GOST 27331-87 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 27331-87 — "Пожарная техника. Классификация пожаров" (Fire engineering. Classification of fires). The standard defines classes, subclasses and graphical symbols used to categorise fires according to the type of burning materials and to help select appropriate fire‑fighting measures.

Abstract

GOST 27331-87 establishes a classification system for fires (classes A, B, C, D with specified subclasses such as A1/A2, B1/B2, D1/D2/D3) and the set of symbols that represent these classes. The document was adopted from the CMEA standard ST СЭВ 5637-86 and is aligned with the international standard ISO 3941-77; it is intended as a normative reference for fire‑fighting practice, marking and documentation. The standard is short (6 pages) and focuses on definitions, class/subclass tables and pictograms.

General information

• Status: Active / действующий.
• Publication date: Approved 23 June 1987; introduced into force 1 January 1988 (often cited as ГОСТ 27331-87, 1987/1988 edition).
• Publisher: Издательство стандартов (Standards Publishing House); approved by the State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart USSR).
• ICS / categories: Group T58; OKС (classification) 13.220.10 — fire‑fighting / fire safety category.
• Edition / version: Original GOST edition 27331-87 (introduced 1988); text rechecked/maintained in subsequent databases (no later replacement indicated).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise reference document).

Scope

The standard’s scope is limited to defining a uniform classification of fires by the nature of burning substances and materials and prescribing the standard symbols (pictograms) for those classes. It is intended to be used where a consistent designation of fire class is required for operational documentation, marking of extinguishing agents and educational/training materials for fire‑fighting and safety specialists. The classification is intended to support selection of extinguishing media and tactical decisions in fire response.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of basic fire classes (A — solid combustible materials; B — flammable liquids; C — gaseous fuels; D — combustible metals) and assignment rules for incidents.
• Specification of subclasses (e.g., A1/A2 for smouldering vs non‑smouldering solids; B1/B2 for insoluble vs soluble liquids; D1/D2/D3 for types of metal fires) to refine extinguishing tactics.
• Standard graphical symbols/pictograms for each class to ensure consistent marking and signage.
• Alignment with international / regional documents: equivalence to ST СЭВ 5637-86 and conformity with ISO 3941-77 noted in the standard’s informational data.
• Brief normative text intended for use with national fire‑safety regulations and selection of fire‑fighting equipment and extinguishing agents.

Typical use and users

Primary users are fire safety engineers, emergency services (fire brigades), designers and manufacturers of fire‑fighting equipment, regulatory and inspection bodies, building safety planners, trainers and technical writers preparing fire‑safety documentation. The standard is used as a reference for labelling, procurement specifications and training materials where standardised fire‑class definitions and symbols are required.

Related standards

Related/informative documents include ST СЭВ 5637-86 (the CMEA predecessor/adopted document) and ISO 3941-77 (international standard with which GOST 27331-87 is stated to conform). The standard is commonly used alongside national fire‑safety regulations and technical regulations governing fire prevention and selection of extinguishing agents.

Keywords

fire classification; fire classes A B C D; subclasses A1 A2 B1 B2 D1 D2 D3; fire symbols; pictograms; fire engineering; fire‑fighting; ГОСТ 27331-87.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ГОСТ 27331-87 is a Soviet/Russian standard titled "Пожарная техника. Классификация пожаров" (Fire engineering. Classification of fires). It establishes a classification scheme and symbols for different types of fires.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of fires by type of burning material (solid, liquid, gas, metals), defines subclasses for finer distinctions, and prescribes standard graphical symbols for those classes to be used in documentation, marking and training.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fire‑safety professionals, emergency responders, equipment manufacturers, regulators and educators who need a standardised, compact reference for assigning fire classes and using consistent pictograms in operational and technical materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the latest public registry and standards databases, ГОСТ 27331-87 is listed as active (действует) and remains the referenced classification document; no direct replacement is widely published. Users should verify national regulatory updates before relying on any standard for compliance purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The document is a standalone GOST addressing fire classification but is often cited together with other fire‑safety standards and technical regulations; it was introduced from the CMEA standard ST СЭВ 5637-86 and is cited in national fire‑safety normative collections.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fire classification, fire classes, pictograms, extinguishing media selection, fire engineering, ГОСТ 27331-87.