2.3.9 Portable fire extinguishers

In order to supply an easy, ready and quick fire-fighting system on board of your ship, portable fire extinguishers have been set out, designed to be carried manually, and in compliance with the rules in force.
In case a fire breaks out, immediately reach a fire-fighting station where a portable fire extinguisher is located.
The use of a fire extinguisher requires a certain familiarity with it, but some theoretical-practical rules can facilitate its handling:

Make sure that the safety pin (1) against accidental discharge, has been removed;
Always direct the extinguisher towards the bottom of the flame;
Do not stand but try to bow as far as possible;
Do not hit the fire from above;
Shift the fan-shaped jet slowly from one side to the other of the flame;
Act immediately before the temperature becomes too high;
Always stay windward;
If the material burnt is wood, paper or tissue, after the fire has been extinguished, pour on water to prevent any further spread of flames;
Always act dressed, avoiding loose clothing or similar;
Head the yacht so that the fire is leeward;
Persons not engaged with the fire fighting must gather windward from the fire area and if necessary, disembark on a rescue device (tender, rubber dinghy, self-inflatable life raft), that must be linked to the yacht with a line, in order also to embark the persons engaged with the fire fighting;
If the fire is big the operators must abundantly wet their clothing;
The engines must be shut-off immediately and the fuel must be cut-off;
Isolated objects in flames must immediately be thrown overboard;
All openings that can allow air to penetrate through the flames must be closed;
After using the extinguisher to fight fire in closed spaces, ventilate the space carefully, prior to entry, and remove powder deposits.

DANGER

The person in charge of the yacht must make sure that all passengers know the locations and how to operate the fire extinguishers on board correctly.

WARNING

We advise regularly checking the charge status (visual check of pressure gauge and weight) and also its overhauling, according to the rules in force in the country whose flag the yacht flies.

DANGER

Pay particular attention during the cleaning and cooling operation because the components are still hot and can generate burns or scalds.

The arrangement of the fire extinguishers is indicated in the previous “Arrangement of fire-fighting equipment” diagram.

CAUTION

All fire extinguishers should be checked at least every 6 months by qualified staff and in any case, after each navigation.
Even after a partial use, the extinguishers should be recharged by authorized personnel.

The extinguisher should be kept in a good condition and the charge indicator, located on the pressure gauge, must always be positioned in the green field.
Keep the extinguishers in a vertical position.
After the use of a dry-chemical fire extinguisher, carefully clean the parts that came in contact with the powder because it is highly corrosive.

NOTE

For further information relevant to the use of the different systems and equipment, see the various manufacturers manuals, delivered separately.

Portable fire-extinguishers maintenance:

Component

Maintenance

Notes and precautions

Portable fire extinguishers

Checks and tests

Check the state of charge of each fire extinguisher at least once every 12 months, and in any case before each journey at sea, by means of the installed pressure gauge. The fire extinguisher is correctly charged when the weight value is as stated on the fire extinguisher’s tag, and the charge indicator on the pressure gauge is in the green area.
If they are found to be discharged or insufficiently charged, or at least every 10 years, have qualified technicians:

Check the condition of the container (cylinder);
Refill the extinguishing medium;
Carry out a hydrostatic test.

Have fire extinguishers recharged even after partial use.

MAINTENANCE

At least every 12 months, and, in any case, before each journey to sea, check the state of charge of the fire extinguisher.
At least every 10 years, and in any case before each journey to sea, check the external state of the fire extinguisher.
At least every 6 months check the fastening of the fire extinguisher.