5.61 Are portable fire extinguishers in good order with operating instructions clearly marked?
Each extinguisher should be clearly marked with the following minimum information: 1.
Name of the manufacturer; 2.
Type of fire for which the extinguisher is suitable; 3.
Type and quantity of extinguishing medium; 4.
Approval details; 5.
Instructions for use and recharge (it is recommended that operating instructions be given in pictorial form); 6.
Year of manufacture; 7.
Temperature range over which the extinguisher will operate satisfactorily; and 8.
Test pressure. (FSS Code 4 and Res. A.951) One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stowed near the entrance to that space. (SOLAS 2004 II-2/10.3.2.2) For vessels constructed after 1
st
July 2002, spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first ten extinguishers and 50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged on board. Not more than sixty total spare charges are required. Instructions for recharging shall be carried on board. (SOLAS 2004 II-2/10.3.3.1)