This standard specifies the characteristics, performance requirements and test methods for portable fire extinguishers. Reference to the suitability of an extinguisher for use on gaseous fires (class C fires) are at the manufacturer's discretion, but are applied only to powder type extinguishers which have gained a class B or class A and class B rating. Suitability of extinguishers for use on class D fires (fires involving flammable metals) is outside the scope of this standard in respect of test fires. However, extinguishers claiming class D suitability are covered in all other respects by the requirements in this standard for powder extinguishers. It is considered hazardous for powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to be used on Class F fires. For this reason powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are excluded for conformance with regard to Class F in this European Standard. NOTE The extinction of a metal fire presents a situation so specific (in terms of the metal itself, its form, the configuration of the fire etc.) that it is not possible to define a representative standard fire for the purposes of testing. The efficiency of extinguishers on class D fires needs to be established on a case by case basis.