[hodson]

Guys

I think you will find it difficult to get polished stainless steel in Aust. The only fire extinguishers that are made in Stainless (in Aust) are Foam extinguishers and Water Extinguishers. Both of these types are 9ltr in size. It is an Australian standard and Govt Legislation for commercial premises / operations that all extinguishers are painted red with differing stripes & labels to indicate the type of extinguisher and its contents.

A small size extinguisher in Stainless Steel or Chromed Steel will be either imported or specially made (ie Chromed).

Note: if you are importing units from overseas be aware that all fire extinguishers are considered pressure vessels and as such come under different standards (and in some cases legislation). You will need to make sure that the extinguisher has been rated with the relevant hazard level or design approval (in the case of CO2 that generates much more pressure approx 100 - 150bar).

As private people most of the standards (and legislation) does not apply to your use. The stickler comes when you need to have the vessel recharged and most commercial operators will not recharge for you as they do come under the standards / legislation.

I have the problem now with Paint ball people importing CO2 cylinders direct from the states (because they are cheaper than buying from the Aust agent) not having them design approved and am unable to fill them (the Aust agent has done the design approval for the ones they import and as such are quite legal and the reason they are more expensive) all these other guys are now stuck with cylinders that are no good for anything in Aust. (can't even use them for home brew).

I am also looking as are all you guys (I'm also in the game) and can't find one that is legal. I even thought about stripping one of the foam units back and using it (legal for private people) but they are too large.

Sorry to put a dampener on this. I am still looking and have all our contacts and wholesale suppliers looking for me (I think it is going to cost me a few rides in the Cobra (when I get it)if one of the guys finds one). If so I will post immediately.

Colin