CO2 Bottles Protected Area Sign

CO2 Bottles Protected Area Sign – IMO Fire Control Symbol FS0169

The CO2 Bottles Protected Area sign is a mandatory IMO fire control symbol used to warn crew and visitors that a compartment or space is protected by a fixed CO2 fire-extinguishing system supplied from a dedicated cylinder bank. Recognised under IMO Resolution A.654(16) and reproduced to ISO 17631, this pictogram allows crew, surveyors, and shore-based emergency responders to identify a CO2-protected space instantly, regardless of the language they speak.

The symbol depicts an alarm bell divided into a red upper section and a light grey lower section, labelled “CO2” above, warning that automatic or manual release of the fixed gas system will flood the space with carbon dioxide. This design forms part of the internationally standardised library of fire control symbols found on fire control plans, damage control plans, and general arrangement drawings across commercial vessels, offshore installations, and naval ships.

Why the CO2 Bottles Protected Area Warning Matters

A space protected by a fixed CO2 fire-extinguishing battery, such as an engine room, pump room, or paint locker, becomes an asphyxiation hazard the moment the system is triggered, because CO2 displaces breathable oxygen throughout the compartment. This sign is posted at every entrance to the protected space so crew, contractors, and visitors are warned before entering that a discharge could occur without further notice, and that they must evacuate immediately if the alarm sounds.

Because rapid, unambiguous warning of CO2-protected spaces is critical to preventing crew asphyxiation, SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the Fire Safety Systems Code require clear signage at every access point to a space served by a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system. This sign is typically mounted directly beside each entrance door or hatch leading into the protected compartment, and is also reproduced on the fire control plan posted at the gangway and bridge.

Compliance and Certification

This CO2 Bottles Protected Area sign is manufactured to comply fully with IMO Resolution A.654(16) and ISO 17631 symbol requirements, ensuring the pictogram, colour scheme, and proportions match the standard expected during port state control inspections, classification society surveys, and SOLAS compliance audits. Non-standard or incorrectly proportioned signage is a common source of survey deficiencies, so every FS0169 sign is checked against the current IMO symbol register before it leaves our warehouse.

Manufactured from durable photoluminescent, self-adhesive vinyl, this sign charges under normal ambient lighting and glows for an extended period in the dark, ensuring the CO2 hazard warning remains visible even during a blackout or power failure. This self-luminous performance is especially valuable in machinery spaces and access trunks where visibility can drop sharply during a fire or smoke event.

Installation Recommendations

For best results, mount this sign at eye level directly beside every access door or hatch leading into the CO2-protected compartment, in a position that stays visible and unobstructed by cabling, fittings, or nearby equipment. Clean the mounting surface thoroughly to remove any dust, oil, or moisture before applying the self-adhesive backing, ensuring a permanent bond that will hold up to the conditions typical of a machinery space or access trunk.

Vessels undergoing a fire control plan update, newbuild fit-out, or SOLAS compliance retrofit should ensure this sign is included alongside the complete suite of IMO fire control symbols so that the printed fire control plan matches the physical signage installed throughout the ship. Surveyors routinely cross-check the fire control plan against signage actually fitted onboard, making consistency between the two a key focus area during flag state and classification inspections.

Key features of this CO2 Bottles Protected Area sign include:

• Complies with IMO Resolution A.654(16) and ISO 17631 fire control symbol standards
• Photoluminescent vinyl construction for visibility during power loss or low-light conditions
• Self-adhesive backing for fast, permanent installation on panels and bulkheads
• Waterproof and saltwater resistant for long-term use throughout the vessel
• Matches the standard pictogram used fleet-wide on fire control plans for consistent crew recognition

This CO2 bottles protected area sign is a small but essential part of a compliant fire control plan. Every CO2 bottles protected area sign we supply is checked for compliance before dispatch. Order your CO2 Bottles Protected Area sign today to keep your vessel’s fire control plan and physical signage fully aligned, supporting crew safety, SOLAS compliance, and a smooth outcome at your next port state control or classification survey.

For more information on the international symbol standards referenced above, see the International Maritime Organization resolution library. Browse our full range of Fire Fighting Signs for more IMO-compliant fire control signage for your vessel.