishers based on the types of fires they can effectively combat. This classification ensures that the right extinguisher is selected for a specific fire risk, enhancing safety and effectiveness.
• Performance Testing: IS 15683 and IS 16018 mandate rigorous testing of fire extinguishers to ensure their performance under real-world conditions. This includes discharge testing, pressure testing, and leak-tightness testing.
• Labelling and Marking: These standards provide guidelines for the labelling, marking, and instructions that must be present on fire extinguishers, ensuring that users can quickly and accurately identify the extinguisher's suitability for a specific fire type.
• Regular Maintenance and Inspection: The standards emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers. Regular servicing and inspection are necessary to ensure that extinguishers remain in working condition.
• Compliance with Regulations: These standards serve as a basis for regulatory authorities and inspectors to evaluate the quality and safety of fire extinguishers used in various settings.

To ensure the safety of the public and property at large, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) titled "The Fire Extinguishers (Quality Control) Order, 2023."

This order mandates that manufacturers of fire extinguishers must conform to the Indian Standards (IS 15683 and IS 16018) and bear the Standard Mark under a valid license from the BIS.

BIS Certification Process for Fire Extinguishers

The Bureau of Indian Standards certification process encompasses several stages, from application to final approval.

Here's an overview of the general BIS certification process for fire extinguishers:

1. Application Submission

• Manufacturers or importers of fire extinguishers initiate the certification process by submitting an application to the nearest BIS office.

2. Document Review

• BIS reviews the submitted documents, including product specifications, test reports, and quality control plans, to ensure they meet the requirements outlined in the relevant BIS standard, such as IS 15683 or IS 16018.

3. Preliminary Plant Inspection

• BIS may conduct a preliminary plant inspection to assess the manufacturer's production facility.

4. Sample Collection

• BIS may collect samples of the fire extinguishers for testing to verify that they meet the safety and performance requirements set by the standards.

5. Testing

• The samples are subjected to various tests, including discharge testing, pressure testing, and leak-tightness testing, in accordance with the relevant BIS standard.

6. Compliance Evaluation

• BIS evaluates the test results and other documentation to determine whether the fire extinguisher complies with the relevant standards. If any non-compliance issues are identified, the manufacturer is required to address them.

7. Grant of License

• If the product successfully meets all the criteria outlined in the BIS standards and any non-compliance issues have been resolved, BIS grants a license to the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Indian Standards for fire extinguishers, for both Portable fire extinguishers (IS 15683) and Wheeled fire extinguishers (IS 16018), are essential for safeguarding lives and property from the destructive power of fires.

At Brand Liaison, we navigate the BIS certification journey for manufacturers looking to get the certificate for their fire extinguishers or any other product.

Our expert team is specialized in providing comprehensive support and guidance throughout the BIS certification journey, ensuring that you will obtain the BIS certificate quickly and efficiently.

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