Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance PDF

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 2 Discuss the inspection and maintenance requirements of portable fire extinguishers. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EXTINGUISHERS It is the responsibility of the purchaser, or their designated agent, to maintain fire extinguishers. Exti...

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 2 Discuss the inspection and maintenance requirements of portable fire extinguishers. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EXTINGUISHERS It is the responsibility of the purchaser, or their designated agent, to maintain fire extinguishers. Extinguishers should be periodically inspected, recharged, and hydrostatically tested, as needed or legally required. Inspection Inspections are performed by the owner or the owner's agent. This quick visual check determines whether a fire extinguisher is in the correct location and ready for operation. This simple inspection gives reasonable assurance that extinguishers are fully charged and will function effectively when needed. An inspection should determine that the extinguisher: a) Is easily accessible b) Is in its designated place c) Is noticeable d) Is not blocked in any way by furniture or other equipment e) Has not been activated and is not partially or fully discharged f) Has not been tampered with - the pin is in place and secured with an intact seal g) Has not been damaged by, or subjected to, a hazardous environment h) Has gauges accurately indicating satisfactory operating pressure i) Is full - confirmed by weight j) Hose, nozzle, and the extinguisher itself are all in good condition Figure 11 -Pressure Gauge and Seal on Extinguisher 5-12 <(-------------------------------4-t_ h _C_Ias_s_E_d_itio_n_3• P _a _n __A Fire Extinguishing • Chapter 5 Note the gauge indicates proper pressure (in the green zone), and the pin is secured in place with an easily broken plastic car seal. Dry chemical extinguishers should be held upside down monthly for a few seconds and shaken slightly. This prevents the products inside from settling on the bottom. Power Engineers, or other employees, may be required to do monthly checks, documented on an attached card that shows the extinguisher has passed a visual check. Records of the checks should be logged appropriately. Maintenance Fire extinguisher certification can expire, due to the age and settling of the extinguishing agent; or deterioration of the extinguisher vessel and its attachments. The seal on the neck of the bottle can become brittle, and the expellant or the pressurized contents can leak out. This renders the extinguisher ineffective when needed. If an ABC extinguisher is filled with ammonium phosphate, it is possible for the chemical to form a solid block in the bottom of the extinguisher. Annual fire extinguisher maintenance is required by building and fire codes, and must only be performed by certified agencies. Maintenance should also be done after each use, and when an inspection shows the need. If an inspection indicates tampering, leakage, or physical damage, then a complete maintenance check should be conducted. Maintenance, as opposed to inspection, means a complete and thorough examination of each extinguisher. Maintenance involves: a) Disassembling the extinguisher b) Cleaning and replacing any defective parts c) Reassembly d) Recharging e) Re-pressuring where appropriate Maintenance checks may reveal the need for special testing of the extinguisher shell or other components. It may, for example, show the need for hydrostatic testing of the shell (cylinder) or even replacement. A hydrostatic test is required every five years on most fire extinguishers, except for dry chemical, dry powder and halogenated agents which, are every 12 years. Every six years, stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test must be emptied, and subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures described above. Maintenance work is usually contracted out to certified service companies. It is advisable to discharge portable extinguishers prior to sending them for maintenance for two reasons: 1. Personnel have the opportunity to practice using the extinguishers. 2. It ensures that the extinguishers are filled with a new extinguishing agent after servicing. Obviously, it is not advisable to send all the extinguishers for maintenance at the same time. The maintenance schedule should be staggered and, if possible, replacements taken from storage so that no area is left without an extinguisher. Service companies may provide loaners. 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 5-13 Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety ==================== ================== Side Track Facilities that have many employees (like hospitals) may find it valuable to have annual fire practices. This gives the employees hands-on training with various types of fire extinguishers, on different types of fires. Mattress and ignited oil trays are extinguished with C02 or ABC extinguishers in special open areas set aside for practicing. This is of special interest to those who have never used extinguishers or fire hoses. Fire hoses may be rolled out for all employees to have an opportunity to open the nozzles, control the spray pattern, direct the spray, and experience the force of the water leaving the hose. This practice is an effective way to empty extinguishers, and test hoses that are due for replacement or maintenance. 5-14 €--/ S _ 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A