Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide clarification on the Lithium battery portable and mobile fire extinguishers that are currently available for sale in Australia and whether they meet the Australian Standards for these type of fire extinguishers.
Audience
This Technical Advisory Note is intended for:
- FPA Australia members
- Service providers
- Certifiers
- Users
- Stakeholders – resellers, manufacturers.
Background
Lithium batteries come in different forms and sizes and are widely used due to their superior characteristics compared to other battery types. They are commonly used in the home, car, caravan, boat, office, ecigarettes, and portable tools.
Lithium batteries, however, can be a considerable risk if they catch fire. This risk can be due to various reasons such as manufacturing faults, design defects, charger issues and incorrect use.
Fire investigators are seeing a rise in Lithium batteries related fires incidents where the home has been significantly damaged or completely destroyed.
The manufacturing of these batteries is continually changing.
ACCC Mandatory Standards
Portable fire extinguishers must be manufactured, fire rated and tested to the new and revised ACCC Mandatory Standards AS1841-2007 and AS1850-2009.
The mandatory safety standards will improve existing performance and identification requirements to reduce the risk of a non-aerosol fire extinguisher not operating correctly during a fire.
The standards, issued by the Australian Government, will replace the existing standard to provide the safety requirements for the labelling and testing of non-aerosol fire extinguishers.
The safety standard maintains these important consumer protections, so Australians can continue to have confidence in the safety of fire extinguishers and have easy access to important product information.
Under the Australian Consumer Law, suppliers of portable fire extinguishers must comply with the safety standard to protect individuals from harm, or risk fines and penalties.
This new and revised consumer law will come into effect 22 December 22.
Extinguisher and extinguishing agent compliance
Each portable fire extinguisher model must be compliance with the performance tests in the AS/NZS 1841:2007 series and AS/NZS 1850:2009.
The test performed on portable fire extinguisher must use specific components and formulation of extinguishing agent. It is only an extinguisher with those components and formulation of extinguishing agent can be deemed compliance with the ACCC Mandatory Standards.
Lithium battery portable fire extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are now being imported into Australia for Lithium battery risks. AS/NZS 1841-2007 currently has the following fire extinguishers:
- Water
- Wet chemical
- Foam
- Powder
- CO2
- Vaporizing
- Non rechargeable.
AS/NZS 1850-2009 currently has the following performance tests:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
- Class D – Metal fires only
- Class E.
Currently in Australia, there is no fire test for Lithium battery portable fire extinguishers.
New designs and innovations
Any material, design, method of assembly or procedure that does not comply with the specific requirements of this Standard may be used provided the following criteria are met:
- The portable fire extinguisher complies with the performance and test requirements of the AS/NZS 1841.1 2007.
- A certifying body having JAS-ANZ registration for product certification to Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1841 attests in writing that it is no less safe than a portable fire extinguisher manufactured in accordance with the specific requirements of this Standard. The relative safety of the portable fire extinguishers is determined with regard to the purpose of the extinguishers, any instructions and warnings relating to the use of the extinguishers, and what might reasonably be expected to be done with or in relation to the extinguishers.
Summary
AS both AS/NZS 1841 and 1850 are legislated under the Mandatory Standard, this means that portable fire extinguishers currently available for sale and use in Australia for Lithium battery risks cannot be sold or installed with the Australian Standard Certification mark.
Additionally, in AS2444-2001, Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets—Selection and location, tables
4.1 , 4.2 and 4.3 show the minimum rating for the various agents in fire extinguishers.
- Class A – 1A (+ No E rating.)
- Class B – 5B
The Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) Technical Advisory Committee for portable and mobile equipment (TAC/3/7) are reviewing the various global standards for testing procedures for portable fire extinguishers for use on Lithium battery fires. Due to the manufacture changes in these batteries, fire testing is extremely difficult.
Copyright
© Copyright 2022 Fire Protection Association Australia.
Material distributed by FPA Australia is subject to copyright. Any information within this publication may not be reproduced in printed or electronic form without permission from FPA Australia. For more information, see www.fpaa.com.au or contact FPA Australia on: 1300 731 922.
Original article can be found here
