MED Marine Fire Extinguishers

What are MED-approved fire extinguishers?

MED stands for Marine Equipment Directive, and it is the EU standard for all equipment used on board EU ships. Equipment installed on any vessel that flies the flag of an EU member state, as well as Norway, Iceland and certain other countries, must be marked with the MED conformity mark (the ‘wheel mark’).

Achieving MED approval means that the equipment has passed rigorous testing designed to ensure that it is suitable for use in the harsher environments found aboard sea-going vessels – including oil rigs, passenger ships and container ships.

How do MED-approved fire extinguishers work?

The extinguishers themselves work in much the same way as you would expect a land-based fire extinguisher to – there is a nozzle that is pointed at the fire, and a handle that is squeezed to release the contents of the extinguisher. The MED marking means you can be confident that these units will operate as expected in marine environments.

What is the benefit of using MED-approved fire extinguishers?

The MED directive is in place for three key reasons:

1. to improve safety at sea
2. to prevent/minimise marine pollution
3. to ensure that international safety standards for equipment meet the same requirements across the EU

Using MED-approved fire extinguishers means that you are meeting all three of those requirements, as well as ensuring that you are in compliance with Europe-wide regulations. Of course, the fire extinguisher itself provides you with the effective means to combat any fires that break out on your property, vehicle or vessel.

Which MED-approved fire extinguishers are in the First Mats range?

The First Mats range of MED-approved fire extinguishers includes:

• 2-, 3-, 6- and 9-litre foam extinguishers for use on Class A (solid combustible) and Class B (flammable liquid) fires
• 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-kilogram powder extinguishers for use on Class A (solid combustible) and Class B (flammable liquid) fires, as well as massive 100kg wheel-mounted units
• 3-, 6- and 9-litre water extinguishers for use on Class A fires involving solid materials such as wood and textiles
• 2 and 6-litre foam plus extinguishers for use on Class A (solid material), B (flammable liquid), C (live electrical) or F (cooking oil//fat) fires
• 2 and 5 kg CO2 extinguishers for tackling fires involving flammable liquids and electrical hazards

Why buy MED-approved fire extinguishers from First Mats?

Based in the Midlands, First Mats is a well-known supplier of health and safety equipment to a range of industries and environments. Our MED-approved fire extinguishers are supplied with free delivery (on orders over £45) across the United Kingdom and are backed up by our commitment to providing the highest possible levels of customer support – a commitment which is reflected in our 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot. Our rating is one of the best on the web.

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