Government Inspection Mark

Label Changes

Please note: As of July 2019, the label format has changed. For detailed information, see the Type Approval / Label Application page.

Classification B for Alcohol-Based Fires

Portable fire extinguishers can be classified for liquid fires, which typically refer to hydrocarbon-based fires. The classification and testing are standardized in EN3-7+A1:2007, titled "Portable fire extinguishers – Part 7: Characteristics, performance requirements and test methods."

For testing purposes, heptane is used as the representative liquid fuel. Although alcohol is also a flammable liquid, it may behave differently from hydrocarbons and might require specific consideration depending on the extinguisher type and certification.

Portable fire extinguishers suitable for alcohol fires are required for specific applications. To receive approval for use with alcohol, a Kiwa FSS-certified portable fire extinguisher must be specifically tested for this purpose.

Based on a test conducted in accordance with EN3-7+A1:2007 by an accredited laboratory using a relevant alcohol-based fuel, an additional classification for alcohol can be granted alongside the standard Class B rating, which is based on testing with heptane (a non-polar liquid).

For Class B fires, the standard test uses heptane. However, additional testing for polar substances can be performed using acetone. If testing with heptane and acetone does not sufficiently satisfy the user’s requirements, further testing may be conducted with other (fuel) substances. At a minimum, the extinguisher must be tested with heptane to justify its Class B rating. The rating determination must comply with the requirements of EN3-7+A1:2007.

If the extinguisher is also suitable for extinguishing alcohol fires, this must be clearly indicated on the label and can then be included in the Type Approval.

Installation of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Buildings

In the Netherlands, the standard NEN 4001:1966, titled "Fire Protection – Design of Portable and Mobile Fire Extinguishers", applies to the installation of extinguishers in buildings.

A building's fire protection encompasses many measures that must always be considered in conjunction with each other. Fire extinguishers are an important part of these measures, but they do not eliminate the need for other measures such as the installation of fire hose reels, dry risers, sprinklers, fire suppression systems, or fire detection. Fire extinguishers are extremely valuable in the early stages of a fire, when their rapid mobility and immediate availability enable rapid extinguishing efforts. Due to the necessary coherence in fire protection measures, this standard assumes that a fire risk assessment has been conducted for the building to be protected, and that the locations, risks, and consequences of potential fires have been identified.

This standard enables those responsible for design and installation to arrive at a sound design of the fire extinguishers. It can also be applied to the assessment of existing situations. This standard applies to the establishment and maintenance of fire safety in buildings, including their associated business premises, and is intended for all those involved in fire safety. This standard describes the design of portable and mobile fire extinguishers in buildings, with the exception of private residences. 

The extinguishing capacity of fire extinguishers according to NEN-EN 3-7 and NEN-EN 1866 was used as a basis for developing this standard. This standard does not replace statutory provisions regarding fire safety provisions, such as those concerning the storage of hazardous substances (PGS 15) or the Fireworks Decree.

The standard contains tables that provide guidance on the placement and use of fire extinguishers. Table 1 indicates the suitability of extinguishing agents. We recommend applying this standard. The standard defines the minimum level of basic protection in a building. A minimum 6 kg fire extinguisher is required for basic protection. See Table 2 of the standard for more information. 

Section 4.4.2 of the standard also provides guidelines for additional protection beyond basic protection. Paragraph 4.4.2.1 states that fire extinguishers for additional protection may have a smaller capacity and a different extinguishing agent than the fire extinguishers designed for basic protection.