Extinguishers and brackets used on trains must both pass the industry’s shock and vibration tests or they might not work.

29th October 2009

Extinguishers and brackets used on trains must both pass the industry’s shock and vibration tests or they might not work, according to Chubb Fire. The company successfully tested its fire extinguishers, in keeping with British Standards.

The company has also advised Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to replace all cartridge-operated CO2 extinguishers in favour of stored-pressure models so that cartridges do not become detached when they are subjected to continuous vibration. If the cartridge is detached, the extinguisher will not operate properly.

TOC customers of Chubb Fire state that all extinguishers should be tested to a specific rail industry standard - BS EN 61373:1999, which covers railway applications, rolling stock equipment, and shock and vibration tests
“In the case of an extinguisher on a railway vehicle, this means attaching the extinguisher to the manufacturer-designed ‘transport bracket’,” says Jon Gyde, Head of Quality at Chubb Fire. “Chubb Fire is now the only company that offers extinguishers that meet the BS EN 61373 standard, having submitted standard product for formal testing as a result.”
 
Four of Chubb Fire’s extinguisher types have been tested and passed: its two-kilogram CO2 and six-litre stored pressure foam (SPF) extinguishers and corresponding brackets passed without modification; its two-litre SPF and six-litre cartridge operated extinguishers also passed after some further strengthening and minor modification to the brackets.

“TOCs should be aware that conforming extinguishers will only comply with the BS EN 61373 vibration standard if they are housed in the designed transport bracket,” Gyde concludes