The bulletin
Text extracted from the PDF.
SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration
NM-06-54 July 11, 2006 http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin tells you, registered owners and operators of Transport Category Airplanes, that some handheld fire extinguishers are improperly labeled. We have information that some of these improperly labeled fire extinguishers are installed in airplanes. The improperly labeled fire extinguishers contain
3.5 pounds of Halon 1211 and display a 1A:5BC fire rating. US Underwriters Laboratories (US UL) does not issue 1A fire ratings for Fire extinguishers containing 3.5 pounds of Halon. Fire Extinguishers containing 3.5 pounds of Halon would receive only a 5 BC fire rating by the US UL.
Background
We believe there are handheld fire extinguishers containing 3.5 pounds of Halon 1211 marked as being UL approved in Canada and displaying a 1A:5BC fire rating label in use. This is an incorrect rating for that size of fire extinguisher in the United States. US UL rates handheld fire extinguishers according to the size of the bottle (amount of agent) and the delivery system. US UL fire ratings relate to demonstrated capacity to quench specific material fires. A handheld fire extinguisher must contain 9 pounds or more of Halon 1211 to earn a 1A fire rating using US UL guidelines. Fire extinguishers with less than 9 pounds of Halon 1211 are ineligible for a US UL 1A fire rating.
Recommendation
We recommend that owners and operators inspect the labeling of installed handheld fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers with 3.5 pounds of Halon 1211, labeled with a 1A:5BC fire rating should be removed and replaced.
Owners and operators should select suitable fire extinguishers as replacements. FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 20-42C contains guidance to determine the necessary type and quantity of agent needed for the fire extinguishers to protect the cargo and baggage compartments in your airplane.
For Further Information Contact
Stephen Happenny, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Transport Standards Staff, 1601 Lind Ave.
SW, Renton, Washington 98057; phone: (425) 227-2147, fax (425) 227-1320; e-mail:
stephen.happenny@faa.gov