A significant proposed amendment to BS5306-3 includes a more stringent technicians examination with a pass mark raised from 75% to 85%. This pass mark will also apply to a new formal examination at the end of the 3 year Technicians one day Refresher course. Both examinations will be overseen by a National Examination Board, this is expected to be BAFE with a role reversal for FETA (now FIA) becoming a technician training course provider - a logical and long overdue move.

To safeguard purchasers of new fire equipment through the internet and catalogues a new service activity has been introduced - that of ?commissioning?. This takes effect upon removal from the box of new or refurbished extinguishers and attempts to overcome the problems associated with extinguishers arriving damaged in transit or unlabeled from the supplier and also ensures that the extinguisher is appropriate to the fire risks encountered.

It is also proposed that plastic headcaps should be removed and destroyed during extended servicing i.e. at 5 year test discharge and refilling. Over painted plastic headcaps and those covered with film or colourings or suffering UV degradation will also need to be condemned.

The role of the employers Responsible Person and their relationship with the extinguisher servicing technician is made clearer. There is also now a requirement that a certificate of inspection is to be issued in all cases by the Competent person (servicing provider).

To download the draft BS5306-3 for review and comment before 29 February 2008, visit the Extinguisher Technicians area at http://www.firecontingency.co.uk/

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