NFPA 10 “Standecdt for Hetable Fire Sictinquishare INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND RECHARGING. 10-01 346.2 Fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents (snedia) shall be located not more than 75 ft (23 m) of travel distance from {he Class D hazard. (Se Seton £5.) 36.3 Portable fre extinguishers or extinguishing agents {media} for Class D hazards shall be provided in those work, seas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, chips, or similanly sized products ate generate. 36. Size determination shall be on the basis of the specific ‘combustible metal ity physical paticle size, atea © be cov tered, and recommendations bythe fie extcgulsher mannfac- turer on data from control tesis conducted 3 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class K Fite, 3.71 Fire extinguishers shall be provided for hazards where there is a potential for fires involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal cilsand fats). 37.2 Maxinwumn travel discance shall nor exceed 309.15 m) from the hazatd to the extiugubhers, Chapter 4 Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging 41 General. 41.1 This chapter is conceraed with the rules govern inspection, maintenance, and recharging of fe extinguisl ters. These ftctors are of prime importance in ensuring opera tion atthe dime of fire a 41.2 The procedure for inspection and maintenance of fire ‘extinguishers varies considerably. Minimal knowledge is nee- ‘essary to perform a monthly "quick cheek” or inspection in frder to follow the inspection procedure as outlined in See- tion 43.4 eained person who has undergone the instructions rnccessary to reliably perform maintenance and has the man fecturer's service manual shal service the fire extinguishers rot more than 1 year apart, ss outlined in Section 4-4 44,3 The owner or designated agent or accupantofa propertyin whieh fire extinguishers are located shall he responsible for such, inspection. maintenance, and recharging. e412 0nd £14.) 414% Maintenance, servicing, and recharging shall be per- {oxmed by tained persons having salable the appropriate ser- vicing manual(), the proper types of tools, recharge materia, Tubrieants, and ‘mianufsetscers recomunended replacement arb or pars specifically listed for use in the fre extinguisher, 41.5 Tags or labels shall not be placed an the front ofthe fre extinguisher Exception: Lobels indicating fiw extinguisher ws or elasifeaion, orth, 42 Definitions. 42.1 Inspection. A “quick check’ that a fre extinguisher is avzilable and ill operate, I sintended to give reasonable aeeut= ance thatthe fire extinguisher isfullychargedand operable. This ‘done by verifying thatit isin ts designated pice, that thas not been actuated or tmpered with, and that there no obvious or physical damage or condition to prevent its operation, 42.2 Maintenance. A thorough examination of the Bre ext ‘guishes. Iris intended to give smaxlmnuim asuranice thata fre ‘extinguisher will operaie effecdvely and safely, It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replace ‘ment Iwill normally reveal if hydrostatic testing or internal“ mmaititenanee is required, 42.3 Recharging. The replacement of the extinguihing agent {ako includes the expelant for certain types of Fire extingshers). 43 Inspection. 43.1% Frequency. Fie extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and therealer at approximately 80- day intervals Fire extinguishers stall be inspected at more fe= |guen intervals when cizcumstances requir 43.2% Procedures, Periodic inspection af fre extinguishers shall inchide a check of at least the following items! (2) Location in designated place ()) No obstruction to secest or visibility (© Operating inssvtions on nameplate lye and fang, (2), “Safer seals and tamper indicators not broken of missing (©) Fallnes determined by weighing or “hefting” (0. Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or logged nozele (g) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or positon (0) Condition of tres, wheels, carsiage, hose, and nozzle checked (for wheeled units) (HIMES tabetin place 43.3. Corrective Action, When an inspection of any fire estn- (gulsher reveals deficiency in any of the conditions ited in $3.2 {), (b),(h),and (immediate corrective ation shal be taken. 43.3.1 Rechargeable Fire Extinguishers. When an inspec ‘Gon of any rechargeable fire extinguisher reveals 2 deficiency im anyof the conditions listed in 43-2 (c), (dl), (e) (jad (gh Itshall be subjected to applicable maintenance procedures, 43.8.2 Nonrocheryeable Dry Chemical Fre Extinguisher. When an inspection of any nonzechargeable dry chemical fire extin- usher evealsa deficiency in any ofthe conditions listed in 3.2 (6), Ce), (9. and (a) tshall be removed from further use, Alischarged, and destroyed at the ditection of the awnet oF retumed to the manufacrurer. 43.8.3 Nonrechargeable Hafon Agent Fire Extinguisher, When Aan inspection of any nonrechangesbe fire extinguisher contain- Ing a halon agent reveals a dehciency in any of the conditons listed in 43.2 (c),(e) (9, and (g), it shall be removed from ser ice, nox discharged, and remimed to the mamleeter. the fire extinguisher is not rerurned to the manfactorer itshall berenumed toa fire equipment dealer or distributor to permit recovery of the halon, 49.4 Inspection Recordkeeping 45.4.1 Personnel making inspections shall keep record ofall fire extinguishers inspected, including those folind ta require 43.4.2 At least monthly, the date the inspection was por Fosmed and the initials of the person performing the inepec: tion shall be recorded. 43.4.8 Records shall be kept on a lag or label attached tothe fice extinguisher, an an inspection cheeKise maintained om life, or inan electronie ystern (e.g, barcoding) that provides a permanent record 198 Eaton12 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 4H? Maintenaiice. 44.1 Frequency. Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to roaintenance a intertalsof nor more than | year atthe time of hydrostatic test, or whien specifically indicated by an inspection, 44.1.1 Stored.pressre pes containing 4 loaded stream gent shall be disassembled on an anal bass and eubjected {complete maintenance. Prior to disassembly, the fire extin- oisher shal be fully discharged to check the operation ofthe Aischarge valve and pressure gauge. The loaded stream charge shall be permitiod be recovered and reused, provided its ‘subjected to agent analysis in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. 441.2 A conductvig west shall be conducted annually on al Carbon dioxide hose assemblies, Hse assemblies found to be nonconduetive shalt be replaced. Carbon dioxide hese assemblies that pasa conductivity test shal have the text asformation recorded on a suitable metallic label or equally durable materil hat has a minimum size of Yin. Ban, (13 em % 76 cm). The label shall be affixed 10 the hose by means of heatless proces. The label shall include the following information: (@) Month and year the cest was performed, indicated by perforation, such as is done by & hand punch (©) Name or initials of person performing the text, and the namie ofthe agency performing dhe tet 4413 Presue regulators provided with whecledsype fire extinguishers shall be tested for outlet static pressure and flow rate in accordance with manufacturer's iasurucdions, “44.14 Fire extinguishers removed from service for mainte- nance or recharge shall be replaced by fire extinguisher uit able forthe type of hazard being protected and shall be of a Teast equal rating. 44.2% Procedures. Maintenance procedures shall include 8 thorough examination of the three basi clements of a fire ‘eulinguisher: (@) Mechanical pars (©) Exsinguishing agent (6). Expelting means Bxection: During annual maintonance, its nt necessary to inte nally extsine monvechargeable ie extinguishes, carbon dixie fie ‘stinguishers, or sloredfnesure fir extinguish, except for thawe Iypesseced tv 4b 11. Hwee, such fie extinguisher shal le rough examined extomally in accordance with the applicable tons of 420, 44.2.1 Seals or Tamper Indicators. At the time of the main- tenance, the famper seal of rechargeable fre extinguishers shall be removed by operating the pull pin or locking device, fier the applicable maintenance procedures are completed, ‘anew tamper seal shall he installed. 44.8* SixVear Maintenance. Bvery 6 years, stored-pressure fire extinguishers that require a L2year hydrostatic test shall, bbe emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance pro- cedures, The removal of agent from halon agent fire extin guishets shall only be done using 2 listed halon closed ecotery sistem, When the applicable maintenance proce dures are performed ducing periodic recharging or hydro. static testing, the 6year requirement shall begia from that date, Exception: Nonrachargoals i exnguishor shall ot be ydvsta- all sted But shal bo remem from service ata maxim sterol of| 12 years fom the date of massfactre, Nonnchargeable halen agent Fie extingisers shall espe of acoder nth 43.3.3, 444° Maintenance Recordkeeping. Each Five extinguisher Shall have a (ag oF label securely attached that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed and that identifies the person performing de service. 444.1" Fire extinguishers thar pass the applicable year requirement of 443 shall have the maintenance information recorded on a suitable metalic label or equally durable mate: ‘al having aninimum sie of2in,%3 7s in, (5. em %8.9.em). ‘The new lel shall be affixed tothe shell by 2 heatess pro- cess, and any old maintenance labels shall he removed. These labs shall be of the selidestructive type when removal from fre extinguisher is attempted. The label shall include the following informations (2), Month and year the maintenance was performed, ind ‘cited by a perforation uch as done bya hand punch, {())Necne or initials of person performing the maintenance and name of agency performing the maintenance 44.4.2" Verification of Service (Maintenance or Recharg: ing). Each extinguisher that hss undergone maintenance that includes intemal examination or that has been recharged (see #5,3) shall have a “Verification of Service” collar located around the neck of the container. The collar shall enntain Single circaiar piece of uninterrupted matenl forming = hole of size that will not permit the collar assembly o move over the neck of the container unless the valve is completely removed. The collar shall no interfere with the operation of the fire extinguisher. The “Verification of Service” colar shall Include the month and year the service was performed, indi ‘cated by a perforation sich a8 is done bya hand punch, acpi Na Jenny 1, 198. ‘ie extinguishers undergoing maintenance boone xeon No, 2: Cantidge/eindenoperaled fe extinguishers do not sopra Verfeton of Sie cle 45 Rechacging 45.1" General 45.141 All rechargeablerype fire oxdinguishers shall be recharged after any use or 28 indicated by an inspection or ‘when performing maintenance 4£5.1.2¢ When performing the recharging, the recommends: tions ofthe manufacturer sball be fllowed. (Pur rcharge chem feats, $9 45.3.2)MAINTENANCE AND TESTING OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, Introduetion In order to ensure that they are available and operate properly when needed, both federal certification requirements and state licensure requirements mandate that healthcare facilities properly inspect, test and maintain their portable fire extinguishers [see NFPA 101(00), Sections 18/19.3.5.6 and 9.7.4.1; MSFC(07), Sec. 906.2]. Unless otherwise indicated, this guide will focus on federal certification requirements, Applicable standards NFPA 101(00), Sec. 9.7.4.1 and MSFC(07), Sec. 906.2 require that portable fire extinguishers be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. NFPA 101(00), Sec. 2.1.1 references the 1998 edition of NFPA 10. MSFC(07), Chapter 45, on the other hand, references the 2002 edition of the standard. For purposes of this guide, all code references will be based on the 1998 edition of NFPA 10. ‘Visual inspections Portable fite extinguishers are required to be visually inspected when initially placed in service and at least monthly thereafter [see NFPA 10(98), Sections 4-3.1]. These visual inspections, intended to help censure that each extinguisher is in its designated place and will operate if needed, can be performed by facility staff. A pressure gauge in the “normal” or “operable” range is not a 100 pereent guaranty that the extinguisher will perform as intended. A broken seal, for example, may be an indication that someone hhas used the extinguisher and discharged a portion of the contents too small to affect the pressure gauge. NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-3.2, therefore, requires that the monthly inspection verify a number of things including: + Extinguishers are in their designated places ‘+ There are no obstructions to access or vi . ical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle Pressure gauge readings are in the proper range or position Operating instructions are legible and facing outward + Fullness ~ confirmed by weighing or lifting Where circumstances warrant, some fire extinguishers may have to be inspected more frequently. Examples of such circumstances might include extinguishers that are oftentimes found obstructed during monthly inspections or extinguishers located in areas where they are subject to tampering, theft ‘or mechanical injury. Obviously, any problems found during the monthly inspection must be corrected immediately. Some problems trigger a need for full maintenance or even replacement of the extinguisher. For example: 1. Full maintenance procedures must be performed whenever an inspection of a rechargeable fire extinguisher reveals any of the following problems [see NEPA 10(98), Sec. 4-3.3.1] ‘© Operating instructions are not legible ‘* Safety seals are broken or missing + Fullness can’t be confirmed (as determined by weighing or lifting) + There is evidence of physical damage, corrosion, leakage or a clogged nozzle © Pressure gauge readings are not in the operable range or positionMaintenance/testing of portable fire extinguishers Page 2 of 4 2. When any of the conditions noted in Item 1 on the previous page, with the exception of a broken or safety seal, are found during an inspection of a nonrechargeable dry chemical extinguisher, xtinguisher must be removed from use [see NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-3.3.2] + Nontechargeable extinguishers can be identified by looking for markings similar to the following: “Discharge and Dispose of After Any Use”, “Discharge and Return to Manufacturer After Any Use”, or simply “Nonrechargeable”. Maintenance “Maintenance” is a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of your facility's portable fire extinguishers and is covered in NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-4. Maintenance is required at least once a year ~ more frequently when indicated by a routine monthly inspection, as discussed earlier. Maintenance is also required whenever extinguishers undergo hydrostatic testing. Because maintenance is required to include a thorough examination of the mechanical parté, extinguishing agent and expelling means of each portable fire extinguisher, it must be performed by att approved extinguisher servicing company: A more detailed look at what annual maintenance entails can be found in NFPA 10(98), Tables A-4-4.4.2(a) and A-4-4.4.2(b). It should be noted that new tamper seals are required to be installed whenever maintenance is performed on rechargeable fire extinguishers [see NFPA 10(98), See. 4-4.2.1] Six-Year Maintenaneé Every 6 years, stored pressure fire extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test (e.g. dry chemical extinguishers) must be emptied and proper maintenance procedures performed [see NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-4.3]. The exception to this rule is nonrechargeable extinguishers, which are required to bbe removed from service 12 years from the date of manufacture. Again, this maintenance must be performed by an approved extinguisher servicing company’ Hydrostatic testing At certain intervals, fire extinguishers are required to be pressure tested using water or some other noncompressible fluid to help prevent unwanted failure or rupture of the cylinder [see NFPA 10(98), Chapter 5]. This is called hydrostatic testing and includes both an internal and external examination of the cylinder. Because this testing requires special training and equipment, it needs to be performed by an approved extinguisher servicing company Hydrostatic testing intervals for fire extinguishers are outlined in NEPA 10(98), Sec. 5-2 and Table'S- 2. Test intervals for some of the most commonly found extinguishers are as follows: + Pressurized water, carbon dioxide and wet chemical extinguishers ~ every 5 years ‘+ Dry chemical extinguishers ~ every 12 years As mentioned earlier, the exception to the rule for hydrostatic testing is nonrechargeable stored pressure extinguishers (e.g, dry chemical extinguishers), which are required to be removed from service 12 years from the date of manufacture.Maintenance/testing of portable fire extinguishers Page 3 of 4 Some of you may have heard. The 2007 edition of NFPA 10 contains a new requirement for the removal of dry chemical extinguishers manufactured prior to October, 1984 [see NFPA 10(07), See. 4.4.1], Removal is to occur at the time of the next 6-year maintenance interval or next hydro test interval, whichever comes first. This requirement came about as the result of significant changes made to UL Standard 299, Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, based on fire testing conducted by UL, FEMA and NFPA. This edition of NFPA 10 is not currently referenced by either the 2000 LSC or the 2007 MSEC, so it doesn’t carry the offect of law. This is mentioned in this guide only for informational purposes, as some insurance carriers may be applying this requirement to the properties they insure, Documentation Requirements Almost as important as conducting required inspection, testing and maintenance is documenti fact that it occurred. NFPA 10 requires that these services be properly recorded. What follows is a synopsis of some of the major documentation requirements you need to be aware of, Monthly inspections NEPA 10(98), Section 4-3.4 requires that records be kept of all extinguishers inspected, including those needing corrective action, The date the inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection must be recorded on a tag or label attached to each extinguisher. As an alternate, the monthly inspections can be recorded on an inspection checklist maintained on file or in an electronic system that provides a permanent record. Maintenance Annual maintenance is also required to be recorded on a tag o label attached to each extinguisher that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed and the name of the person or company performing the service [see NFPA 10(98), Section 4-4.4]. In addition to the tag or label, it is recommended that a permanent record be kept for each extinguisher that indicates at least the following «The date maintenance was last performed and by whom ‘The date the extinguisher was recharged and by whom, ‘The date 6-year maintenance was last performed and by whom ‘The date the extinguisher was hydrostatically tested and by whom Six-year maintenance is required to be recorded on a metallic label, or similar durable material, affixed to each extinguisher that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed, the initials or name of the person performing the service and the name of the company they represent [sec NFPA 10(98), Section 4-4.4.1]. Old maintenance labels must be removed at the time any new labels are affixed to the extinguisher.Maintenanceitesting of portable fire extinguishers Page 4 of 4 Recharging When extinguishers are recharged, a tag or label must be attached to each extinguisher that indicates the month and year recharging was performed and the name of the person or company performing the service [see NFPA 10(98), Section 4-5.5]. In addition, each extinguisher that has undergone maintenance that includes an internal examination or has been recharged is required to have a “Verification of Service” collar installed around the neck of the extinguisher [see NFPA 10(98), Section 4-4.4,2]. The exception to this rule is carbon dioxide extinguishers that have been recharged without removal of the valve assembly. The “Verification of Service” collar, usually made of plastic, serves as visual proof that the extinguisher was disassembled and maintenance performed. It must be of a type that cannot be removed without the removal of the valve assembly and must include the month and year the service was performed, Hydrostatic testing NFPA 10(98), Sec. 5-6.1 requires that a permanent record be maintained for each cylinder tested. In addition: * High-pressure cylinders (c.g, carbon dioxide) that pass the hydrostatic test must be stamped With the tester’s identification number and the month and year of the test. * Low-pressure eylinders (e.g. dry chemical, wet chemical, pressurized water) that pass the hydrostatic test must have the test information recorded on a metallic label, or similar durable material, affixed to each extinguisher that indicates the month and year the test was performed, the test pressure used, and the initials or name of the person performing the service and the name of the company they represent [see NFPA 10(98), Seetion 5-6.4}. Sample extinguisher record A sample extinguisher record has been developed to serve as a guide that you can use in creating your own record. A completed record is provided to serve as an example of how the record is expected to be filled out Click Here for Sample Portable Fire Extinguisher Record It’s important that at least two people in your facility know where the documentation on your facility’s fire extinguishers is kept to increase the likelihood that it ean be readily provided if requested during an inspection, This documentation needs to be maintained for the life of the extinguishers,INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND RECHARGING PERIODS FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGISHERS Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or mi Fullness determined by weighing or“hefting.” Examinations for obvious physical damage, corosion, leakage, oF clogged nozzle Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range ot position. Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle chocked (for wheel units) Label in place. Maintenance procedures shall include a thorough examination of the basic elements of @ extinguisher (NFPA-I0-6 3.2): 1. Mechanical pars of al ire extinguishers. 2. Extinguishing agent of cartidge- or cylinder-operated dry chemical stored chemical, stored pressure loaded stream, and pump tank fire extinguishers 3. Expelling means of all fre extinguishers Intemal examination during annual maintenance is not required for non-rechargeable fre extinguishers, carbon dioxide fre extinguishers, or sted pressure fire extinguishers, except for those types specified in 63.1.1, see below. These fire extinguishers are to be thoroughly examined externally in accordance with the applicable items of NFPA-10 section 6.3.21 NFPA 10 section 6.3.1.1: Stored pressure types containing a loaded stream ageat shall be disassembled on an annual basis and subjected to complete maintenance, Prior to assembly, the fire extinguisher shall be fully discharged to check the operation of the discharge valve and pressure ‘gauge. The loaded stream charge shall be permitted to be recovered and re-used provided itis subjected to agent analysis in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, Maintenance i to be performed by a trained person who has undergone the instructions necessaly to reliably perform maintenance and has the manufacturer's service manwal. (NFPA-T0-6..2) Maintenance, servicing, and recharging, are to be performed by trained persons having available the appropriate servicing manual(s), the proper types of tools, recharging materials, lubricants, and ‘manufacturer's recommended replacement parts or parts specifically listed for use inthe fire extinguishers (NFPA-10-6.1.4) Maintenance isto be performed in full compliance with the maintenanee requirements of NFPA-10. The following types of fire extinguishers are considered obsolete and shall be removed from service: (NFPA-10-1.5.4) Soda acid ‘Chemical foam (excluding film-foaming agents) Vaporizing liquid e.g. carbon tetrachloride) Carridge-operated water Cartridge-operated loaded stream Copper or brass (excluding pump tanks) joined by soft solder or rivets Catton Dioxide extinguishers with metal horas Solid Charge-type AFFF extinguishers (paper cartridge) During the time period that fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance or recharge a replacement fite extinguisher suitable for the type of hazard being protected and of at least equal rating is to be provided. (NFPA-10-6.3.1.4) PFile: FireBsinghnsp\taintTest docINSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, TESTING, AND RECHARGING PERIODS FOR PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGISHERS FFLS has organized the following information to serve as a timetable for any inspection, maintenance, recharging, Extinguisher | Inspection nd testing of portable fire extinguishers. All of the fol ‘numbers est he Foun ing information and paragraph the 2002 euition of the National Fire Protection Association, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA-10, [Maintenance = Recharging ™* Hydrostatic Testing (633.6434 Type | Dry Chemical Ermpiy and internally (Stored pressure) | 30Days 1 Year inspect @ 12 years 62.) 30) 6 Years labo 72) oo £6434) Maintenance and Carbon Dio 30Days “ensure 5 Years 5 years 621) leonduetivity exiss"| 64.11, 643.9,4 (tabie 72) J Year eas) 2.63.1) Water Das 1 Year Tear Tyers {Stored pressure) | (621) (31) (osrreesa.io | cable?) Dry Chemical 30Days 1 Year 3 Years years (Siainess Stee) 2) (6a) (6a3d) (isile 72) Empiy and internally Dry Chemical 30 Days 1 Year 12 years 62) 3) Tabte72) (633.6434) Wet Chemical | 30 Days Ter 3 Years Tyeas 62) a) Gas rsite7 2) ARFF 3ODays T Year 3 Yeas $year (Liquid charge 20) a0) 6423) iaite 72) type) _ FFFP Boas | «iE Year 3 years (Liquid charge 2) | way ate 22) ‘ype Eapiy ad internally Dry Powder 30Davs 1 Year inspect @ 12 years 62.0) an) 6 Years atie 72) i 653.5454) Halogenated 30 Day Lear Ia years (Halon) 62 (631) (Fable 72) * The ti activity *** For maintenance procedure see NFPA-10 and Annex I of NFPA-10. +*** Recharging is also required to take place after every use and if the need is identified during maintenance or inspection, Periodie inspection of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items (NFPA- 10-6.2.2) 1, Location in designated place. 2. No obstructions to access or visibility 3. Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward, me periods indicated in the above table are to be viewed as the maximum period for each