Fireman's Switch Issue

[John Gaiger]

Ok, I work in a fresh water marina in Cardiff. On last years annual inspection carried out on the Fuel Dispensing Berth a note was made to the warning sign or lack of.

What are the registration concerning these?

There are yellow signs at each of the 2 locations of the switches, the writing is worn away... weather I presume. I have ordered replacements today.

Is there a requirement for the switches to situated on a yellow backing? If so what is required?

Thanks in advance

 

[Technician]

I do not think there is anything about a yellow backing but there

is a stipulation on the height and the switch position which is up

for "on".

No-one would object to a label identifying the function.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Reg 537.6.4 (i)  basically says you must have one sign with the words FIREFIGHTERS SWITCH min size 150 x 100mm and must be legible  for a distance appropriate to the site but no less than  36 point. Nothing else mentoned. This however is  BS7671  and any hazardous areas such as fuel may need additional signage which i would  not know as i am not involved in that.

Edit, Should have said a minimum of one sign, put up a thousand, i dont care  :B-

 

[OnOff]

Quite a good description of what colour sign is what:

http://www.absolutegraphix.co.uk/sign_safety.asp

Was the original yellow sign to do with the switch? Thinking it should have been red.......... just Google "fireman's switch sign" and you'll see.

 

[John Gaiger]

Thanks guys...

Nothing was mentioned about the height of these switches in the report despite them being about 3 ft from the floor. A fact I queried with the manager. I think I may well need to speak to the Agency who carried out the last inspection to see what they are after.

Loving the first 2 weeks of this job

The original yellow sign states

"Petroleum Spirit Pumps Switch Off Here"

No actual fireman sign and two are currently on order.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

Black writing on a yellow background seems the norm for Petrol pump signs  but its not BS7671 which we   should  follow.

 

[Andy™]

I do not think there is anything about a yellow backing but there

is a stipulation on the height and the switch position which is up

for "on".

its down for on, up for off. and must have a something to stop it being accidently knocked back down to the on position

 

[Evans Electric]

I do not think there is anything about a yellow backing but there

is a stipulation on the height and the switch position which is up

for "on".

No-one would object to a label identifying the function.

Off position at the top I believe Techie  :innocent

 

[kerching]

I remember doing my XVth edition exam.

one question was about afiremans switch....everyone was sat there holding their hand in the air mimicking the switch action. We may have installed hundreds of them, but we tend not to take any notice!

Off is at the top so that Trumpton can push the switch up with anything to,knock it off

 

[Technician]

its down for on, up for off. and must have a something to stop it being accidently knocked back down to the on position

Thanks Andy & Evans;  yes you are right.

 

[Sidewinder]

John,

You need to also be aware of the requirements of any hazardous area controls that could be in place around such an installation, which would require additional controls above those needed by BS7671.