A portable fire extinguisher can be our first line of defense against small fires. It is likely that you are not far from one. It is important that you have it with you at all times so it is always available. For small fires, fire extinguishers can be reliable and last a long time. This blog will cover the NAPA 10 Standard on the Installation and Portable Fire Extinguishers requirements. It is important that your extinguisher functions as it should.
This information can be divided into three sections:
maintenance inspection, testing and inspection. Each section contains information about what
must be done (Procedures), who can perform the work, when each
step should be completed (Frequency), and how to keep records.
Inspection methods
A thorough inspection will ensure that your extinguisher
is working in an emergency. An inspection
should include the following steps:
Qualifications
Inspections are optional. They can be performed by any competent person.
Frequency
NFPA 10 stipulates that extinguishers should be inspected
immediately after they are installed and every month thereafter. You should inspect extinguishers more frequently
if they are in an area that is more vulnerable to rusting, impact or tampering.
Record keeping
Keep track of the monthly inspections by attaching a tag
or writing it down on paper. Keep track
of these items:
These records should be kept for at most 12 months.
Maintenance Procedures
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is necessary to inspect all elements of the Fire Alarm Extinguisher Inspection.
This process requires an external exam. An internal exam may be required as part of your
maintenance. How to conduct an intern exam can be found in
your manual.
Qualifications
Maintenance must be performed by a certified person. To be certified, a person must pass an
acceptable test by the AHJ.
Frequency
Fire extinguishers must have an external maintenance
inspection at least once per year. This inspection should be done at the time
of hydro static testing or when there is an inspection discrepancy. An extinguisher should have an internal
inspection every 1-6 years depending on the type. This is an
example of a dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher.
Each fire extinguisher must have a label or tag attached
that indicates that maintenance was performed. The label or tag must contain the following
information:
inspection
Extinguishers
also need a verification-of-service collar located around the neck of the
container if an internal examination was conducted. The collar
should have the following:
Hydro static Testing Methods
Hydro static testing begins with an internal and external
examination of the extinguisher. This is described in the maintenance section. After all components have been removed, the
extinguisher can be reduced to its shell or hose. It is then
filled with water at a certain pressure and for a given time. The
extinguisher must be completely dried to get rid of all water. It must then
be reassembled, and refilled. If the cylinder is leaking,
distorting, or has permanent movement of couplings, it must fail the hydro static test.
Qualifications
Hydro static testing is dangerous. Those who do it must be
able to perform it safely. They should be
properly trained, certified and equipped with the necessary equipment to
perform the testing.
Frequency
Hydro static testing is similar to internal maintenance.
It can be performed at various intervals, depending on the type of extinguisher. They are typically performed every five to
twelve year.
Record keeping
Low pressure cylinders must have a label attached. It should include:
High pressure cylinders should have the date and
identification number of the tester stamped on the top, shoulder or head rings.
This guide is not meant to be a complete guide on extinguisher ITM. There are many types and requirements for extinguishers. Electronic monitoring is also not covered, although it can be an alternative to monthly inspections.
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