Portable Fire Extinguishers Inspection and Maintenance Procedure

1. PURPOSE

 This procedure establishes the standard for inspecting and maintaining portable fire extinguishers. If the site outsources fire extinguisher maintenance then it must be conducted in accordance with national standards by a competent vendor.

2. SCOPE

2.1       Extinguishers that are approved for company use are covered by this procedure. Sites will only use extinguishers approved by local or national standards. Fire extinguishers will be designed and placed for the appropriate class of fire expected. Maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers will meet Air Products standards unless local or national standards are more stringent.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1      Vehicles:  Cars, trucks, trailers and other equipment which is designed and licensed to operate on public roads.

4. SUMMARY

4.1       All fire extinguishers must be readily accessible. All problems discovered with any fire extinguisher must be reported promptly to site management.

4.2       Inspection and maintenance record keeping must be maintained for each fire extinguisher on site. These records must include information about monthly visual inspection and annual maintenance service inspection.

5. PROCEDURE

5.1      Responsibilities

5.1.1   The site manager, plant manager, or maintenance superintendent must designate a person to be responsible for checking portable firefighting equipment. An alternate to act in his/her absence or to assist when necessary must also be appointed.

5.1.2   If outside contractors are used because of special equipment required, the maintenance staff must spot-check the contractor’s work to see that the inspection schedule is maintained.

5.1.3      All personnel are responsible for compliance with the general rules of the procedure.

5.2         General Rules for Fire Extinguishers

5.2.1      All personnel performing inspections must report the following situations regarding fire extinguishers to their supervisor immediately:

• When the extinguisher is used or otherwise emptied.
• When the extinguisher is missing from its designated location.
• When there is evidence of tampering.
• When there is mechanical damage.
• When the extinguisher has been exposed (or is suspected to have been exposed) to any abnormal temperature, corrosive atmospheres, or materials.
• When it is otherwise impaired as evidenced by leaking, etc.

5.2.2      Extinguishers must be recharged, repaired, or replaced as soon as practical. They must be refilled even if only partially discharged.

5.2.3      Extinguishers must be readily accessible. Areas surrounding the extinguishers and the aisles leading to them must be kept clear.

5.3         Periodic Inspections

5.3.1      Extinguishers must be included in an inspection program which meets the local regulatory requirements in effect and must be inspected at least monthly. Where there is no superseding regulatory authority, NFPA 10 will be the minimum requirements.

5.3.1.1   For vehicles equipped with fire extinguishers, documented routine vehicle preventive maintenance inspections and driver pre-trip inspections, which include the fire extinguisher, shall meet the intent of this monthly inspection.

5.3.2      Except as indicated in paragraph 5.3.3, the following items must be checked and documented during periodic inspections of extinguishers:

• Ensure that extinguishers are in their designated areas or proper stations.
• Ensure that the immediate area and aisles are clear so that the extinguisher is accessible.
• Ensure that signs and/or painted areas are in satisfactory condition so that marking is conspicuous.
• Check for signs of deterioration or damage.
• Ensure that directions for use are legible.
• Check for hose, nozzle, or orifice obstructions.
• Check for signs of tampering. Seals and pins must be examined where applicable.
• Check that pressure gauges are within proper ranges and extinguishers are fully charged.
• Check that the periodic hydrostatic test has not expired.

5.3.3      For vehicles equipped with fire extinguishers, periodic inspections must include:

• Check that the extinguisher is installed, accessible and is securely mounted;
• Check that pressure gauge is within proper range and the extinguisher is fully charged;
• Check that safety seals are in place and not broken.

5.4         Maintenance Checks

Extinguishers must be included in a preventative maintenance program which meets the local regulatory requirements in effect and must have maintenance checks performed at least annually. Where there is no superseding regulatory authority, NFPA 10 will be the minimum requirements.

See 5.4.1 through 5.4.7 for the basic maintenance requirements. Refer to local regulatory authority for additional details on fire extinguisher maintenance requirements (that is, hydrostatic testing procedures, internal examinations and agent replacement, etc.).

Annual maintenance checks and servicing must be performed by a qualified individual which is typically an outside service provider.

All extinguishers removed from the site to be recharged must be replaced by spare extinguishers during the period in which they are being serviced.

5.4.1      Annual Maintenance for Pressurized Water Extinguishers

5.4.1.1   The following items must be checked:

• Perform all items listed on the periodic inspection checklist, Section 5.3.
• Ensure that all containers are full.
• Perform a detailed inspection of the interior and exterior of the containers, including gaskets, hoses, screens, etc.
• Check antifreeze solution with a hydrometer where temperatures may drop below 40°F (4°C).
• Discharge at least one extinguisher of this type as if at a fire.

5.4.2      Annual Maintenance for Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

5.4.2.1   The following items must be checked:

• Perform all items listed on the periodic inspection, Section 5.3.
• Perform a weight check. A loss of 10 percent or more of rated capacity requires recharging.
• Make a detailed check of all parts of the appliance.
• Discharge at least one extinguisher of this type as if at a fire.

5.4.3      Annual Maintenance for Dry Chemical Extinguishers

5.4.3.1   The following items must be checked:

• Perform all items listed on the periodic inspection, Section 5.3.
• Perform a weight check of the cartridge for full charge.
• Perform a weight check of the extinguisher for chemical.
• On cartridges that have a gauge, check the gauge for full charge.
• Make a detailed check of all parts of the appliance, including an internal check. (Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination.)
• Discharge and refill the extinguisher if it has not been discharged within the last six years. Stored pressure extinguishers (that require a 12-year hydrostatic test) must be emptied as if they were used in a “fire condition” and should be refilled every six years.

5.4.4      Annual Maintenance for Halogenated (Halon) Extinguishers

5.4.4.1   Because halon is recognized as an ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbon, the production of halon has been discontinued; however it is also recognized as a clean and effective fire extinguishing agent. Halon may be allowed and in service in some locations. Recycled halon and recovery of halon in closed systems by qualified technicians may be permitted in some jurisdictions. Where permitted, halon fire extinguishers must be maintained and serviced in accordance with local environmental regulations and fire extinguisher service requirements.

5.4.4.2   Do not discharge halon extinguishers for testing or training purposes.

5.4.4.3   The following items must be checked:

• Perform all items listed on the periodic inspection, Section 5.3.
• Make a detailed check of all parts of the appliance.
• Perform a weight check of the extinguisher.

5.5         Hydrostatic Pressure Tests

• Periodically, a hydrostatic pressure test of the extinguisher must be conducted by the extinguisher manufacturer, a qualified service agency, or a qualified testing lab. The test method and frequency must meet the local regulatory requirements in effect. Where there is no superseding regulatory authority, NFPA 10 will be the requirement.
• Hydrostatic test date must be recorded on a record tag of metal or equally durable material, or a suitable metalized decal which must be affixed (by a heatless process) to the shell of an extinguisher which favorably passes the hydrostatic test.
• A record must be maintained as evidence that the required hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers has been performed. Evidence must include the number of the extinguisher, the date of the test, and initials of the person performing the test. Such records must be kept until the extinguisher is hydrostatically retested.

5.6         Recordkeeping

5.6.1      Supervisors and maintenance personnel are responsible to ensure the upkeep of the maintenance check and inspection records. The inspection and maintenance check records consists of a card fastened to the extinguisher, showing dates of inspection, recharge, or repair. Records shall be kept on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher and on an inspection checklist maintained on file, or in an electronic system (for example, bar coding) that provides a permanent record.

5.6.2      For vehicles equipped with fire extinguishers, periodic inspections may be documented on the appropriate preventive maintenance record and pre-trip inspection report in lieu of an attached tag.

6. RELATED INFORMATION

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 10 Standard For Portable Fire Extinguishers – United States