Fire extinguisher(foam)

[codprawn]

I know this has been touched upon before but was wondering if the type of extinguisher was governed by MCA regs???

Mosty people seem to have powder types fitted but I HATE them - they make a hell of a mess when used and can make even a simple fire into a huge repair job.

The old green Halon types were definitely the best but as usual they have been banned although may still be used in aircraft and other "high risk areas"!!!

AFFF(foam) seem the ideal solution but I haven't seen any boats with them fitted.

There is one cheapy called "saveboat" sold by compass for £14 but it looks useless - most seem quite expensive buit then I came across this

http://www.safelincs.co.uk/section.p...ec8ce142de76ad

It is a 2 litre foam for £31 which seems good value for what it is.

[codprawn]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...970566042&rd=1

Just spotted 2l foam from Peter Lloyd rallying for £23 - looks a very good buy.

[Richard B]

We carry 2kg foam and 2kg powder.

Foam is recommended for burning fuel - powder would not be particularly effective in this scenario.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Richard B

We carry 2kg foam and 2kg powder.

Foam is recommended for burning fuel - powder would not be particularly effective in this scenario.

Powder is supposed to be rated for it though!!! All I rate powder for is making one hell of a mess!!!

[Richard B]

I think it depends on the exact scenario - I believe that powder will go into the cowling of an engine effectively, but burning spilt fuel is better tackled with foam.

[Searider]

Foam extinguishers are acceptable for use on MCA coded boats.

Make sure that the extinguishers are kitemarked and have a minimum rating of at least 5A/34B. The 2kg ones you have linked to look ok.

Richard, powder is supposedly very good at knocking down a fuel fire but on a rocking boat the film it forms quickly breaks down and the fire can re-ignite. Foam is better in this respect.

Naval vessels have mostly AFFF extinguishers but also have some powder ones in the machinery spaces to allow personnel to knock the fire down sufficiently to enable them to exit the space.

[Mike C]

Hi Duncan....

I too don't like powder. If it were to go off accidentally and get sucked into the engine, both the engine and myself would be unhappy!

Are you not allowed to use Halon Replacement? I have a GTFE 1kg automatic in my engine.... I hope it will work if needed!

Info at http://www.mfs-fire-extinguishers.co...ppression.html

Mike C

[codprawn]

Halon replacements aren't as effective as good old halon and are quite expensive but I should imagine they can be used no probs.

[Searider]

No problem at all using Halon replacements - need to be in an enclosed space with the vents shut down to be effective though.

For coded boats I normally suggest an automatic extinguisher, of the owners preferred flavour, and, if the vents cannot be shut down, I ask for a fire port to be fitted to the engine compartment to allow a secondary means of fighting a fire.

The problem with relying on automatics is that if they go off and the vents are open, which they will be, the extinguishant gets blown away and the fire keeps burning! Hence the reason for a secondary means of fire fighting.

Regards