33 C.F.R. § 149.405   How are fire extinguishers classified?


Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters


Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 149—DEEPWATER PORTS: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND EQUIPMENT
Subpart D—Firefighting and Fire-Protection Equipment
Firefighting Requirements

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§ 149.405   How are fire extinguishers classified?

(a) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers on a manned deepwater port must be classified using the Coast Guard's marine rating system of combination letter and number symbol. The letter indicates the type of fire that the extinguisher is designed to extinguish, and the number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher.

(b) The letter designations are as follows:

(1) “A” for fires in ordinary combustible materials where the quenching and cooling effects of quantities of water, or solutions containing large percentages of water, are of first importance;

(2) “B” for fires in flammable liquids, greases, or other thick flammable substances, where a blanketing effect is essential; and

(3) “C” for fires in electrical equipment where the use of a non-conducting extinguishing agent is of first importance.

(c) The number designations for size range from “I” for the smallest extinguisher to “V” for the largest. Sizes I and II are portable extinguishers. Sizes III, IV, and V are semi-portable extinguishers which must be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or other practicable means so that all portions of the space concerned may be covered. Examples of size graduations for some of the typical portable and semi-portable extinguishers are set forth in table 149.405. 

                             Table 149.405_Portable and Semi-portable Extinguishers----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                   Carbon dioxide        Dry chemical kilograms      Classification type-size         Foam liters (gallons)     kilograms (pounds)             (pounds)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A-II................................  9.5 (2.5)..............  ......................  2.25(5) \1\B-II................................  9.5 (2.5)..............  6.7 (15)..............  4.5 (10)C-II................................  .......................  6.7 (15)..............  4.5 (10)B-IV................................  7.6 (20)...............  22.5 (50).............  13.5 (30)B-V.................................  15.2 (40)..............  45 (100) \2\..........  22.5 (50) \2\----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Notes:\1\ Must be specifically approved as a type ``A,'' ``B,'' or ``C'' extinguisher.\2\ For outside use, double the quantity of agent that must be carried.

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