Portable Fire Extinguishers
2022 Edition
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NOTICE: An ast e ri sk (*) following the number or lette r designating a paragraph indi cates that explanatory mater ial on the paragraph can be found in Annex A
A refere n ce in bracke t s r l following a sec tion or paragraph indicates material that h as been extracted from another N FPA document. Extracted text may be edited for cons iste n cy and style and may include the revision of interna l paragraph re ferences and othet- references as appmpri ate . Re qu ests for inte rpretations or re vis ion s of ex tra cted text s hall be sen t to the technical committee r espon s ible for the so urc e document
Information on refet·enced a nd extracted publications ca n be found in C h apter 2 and Annex K.
Chapter 1 Administration
1.1 * Scope. The provisions of thi s standa rd apply to th e se le ct ion , instal la t ion, inspection, maintenance, rec harg ing, and testing of portable fire ex tin g uis hers an d Class D e xti n g uish in g a g en ts
1.1.1 The requirements g ive n herein are minimum
1.1.2 The requirements s hall not apply to p er manentl y in stal· led syste m s for fire exti n g ui s hment, even wh ere portions of suc h syste m s are portable (su c h as ho se and nozzles attac h ed to a fixed suppl y of extinguishing agent)
1.2* Purpose. This s tandard is prepared for u se b y and guida n ce of persons c h arge d with se lecting, pmchasing, installin g, approving, listin g, d es ig nin g, and m a intaining portable fir e extinguis hers a nd C l ass D extinguishing agen ts
1.2.1 The fit-e protection requi reme n ts of thi s standard are general in nature and are not inte nded to abrogate t h e specific requirements of other NFPA standard s for s p ec ifi c occ upancies.
1.2.2 Nothing in this stand a rd s hall be construed as a restriction on new technologies or alte t·n ative arrangements, provided that the leve l of protection as here in de scribed is not l owe r ed and is acceptable to the authority h av in g jurisd ic tion.
1.3 Units.
1.3.1 Metric uni ts of m eas urem e nt in this s tand ard are in a cco rda n ce with the mod e rni ze d m etri c syste m known as t he Inte rnational System of Un its (SI)
1.3.1.1 The tmits are li sted in Table 1.3 .1.1 with convers ion factors
Table 1.3.1.1 Metric Units of Measurement
Name of Unit Abbreviation Conversion Factor liter L 1 ga l= 3 785 L Millimeter mm 1 in. = 25 4 mm
Meter m 1ft = 0 .3 0 5 m Kil ogram kg 1 lb ( m ass) = 0.454 kg
Degree Celsius oc %( 0 f - 32) = °C
Bar bar 1 p s i = 0 0689 b a r
1.3.1.2 I f a va lu e for measmement as g ive n in th is sta nda rd is followed b y an equivalent valu e in other units, the first stated is to be regarded a s the requit·em e nt.
1.3.1.3 A g iven eq uivale nt va lu e s hall be permitted to b e considered appmximate
1.3.2 Th e conversi o n procedme for the SI units i s to mul t iply the quantity by the co n vers io n factor a nd tl1en round th e re sult to the appropriate number of s ignifi cant d igits
Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
2.1 General. The documents or portions th e r eoflisted in this c hapter are referenced within thi s sta ndard and s hall be co n s idered part of t h e o f this document
2.2 NFPA Publications. Nati onal Fit-e P rotec tion Associ at ion , 1 Ba ttety mar c h Par k , Quincy, MA 02169-7471.
NFPA 1, Fin1Code, 2021 edition.
NFPA 2 , Hydmgen Technologies Code, 2020 edi tion
NFPA 14, Standa-rd fo-r the Installation of Standpipe and H ose Systems, 20 1 9 edition .
NFPA 22, Standa-rd fm· Watm· Tanks f(Jr Private Fi1·e Protect ion, 201 8 editio n.
NFPA 3 0 , Flammable and Combustible Liqu id5 Code, 2021 edition
NFPA 3 0A, Code for Moto1· Fuel Facilities and R epai r Ga-rages, 2021 edition
NFPA 33, Standa-rd fm · Spray Application Using Flammable m· Combustible Materials, 2021 edition
NFPA 40, Standanl fo-r the Stomge and H andling of Cellulose Nitntte Film, 2022 ed ition.
NFPA 45, Standa-rd on Fire Protect ion jrrr L abo-ratories Using ChemicaLs, 2019 edition
NFPA 5 1, Standa-rd fo1 · the D esign and InstaUation of Oxygen-Fuel Gas Systems fo-r Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, 201 8 ed ition
NFPA 51 B, Standm·d for Fire Prevention D uring Welding, CuUing, and Other Hot Wm-k, 2019 edition
NFPA 52, Vehicular Natural Gas Fuel Systems Code, 20 19 edition.
NFPA 58, LiquefiedPetmleum Gas Code, 2020 edition .
NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code, 20 21 ed it ion.
NFPA 59A, Standard Jm· the Production, Stomge, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 2019 edition
NFPA 7'P, National FinJ Alarm and Signaling Code® , 2022 edition
NFPA 75, Standm·d fm· the Fire Protection of Information Technology l!.quipment, 2020 ed ition .
NFPA 76, Standm·d Jm· the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities, 2020 edition
NFPA 96, Standm·d fm· Ventilation Contml and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, 2021 edition
NFPA 99, H ealth Cm-e Facilities Code, 2021 edition
NFPA 99B, Standanl Jm· H ypobm-ic Facilities, 2021 edition
NFPA JOJ®, L ife Safety Code® , 2021 edition
NFPA 102 , Standm·d Jm· Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Mernbmne Structums, 2021 ed ition.
NFPA 11 5, Standard jm· Laser Fin! Protection, 2020 ed ition.
NFPA 120, Standm·d Jm· Fi1-e Pt-evention and ContTOl in Coal Mines, 2020 edition
NFPA 122 , StandaTd Jm· FiTe Prevention and Contml in Metal/ Nonmetal Mining and Metal Mineral Processing Facilities, 2020 edition .
NFPA 130, StandaTd Jm· Fixed Guideway T-ransit and Passenger Rail Systems, 2020 ed ition.
NFPA 140, Standard on Motion Pictw-e and Television Production Studio Soundstages, Appmved Production Facilities, and Production Locations, 201 8 edition
NFPA 150, Fi-re and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities, 2022 edition
NFPA 160, Standm·d Jm· the Use of Flame Effects Befm·e an Audience, 2021 ed ition
NFPA 232, Standard for the Protection ofRecords, 2022 ed it ion
NFPA 241, Standm·d f!Jr Safegum·ding Construction, Altemtion, and Demolition operations, 2022 ed ition.
NFPA 30 1 , Code for Safety to L ife from FiTe on Merchant Vessels, 20 18 edition
NFPA 3 02 , Fz-m Protection Standard joT Pleasu1-e and Commercial Motm· CJ·aft, 2020 edition
NFPA 303, FiTe Protection Standanl joT Marinas and Boatyanis, 2021 edition
NFPA 307, Standm·d Jm· the Const1'Uction and Fin! Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and WhaTves, 202 1 ed ition.
NFPA 326, Standard Jm· the Safegum·ding of Tanks and Containers joT EntT)\ Cleaning, IJr Repai1; 2020 ed iti on .
NFPA 385, Standm·df!Jr Tank Vehiclesjm·Flammable and CombtiStible Liquids, 2017 ed ition.
N FPA 400, Haza ·rdous Mate1ials Code, 2022 edition
NFPA 403, Standm·d f!Jr Aim-aft Rescue and FiTe-Fighting Sm-vices atAiTpmts, 20 18 edition .
NFPA 407, Standm·d Jm· Aim-aft Fuel Servicing, 2022 edition
NFPA 408, StandaTd f!Jr Ain;mft Hand Pm·table Fil-e Extinguishers, 2017 ed ition.
NFPA 409, Standm·d on Ainmft Hangan, 2021 ed it ion
NFPA 410, Standm·d on Aircraft Maintenance, 2020 edition
NFPA 4 18, StandaTdfm· H eliports, 2021 edition.
N FPA 423, StandaTd for Construction and Pmtection of Ainmft Engine Test Facilities, 2021 edition
N FPA 484, Standm·d fo-r Comb·ustible Metals, 2022 ed ition
NFPA 495, Explosive Matm-ials Code, 2018 editio n.
N FPA 498, Standm·d fm· Safe H avens and interchange L ots fm· Vehicles Tmnspo-rting Explosives, 2018 ed it ion
N FPA SOlA, Standard for Fi1-e Safet)' 0-itmafm· ManufactuTed Horne i nstallations, Sites, and Communities, 2021 ed it io n.
NFPA 5 02, Standard Jo r Road Tunnels, B1idges, and Othe1· Limited Access Highways, 2020 edition
NFPA 5 0 5, Fi1-e Safety Standard f!Jr Powered Indust1ial Trucks including 1'ype Designations, A-reas of U5e, Conversions, Maintmance, and Operations, 2018 edition
NFPA 655, StandaTd fo r Pt-evention of SulfuT FiTes and Explosions, 201 7 edition
N FPA 73 1, Standm·d fm· the Installation of Pl-emises Secw-ity Systems, 2020 ed i tion
NFPA 8 01, StandaTd fo1· Fi1-e Protection for Facilities H andling Radioactive Matm-ial5, 2020 edition
NFPA 804, Standard Jo r Fi-re A·otection f!Jr Advanced Light Water Reactm·Elecl1ic Generating Plants, 2020 editi on
N FPA 8 0 5, Pmforrnance-Based StandaTd for Fi1-e Pmtection Jm· Light Water Reacto-r Elect-tic Genemting Plants, 2020 edition
NFPA 820, Standm·d jo1· Fi1·e Protection in Wastewate1· Treatment and Collection Facilities, 2020 ed ition
NFPA 909, Code for the Protection of Ctdtttral Resource Properties -Museums, L ib-rmies, and Places of Won hip, 2021 e diti o n.
NFPA 9 14, Code for the Protection of Hist!Jric Structum, 2019 ed ition.
NFPA 1123, Code fo-r Fi:t-ewo-rks D isplay, 2022 ed ition
NFPA 1125, Code fm· the Manufactw-e of Model Rocket and H ighPower Rocket Motors, 2022 ed ition
NFPA 1126, Standanl for the Use of Pymtechnics Bef!Jre a Proximate Audience, 202 1 ed ition.
NFPA 1141, Standanl for FiTe Protection Injrastnuture fo-r Land Development in Wildland, R ural, and Sub-wvan A1-eas, 2017 edi ti on N FPA 11 92, Standanl on R ecreational Vehicles, 2021 ed i tion
NFPA 1194, Standanl for Rea-eational Vehicle Pm-ks and Campgrounds, 2021 edition.
NFPA 1221, Standanl for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use ofEmergency Sm·vices Communications Systems, 2019 ed it ion
N FPA 1901 , Standard for Automotive FiTe Appamtus, 2016 ed ition.
N FPA 1906, Standanlf!Jr WildlandFiTeApparatus, 2016 ed ition.
NFPA 1925, Standanl on Mm-ine FiTe-Fighting Vessels, 2018 ed it ion.
NFPA 1962, Standard for the Cm-e, Use, Inspection, Savice Testing, and Replacement of Fire H ose, Couplings, Nozzles, and Fi1·e H ose Appliances, 2018 edit ion.
NFPA 500(/P, Building Constntction and Safety Code® , 2021 edition.
2.3
Other Publications.
2.3.1 ACA Publications. American Coatings Assoc iatio n , 90 1 New York Avenue NW, Suite 300 West, Was hi ngton, DC 20001
Hazanlous MatetiaL5 Identification S)•Stem (HMiS) Implementation Manual, 4th ed ition , 2015
2.3.2 ASTM Publications. AS TM International, 100 Barr Harbot· Dt·ive, P.O. Box C700, \1\Test Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
ASTM D5391, Standard Jest for l!.tectrical Conductivity and Resi5tivity of a Flowing High Purity Water Sample, 2014
2.3.3 CGA Publications. Compressed Gas Associat ion, 14501 George Carter Way, Suite 103, Chantilly, VA 20151.
CGA C-1, Methods far Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylinders, 2016
CGA G-1 0 .1 , Commodity Specification for Nitrogen, 2016.
2.3.4 UL Publications. UnderwTiters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfin gsten Ro ad, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096
UL 1093, StandaTd for Halogenated Agent Fin! Extinguishers, 1995, revised 2008
UL 1803, Standard for Factary Follow-Up on ThiTd Pa1·ty Certified Portable FiTe Extingui5hers, 2012, revised 2017
2.3.5 ULC Publications ULC Standards, 1 71 Nepean Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario K2P OB4 Canada
ULC CAN-S512, Standanl far Halogenated Agent Hand and Wheeled FiTe Extinguishen, 2005, reaffirmed 2007
2.3.6 UL/ ULC Publications. The following publications are hi-nationally harmonized standards for Undetwriters Laboratories In c , 333 Pfingsten Ro ad, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, and ULC Standards, 171 Nepean Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario K2P OB4, Canada
UL 8, CAN / ULC-5554, WateT Based Agent Fire Extinguishers, 2016
UL 154, CAN/ ULC-S503, Standanl for Cm bon-Dioxide FiTe Extingui5hers, 2005, revised 2018
UL 299, CAN/ ULC-S504, Standm·d fo r Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, 2012, revised 2018
UL 626, CAN / ULC-S507, Standard joT Water Fire Extinguishers, 2005, revised 2018
UL 7 11 , CAN/ ULC-S508, Standani for the Rating and Fi!·e Jesting ofFire Extingui5he1S, 2018.
UL 2129, CAN / ULC-S566, Standard jo1· Halocarbon Clean Agent FiTe Extingui5hen, 2017
2 . 3.7 UN Publications. United Nations, Publications Customer Service, PO Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), ST/ SG / AC.10/30 / Rev. 6, 2015
2.3.8 US Govermnent Publications. US Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, N\.V, Washington, DC 20401-0001
Titl e 49, Code of Federal Regu lations, Part 180 209, "Requirement s for Requalification of Specificat ion Cylinders "
Title 49, Code of F ederal Regulations, Part 180 .213, " Requalifi cation Markings ."
2.3.9 Other Publications.
Meniam-Webstm·'s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, MerriamIn c., Springfield, MA, 2003
2.4 R eferences for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
NFPA 17, Standard joT DTy Chmnical Extinguishing Systems, 2017 edition
NFPA 17A, Standmrl for Wet Chmnical Extinguishing Systmn5, 2017 edition
NFPA 18, Standard on Wetting Agents, 20 17 edition. NFPA 52, Vehiculm· Natuml Gas Fuel Systems Code, 2019 ed ition.
Chapter 3 D efinitions
3.1 General. The defin itio n s contained in this chapter shall app ly to the terms used in this standard Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their o t·dinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used Merriam- Webster's Collegiate Dictionmy, 11th edition, s hall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning
3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
3.2.1 * Approved. Acceptable to the a uthori ty h aving juri sd iction
3.2.2* Authority Hav ing Jurisdiction (Alij) An o r gan iza tion, office, or individual respo n sibl e for enforc ing the of a code or standard, or for approving equ i pment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
3.2.3 Labeled Equipment or materials to wh ich has been attached a labe l, symbo l, o t· othet· identifYing mark of an o r ganization that is acceptable to the aut hori ty ha ving jurisd iction and concerned with product eva luation, that maintains pe r iodic in spection of production of labe l ed equipment or materials, and b y whose la beling the manufacturer in d icates compli ance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
3.2.4* Listed. Equipment , material s, or services Lncluded in a list published by an organization that is acceptabl e to the authority having ju risdictio n and concerned with eva luation of products or services, th at mainta in s periodic inspec tion of production of listed equ ipment or materia ls or period ic evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment, mat er ia l, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found su itab le for a specified purpose
3.2.5 Shall. Indi cates a mandat01y requirement.
3.2.6 Should. Indi cates a recomme n dation or that whi c h is advised but not requ ired.
3 .2.7 Standard. An NFPA Standard, the main text of wh ich contain s only mandatory provis ions us i ng the word "shall " to indi cate requit·ements a nd that is in a fmm generally sui tabl e for mandatory reference by another standa rd or code or for adoption into law. NonmandatOty provisions a r e not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appe ndix , annex, footnote, informa ti o n a l note, or other means as perm itted in the NFPA Manua ls of Style When used in a ge n eric sense, suc h as in the pht·ase "standards development pro cess" or "standards development activities," the term "standards" incl udes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides
3.3 General Definitions.
3.3.1 ANSL American National Standards In stitute f52, 2019]
3.3.2 Antifreeze Charge. See 3 .3 .20, Loaded Stream Charge.
3.3.3* Carbon Dioxide. A colodess, odorless, electrically nonconductive inert gas that is a s uitable medium for exting uish ing Class Band Class C fires.
3.3.4 Chemical.
3.3.4.1 * Dry Chemical. A powder composed of very small particles, u s ually sodium bicarbonate-, potassium bicarbonate-, or ammonium phosphate-based with added particulate material supplemented by specia l treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and the proper flow capabilities. [ 17, 2017]
3.3.4.2* Wet Chemical. Normally an aqueous so lution of organic or inorganic sa lts or a combination thereof that forms an extinguishing agent. f17A, 2017]
3.3.5 Clean Agent. Electrically non-conducting, volatile , or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon evaporation .
3.3.6 Closed Recovery System.
3.3.6.1 Dry Chemical Closed Recovery System. A syste m that is consu·ucted in a maimer that does not intmduce foreign material into the agent being recovered and has a means of visually inspecting the reco vered agent for contaminants.
3.3.6.2* Halogenated Closed Rerovery System. A system that provides for the u·ansfer of halogenated agents between fire extinguishers, sup pl y containers, and recharge and recovery containers so that none of the halo genated agent escapes to the atmosphere.
3.3.7 Cylinder.
3.3.7.1 High-Pressure Cylinder. Cylind e1·s (and caru-idges) contai ning niu·ogen, compressed car bon dioxide, or other gases at a service pressure higher than 500 ps i (3447 kPa) at 700F (21 °C).
3.3.7.2 Low-Pressure Cylinder. Cylinders containing fireextinguishing agent (medium), nitrogen, compressed air, or other co mpressed gases at a service pressure of 500 psi (3447 kPa) or lower at 70 oF (21 °C)
3.3.8 DOT. U.S DepartmentofTran spo rtation. f52, 20191
3.3.9* Dry Powder. Solid materials in powder o1· granular form intended for the extinguishment of Qass D combustible metal fires b y crusting, smothering, or heat-tran sferrin g means.
3.3.10* Electronic Monitoring. Either a local alarm device to indi cate when an extinguisher is removed from its designated location or a method of electronic communication (data transmission) beaveen a n in-pla ce fire extinguisher and an elecu·onic monitoring device/system
3.3.11 Extinguisher Bracket. Extinguisher retention device designed to mount and secure a specifi c extinguisher model onto var ious surfaces by incorporating releasable su·aps or bands to secure the fire extinguisher
3.3.12 Extinguisher Cabinet. An identifiable and readily a ccessible fire extinguisher housing device designed to store and protect fire equipment
3 3.13 Extinguisher Hanger. Extinguisher mounting device designed fo1· mow1ting a s pecific extinguisher model o nto stationa1y vertical surface s
3.3.14* Extinguisher Inspection. A quick check that a fire extinguisher is in its des ignated p lace, that it has not been acntated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious ph ys ica l damage or condition to prevent its operation.
3.3.15* Extinguisher Maintenance. A thorough examination of the fire extinguisher that is intended to give maximum assurance that a fire extinguisher will operate effectively and safely and to dete1·mine if physical damage or condition w ill prevent its operation, if any repair or replacement is necessa1y, and if hydrostatic testing or internal mainten ance is required.
3.3.16* Fihn-Forming Foam. A solution that will form an aqueous film on liquid fuels.
3.3.16.1 * Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). A so lution based on fluorinated surfactan ts plm foam sta bilizers to produce a fluid aqueous fi l m for su ppre ss ing liqu id fue l vapors
3.3.16.2* Film-Forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP). A protein-foam so lu t ion that u ses fluorinated surfa ctants to produce a fluid aqueous film for suppressing liqu id fue l vapors
3.3.17 Flammable Liquids of Appreciable Depth. Flammable liquids of appreciable depth are those with a depth greater than!!:, in. (6 3 mm)
3 3.18* Halogenated Agents. Halogenated (clean) agents referenced in this s tandard are of the fo llowing types.
3.3.18.1 Halocarbons. Halocarbon agents include hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), h ydro fluorocarbon (HF C), perfluorocarbon (PFC), fluom iodocarbon (FIC) types of agents , and other halocarbons that are found acceptab le under the Environmental Protection Agency S ignificant New Alternatives Poli cy program.
3.3.18.2 Halons. Halons include bromochlorodifluoromethane (Halon 1211), bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1 30 1 ), and mixntres of Halon 1211 and Hal o n 1301 (Halon 1211 / 1301).
3.3.19 Hydrostatic Testing. Pressure testing of the extinguisher cylinder and certain hose assemblies to verify str e ngth again st unwanted rupture.
3.3.20* Loaded Stream Charge. A water-based extinguishing agent that uses an alkali m etal salt as a freezing point depressant.
3.3.21 Mild Steel Shell. All s teel s hells other than s tainle ss steel and steel she lls used for high-pre ssure cylinders
3.3.22 Pressure.
3.3.22.1 Extinguisher Service Pressure. The normal operatin g pressure as indicated on the namepl ate o r cyli nder of a fire extinguisher.
3.3.22.2 Factory Test Pressure. The pressure shown on the nameplate at which a shell was tested at time of manufacture
3.3.23 Pressurized Flammable Liquid Fires. Fires resulting from liquids that are forced, pumped, or sprayed
3.3.24 Recharging. The replacement of the ext inguish in g agent (also includes the expel! ant for certain types of fire extinguishers)
3.3.25 Servicing. Performing maintenance, recharging, or hydrostatic testing on a fire extinguisher
3.3.26 TC. Transport Canada, formerly Canada T ranspot·t Commission (CTC), which has jw-i sd iction over high- and lowpressure cylinders and cartridges in Canada.
3.3.27* Travel Distance. The actual walk in g distance ft·om a point to the nearest fire extinguisher fulfilling hazard requirements.
3.3.28 Wetting Agent. A concentrate that, when added to water, reduces the surface tension and in creases its ab ility to penetrate and spread r18 , 20171
3.4 Fire Extinguisher Definitions.
3.4.1 Cartridge/ Cylinder-Operated Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher in which the expellant gas is in a separate container from the agent storage container
3.4 2* Nonrechargeable (Nonrefillable) Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher that is intended to be used one time and not capable of or intended to be recharged and returned to service .
3.4.3 Portable Fire Extinguisher. A portable device, carried or on whee ls and opet·ated by hand, containing an extinguishing agent that can be expelled under pressure for the purpose of suppressing or extinguishing fire
3.4.4 Pump Tank Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher where the operator provides expelling energy by means of a pump and the vessel containing the agent is not pressurized .
3.4.5* R echargeable (Refillabl e) Fire Extinguisher. A fit·e extinguisher capable of undergoing complete maintenance, including internal inspection of the pressure vesse l , replacement of a ll substandard parts and seals, and hydrostatic testing
3.4.6* Self-Expelling Frre Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher in wh ich the agent has sufficient vapor pressure at normal operatin g temperanu·es to expel it5e lf.
3.4.7 Stored-Pressure Frre Extinguish er. A fire extinguisher in wh ich both the extinguishing agent and expe llant gas are kept in a s ing le container, and that includes a pressw·e indicator or gauge
3.4.8 Water Mist Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher containing distilled or de-ionized water and emp loyin g a nozzle that discharges the agent in a fine spray
3.4.9 Water-Type Fire Extinguisher. A fire extinguisher containing water-based agents, such as water, film-forming foam agents (AFFF, FFFP ), antifreeze, loaded stream, and wet chem ical.
3.4.10 Wheeled Frre Extinguisher. A portable fire extinguisher equipped with a carriage and wheels intended to be transported to the fire b y one person (See A.5.3.2. 7.)
Chapter 4 General Requirements
4. 1 Listing and Labeling.
4.1. 1* Portable fire extinguis hers used to comp ly with this standard shall be listed and labe led and s h a ll meet or exceed all the requirements of UL 711, CAN/ULC-S508, Standanl Jar the Rating and Fire Testing of Fi:re Extinguishe1·s, and one of the following applicable performance sta ndards:
(1) Carbon dioxide types: UL 154, CAN/ULC-5503, Standard for Cm·bon-Dioxide Fi1·e Extinguishers
(2) Dry chemical types: UL 299, CAN/ ULC-S504, Standard for Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
(3) Water types: UL 626, CAN/ ULC-S507, StandanJ for Water Fz1-e Extinguishers
(4) Halon types: CAN / ULC-S512, Standard fm· Halogenated Agent Hand and Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
(5) Film-formin g foam types: UL 8, CAN/ULC-S554, Water Based Agent Fire Extinguishe1-s
(6) Hal ocarbon types: UL 2129, CAN/ ULC-S566, Standard for HalacaTbon Clean Agent Fi1-e Extinguishers
4 .1.2 * Each fire extinguisher sha ll be marked wi th the fo ll owin g:
(1) Identification of the listing and labeling organization (2) Product category ind icating the type of ex tin gu is her (3) Extinguisher cla5sification as indicated in Section 5 3
(4) Perfonnance and fi r·e test standards that the extinguisher meets or exceeds
4 .1.2.1 Fire extinguis he rs manufactured prior to J a nuary 1, 1986, shall not be required to co mpl y with 4 1.2
4. 1.2.2 Halon extinguishers lis ted and labeled to UL 1093, Standard fm· Halogrmated Agent Fz1-e Extinguishers, shall be permitted to be used to comply with the requirements of this standard wh en instal led, inspected, and maintained in accordance with this standard
4. 1.3 * An organization li sting fire extingu ishe rs used to comp ly with the requ irements of this standa rd shall uti li ze a third-party certification program for portab le fire extingu ishers that meets or exceeds UL 1803, Standard fm· Factory Follow-Up on Thi1·d Party Cm·tified Po1·table Fim Extinguishers
4.1.3.1 Fire extinguishers manufacmred prior to January 1 , 1989, shall not be required to comply with 4 .1 .3
4.1.3.2 Certification organizations accred ited by the Standards Council of Canada shall not be required to comply with 4 1 3
4.1.3.3 Listed and l abe l ed Class D extinguish in g in tended to be manually app li ed to com busti bl e m etal fires s hall comply with the fire test requ irements specified in UL 711, CAN/ULC-S508
4. 1.4 Electrical Conductivity Extin gu is h e rs listed for the C lass Crating sha ll not contain an agent that is a co ndu ctor of electricity.
4 .1.4 .1 In addition to successfully m eeting the requirements of UL 7 11 , CAN/ULC-S508, water-based agents that a r e listed fm the C lass C rating shall be tested in accordance with ASTM
D 5391 , Standard Test for Elect1ical Conductivity and R esistivity of a Flowing H igh P urity Water Sample
4.1.4.2* Fi re extingttishers containing \vater-based that have a conductivity higher than 1.00 at 25 °C (77°F) shall be co n sidered a conductor of electricity and therefore shall not be rated C lass C
4.2* Identification of Contents. A fire extinguisher s hall have a label, tag, or ste n c il attached to it providing the following information :
(1) The content's product name as it appears o n the manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
(2) Listin g of the hazardous material identifi cation in accordance with H azardo us Materials I dentification System (HMIS) Implementation Manual [ in Canada, Globally H armonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)]
(3) List of any hazardous materials that are in excess of 1.0 percent of d1e co ntents
(4) Lis t of each chemical in excess of 5 0 percent of the co ntent s
(5) Information as to what is hazardous about the agent in accordan ce with the MSDS
(6) Manufacturer's or service agency's name, mailing address, and ph o ne number
4.3* Instruction Manual.
4.3.1 The owner or the owner's agent s hall be provided with a fire extinguisher in su-uc ti o n manual that details condensed in structions and cautions necessary to the installation , operation, inspe c tion , and maintenan ce of the fire extinguisher(s)
4.3.2 The manual s hall refer to this sta ndard as a source of detailed in struction
4.4 Obsolete Fire Extinguishers. The following types of fire extinguishers are co n s id e red obso lete and s hall be remo ved from se rvice:
( 1) Soda acid
(2) C hemi cal foam (excluding film -fo rmin g agents)
(3) Carb on tetrachlm ide, m ethy l bromid e, and c hlorobromomethane (CBM)
(4) Cartridge-operated \vater
(5) Cartridge-operated loaded stream
(6) Copper or brass s hell (excluding pump tanks) joined b y s oft solder or
(7) Carb o n dioxide extinguis hers with m etal horns
(8) Solid c harge-type AFFF extinguishers (paper cartridge)
(9) Pressuri zed \vater fire exting ui s hers manufa cntred prior to 1971
(10) Any extin g ui s her that ne eds to b e in verte d to operate (11) Any extinguisher manufa c tured prior to 1955
(12) Any extinguis h ers with 4 B, 6B, 8 B, 12B , and 16B fir e ratings
(1 3) Stored-pressure \va ter extinguishers with fiberglass s hell s (pre-1976)
4.4.1 * Dry c hemi cal stored-press ure extinguishers with an indica ted manufacnt ring date of 1984 or prior s hall be 1·emoved ft-om set·vice
4.4.1.1 Subsectio n 4.4.1 s hall not apply to whee led-type dry c hemical s tored-p ress ure fire extingu is hers
4.4.2 * Any fire extinguisher that ca n no longer be serviced in a cco rdan ce with the manufacturer 's ma intenan ce manua l ts considered obso lete and sha ll be removed from se rvi ce
Chapter 5 Selection of Portable Fire Extinguishers
5.1* General Requirements. The selection of fire exti n g u is hers for a g iven s ituation s hall be det er mined by t h e app li ca bl e requirements of Sections 5 2 through 5 5 5 and th e fo ll o\'li n g factors :
(1) T ype of fire most lik e ly to occur
(2) S ize of fire most li k ely to occur
(3) H azards in th e area where the fire is mo s t likely to occ ur
( 4) Energized elecu·ica l equ ipmen t in th e vicin i ty of d1e fire (5) Ambient temperature co n d it ions (6) Other factot·s (See Section H.2 .)
5.1.1 Portable fire extinguis h ers shall be installed as a first lin e of defense to cope \'lith fire s of lim ited s ize, except as requi red by 5 5.4 5
5.1.2 Th e se lection of extinguis hers s h a ll be independent of whether the building is equipped with automatic sp r inkl e rs, sta ndpip e and hose, or other fixed protection equ ip me n t .
5.2 Classifications of Fires. Fires s h a ll be class ified in accordance w id1 the g uideline s specified in 5 2 .1 thr ough 5 2.5
5.2.1 Class A Fires. C lass A fire s a r e fire s in ord in ary co mbu stible materials , s u ch wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many p lastics
5.2.2 Class B Fires. C lass B fire s are fire s in flammable l iquids, co mbustible liquids, and flammable gases
5.2.3 C lass C Fires. Class C fi res are fires that invo lve energized elecu·ical eq uipment .
5.2.4 Class D Fires. C lass D fire s are fire s in combust ibl e metals, such as magne s ium , titanium , zircon ium , sod ium, li thium, and potassiu m
5.2.5 Class K Fires. C lass K fires are fir es in coo king app li a nces that involve combustible coo king media (vegetab le or anima l o il s and fats)
5.3 Ex tingui sher Classification System
5.3.1 The class ification of fire ex tin guis h ers s hal l consist of a letter that i nd icates the class of fire on wh ic h a fire extinguis her ha s been found to be effective.
5 .3.1.1 Fire extinguishers classified for u se on C lass A or C lass B h azards s hall b e r eq ui red to ha ve a rating numb er preceding the classification letter that indicates the r e lative extingu is hing effectiveness
5.3.1.2 Fi re ext in g uis h e rs class ifi ed fm u se o n C lass C, C lass D , or C l ass K hazards s hall not b e required to h ave a numb er preceding the classification l ette r.
5.3.2 Fire extinguishers s h a ll be selected for the class(es) of hazards to be protected i n acco rd a n ce ''lid1 5 3 2 .1 through 5 3 .2. 5 (For specific hazards, see Section 5.5.4.)
5.3.2.1 * Fire exti ngui s h e r s for the protect ion of C lass A hazards s hall be se lected f r om type s that are s p eci fi cal ly listed and labeled for u se on C lass A fire s. (FoT halon agent-type extinguishers, see 5.3.2.6.)
5.3.2.2* Fire extinguishers for the protection of Class B hazanis s hall be selected fi·om types that are specifically listed and labeled for u se on Class B fires. (Far halon agent-type extinguishers, see 53 2. 6.)
5.3.2.3* Fire extinguishers for the protection of Class C hazards s hall be selected from types that are specifically listed and labeled for u se on Class C hazards. (For halon agent-type fire extinguishers, see 5. 3. 2. 6.)
5.3.2.4* Fire extinguishers and extinguis hing agents for the protection of Class D hazards sha ll be of the types specifically listed and labeled for use on the specific combustible metal hazard
5.3.2.5 Fire extinguishers for the protection of Class K hazards s hall be selected from types that are specifically listed and labeled for use on Class K fires .
5.3.2.6* Use of halon agent fire extingui shers s hall be limited to applications where a clean agent is necessary to extinguish fire efficiently without damaging the equipment or area being protected or wher e the use of alternative agents has the potential to cause a hazard to personnel in the area
5.3.2.6.1 * Place ment of portable fire extinguishers containing halogenated agents shall confor m to minimum confined space vo lume requit·ement warnings contained on the fit·e extinguisher nameplates.
5.3.2.7* V\lheeled fire extinguishers shall be considered for hazard protection in areas in which a fire t·isk assessment has shown the following:
(1) Hi g h hazard areas are present.
(2) Limited available personnel are present, thereby requirin g an extinguisher that has the following features:
(a) Hi g h agent flo w rate
(b) Increased a gent stream range
(c) In creased agent capacity
5.4 Classification of Hazards.
5.4.1 Classifying Occupancy Hazard. Room s or areas s hall be classified as b e ing li ght hazard, ordinary hazard, ot· extra hazard
5.4.1.1 * Light Hazard Light hazard occupancies shall be classified as locations where the quantity and co mbustib ility of Class A combustibles and C lass B flammable s are low and fires with relatively low rates of heat release are expected. These occupancies consist of fire hazards having normally expected quantities of Class A combustible furnishings, and / or the total quantity of Class B flammable s typically expected to be present is less than 1 gal (3 8 L) in any room or area
5.4.1.2* Ordinary Hazard. Ordinary hazard occupancies s hall be classified as location s where the quantity and combustibility of Class A combustibl e materials and Class B flammables are moderate and fires with moderate rates of heat release are expected These occupancies consist of fire hazards that only occasionally contain C lass A combustible materials b eyond normal anticipated furnishings, and / or the total quantity of B flammable s typically expected to be present is from 1 ga l to 5 gal (3 .8 L to 18.9 L) in any room or area.
5.4.1.3* Extra Hazard. Exu·a hazard occupancies shall be class ified as locations where the quantity and combustibility of Class A com bustibl e material are high or where hi g h amounts
of Class B flammables are present and rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat release at·e expected These occupancies consist of fire hazards involved with the storage , packaging, handling, or manufacntre of Class A com bust ibles, and / or the total quantity of Class B flammables expected to be present is more than 5 gal (18.9 L ) in any room or area
5.4.1.4 Limited areas of greater or lesser hazard s hall be protected as required .
5.5* Selection of Fire Extinguishers
5.5.1 General. V\lhere fire extinguishers have more than one letter classification (suc h as 3-A:40-B:C), they s hall be permitted to satisfY the requirements of each let ter class
5.5.2 Selection for Building Protection. Fire extinguishers for building protection sh a ll be se lected for C lass A fires, regardless of the presence of any fixed fire suppre ss ion syste m s
5.5.3 Selection for Occupancy Hazards Fire extinguishers shall be se lected for the occ up ancy hazat·ds contained th erein regardless of the presence of any fixed fire suppre ss ion systems
5.5.3.1 Fire extinguishers for occupancy h azard protection sha ll be pmvided by fire extinguishers for C lass A, B, C, D, or K fire hazards present or anticipated to be present.
5.5.3.2 Fire extinguis hers selected for building protection s hall be permitted to al so be cons idered for occupancy h azard protection
5.5.4 Selection for Specific Hazards.
5.5.4.1 * Extinguishers for Pressurized Liquid and Pressurized Gas Fires. Large-capac ity dty chem ical extinguishers of 10 lb (4.54 kg) or greater and with a discharge rate of 1 lb / sec (0.45 kg/ sec) or more s hall be se le cted to protect these hazards
5.5.4.2* Three-Dimensional Fires. Larg e-capacity dt)' chemical extinguishers of 10 lb (4.54 kg) or greater and with a discharge rate of 1 lb/ sec (0 45 kg/ sec) or more s hall be se lected to protect these haz ards
5.5.4.3 Obstacle Fires. Selection of a fire extin guisher for this type of hazard shall be b ased on o ne of the fo ll ow in g : (1) Extinguisher contai ning a vapor-suppt·essi ng foam agent (2)* Multiple extinguishers contain in g non -vapor-suppre ss ing Class B agents intended for s imultaneous app li cation (3) L·u·ger capac ity extinguis h ers oflO lb (4 54 kg) or greater and \'lith a minimum discharge rate of 1 lb/ sec (0.45 kg / sec)
5.5.4.4* Water-Soluble Liquid Fires (Po lar Solvents). Aqueous filtn"forming foam (AFFF ) and fi lm-for ming fluoroprotein ( FFFP) foam types of fire extinguishers s hall not be se lected for the protection of water-so luble flamm ab le or combust ible liquids, unle ss specifica lly referenced on the fire extinguisher's nameplate.
5.5.4.5* Class K Cooking Media Fires. Fit·e extinguis h ers provided for the protection of cook in g app li ances that use combustible cooking media (e.g , vegeta ble or an imal o il s and fats) s h a ll be listed and l a beled for C lass K fire s
5.5.4.5.1 Class K fire extinguishers manufactured after Jarmary 1 , 2002, shall not be equipped with extended-wand-type discharge devices.
5.5.4.5.2 Fire extinguishers installed spec ifically for the protection of cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media (e.g , animal or vegetable oils and fats) without a Class K rating shall be removed from se rvice .
5.5.4.5.3* where a hazard is protected b y an automatic fire protection syste m , a placard sha ll be placed near the extinguisher that states that the fire protection system shall be actuated prior to u s ing the fit·e extinguisher.
5.5.4.6* Electronic Equipment Fires.
5.5.4.6. 1 Fire extinguishers for the protection of delicate electronic equipment sha ll be selected from types specifically listed and labeled for Class C hazards (See 5.3.2.3.)
5.5.4.6.2* Dry chemical fire extinguishers s hall not be in stalled for the protection of delicate electronic equipment.
5.5.4.7* Areas Containing Oxidizers.
5.5.4.7. 1 Onl y water or foam extinguishers shall be installed in areas where pool chemicals containing chlorine or bromine are stored
5.5.4.7.2 Multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers shall not be installed in areas where pool che micals containing chlorine or bromine are s tored.
5.5.4 7.3 Fire extinguishers intended for u se where oxidizers are stored or u sed shall be selected and installed based on the specific recommendations contained within the material's safety data sheet (SDS) for the oxidizer, s urrounding conditions, and NFPA 400
5.5.4.8 Class D Combustible Metal Fires.
5.5.4.8. 1 Fire extinguishers or containers of Class D extinguishing provided for the pwtection of Class D fires sh all be listed and labeled for Class D fires
5.5.4.8.2* Class D fire extinguishers and shall be compatible with the specific metal for which protection is provided.
5.5.5 Sel ection for Specific Locations.
5.5.5.1 * '1\lh.ere portable fire extingu ish et·s at·e required to b e in sta lled, the following documents s hall be reviewed for the occupancies outlined in their re spective sco pe s:
(1) NFPA 1
(2) NFPA 2
(3) NFPA 22
(4) NFPA 30
(5) NFPA 30A
(6) NFPA 33
(7) NFPA 40
(8) NFPA 45
(9) NFPA 51
(10) NFPA 5 1B
(11) NFPA52
(12) NFPA 58
(13) NFPA 59
(14) NFPA 59A
(15) NFPA 72
(16) NFPA 75
(17) NFPA 76
(18) NFPA 96
(19) NFPA 99
(20) NFPA 99B (21) NFPA101 (22) NFPA 102 (23) NFPA 115 (24) NFPA 120 (25) NFPA 122 (26) NFPA 130 (27) NFPA 140 (28) NFPA 150 (29) NFPA 160 (30) NFPA 232 (31) NFPA 241 (32) NFPA 301 (33) NFPA 302 (34) NFPA 303 (35) NFPA 307 (36) NFPA 326 (37) NFPA 385 (38) NFPA 400 (39) NFPA 403 (40) NFPA 407 (41) NFPA 408 (42) NFPA 409 (43) NFPA410 (44) NFPA 418 (45) NFPA 423 (46) NFPA 484 (47) NFPA 495 (4 8) NFPA 498 (49) NFPA 50 1A (50) NFPA 502 (51) NFPA 505 (52) NFPA 655 (53) NFPA 731 (54) NFPA 801 (55) NFPA 804 (56) NFPA 805 (57) NFPA 820 (58) NFPA 909 (59) NFPA 914 (60) NFPA 1123 (61) NFPA 1125 (62) NFPA 1126 (63) NFPA 1141 (64) NFPA 1192 (65) NFPA 1194 (66) NFPA 1221 (67) NFPA 1901 (68) NFPA 1906 (69) NFPA 1925 (70) NFPA 5000
5 5.5 2 In no case s hall the of the documents in 5.5.5.1 be less than those s pecified in thi s sta ndard.
Chapter 6 Install ation
6. 1 General.
6.1. 1* Number of Extinguishers. The mmunum number of fire extingu ishers needed to protect a property s hall be detet·mined as outlined in this chapter
6.1.1.1 The installation of extinguishers shall be independent of whether the building is equipped with automatic spr i nklers, standpipe and hose, or other fixed protection equipment.
6.1.1.2 Additional extinguishers shall be permitted to be installed to provide more pr·otection
6.1.1.3 Fi re extinguishers having ratings less than those specified in Table 6 .2 .1.1 and Table 6 . 3.1.1 shall be permitted to be insta lled, provided they at·e not used in fulfi llin g the minimum protective requirements of this chapter, except as modified in 6 2 .1. 3.1 , 6 2 .1. 4, and 6 3 .1.1.1.
6.1.1.4 Where multiple fire extinguishers with different ratings or operating characteristics are co-located to protect multiple hazard classes or specific hazards, each extinguisher shall be provided with clear and legible signage or placards to indicate their specific hazard use or protection rati ng
6.1.1. 4 .1 Individual signage or placards shall be provided for each extinguisher in the grouping and shall be placed immediately above or adjacent to each installed extinguisher
6 1.1.4.2 Where extingu ishe rs are installed in cabinets, the required s ignage or placard shall be permitted to be placed on the face of the cabinet door provided it does not interfere with cabinet visibi l ity, conspicuity, or fire resistance rating .
6.1.2 Extinguisher Readiness. Portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operab le condition and shall be kept i n their designated places at all t imes when they are not being u sed
6.1.3 Placement.
6.1.3.1 Fi re extinguishers s hall be conspicuously l ocated where they are readily accessib le and immediately available in the event of fire
6 .1.3.2 Fire extinguishers sh all be located a long normal paths of travel, including exits from areas
6.1.3.3 Visibility.
6.1.3.3.1 Fire extinguis hers s haH be installed in locations where they are visib le except as permitted by 6 .1.3 3 2 or 6 1.3 3 3
6.1.3.3.2 * I n rooms and in location s where visua l obstructions cannot be avoided, signs or other means s hall be provided to in dicate the extinguisher location.
6.1.3.3.3 Fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be installed in fire extinguisher cabi nets provided the extinguisher is visible or signs or other means are provided to i nd icate the extinguisher location.
6.1.3.3.4 Where signs or other means are used to indicate fire extinguisher lo cation they shall be l ocated in close proximity to the extinguisher
6 1.3.3.5 vVhere s igns or other means are used to indicate fire extinguisher location they sha ll be visible from the normal path of traveL
6.1.3.4 * Pmtable fire extinguishers other than wheeled extinguishers shall be installed u s ing any of the following mean s:
(1 )* (2) Securely on a hanger intended for the extinguis het· In a bracket incorporating releasing s traps or bands supplied by the exti nguishe r manufacturer
(3) I n a listed bracket incorporating r e leasing straps or bands approved fot· suc h purpose (4) I n approved cab in ets or wall r ecesses
6.1.3.4.1 H angers and brackets shall not be fabricated in the field.
6.1.3.5 Wheeled fire extinguishers shall be located in designated locations.
6.1.3.6 Fire extinguishe rs installed in or on vehicles shall be instal led in approved strap-type brackets specifica ll y des igned for this application
6.1.3.7 Fire extinguishers installed under conditions wh ere they are subject to d is lodgement shall be in stall ed in app roved stra p-type brackets speci fica ll y des igned to prevent d islodgement.
6.1.3.8* Fire extinguis h ers installed unde r conditions or in lo cations where they are s ubject to p h ysical damage (e g , from impact, vibration, the env ironment) shall be protected against such damage
6.1.3.9 Installation Height.
6.1.3.9.1 Fire extinguish e rs having a gross we ight n ot exceeding 40 lb (18 .1 4 kg) s hall b e insta lled so that t h e top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 5 ft ( 1.53 m) above the fl oor
6.1.3 9.2 Fire extinguis h ers having a gross weight greater than 40 lb ( 18 .1 4 kg) (except wheeled types) shall be install ed so that the top of the fire extinguis her is not mot·e than ft (1.07 m) above the floor
6.1.3.9.3 In no case s hall the clearance between the bottom of d1e hand pot·table fire exti n guisher and the floor be l ess than 4 in (102 mm)
6.1.3.10 Label Visibility.
6.1.3.10.1 Fire extinguishers s h all be i nstalled so that the fire extingu is her 's operatin g instructions face outward
6.1.3.10.2 H azardous materia ls identification systems (HM I S) l abels, 6-year maintenan ce labe ls, hydrostatic test labels, or other labels sh all not be located or placed o n the front of the extinguisher
6.1.3 10.3 * T he restrictions of 6.1. 3. 10.2 sha ll not app ly to the original manufacm r er's labe ls, labels that specificall y relate to the extinguisher's operation or fire classification, or i nventory co nn·ollabels specifi c to that ex tin guisher
6.1.3.11 * Cabinets.
6.1.3.11.1 Locked Cabinets.
6.1.3.11.1.1 Cabinets h ousing fit·e extinguishers s hall not be locked , except where fire extinguishers are subject to mali cio u s u se and cabinets include a means of emergency access
6.1.3.11.1.2 Ca binets hous ing fire ext inguis h e t·s with breakfront panels sha ll be provided with breaker bars or h ammers, designed for access ing the extinguisher during a fire emergency
6.1. 3.11.2 Lo ca tion.
6.1.3 11.2 1 The l ocation of fire extingu is h ers in cabinets that are not visib le from th e normal path of travel s h a ll be provided \'lith s igns or other mea n s to indi cate the extinguisher lo ca tion.
6.1.3.11.2.2 Signs or other means as stated in 6 .1. 3 .11.2.1 shall be visible from the normal path of travel.
6.1.3.11.3 Fi re extinguishers mounted in cabinets or \vall recesses shall be placed so that the fire extinguisher's operating in structions face outw ard.
6.1.3.11.4* Where fire extinguishers are in sta lled in closed cabinets that are exposed to elevated temperatures, the cabinets sha ll be provided with screened openings and drains
6.1.3.11.5 Cabinets or wall recesses for fire extingu is hers s hall be installed such that the extinguisher mounting heights specified in 6 .1. 3 .9.1 and 6 .1. 3 .9 .2 are met .
6.1.3.11.6* For fire resistance-rated \valls, only surfacemounted cabinets or listed fire-rated cabinets shall be installed.
6.1.3.11 . 6 . 1 The provisions of 6 .1. 3 .11. 6 s hall not apply to existing in stallations.
6.1.3.12* Fire extinguishers shal l not be exposed to temperatures outside the listed temperature range shown on the fire extinguisher label.
6.1.4 Antifreeze.
6.1.4.1 Fi re extinguishers conta ining only plain water shall be protected to temperatures as low as - 40°F (- 40°C) b y the addition of an antifreeze that is stip ulated on the fire extinguisher nameplate .
6 1.4 2 Calcium ch loride so lution s shall not be u sed in sta inless steel fire extinguishers
6.1.5 Electronic Monitoring and Alarm System. \\There an electronic monitoring and alarm system is installed, 6 .1. 5 .1 and 6 .1. 5 2 shall apply
6.1.5.1 The connection to the electronic monitoring device s hall be continuously supervised for integrity.
6.1.5.2 The power so urce for the electronic monitoring device shall b e supervised for continuity of power
6.2 Installations for Class A Hazards.
6.2.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards.
6.2.1.1 Minimal s izes of fire extinguishers for the listed grades of hazards shall be provided on the bas is of Table 6 2 .1.1 , except as modified by 6 2 .1. 3 .1 and 6.2.1. 4.
6.2.1.2 The minimum number of extinguishers for Class A hazards s hall be suffi c ient to meet the requirements of 6 2 .1. 2 .1 through 6 2 .1.2. 3
6.2.1.2.1 The minimum number of fire extinguishers for Class A hazards for each floor of a building sh all be deter-
mined b y dividing the total floor area b y the maximum area to be protected per extinguisher as determined b y Table 6.2.1.1. (See Annex E)
6 2.1.2.2 Fire extinguishers shall be located so that the maximum travel distances s hall not exceed 75 fi: (22 9 m ), except as modified by 6 2 .1. 4
6.2.1.2.3 Where the quantity of extinguishers required to satisfY 6 2 .1. 2 2 exceeds the number calculated in 6 2 .1.2.1 , additional extinguishers s hall be installed.
6.2.1.3 Fi re extinguishers oflesser rating s h all be permitted to be installed but shall not be considered as fulfilling any part of the requirements of Tab le 6 2 .1.1 , except as permitted in 6 2 .1. 3 .1 and 6 2 .1. 3 2
6.2.1.3.1 Up to two water-type extinguishers, each with 1-A rating, shall be permitted to be u sed to fulfi ll the of one 2-A-rated extingu is her.
6.2.1.3.2 Two 2 (9.46 L) \vater-type extingu is hers s hall be permitted to be u sed to fulfi ll the requirements of one 4-Arated extinguisher
6.2.1.4 Up to one-halfofthe co mplement of fire extinguishers s pecified in Table 6 2 .1.1 s hall be permitted to be replaced by uniformly spaced 1 in. (38 mm ) hose stations for use by the of the building.
6.2.1.4.1 Where hose stations are so provided, they s hall conform to NFPA 14.
6.2.1.4.2 T he location of hose stations a n d the placement of fire extinguishers s hall be suc h that the hose statio n s do not replace more than every other fire extinguisher.
6.2 1.5 '"' here the area of the floor of a building is less than that specified in Table 6 2 .1.1, at l east one fire extinguishet· of the minimum s ize required sha ll be provided
6.2 1.6 The protection requ irem ents s hall be permitted to be fu l filled with fire extinguis hers of hig h er rating, prov ided the u·avel distance to such larger fire exti n guishers does not exceed 75ft (22 9 m) and the maximum floor area per unit of A is not exceeded
6.3 Installations for Class B Hazards.
6.3.1 Spill Fires.
6.3.1.1 * Minimum ratings of fire extingu is hers for the listed grades of hazard shall be provided in accordance with Table 6 3 .1.1.
6.3.1.1.1 Two or more fit e extinguishers of lower rating s hall not be u sed to fulfill the protection requirements of Tab le 6.3 .1.1 , except as permitted b y 6 .3 .1.1.2 and 6 .3 .1.1.3 .
Table 6.2 1.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class A Hazards
Criteria
Minimum-rated s ingle extinguisher
Maximum floor area per unit of A
Maximum floor area per extinguisher
Maximum u·avel distance to extinguisher
Note: For maximum floor area exp lanations, see E.3.3.
Extra-Hazard Occupancy
Table 6.3.1.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Hazards
Note: Th e specified ratings do not imply that fires of the magnitudes indicated by these ratings will occur, but, rather, d1ey are provided to give d1e operators more time and agent to handle difficult spi ll fires d1at have d1e potential to occur.
6.3.1.1.2 Up to three AFFF or FFFP fire extingu ishers of at le ast 2Y2 ga l (9 .46 L) capacity sha ll be permitted to be used to fulfill extra hazat-d requirements
6.3.1.1.3 Two AF FF or FFFP fire exting·uishers of at least 1. 6 gal (6 L) capacity shall be permitted to be used to fulfi ll ordinary hazard t·equirements
6 .3.1.2 Fire extinguishers of lesser rating, designed for small specific hazards with in the general hazard area, shall be permitted to be in stalled but shal l not be cons idet-ed as fulfilling any part of the requirements of Tabl e 6 3.1.1 , unl ess permitted by 6 3 1.1 .1 o r 6 3 .1.1. 2
6.3.1.3 Fire extinguishers shall be lo cated so that the maximum travel distances do not exceed those specified in T a ble 6 3 .1.1.
6.3.1.4 The protection requirements shal l be permitted to be fulfilled with fire extinguishers of higher ratings, provided the travel distance to such larger fire extinguishers does not exceed 50ft ( 1 5 25 m)
6 .3.2 Flammable Liquids o f Appreciable Depth.
6.3.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers s hall not be in stalled as the so le protection for flammabl e liquid hazat-ds of appreciable depth where the s urface area exceeds 10 ft 2 (0 .93 m 2 )
6.3.2.2 F or flammable liquid hazards of appreciable depth, a B fire extinguisher sha ll be provided on the bas is of at least 2 numericaltmits of Cl ass B extingu is hing potential per 1 ft 2 (0 09 m 2 ) of flammable liquid surface of the largest hazard area
6 .3.2.3 AFFF- or FFFP-type fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be provided on the basis of 1-B of protection per 1 ft2 (0 09 m 2 ) of hazard (Fm· jiTes involving water-soluble flammable liquids, see 5. 5. 4. 4.)
6.3.2.4 Two or more fire extinguishers of lower ratings, other than AFFF- or FFFP-type fire extinguishers, shal l not be used in lieu of the fire extinguisher required for the largest hazard area
6.3.2.5 Up to tht·ee AFFF- or FFFP-type fire extinguishers shall be permitted to fulfill the requirements, provided the sum of the Class B ratings meets or exceeds the va lue required for the largest hazard area.
6.3.2. 6 T ravel distances for portable fire extinguishers s hall not exceed 50ft ( 15 25 m) (See Annex E .)
6.3.2.6 1 Scattered or wide ly separated hazards s hall be i nd ividually protected
6.3.2.6.2 A fire extinguisher in the proxim ity of a ha zard shal l be loc ated to be accessib le in the prese n ce of a fire without undue danger to the operator.
6.3.3 Obstacle, Gravity/ Three- Dimensional, and Pressure Fire Hazards.
6.3.3.1 Where hand portable fire extinguishers are installed ot· positioned for obstacle, gravity/ three-dimensional, or pressure fire hazards, the acntal trave l distance to h azard shall n ot exceed 30ft (9 1 m) unle ss otherwise specified (See5.5.5. 1.)
6.3.3.2 Where wheeled fire extinguis h ers of 125 lb (56.7 kg) agent capacity or larger are i nstalled or positioned for obstacle, gravity/three-dimens ional, or pressure fire hazards, the acnta l travel distance to hazard s h a ll not exceed 100ft (30 .5 m) unle ss otherwise specified. (See 5.5.5.1. )
6.4* Installations for Class C Hazards.
6.4. 1 Fire extingu is h ers with Class C rating-s shall be required where energized electrica l equ ipment can be encou n tered .
6.4.2 Th e requiremen t in 6 4 .1 shall include s i ntations wh ere fire either directly involves or surrounds e lectrical equip m e nt.
6.4.3 Because fire is a Class A or Class B hazard, the fire exting ui shers sha ll be s ized and loc ated on the bas is of the a nt ic i pated Class A or C lass B hazard
6.5 Installations f or Class D Hazards.
6.5.1 * Fire extinguishers or extingu is hing agents wit h Class D ratings s hall be pmvided for fires invol ving combustible m eta ls.
6.5.2 Fire extinguishers or extingtti sh in g agents (media) s hall be lo cated not more than 75ft (22 9 m) of travel distance from the C lass D hazard (See S ection E 6.)
6.5.3 * Portable fire exti ngui shers or exti ngtt is hin g agents ( media ) for Cl ass D hazards shal l be provided in those wo rk at-eas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavin gs, ch ips, or similarl y s ized products are ge n erated
6.5.4 * Size determination s h a ll be on the bas is of the spec ific combustible metal, its phys ical particle s ize, a r ea to be covered, and recommendatio n s by the fire extinguisher manufacture r based on data from control tests
6.6 Inst allations for Class K Hazards.
6.6.1 * Class K fire extinguishers shal l be provided for hazards where there is a potential for fires invo lving com bust ible cooking media (vegetable or an i mal oils a n d fats)
6.6.2 Maximum trave l d ista nce s hall n ot exceed 30 ft (9.1 m) from the hazard to the extingttishers.
6. 7 Solid-Fuel Cooking Appliances. All so lid-fuel cooki n g appliances (whether or not under a hood) with fi re boxes of 5 ft3 (0 .1 4 m 3 ) volum e or less shall have a t least a li sted 2-Arated water·-type fire ext in guis h e t· or a 1. 6 gal (6 L) wetchemical fire extinguisher that is lis ted for C lass K fires
Chapter 7 Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging
7 .I* General.
7.1.1 Responsibility. The owner or designated agent or occupant of a property in which fire extinguishers are located s hall be responsible for inspection, maintenance, and recharging (See 7.1.2.)
7.1.2 Personnel.
7.1.2.1* Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers s hall be certified
7.1.2.1.1 Persons training to become certified sha ll be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging of extinguishers under the direct supe1vis ion and in the immediate presence of a certified person
7.1.2.1.2* Certification requires that a person pass a test administered b y an organization acceptable to the AHJ.
7.1.2.1.3 The test shall, at a minimum, be upon knowledge of the chapters and annexes of this standard
7.1.2.1.4 The testing process shall permit persons to u se the standard during the test.
7.1.2.1.5 Persons passing the test required in 7 .1. 2.1. 2 s hall be issued a document or a certificate
7.1.2.1.6 The document or certificate shall be made available when requested by the authority having jurisd iction.
7.1.2.2 Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall be trained and shall have available the appropriate manufacmrer's se1vicing manual(s), the correct tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and manufacn1rer's 1·eplace ment parts or pa1·ts specifically listed for use in th e fire extinguisher
7.1.2.3* Persons performing inspection s s hall not be required to be certified
7.1.3* Replacement Frre Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers removed from service shall be immediatel y replaced with extinguishers that are su itable for the type of hazard( s) bein g protected and shall be of at least equal rating
7.1.3.1 * When the removal and replacement of fire extinguishers from installed locations is necessary or desired, the owner or owner's agent shall be notified.
7.1.4 Tags or Labels.
7.1.4 .1 Tags or labe ls intended for reco1·ding inspections, maintenance, or recharging shall be affixed so as not to obstruct the fire extinguisher u se, fire extinguisher classification, or manufacmrer's labels.
7.1.4.2 Labels indicating fire extinguisher u se or classification, or both, sha ll be permitted to be p la ced on the front of the fire extinguishec
7.2 Inspection.
7.2.1 Inspection Frequency.
7.2.1.1 * Fire exti nguis hers s hall be manually inspected when initially placed in se1vice
7.2.1.2* Fire extinguishers and C lass D extinguishing agents shall be inspected either manually or b y means of an e lectronic monitoring device/system at intervals not exceedi ng 31 clays
7 2.1.2.1 Fire extinguishers and C lass D extinguishing shall be inspected at least once per calendar m o nth.
7.2.1.3* Fire extinguishers and C lass D extinguishing agents shall be manually inspected dail y or week ly when conditions exist that indicate the need f01· more frequent inspectio n s
7.2.1.4 Extinguis hers that are e lectronically monitored for lo cation only, s uch as those monitored b y means of a switch to indicate when the extinguisher is removed from its bracket or cabinet, shall be manually inspected in accordance wi th 7 2 2
7.2.2 Inspection Procedures. Periodic inspection or elecu-onic monitoring of fire e x tinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items :
(1) Location in designated p lace
(2) Visibility of the extingu is her or means of indicating d1e extinguisher location
(3) Access to the extinguisher
(4) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position
(5) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting
(6) Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose , and nozz le for wheeled extinguishers
(7) Indicator for nonrechargeable extinguishers us ing pushto-test pressure indicators
7.2 2.1 The owner or the owner's agent s hall determine the method of extinguisher ins pection such as manual in spection , elecu·onic monitoring, or any comb in ation of the two .
7.2.2.2 Any method(s) of inspection other than manual inspection shall require the appmval of th e authority having jurisdiction.
7.2.2 3* In addition to 7 2 2, fire extingu ishe rs shall be visually inspected in accordance with 7.2. 2 4 if th ey are lo cated where any of the following conditions exists:
(1) High frequency of fires in the past
(2) Severe haza.rds
(3) Location s that make fire extinguishers s usceptible to mechanical injmy or physical damage
(4) Exposure to abnorma l temperamres or corrosive atmospheres
7.2.2.4 Whe1·e required by 7 2 2 3, the following inspection procedures shall be in addition to those addressed in 7 .2 .2:
(1) Ve1·uy that operating insu·uctions on nameplates a1·e legible and face outward
(2) Check for broken or miss ing safety seals and tamper in d icators
(3) Examine for obvious phys ical damage, corrosion, l eakage, or clogged nozzle
7.2.2.5 Inspection Procedure for Containers of Class D Extinguishing Agent. Periodic inspec tion of containe rs of C lass D extinguishing agent u sed to protect Class D hazards s hall include verifi cation of at least the fo llowing:
(1) Located in designated place
(2) Visibility of the container or me a n s of in d icating the container location
(3) Access to the conta in er
(4) Lid is sea led
(5) Fullne ss by hefting or weighing (6) No obvious phys ical damage to container
7.2.3 Corrective Action. \!\Then an inspection of an y fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions i n 7 2 2 or 7 2 2.4, immediate con-ective action s hall be taken
7.2.3.1 Rechargeable Fire Extinguishers. When an inspecti on of any rechargeab le fire extinguisher reveal s a deficiency in any of the conditions in 7 .2 .2(4), 7 .2 .2(5), 7 . 2 . 2(7), or 7 .2 .2. 4(1) through 7 2 2.4(3), the extinguisher shall be subje cted to applicable maintenance procedures
7 .2.3.2 N onrechargeable Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher. \!\Then an inspection of any nonrechargea bl e dry chemical fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed in 7 2 2(4), 7 2 2(5), 7 2 2(7), or 7 2 2.4(1) through 7 2 .2 .4(3), the extinguisher s hall be removed from further u se, discharged, and destroyed at the d irection of the owner or returned to the manufacturer
7.2.3.3 Nonrechargeable Halon Agent Fire Extinguisher. \!\Then an inspection of any nonrechargeabl e fire extinguisher containing a ha lon agent t-eveals a defi ciency in any of the cond itions listed in 7.2. 2(4), 7 2 2(5), 7 2 2(7), or 7 2 .2. 4(1) through 7 2 2.4(3), the extinguisher shall be removed from service, shall not be d isc harged, and shall be t-eturned to the manufacturer, a fire equipment d ea ler, or a distributor to perm it recovery of the halon
7 .2.4 Inspection Record Keeping.
7.2.4.1 Manual Inspection Records.
7.2.4.1.1 \!\There manual inspections are conducted, records for manual in spections sh all b e kept on a tag or lab e l attached to the fire exti n gu is her, on an in spec tion c he ckli st maintai ned on file, or by an electron ic method.
7.2.4.1.2 V\Th ere manual inspections are conducted, the month and year the manual in spect ion was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspecti on shall be recorded
7.2.4.1.3 * Where an externa l visual examination is performed in a ccordance with 7 3 .2.1.1 , a record in accordance wi th 7 3.4 sh all b e required in lieu of the record required b y 7 2.4.1.2.
7.2.4.1.4 Perso nnel making manual ins p ections s hall keep records of a ll fire extinguishers in spected, including those found to r equ ire corrective action.
7.2.4.1.5 Records for manual inspection s hall be k ept to demonstrate that at least the last 12 monthly in s p ections have b een performed
7.2.4.2 Electronic Insp ection Records.
7.2.4.2.1 V\There e lectronica lly monitored syste m s a re e mpl oyed for i nspections, t-ecords s h a ll b e kept fix fire extinguishers found to requ ire corrective action
7.2.4.2.2 Records for electronic monitor i ng s hall be kept to demonstrate that at least the last 12 monthly in spect ions have bee n performed
7.2.4.2.3 For electronically monit ored fire extinguishers, wh ere the extinguisher causes a s igna l at a co ntr o l unit when a deficiency in any of the condi tions listed in 7.2.2 occurs, record keeping s hall be p rovided in the form of an e lectron ic event log at th e control panel.
7.3 Extinguisher Maintenance.
7 .3.1 * Maintenance Procedures \!\There required b y another section of this s tandard , maintenance proced u res s h al l include the procedures deta iled in the manufacturer's service manua l and a thorough exam in ation of the b asic elements of the fire extinguisher, including th e fo ll owing:
( 1) Mechanical parts of a ll fire e xtinguis h ers (2) Extin g uis hing a ge n t (3) Expelling mean s ( 4) Phys ical co ndition
7.3.1.1 Fire extingu is h ers s hall b e subjected to maintenance a t i ntervals of not more th an 1 year, at the time of h yd r ostatic te st, or when specifically indicated b y an inspection d iscre p ancy or electron ic notificatio n.
7.3.2 Annual External Examination of All Extinguishers.
7.3.2.1 Physical Condition. An a n nua l exte rn a l visual examination of all fire extinguis hers s hall be made to detect obvious phys ical damage, corros ion, or n ozzle b lockage to ve ri fY that the operating instructions are p resent, l egible, and facing forward , and that the H MI S information is presen t and leg ible , and to determine if a 6-yea r in terva l examination or h yd ro static test is due
7.3.2.1.1 At the time of th e annu al externa l vi su a l exa min ation , a c heck of at least the in spection items of 7 2 2 and the external examination ite m s of7 .3 .2.1 s hall b e conducted.
7.3.2.2* Seals or Tamper Indicators. At the time of t he maintenance, the tamper seal of a rechargeable fire exti ngu isher s hall be removed b y opera t ing th e pu ll pin or lo c king device
7.3.2.2.1 After the app li ca ble maintenance pro ced ure s are completed, a ne w l isted ta mper seal s hall b e instal led
7.3.2.2 2 Seals or tamper ind icato rs on nonrec h argeable-type extin g uis hers s hall not be r emoved
7 .3.2.3 * Boots, Foot Rings, and Attachments. Al l removabl e ex tin guis h er boots, foot r in gs, and s h a ll be remo ved to a ccom modate th orough an nual cyli nder exa min ation s
7.3.2.4 When s ubje cted to temperatures at or a b ove the ir listed rat in g, stored- press m e fire extinguis h ers that r equire a 12-year h ydrostati c test shall be emptied and subje cted to the ap plicable maintenance and recharge procedures on a n ann ual bas is
7.3.2.5 Corrective Action. \!\Then an external examination of any fire ext inguisher t-eveals a deficiency, immediate corrective a c tion shall be taken
7.3.3 Annual Internal Examination of Certain Types of Extinguishers.
7.3.3.1 * Maintenance Intervals. Fire extinguis h e rs s ha ll b e internall y examined at in te r va l s n ot exceed in g those specifi ed in Table 7 3 3 .1.
7.3.3.2 Loaded Stream Charge Sto r ed-pressure type s of fire extinguishers contai n in g a loaded stream agen t sh a ll b e se mbled on an annua l and su bj ec ted to co mp lete maintenance
7.3.3. 2 . 1 Th e loaded stream c h arge s hall be permitted to be recovered and re-used, provided it is su bjected to age nt analys is
Table 7.3.3.1 Maintenance Involving Internal Examination
Extinguisher Type
Stored-press u re loaded stream and antifreeze
Pump tank wa ter and pump tank, calciu m chlor ide based
Dry chem ical , cartiidge- and cy li nderoperated, wit h mild stee l shells
Dry powder, cartridge- and cyli nderoperated, with m il d steel shcUs
We tti ng agent
Stored-pressure water
AFFF (aq u eo us film-forming foam)
FFFP (film-form ing fluoroprotein toam)
Stored-pressure dry chemical, with stai n less steel she lls
Carbon dioxide
Wet chemical
Dry chem ical s tored-pressure, with m il d stee l shells, brazed brass shells, and alu m inum shells
Ha logenated agents
Dry powder, stored-pressure, m il d stee l shells
Internal Examination Interval (years)
* Dry chemical and dry powder in cartridge- or cylinder-Qperated extinguishers are examined annually.
t The extinguishing agent in liquid charge-type AFFF and FFFP extinguishers is replaced every 3 years, and an internal examination (teardown) is nom1ally conducted at that time.
in accordance with the extinguisher manufacturer's inst ructions.
7.3.3.2.2 vVhen the internal maintenance procedures are performed during periodi c recharging or hydrostatic testing, the 1-year requirement shall begin from that date
7 .3.3.3* Cartridge- or Cylinder-Operated Extinguishers. The extinguishing agent of caru-idge- or cylinder-operated extingu is hers shall be internall y examined annuall y
7.3.3.4 Wetting Agent Extinguishers. Wetting agent extinguishers shall be disassembled on an annual b asis and subjected to complete maintenance.
7.3.3.5 Pwnp Tank Extinguishers. Pump tank extinguishers shall be intemally examined annually
7.3.3.6 Annual internal examination s hall not be required for nonrechargeable fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extingu is hers, or stored-pressure fire extingu ishers, except for those types specified in 7.3.3.2.
7.3.4 * Annual Maintenance Record Keeping.
7.3.4. 1 Each fire extinguisher s hall have a tag or label secure ly attached that indicates that maintenance was performed
7.3.4.1.1 The tag or label, as a minimum, shall identify the following:
(1) Month and year maintenance was performed
(2) Person performing the work
(3) Name of the agency performing the work
7.3.4.2 Each extinguisher that ha s undergone maintenance that includes internal examination, except extinguishers identified in 7 3 3 3 and 7 3 3 5 s hall have a co lla r located around the neck of the conta iner.
7.3.5 Corrective Action. When maintenance of any fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency, immediate corrective action s hall be taken
7.3.6 Six-Year Internal Examination of Certain 'JYpes of Extinguishers. Every 6 years, s tored-press ure fire extin guishers t hat require a 12-ye ar hydrostatic test shall be emptied and subjected to the applicable internal and external examination procedures as detailed in the manufacturer's service manual and thi s standard
7.3.6. 1 When the app li cable maintenance procedures are performed during periodic recharging or hydrostatic testing, the 6-year requirement s h a ll begin from that date.
7.3.6.2* The removal of agent from halon agent fire extinguishers shall on ly be done u s ing a l.isted halon closed recovery sys tem.
7.3.6.3 Nonrechargeable fire extin guishers s hall not be required to have a 6-year internal exami n ation and s hall n ot be hydrostatically tested but s hall be removed from service at a maximwn interval of 12 years from the elate of manufacture.
7.3.6.3.1 Nonrechargeable halon agent fire exting uis hers s hall be disposed of in accordance wi th 7 .2. 3 3
7.3.6.4 Corrective Action. vVhen an internal examination of any fire extinguisher reveals a deficiency, immediate corrective action shall be taken.
7.3.6.5* Six-Year In tern al Examination Label. Fire extinguishers that pass the applicab le 6-year requirement of 7.3.6 s hall have the maintenance information recorded on a durabl e weatherproof label that is a minimum of2 in. x in. (51 mm x 89 mm).
7.3.6.5.1 The new label shall b e affixed to the shell by a heatless process, and an y previous 6-year internal examinati on label s shall be removed
7.3.6.5.2 These labels s hall be of the se lf-destructive type when their removal from a fire extinguisher is attempted .
7.3.6.5.3 The 6-year internal examination label s hall, as a minimum, iclentif)' the follow in g:
(1) Month and year the 6-year internal examination was perfonnecl
(2) Person performing the work
(3) Name of the agency performing the work
7.4* Carbon Dioxide Hose Assembly Conductivity T est A conductivity te s t shall be conducted annually on a ll carbon dioxide hose assemblies
7.4.1 Cat-bon dioxide hose assemb l.i es th at fail the conductivity test s hall be replaced
7.4.2 Record Keeping for Conductivity Testing of Carbon Dioxide Hose Assemblies.
7.4.2.1 Carbon dioxide h ose assembHes that pass a conductivity test shall have the te st i nformation recorded on a durabl e weatherproof label that is a minimum in. x 3 in. (13 mm x 76mm)
7.4.2.2 The label shall be affixed to the hose by means of a heatless process
7.4.2.3 The label shall include the following information:
(1) Month and year the test was performed, indicated b y perforation, suc h as is done b y a hand punch
(2) Name or initials of person performing the test and the name of the agency pedonning the test
7.5 Hose Station Maintenance Where hose stations are installed to comply w ith 6 2.1. 4, they shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 1962
7.6 Electronic Monitoring System Maintenance.
7.6.1 Electronic Monitoring. The co mponen ts of the monitorin g device /sy stem shall be tested and maintained annually in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance manual, with the fo llowing items included as a minimum:
(
1) P ower suppl y in spection/ battery change
(2) Obstruction se n sor inspection
(3) Location sensor inspection
(4) Press ure indication inspection
(5) Connection continu i ty ins p ection (see 7. 6.1.1 and 7.6.1.2)
7.6.1.1 One hundred percent of a ll units shal l be tested up on in it ial installation or reacceptance with ver i ficat ion of communi cation betw·een the device connecting the fire extinguishe r electronic monitoring device/system and the fil-e alarm contml or other conu·ol unit to ensure proper s ignals are received at the control unit and remote annunciator(s), if applicabl e
7.6.1.2 One hundred percent of all unit s shall b e tested annually with ver ifi catio n of comm unication betwee n the device connecting the fire extinguisher electronic monitoring device / system and tl1e fire alann control unit 01- otl1er control unit to ensure proper s ignal s are received at the control uni t and remote annunciator(s), if applicable.
7.6.2 Fire Alarm System. Whe1-e used in conjun ction w ith fire alarm systems, fire extinguisher elecu-on ic monitoring devices shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 72
7.6.2.1 Where used in conj unction with non-fire a la nn systems, fire extinguisher electronic monitoring dev ices shall be inspected and maintained a s required i n 7. 6.1 through 7 .6.1. 2 and the manufacturer 's installation and maintenance manual(s)
7.6.3 Corrective Action. \'\There maintenan ce of any monitoring system revea ls a deficiency, immediate con-ect ive action s hall be taken.
7.7 Maintenance of Wheeled Extinguisher Hoses and Regulators.
7.7.1 Wheeled Unit Hoses. Disc harge hoses on wheeled -type fire extinguishers s hall be comp letel y uncoiled and examined for damage annually
7.7.1.1* Di scharge ho ses on whee led extinguishers s hall be co iled in a manner to pre vent kinks and to allow rapid dep loyment in accordance \vith the manufacturer's in structions
7.7.2 Pressure Regulators. Pressure regulators provided \vith wheeled-type fire extinguishers shal l b e tested annually for outlet static pressure and flow rate in accordance with the manufa cturer's insu-uctions .
7.7.3 Corrective Action. \'\Th en maintenan ce of a n y fire extinguisher hose 01- pressw-e regulatol- 1-evea ls a deficiency, immediate corrective action s h a ll be taken
7.8 Extinguisher Recharging and Extinguishing Agents.
7.8.1* General.
7.8.1.1 All rechargeab le-type fire extinguishers s h a ll be recharged after an y u se or when t h e need is indicated b y an inspection or servicing
7.8.1.2* recharging is performed, the manufacturer 's se r vice manual s hall be followed . (Fonecha:rge agents, see 7. 8.3.)
7.8.1.3* The amount of r echarge agent s hall be verified b y weighing
7. 8.1.3.1 For those fire extinguishers that do not have the gross weight marked on the namep late or va lve , a permane n t label that indicates the gross we ig h t s hall b e affixed to the cylinder
7.8.1.3.2 The added label co ntaining the gross we ig ht s hall be a durab le material of a pressure-sensitive, self-des tru c t type (For ston:d.pmsure water-type extinguish ers, see 7. 8.3.1 0. )
7.8.1.3.3 Pump tank water and pump tan k calciu m c hlNidebased antifreeze types sh all no t be required to have we ig h t marked
7.8.1.3.4* Mter recharging, a l ea k test s h a ll be performed on stored-pressure and self-expe lling types of fi r e ex tingui s h ers
7 8.1.3.5 In no case s h a ll an exti n guisher be re cha rged without hydrostatic testing if it is be yond its specified hydm static test date
7.8.2 Extinguisher Rec harging Frequency for C ertain Types of Extinguishers.
7.8.2.1 Pump Tank. Every 12 month s, pump tank water and pump tank calcium antifreeze types of fire extinguis h e rs sha ll be recharged \vith n ew c h e mi ca ls or water as appli cable .
7.8.2.2 Wetting Agent. The agent in stored-pressure wet ting agent fire extinguishers s h a ll be rep lace d a nnu a lly.
7.8.2.2.1 Only the agent spec ified on the n ameplate s h a ll be u sed for recharging
7.8.2.2.2 T he use of wate l- or any other add iti ves s h all be prohibited
7.8.2.3 AFFF and FFFP.
7.8.2.3 1 Th e premixed age nt in liquid-chal-ge-ty p e AFFF and FFFP fire extinguishers s h a ll be replaced follo\vin g th e fire extinguisher manufacturer's instru ctions, not to exceed the 5year hydmstatic test in terval.
7.8.2.3.2 Only the foam age nt specifi ed on th e extingu is her nameplate s hall be used for recharge
7.8.2.3.3 Th e agent in n o npr·essw- ized AFFF and FFFP fire extinguishers tha t is to agen t a n alysis in accordance \vith manufacturer's in stru ctions s h a ll not be requ ired to comply with 7 8 2 3 .1
7.8.3* Recharge Agents.
7.8.3.1 Only those agen ts specified on th e nameplate or agents prove n to have eq ual che mi cal co mp os ition , phys ica l characteristics, and fire-extinguishing capabilities s hall b e u sed
7.8.3.1.1 Agents listed specificall y for u se with that fit·e exting uisher s hall be cons idered to m eet these requirements.
7.8.3.2* Mixing of Dry Chemicals. Multipurpose d ry c hemicals s h a ll not b e mixed with alkaline-based dty chemical s
7.8.3.3 Topping Off
7.8.3.3.1 The remaining d ry chemical in a discharged fire extinguishet· shall be permitted to be re-u sed, provided that it is thoroug hl y checked for the proper type, contamination, a nd condition
7.8.3.3.2 Dty che mi cal found to be of the wrong type or contaminated s hall not b e re-used.
7.8.3.4 Dry Chemical Agent Re-Use.
7.8.3.4.1 The dry che mical agent shall be permitted to be reu sed, provided a closed recovety syste m is u sed and the agent is stored in a seal ed co ntainer to prevent contamination .
7.8.3.4.2 Pt io r to re-use, the dty chemic al shall b e thoroughly checked for the proper type, conta minati on, and cond ition.
7.8.3.4.3 doubt ex is t s with re spect to the type, contaminati on, or condition o f the dty chemi ca l, the dry chem ical shall be disca rded.
7 .8.3.4.4 Dry Chemical Closed Recovery System.
7.8.3.4.4.1 The system shall b e constructed in a mann er that does not introduce foreign material into the agent being recovered
7.8.3.4.4.2 The syste m s hall have a means for visua l inspection of the recovere d a gent for co ntaminants
7.8.3.5 Dry Powder.
7.8.3.5.1 Pails or drums contammg dry powder age n ts for scoop or shove l application for u se on m e tal fires s h a ll b e kept full and sealed with the lid provided with the container
7.8.3.5.2* The d t·y powder sh all b e replaced iffo und damp.
7.8.3.6* Removal of Moisture. For all non-water type s of fire extinguishers, any moisture s hall be remo ved before re chargin g .
7.8.3.7* Halogenated Agent. H a logenated agent fire exting uis hers s hall b e charged with only the type and weight of agent specified on the nameplate.
7.8.3.8 Halogenated Agent Re-Use.
7.8.3.8.1 The removal of H alon 1 2 11 fi-om fire extinguishers shall be done us in g only a listed halon closed recovery system
7.8.3.8.2 The removal of agent from other h a lo genated a gent fire extinguishers s h a ll be done u s ing only a closed re covery system.
7.8.3.8.3 The fire exti n g uisher s hall b e examined internal ly for conta mination o r corros ion or both.
7.8.3.8.4 Th e halogenated agent retained i n th e syste m recovety cylinder shall be re-used o nly if no evidence of inte rnal conta mination i s observed in the fi re ext in guisher cylinde r
7.8.3.8.5 Halo genated agent rem oved from fire extinguishers that ex hibi ts evidence of interna l conta min ati o n or corros io n s h a ll b e pro cessed in accordance with th e fire ex tingu is her manufac tu re r 's insu·uction s
7.8.3.9* Carbon Dioxide.
7.8.3.9.1 The vapo r phase of car bon diox ide s h a ll be not le ss than 99.5 percent carbon dioxide.
7.8.3.9.2 The water co nt ent s h a ll b e not more th an 60 p arts per million (ppm) b y we ig ht at -52 °F (- 47°C) dew point
7.8.3.9.3 Oil content sha ll not exceed 10 ppm b y weight.
7.8.3.10* Water Types. The an1 ount of liqui d age nt s h all be determined b y u s in g one of the fo ll owi ng:
( 1 ) Ex a ct measure ment b y we ight (2) Exact measur ement by vo lum e (3) Anti-overfill tube, if pro vided ( 4) Fill mark on fire extinguis h er shell, if provided
7.8.3.10.1 Only th e agent specified on the extinguisher nameplate s hall be u sed for recharge
7.8.3.10.2 Only addi ti ves identified on the o rigina l namep late s hall be permitted to b e added to wa te r-ty p e extingui s h e rs
7.8.3.11 Wet Chemical and Water Mist Agent Re-Use.
7.8.3.11.1 Wet c hemi c al and watet· mist agents s hall not be reu sed
7.8.3.11.2 If a wet chemical or water mi st extinguisher is partially discharged, all remaining wet ch emi cal or watet· mi s t s hall b e discarded .
7.8.3.11.3 Wet ch em ical or wa ter mist agent s h a ll be discarded and replaced at the hydrostatic test interva l.
7.8.3.11.3.1 Only the agent specifi ed on the ex tingu is her nameplate shall be u sed for recharge
7.8.4 Recharging Expellant Gas for Stored-Pressure Fire Extinguishers.
7.8.4.1 Onl y standard indusu·ia l-grade nitrogen with a m ax imum dew point of -60 °F ( - 5 1 °C), in accordance with CGA G-1 0 .1 , Commodity Specification for NitnJgen, s hall b e u sed to pressur ize stored -pressure dry c hemi cal a nd halogenated-type fire extingu ishe r s that use nitrogen as a pmpellant.
7.8.4.2 Halo ge nated-type fire extin g ui s hers tha t re quire argon s hall be pressurized with argon with a dew point of - 65°F ( -54°C) or lower
7.8.4.3 Compressed air shall be permitted t o b e u sed from s pec ial co mpre ssor syst e m s ca p a ble of delivering a ir \vith a dew point of -60 °F (-5 1 °C) or lowe c (See AnnexJ )
7.8.4.3.1 Th e s p ec ia l co mpre sso r syste m s hall be equipped \vith an automa t ic m o nito r in g and alarm syste m to e n su re th at the dew point remains at or b e low -60 °F (-5 1 °C) at all t imes
7.8.4.3.2 Compressed air through moi s mre traps s hall not b e used for p ress urizin g eve n though so stated in the insu·u cti o n s on older fit·e extinguish ers
7.8.4.3.3 Compressed air without moi sture removal devices shall be permitted for pt·essurizing water extinguishers and foam hand extinguishers only
7.8.4.4* Class D wet chemical, water mist, and halogenated agent fire extinguishers s hall be repressurized only with the type of expellant gas referred to on the fire extinguisher label.
7 .8.4.5 A re chargeable stored-pressure-type fire extinguisher s hall be pressurized only to the charging pressme specified on the fire extinguisher nameplate.
7.8.4.5.1 The manufacturer 's pressurizing adapter shall be connected to the valve a ssem bl y before the fire extingu isher is pressurized
7.8.4.5.2 A regulated source of pressure, set no higher than 25 psi (172 kPa) above the operating (service) pressure, shall be u sed to pressurize fire extingu is hers
7.8.4.5.3 The gauge u sed to set the regulated sour ce of pressure sha ll be calibt·ated at least annually.
7.8.4.6* An unregulated source of pressure, s u c h as a niu·ogen cylinder without a pressure regulator, s hall not be u sed
7.8.4.7* A fire extinguisher s hall not be left connected to the regulator of a high -pressme source for an exte nded period of time
7.8.4.8 Recharge Record Keeping.
7 .8.4.8 1 Labels.
7.8.4.8.1.1 Each fire extinguisher s hall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates recharging was performed
7.8.4.8.1.2 The tag or label , as a minimum, sha ll identify the following:
( 1) Month and year chargin g was performed
(2) Person performing the work (3) Name of the agency performing the work
7.8.4.8.2 Each extinguisher that has been recharged sha ll have a collar lo cated around the neck of the contain er, except as id e n t ified in 7 .1 3 4
7 .9* Pressure Gauges.
7.9.1 Broken, cra cked, illeg ible, damaged, nonworking, or water-contaminated press ure gauges s h a ll b e replaced.
7.9.2 Repla cement pressure ga u ges shall have the correct indicated chargin g (i e , service) pressure
7.9.3 Repla cement pt·essure gauges shal l b e marked for use with the agent in the fire extinguisher
7.9.4 Replacem ent pressure gauges shal l be compatible with the fit·e ext in guisher valve body material
7.10 Cabinets. Missing breaker bars or hammers and broken, damaged, or missing break-front panels on fire extinguisher cabinet5 shall b e rep la ced
7.11 Maintenance of Signage. '<\There multiple extinguishers are installed or grouped, s upplementa l s ignage and informat ional placards installed to id entify extingu isher h azards or classes shall be main ta ined in le g ible cond ition.
7.12 Prohibition on Uses of Extinguishers and Conversion of Frre Extinguisher Types.
7.12.1 Fire extinguishers shall not be used for any pmpose other than that of a fire extinguisher
7.12.2 Fire extinguishers s hall not be converted fmm o ne type to another, modified, or altered
7.12.3 Fire extinguishers shall not be converted for the u se of a different type of extinguish in g agent.
7.13* Maintenance and Recharge Service Collar. Ea c h extinguisher that ha s undergone m a intenance that included internal examination or that h as been rechat·ged requiring the removal of the valve assembly s hall have a ver ifica tion-of-se rvice collar located around the neck of the co ntainer.
7.13. 1 The co llar shall be a s ingle c ir cula r piece of uninterrupted material forming a hol e of a s ize that does not permit the collar assembly to move over the ne ck of the container unle ss the va lve is complete ly remo ve d.
7.13.2 The co llar s hall not interfere with th e operation of the fire extingui s her.
7.13.3 The ver ifi cati on of se r vice co llar s hall , as a minimum, identify the following:
(1) Month and year the recharging or inte rn a l exam in at ion was performed
(2) Name of the agency performing the work
7.13.4 Service Collar Exemptions.
7.13.4.1 New extin gu ishers requi ring an initial charge in the field (s u c h as press urized water, AFFF, FFFP, or wet c h e mi ca l extinguis he rs) shal l not be required to h ave a ve rifi cation-ofservice collar insta lled.
7.13.4.2 Liquefied ga5, halogenated agent, and carbon d ioxide extinguishers that h ave been r ech arged w ithout va lve removal sha ll not be required to have a ver ification-of-se rvice collar installed following recharge
7.13.4.3 Cartridge- and cylinder-Q perated extinguishers s hall not b e required to have a co ll ar installed.
7.13.4.4 Pump tank fire extingu is he rs s h a ll not be requ ired to h ave a co llar installed.
7.14* Weight Scales. Weight scales u sed for the maintenance and re charge of fire extinguishers shall have the reading increments and the accuracy necessary to veri fy the charge weights required in the service manu a ls and on the nameplate s
Chapter 8 Hydrostatic Testing
8.1 * General.
8.1.1 Pressure vessels used as fire extinguishers and specified compone n ts of fire ex tingui s h ers s hall be h ydro statica ll y tested in accordance with this chapter
8.1.2 Cylind e r s and caw·idges bearing U S D epartme nt of Transportat ion ( DOT ) or Trans port Ca n ada (T C) markings s hall b e retested in accordance with th e app li cable DOT or T C regulations
8.1.2.1 H yd ro sta ti c test i ng s hall be performed b y persons w ho are trained in pressure testing procedures a nd safeguards
complying w ith 7 .1.2 and who have testing equipment, facilities, and an appr opriate manufacnu-et·'s service m anual( s) available
8.1.2.1.1 Pe rson n e l performing h yd ros tatic testing s hall be ce rtified b y an organization with a certifi ca tion program acceptabl e to the author i ty h aving ju r isdictio n.
8.1.2.1.2 Hydrostatic testing fac ili ties with a DOT c ertifi cation [req ualification identification number ( RIN) l or a T C certification shall b e permitted to p erfor m the task of hydrostatic testing without havin g additional certification as a fire ex tin g ui sher technician as outlined in 7 1.2.
8.1.2.1.3* Where hydrosta ti c testing is subcontracted t o a facility described in 8 .1. 2 .1.1 , an extinguisher technician complying with 7 .1.2 shall perform assembly and disassem bl y of valves and cylinders, replacement of any p arts or components, and all other extinguisher service work
8.1.3 A h ydr osta ti c test s hall a lways include both an internal and an externa l v is ual examination of the cy linder
8.1.4 H ydrostatic testing shall be conducted u s in g \ vater or a noth er compati ble noncompre ssible fluid as the test medium
8.1.4. 1 Air o r otl1er gases shall not be used as the so le m ed ium for pressure testing
8.1.4.2 Al l air s h all be vented prior to hydrostatic testing, to prevent violent and d angero us fai lure of the cylinder.
8.1.5* Fire extinguishers h av in g alum inum cylinders or shell s s u spected o f being exposed to tempet·atures in excess of 350 °F (l77°C) s hall be removed from service and subje cted to a hydrostatic test
8.2* Test Equipment.
8.2.1 Pressure Gauges.
8.2.1.1 Test press ure gauges shall be ce rtified accurate to ±0 5 percent, or of the fi.tll range of the gauge
8.2.1.2 Test pressure g au ges shall be capabl e of b e in g read to \vi thin 1 percent of the test pressure I nterpolation of midpoint b etw·een smallest grad u ations shall b e permitted
8.2. 1.3 Test pressur e ga uges s hall be capable of indi ca tin g 90 percent to 110 percent of the test pressure .
8.2.1.4 Pressure gauges used on test e quipm ent s h al l b e cal ibrated at least se miannuall y
8.2. 1.5 Master gau ges or dead we ig h t testers s hall b e calibrated at least annual ly
8.2.2 Drying Equipmen t.
8.2.2 .1 All h yd r ostatica ll y te sted cylinders and apparatus, except water-type extin guis h ers, shall b e thorough ly dried after testing
8.2.2.2 The temperature u sed for drying s h a ll not exceed l 500F (66°C) ins ide the she ll.
8.2 3 T est Equipment for High-Pressure C ylinders. The e quipment for h ydrostatic testing of hi gh -pressure cylinders a nd cartridges (DOT 3 set·ies) s h a ll m eet the specifications of CGA C-1, Methods jo1· Pn<ssum Testing Compressed Gas Cylinders
8.2.4 Test Equipment for Low-Pressure Cylinders and Hose Assemblies (Proof Pressure Test).
8.2.4. 1 Cylinders and ho se asse mbli es s h a ll b e tested \vithin a protective cage device or placed behind a protective s hield th at permits visual observation while un der press ure for leaks, bul ges, and o ther harmful defects
8.2.4.2 A hydrostatic test pump, hand- or p ower-operated, shall b e capable of producing not less than 15 0 percent of the test pressure and shall include appropr iate c h eck valves and fittings
8.2.4.3 A flexible connection b etwee n th e test pump and the test cylinder shall b e provided so that it is p oss ibl e to test through the cylinder open in g, test bonn et, h ose ou tlet, o r no zz le, as app li cable
8.3 Freq u ency
8 3.1 General. At interval s not exceeding those specifi ed in Table 8 .3 .1 , fire extinguis h e rs s hall be h ydros tati cally retested .
8 3.1. 1 T he h ydrosta ti c retest sha ll be conducted within the cal endar yea r of the specified t est interva l.
8.3.2 Cylinders and Cartridges.
8.3.2 1 Niu·ogen cy lind ers, argon cylinde rs, car bon dioxide cy lin ders, or cartridges u sed for ine rt gas s t o rage that are u sed as expellants for whee led fire exting uis het·s a nd carbo n dio x ide extin g uishers s hall be hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
8.3.2.1.1 Cylinders (except those charged with carbon d ioxide) complying \vith 49 C FR 180 .209(b) sha ll be permitted to be h ydrosta ticall y tested every 10 years in li eu o f the requirement in 8 3 .2.1.
8.3.2.2 Nitro ge n cartridges, argon cartridges, and cad Jon dioxide car tddges u sed as expe ll a n ts for h a n d portable fire extingu is h e rs that have DOT or T C markin gs sh a ll b e h ydrostatically tested or rep laced acco rdin g to the requirements of DOTorTC.
8.3. 2.2.1 DOT 3 E cartridges o r T C 3EM cartridges s h a ll be exempt fro m periodic hydrostatic t·etest.
Table 8.3.1 Hydrostatic Test Intervals for Extinguishers
Extinguisher Type
Stot·ed-pressure water, water mist, loaded stream, and/or antifreeze
Wetting agent
AFFF (aqueous film-form ing foam)
FFFP (fi lm-forming fluoroprotein foam)
Dr y chemical \vith stainle ss steel sh e lls
Ca rbon dioxide
Wet ch e mical
Dt·y chemica l, stOt·ed-pt·essure, \villi mild steel s hells, brazed brass shells, or aluminwn s hells
Dry chemical, caru·id ge- or cy lin de roperated, with mild steel s h ells
Halo genated agents
Dry s tored-press ure, ca rtridge- or cylind er-operated, w ith mild steel s h e lls
8.3.3 Hose Assemblies.
8.3.3.1 A hydrostatic test shall be performed on fire extinguisher hose assem blies equipped with a sh utoff nozzle at the end of the hose
8.3.3.2 High-pressure and low-pressure accessot-y ho se (other than agent discharge hose) u sed on wheeled extinguishers sh all be h ydrostatically tested.
8.3.3.3 The test interval for 8 3 3 .1 and 8 3 3 2 s hall be the same as that specified for the fire extinguisher or fire extinguisher agent cylinder on which the ho se is installed.
8.4 Extinguisher Examination.
8.4.1 General If, at any time, a fire extinguisher shows evidence of dents, mechanical injury, or corrosion to the extent as to indicate weakness, it shall be condemned or hydrostatically retested subje ct to the provisions of 8.4 2 and Section 8 8
8.4.1.1 Pump tanks shall not be required to comply with 8.4.1.
8.4.1.2 Nonbalon, Nonrechargeable Fire Extinguishers.
8.4.1.2.1 Nonrechargeable fire extinguishers other than halon agent types, that show evidence of dents, mechanical it-Dury, or cormsion to the extent of indicating weakness shal l not be required to comply with 8 .4.1.
8.4.1.2.2 Nonrechargeable fire extinguishers as stated in 8.4.1. 2 .1 shall be discharged and discarded.
8.4.1.3 Nonrechargeable halon agent-type fire extinguishers that show evidence of mechanical inju ry, or corrosion to the extent indicating weakness sha ll be removed fmm service, s hall not be discharged, and s hall be returned to the manufacturer, a fire equipment or a distributor to permit recovery of the halon
8.4.2* Examination of Cylinder Condition. 'Where a fire extinguisher cylinder or she ll exhibits one or more of the following conditions, it shal l not b e hydrostatically tested but s hall be condemned or desu-oyed b y the owner or at the owner's direction:
(1)* Where repairs b y solderin g, welding, brazing, or u se of patching compounds exist
(2) 'Where the cylinder threads are worn, corroded, broken, cracked, or nicked
(3) Where corrosion has caused pitting, including pitting under a removable nameplate or nameband assembly
(4) V\'here the fire extinguisher has been exposed to excess ive heat, flame, or fire
(5) \!\Th ere a calc ium chloride-type extinguishin g agent has been used in a stain less steel fire extinguisher
(6) V\'here the shell is of copper or brass construction joined by soft sold er or rivets
(7) \!\There the depth of a dent exceeds Ylo of the greatest dimension of the dent if not in a we ld or exceeds \!,; in.
(6 mm ) if th e dent includes a we ld
(8) \!\There any lo cal or genera l corrosion , c u ts, go u ges, or dings have removed more than 10 percent of the minimum cylinder wall thickness
(9) V\'here a fire extinguisher has been u sed for any purpose other than th at of a fire extinguisher
8.5 Testing Procedures.
8.5.1 General.
8.5.1.1 The pressure in a hydrostatic test of a cylinder s hall be maintained for a min imum of 30 seco nds, but for a time not less than is required for comp lete expansion of the cylindetand to comp lete the visu a l examination of th e cylinder
8.5.1.2 All valves, internal parts, and h ose s h a ll be removed, and the fire extinguisher s h a ll be emptied b efore testing
8.5.1.2.1 On certa in dry che mical and dry powder fire extingui shers (cartr id ge-o perated), where the manufacntrer recommends th at certa in internal parts n ot be removed, th ose parts shall not be removed
8.5. 1.3 All types of extinguishers, except the wate r type, s hall h ave all traces of extinguishing agents removed from the inside of the extinguisher before they are filled wit h water
8.5.1.4 A complete internal and external visual examin at ion sha ll b e conducted before a ny h ydrostatic test.
8.5.1.4.1 The procedures for th e vis ual examinati on s hall be in accordance with 8 .4 .2 .
8.5.1.5 All tests s hall be cond ucted u sing test fi t tings and adapters
8.5.2 Low-Pressure Cylinders.
8.5.2.1 The hydrostatic testing of dry chemical and dry powder fire extinguishers h aving an externall y m ounted gas caru-idge s hall have th e cart ridge and cartridge rece ive r removed and a plug in serted into the opening
8.5.2.2 All hose s hall be removed from cylinde rs prior to hydrostatic testing.
8.5.2.3 All stored-press ure extinguis hers s hall have the va lve removed from the cyli nder a nd replaced with a te st bonnet or adapter
8.5.2.4 All cartridge- or wheeled ex tin g uishers shall have pressure reli ef devices remo ved and replaced with a plug priot- to the test.
8.5.2.4.1 The manufacturer's recommendations s h a ll be followed
8.5.2.5 Any distonion of the cylinder s hall be cause to condemn the cylinder.
8.5.2.6 A drop in pressure of the test ga uge , which is an ind ication of a l eak, shall be cause for rejection or retest
8.5.2.7 Cyl inders passing the h ydrosta ti c test s hall be thoroughly dried interna ll y before being returned to service.
8.5.2.8 If heated a ir is used to dry the cylind ers, the temp erature shall not exceed l 500F (66°C) inside the s hell.
8.5.3 High-Pressure Cylinders.
8.5.3.1 The hydmstatic test in g of high-pre ssure cylinders and cartrid ges shall b e i n accordance with the procedures of T C, DOT, and CGA C-1.
8.5.3.2 Cylinders passing the h ydrosta ti c test shall be thoroughly dried internally befo re being r etw-ned to service.
8.5.3.3 If heated air is used to dry the cylinders, the temperature shall not exceed 1500F (66°C) ins ide the shell.
8.5.4 Hose Assemblies.
8.5.4.1 The discharge valve shall be removed from the hose assem bly without removal of any hose couplin gs
8.5.4.2 The lo cation of all couplings shall be marked prior to the hydrostatic test.
8.5.4.3 The hose sha ll be completel y filled with water before testing.
8.5.4.4 F or dry chemical and dry powder types, all traces of dty chemica l or dry powder shall b e removed pt·ior to testing.
8.5.4.5 The hose assembly shall be placed within a protective cage or device whose design permits visua l o b servat ion during the test.
8.5.4.6 Pressure shall be applied at a rate of rise s u ch that the test pressure is reached in l minute.
8.5.4.7 T est pt·essure for hose assemblies shall be maintained for a minimum of 1 minute.
8.5.4.7.1 Observations sha ll be made to detect any distortion or leakage while the hose is pressurized.
8.5.4.7.2 Leakage, distortion, or permanent movement of couplin gs shall constitute a fa ilure of the hydrostatic test.
8.5.4.8 Hose passing d1e hydrostatic test sha ll be thoroughly dried internally.
8.5.4.9 If heat is u sed, the temperature shall not exceed 1 500F (66°C)
8.6 Test Pressures.
8.6.1 Low-Pressure Cylinders.
8.6.1.1 Stored-Pressure Types. Stored-pressure fire extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested to the pressure specified on the extinguisher nameplate.
8.6.1.1.1 Where pressure is not specified on the extingui sher nameplate, the extingu isher shall be tested at the factory test pressure, not to exceed three times the extinguisher service pressure.
8.6.1.1.2 Fire extinguishers that are required to be returned to the manufacn1rer for recharging shall be hydrostatically tested on ly by the manufacturer.
8.6.1.2 Cartridge-Operated Types. Camidge- or cy linderoperated dry chem ica l and dry powder types of extinguishers shall be h ydmstatica ll y tested at their original factory test pressure as shown on the nameplate or shell.
8.6.2 High-Pressure Cylinders.
8.6.2 1 DOT 3A, 3AA, or 3AL cylinders used as cat·bon dioxide extinguishers or nitrogen cy lind ers, argon cy lind ers, or carbo n dioxide cylinders that are used with whee led extinguishers shall be tested at% the service pressure as stamped into the cylinder
8.6.3 Hose Assemblies.
8.6 3.1 Carbon d iox.id e ho se assembli es requmng a hydrostatic pressure test shal l be tested at 1250 psi (8619 kPa) .
8.6.3.2 Dr y chemical, dty powder, wate r, foam, and h a lo ge nated agent discharge hose asse mblies requiring a h ydro static pressure test shall be tested at 300 psi (2068 kPa) or at service pressure, wh ichever is higher.
8.6.3.3 Low-pressure accessor·y hose used on wheeled exti nguishers shall be tested at 300 psi (2068 kPa )
8.6. 3.4 High-pressure accessory hose used on whee l ed extinguishers sha ll be tested at 3000 psi (20 .68 MPa).
8. 7 Recording of Hydrostatic Tests.
8. 7.1 * Records. The record of a hydrostatic te st s h a ll be maintained by the organization that performed the test until either the expiration of the test period or until the cylinder is again tested, whichever occurs first.
8. 7.2* Low-Pressure Cylinders.
8. 7.2.1 Fi re extinguisher cylind ers of the l ow-pressure nonDOT type that pass a hydrostatic test shall h ave the following information recorded on a label:
(1) Month and year the test was performed, indi ca ted by a ped01·ation, such as is done b y a h and punch (2) Test pressure used
(3) Name or ini tia ls of the person performing d1e test and name of the agency performing the test
8.7.2.2 The label shal l meet the foll ow in g criter ia:
( 1 ) Sized at a minimum of2 in. x 3\12 in. (51 mm x 89 mm) (2) Affixed b y a heatless process (3) Self-destructs when removed from a fire extinguis her cylinder shell (4) Made of a durable, wead1erproofmater ial with a pressuresensitive adhesive
8. 7.2.3 I n addition to the infot mati o n in 8 .7.2.1 , DOT specification cylinders shall be la beled in accordance with 49 CFR 18 0.21 3(c) (1).
8.7.3 High-Pressure Cylinders and Cartridges.
8.7.3.1 Cylinders or cart rid ges th at pass th e hydrostatic test shall be stamped with the retester's identifi cation number and the month and year of the retest per DOT / TC t·equire m ents
8.7.3.2 Stamping sh a ll be p laced only on th e shou lder, top , head, neck, or foot r in g (where provided) of the cylinder or in accordance with 49 CFR 180 .21 3(c) (1)
8. 7.4 Hose Assemblies. H ose asse mbli es that pass a hydrostatic test s hall not require recording, labeling, o r marking.
8.8 Condemning Extinguishers.
8.8.1 Fails Test or Exanrination. When a fire extin gu is her cylinder, she ll, or cartridge fails a hydrostat ic pressure test or fails to pass a visual examination as specified in 8.4.2 , it s hall be condemned or desu·oyed by the owner or the owner's agent.
8.8.1.1 When a cyl inder is required to be condemned, the retester shal l notify the owner in wr iting that the cy linder is condemned and that it cannot be reused
8.8. 1.2 A condemned cylinder shall not be repaired.
8.8.2 Marking Condemned Extinguishers.
8.8.2.1 Condemned cylinders shall be stamped "CONDEMNED" on the top, head, sho ulder, or neck with a steel stamp
8.8.2.2 No person shal l remove 01- obliterate the "CONDEMNED " marking.
8.8.2.3 Minimum letter height shall be Ys in. (3 mm)
Annex A Explanatory Material
Annex A is not a part of the 1-equirements of this NFPA document but is included for informational pmposes only. This annex contains explanatmy material, numbered to con-espond with the applicable text jJaragraphs.
A. I. I Many fire s are small at origin and can be extinguished b y the u se of portable fire extinguishers Notification of the fire department as soon a s a fire is discovered is strongly recommended. This alarm should not be delayed b y awaiting of the application of portable fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers can represent an important segment of any overall fire protection program . However, their succe ssful functioning depends upon the following conditions having been met:
(1) The fire extinguisher is located in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6 and is in working order.
(2) The fire extinguisher is of the correct type for a fire that can occur
(3) The fire is discovered while sti ll smal l enough for the fire extinguisher to be effective.
(4) The fire is discovered by a person ready, wi lli ng, and able to u se the fire extinguisher
Fixed systems are covered b y the following NFPA standards:
(1) NFPA 11
(2) NFPA 12
(3) NFPA 12A
(4) NFPA 13
(5) NFPA 14
(6) NFPA 15
(7) NFPA 17
(8) NFPA 17A
(9) NFPA 96
(10) NFPA 750
(11) NFPA 2001
A.l.2 The owner- or occupant of a property in which fire extinguishers are located has an obligation for the care and use of these extingu is hers at all times The nameplate(s) and inst ruction manual should be read and thoroughly understood by all persons who could be expected to u se the fire extinguishers
To discharge this obligation, the owner or occupant should give attention to d1 e in spection, maintenance, and rechar-ging of misfire-protective equipment and should also train personnel in the correct u se of fire extinguishers on the different types of fu-es that could occur on the pmperty.
The owner or occupant sho uld recognize fire hazards on the property and plan in advance the exact means and equipment with which a fire will b e fought. The owner/occupant s hould ensure that everyone knows how to call the fire department
and sho uld stress mat they do so for every fire, no matter how small.
On larger properties, a private fire brigade s hould be established and trained Perso nnel need to be ass igned to inspect each fire extinguisher periodically Other personnel can ha ve the duty of mainta in ing and recharg ing such equipment at sched uled intervals
Portable fire extinguisher-s are appliances to be u sed pr-incipally by the occupants of a fire -e ndangered building or area who are familiar with the location and operatio n of the extinguisher ilirough education 01- training Portable fire extinguishers are primarily of va lu e for immediate u se on s mall fire s They have a limited quantity of extinguishing material and, d1erefore, need to be used pmpe rly so that th is material is not wasted .
Fire extinguishers are mechanical devices The y need care and maintenance at periodic interva ls to ensure that mey are ready to operate prope rl y and safe ly Parts and internal che micals can deteriorate with time and need replacement. They are pressure vessels, in most cases, and so need to be treated with respect and handled wi d1 care
A.3.2.1 Approved. The National Fire Prote cti o n Assoc iation does not approve, inspect, or certify any in stallations, procedures, equipment, or materia ls; nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories In determinin g the acceptability of in stallac tions, procedm·es, equipment, or- mate rials, the aud1ority having jurisdic tion may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or oilier approp riate sta ndards. In the absence of s uch standards, said authority may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, o r use. The aumority ha ving juri sd iction may also refer to the lis tings or labeling practi ces of an organization mat is concer ned with pr·oduct eva luations and i s mus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standa rds for the current production of listed items .
A.3.2.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The phr-ase "authori ty having jurisdiction, " or i ts acronym AHJ, is u sed in NFPA documents in a broad manner, s in ce juris di ctions and approval agencies vary, as do th e ir responsibilit ies Where public safety is primary, the author ity having juri sd iction may be a federal, state, local , or oilier r egional department or i nd ividual such as a fire chief; fire marshal; chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, or health department; bu il di n g official; electrical in spector; or others having statuto r y authority. For insm-ance purposes, an i nsurance inspecti on department, rating bureau, or other insurance company represen tative may be the authority having jurisd iction. I n many cir-c um stances, me pr-operty owner o r- h is or h e r- des ignated agent assumes the role of me authority having juri sd iction; at government in stallations, the commanding officer or departmental official may be the aut hority having juri sd iction.
A.3.2.4 Listed The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each organization concerned with product evaluation; some or-ganizations do not recognize equipment as listed unle ss it is also labeled. The author ity having jurisdiction should utilize d1e system employed b y the listing organ ization to id entify a listed product.
A.3.3.3 Carbon Dioxide. Liquid carbon diox ide forms dry ice ("snow") when released d i rectly in to the atmosphere Carbon dioxide gas is 1 times hea vier than air Car bon diox ide extinguishes fire by reducing d1e concentrations of oxygen, the
vapor phase of the fuel, or both in the air to the point where combustion stops
A.3.3.4.1 Dry Chemical. European and ISO standards do not d istinguish between dry chemical and dry powder agents Their use of the term dry powder includes both dry chemical and dry powder as defined in this sta ndard
A.3.3.4.2 Wet Chemical. While loaded strea m and wet chemical agent charges can comprise s imilar materials, their formulations cou ld dictate differing maintenance procedures
A.3 3.6.2 Halogenated Closed Recovery System. Closed recovery systems for halogenated agents with an ozone depleting potential (ODP) of 0 2 or greater s hould be listed for use with that agent. The system's supp l y or recharge and recovery container is capable of maintaining the agent in a sealed environment until it is reused or returned to the agent manufacturer
A.3.3.9 Dry Powder. See A.3 3 4.l.
A.3.3. 10 Electronic Monitoring. One form of electronic monitoring is a lo cal alarm device to indicate when an extinguisher is removed from designated location. Electronic monitoring can also be accomplished utilizing low-voltage wir in g or a \vireless co mmunication method. Some devices can convey information regar-ding extinguisher r·emoval, pressure level, weight, and presence of o bjects in the vicinity of an extinguisher
Electronic monitoring can be considered for one or more of the monthly inspection requirements
A.3.3.14 Extinguisher Inspection. I t is intended to give reasonable assurance that the fire extingu is her is fully charged .
A.3.3.15 Extinguish er Maintenance. See A. 7 3 1.
A.3 3.16 Film-Forming Foam Agents. AFFF and FFFP include both grades, which are those that are not approved for polar so lvents (water--solubl e flammable liquids) and those that are approved for po lar solvents
A.3.3.16 .1 Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF). The foam formed acts as a barrier both to exclude air or oxygen and to develop an aqueous film on the fuel s urface that is capable of suppressing the evolution of fuel vapors The foam produced \vith AFFF concentrate is dry che mi cal compatible and thus is suitable for combined use with dry chemicals
A.3.3.16.2 Film-Forming Flu oroprotein Foam (FFFP). In addition to an air-excluding foam blanket, this solution can deposit a vaporization-preventing film on the surface of a liquid fue l. This solution is compatible \vith certain dry chemicals
A.3 3.18 Halogenated Agents. Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are included in the " Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer," s igned September 16, 1987 . I n co mpliance with national regulations, production of halons ceased on january 1, 1994
See NFPA 2001 for more information on halocarbon agents
A.3.3.20 Loaded Stream Charge. Whi le loaded stream and wet chem ical agent charges can comprise s imi lar materials, their formulations could d ictate different maintenance procedures
A.3.3.27 Travel Distance. For Class A hazards, travel d istance is from any point to an extin guishe r. For Class B, D, and K hazards, travel distance is measured from the hazard to an
extinguisher (or agent container for Class D ) . Travel distance \vill be affected by partitions, locations of doorways, aisles, piles of stored materials, machinery, and other wal king o b struction s It is important to consider the se obstructions because a person reu-ieving an extinguisher will need to walk ar·ound obsu·uctions, wh ich takes time
A.3.4.2 Nonrechargeable (Nonrefillable ) Fire Extinguisher. Nonrechargeab l e (nonrefillabl e) fire exti n guishers ar·e marked "Discharge and Dispose of After Any Use," " Disc h arge and Return to the Manufacturer After Any Use," or with a s im ilar marking Some fire extinguishers that are phys icall y rechargeable are marked "nonrechargeab le" and are therefore co ns idered b y this standard to be nonrechargeable (nonrefi llab le) fire extinguishers
A.3.4.5 R echargeable (Refillable) Fire Extinguisher. T he fire extinguisher is capab le of b eing recharged w ith agent and restored to its full operating capab ili ty by the standa r-d practices u sed by fire equipment dea le r s and disu·ib utors Rechargeable (refillable) fire extinguis h ers are marked " Recharge Immediatel y After Any Use" or \vith a similar· mark ing.
A.3.4.6 Self-Expelling Fire Extinguisher. One examp le of a self-expelli ng extinguisher is a ca rbon d ioxide extinguis her.
A.4.1.1 Listed and labeled ha lon por·tabl e fire extinguishers currently comply \vith tl1 is sta nd ard and h ave demonstrated compliance \vith the of UL 1093, StandaTd for Halogenated Agent FiTe Extinguishers, which also includes fir·e testing and rating criteria As a re s u lt of tl1e "Mon u·eal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer," UL has \vithdrawn UL 1093. This does not imply that extinguishers th at are listed and labeled to the requireme n ts of UL 1093 are t m safe fo r use as fire extinguishers, nor does it mean that UL or the EPA is requiring that halon extin guishers be re moved from service I t does mean that UL wi ll not accept new designs of halon ex tinguishers for testing or UL li sting. It also mean s that no ch anges or updates are allowed to mode ls that are c urrently listed and that had previously demonstrated compliance w ith UL 109 3
Extinguisher manufacn1rers are al lowed to manufacture the i r c w-rent design of UL-Iisted ha lon extinguishers \vith the UL listin g mark until October 202 5 . H alo n extinguishers currently in u se will continue to be listed be yo nd t h e 2025 date and should b e permitted to be u sed to co mpl y \vith the r equirements of th is standard when i nstalled, in spected, and maintained i n accordance with thi s standard
A.4.1.2 Authorities having jurisdiction s hould determine the acceptability and credibili ty of t h e organization lis ting or labe ling fire extingu is hers Author ities should determine if the organization tests to all the requirements of the standard Facto r s such as the su-ucture of the organ ization, its principa l fields of endeavor, its reputation and estab li s he d expertise, in volvement in the s tandards-writing process, and the extent of its follow-up service programs s h ould a ll be assessed before recognition is given
Th e listing and labeling organization identification marking might be in tl1e form of a symbol of th e o r ga ni za ti o n. The product category marking s hould i de n tity the extinguisher, for example, "Carbon Diox ide Fire Extinguisher," "Dry Chemical Fi re Extinguisher," or "Clean Age n t Fi re Extinguisher. " Extinguisher ratings s hould indicate the of fire type, such as A, B, or C, and t h e assoc iated fire size An examp le of an extinguisher rating is 1-A: 5-B:C, w hich des ignates a C l ass A
fire (wood) rating with an associated fire size of l , as described in UL 711, CAN/ ULC-S508, Standard for the Rating and Fi-re Testing of Fi-re Extinguishers, a Class B fire (flammable liquid) rating with an associated fire s ize of 5, as described in UL 711, CAN/ ULC-5508; and a Class C compatible rating as described in UL 711, CAN/ ULC-5508
A.4.1.3 Authorities having jurisd iction s hould determine the thoroughness of the factory follow-up quality assurance program exercised by third-party certi.fication organizations li sting and labeling portable fire extinguishers The specified factmy follow-up standard provides a minimwn basis for that determination . Application of the factory follow-up standard provides reasonable assurance that portable fire extinguishers so ld to the public continue to have the same su·u ctural reliability and performance as the fire extinguishers the manufacturer origina ll y subm itted to the listing and labeling organization for evaluation
A.4.1.4.2 Some water-based extinguishers manufactured prior to August 15, 2002, have a C rating on their nameplates but contain an extinguishing agent that does not comply with this requirement. Owners of these extinguishers sho uld determine the su ita bility of these extingu ishe rs
A.4.2 Federal OSHA regulations require that manufacturers communicate information as to the type of chem ica ls in a product that can be hazardous and the level of hazard This information is contained in the MSDS created for each chemical or mixture of chem icals and is summarized on labels or tags attached to the product. Additionally, state and local authorities have enacted s imilar acts and regulations requiring identification of c hemi cals and hazardous ingredients in products MSDSs for fire extinguisher agents are available on request fi·om fire equ ipment dealers or distributors ot· the fire equipment manufacturer
The identification of contents information enables determination of the type of chemicals contained in the fire extinguisher and helps to resolve comp li cations arising from an unus ual use of the agent The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS), developed by the Amer ican Coat ings Assoc iation, u ses a three-place format with numerical indexes from 0 to 4 The first place is for "tox ic properties," the second place is for "flammability," and the third place is for "reactivity" with other chemicals Most fire extinguishers ha ve a 0 numerical index in the second and third places because they are nonflammable and relatively in ert.
Information on the HMIS can be o btained from Label Master, In c , in Chicago, IL, or from the American Coatin gs Assoc iation in Vhshington, DC. Extin guisher contents information can be integrated int o the standard fire extinguisher label in some form, or it can be on a separate label or tag. The following examp le is a typical chemical contents identifi cation marking:
CONTENTS:
ABC DRY C HEMICAL/ HMIS 1-0-0 MUSCOVITE MICA, MONOA.i\1MONIUM PHOSPHATE AMMONIUM SULFATE / NUISANCE DUST IRRITANT/ CONTENTS UND ER PRESSURE [Manufact urer 's Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number]
A.4.3 The manual can be specifi c to the fire extinguisher in vo lved, or it can cover many types
A.4.4.1 The requirement in 4.4.1 brings the standard into line with the 1984 changes to UL 299, CAN/ULGS504, Standm·dfor Dry Chemical Fin: J.o.xtinguishers, a nd to UL 711
(1 ) Hose. The 1984 ed ition of UL 299 requires extinguishers rated 2-A or higher or 20-B or higher to be eq uipp ed with a discharge hose Before this change, almost a ll 5 lb (2 3 kg) extinguishers and many 10 lb ( 4 5 kg) extingu ishers were eq uipped with a fixed nozz le on the oudet of the extinguisher valve and without h oses Th ese exting ui shers, rated 2-A to 4-A and 10-B to 60-B, are used to comply with the instal lation r eq uiremen ts now contained in Chapter 6 . To properly use one of these extinguishers, the user must keep it in the upright position, app ly the dry chemical to the base of the fire , and sweep the discharge back and forth The requirement for the addition of a hose to these extinguishers came out of the novice fire tests spo n sored by Undenvriters Laboratories (UL) and the Fire Equipment Manufacturers Associ at ion. The film footage of these tests shows that those who had never u sed a fire extinguisher before often used both hands to operate these extinguishers, turning the exting ui shet· cylinde r in a hor izonta l position while squeezing the handle a nd lever to open the va lve Sometimes th ey even in verted the extinguisher The resu lt of such actions is a partial discharge of the extinguisher contents o t· possibly only the expe llant gas and, therefore, n o exti nguishment of th e fire can be ach ieved The addition of a hose also makes it much eas ier to direct the discharge at d1e base of the flames and to sweep the d ischarge from s ide to s ide. The requirement to add a hose makes it more like ly that the extinguisher will be used in an upright position In fact, it is almost imposs ible t o do othenvise, since one hand opens the valve and the other hand, which holds the hose, directs th e discharge stream to d1e fire. It is important to note that field mod i fication of an extingu is her is ge nerall y not allowed, s in ce the modification might not h ave been evaluated to comply with the test requ irements in the ap pli ca ble UL extinguisher standards, and the extinguisher mi g ht not operate as intended Thus, a fixed nozzle cann ot s imply be removed from an ex tingui s her and rep laced with a ho se and nozzle
(2) Minimum Discharge Time. Thi s require m ent, found in the 1984 edition of UL 711, requires a minimum 13-second discharge duration for an extinguisher rated 2-A or higher The 13-seco nd min i mwn requirement was the result of recommendations from the novice fire tests mentioned in A 4 4 .1 (1) Before 1984, almost a ll 2-Arated dry chemical extinguishers h ad dischat ge durations of only 8 seconds to 10 seconds The novice fire te sts clearly showed that longer discharge duration resulted in an in creased likelihood of exti nguis hment. The revision to UL 711 mandated a 50 percent to 60 percent i ncrease in the minimum disc h arge duration for a 2-A-rated dry chemical extinguisher Modification of extinguis he rs 'vith a nozzle / hose that g ives diH"erent or longer d ischarge duration is not allowed Such modificat ion would not have been evaluated to comply with th e test requirements in the applicable UL extinguisher sta ndards, and the extinguisher might not operate as in tended.
(3) Pull Pins. A revision to the extinguis h e t· standards, includin g UL 299, required a maximum 30 lb ( 133 N) offorce to remove a safety p in or pu ll pin fi-om an extinguisher. This again came fr o m the novice testing in which some
individuals could not physically remove the pin and actuate the extinguisher. The UL extinguisher standards also included a design requirement that the pin be visible from the front of the extinguisher unless noted b y the operating instructions
(4) Operating Instructions/Ma-rking. The extinguisher standards, including the 1984 revision of UL 299, mandated the use of pictographic operating insu·uctions and code sym bols on all but Class D extinguishers and wheeled extinguishers These requirements also came out of the novice fire which showed many individuals taking too long to read and understand the written operating instructions The novice tests actually developed the pictographic operating instructions and tested them on novice operators for effectiveness. The details of the number of in structions per pictogram came fi·om the test program . The novice fire tests were also the impetus for making the u se code symbols for the various classes of fires more understanda ble The new pictographic u se code sy mbols were also mandated in 1984 as well as a uniform method of applying A, B, and C symbols to extinguishers with ABC or BC only ratings The result was a unifor·m, consistent set of easily tmderstood sym bols that made the extinguisher more u ser friendly.
(5) Service Manual5. The extinguisher sta ndards , including UL 299, for the first time mandated that extinguisher manufacturers have a service manual for their products In addition, the 1984 edition of UL 299 required a reference to the service / maintenance manual on the extinguisher nameplate Prior to 1984, service manual s were not required
A.4.4.2 Fire extinguishers manufactured by companies that are no longer in business can remain in u se if they meet the requirements of this standard and are maintained in accordance with the manufacnu·er's service manual. these extinguishers require recharging or maintenance and the required extinguishing agent or necessary repair parts are not available, the extinguishers shou ld be removed from service
A.5 1 Many Class A fires start as small fires that are often smo ldering vvith little surface burning A Class A fire that in vo lves a flammable liquid is initiall y more inten se and spreads rapidly An example of this type of fire is where an open container of flammable liquid is sp illed in a room con taining furnishings and is ignited The fire will rapidly invo lve co mbust ible materials, including the furnishings in the v icinity of the spill The flammable liquid works as an accelerant and s peeds up the rate at which the fire spr·eads. There is a marked difference in the rates of flame spread where flammable l iquids are involved in a combustible materials fire versus one involving only common combustibles Large-capacity extinguis hers of 10 lb (4.54 kg) or greater and having a discharge rate of 1 lb /s ec (0 45 kg /s ec) or more are mo st appropriate for the protection of these
A.5.3.2. 1 Exampl es of extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards are as follows:
(1) Watertype
(2) Halogenated agent type (Fo-r halogenated agent-ty pe fin: extinguishers, see 5. 3. 2. 6.)
(3) Multipurpose dry c hemi cal type
(4) '"'et chemical type
A.5 3 2.2 Examples of extinguishers for protecting C lass B hazards are as follows:
(1) Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)
(2) Film-forming fluoroprotein foam (FFFP)
(3) Car bon dioxide
(4) Dry chemical type
(5) Halogenated agent type (Fm· halogenated agent-type fin; extinguishers, see 5.3.2.6.)
A.5 3.2.3 The u se of dry chemical fire extinguishers on wet energized electrical equipment (such as r·ain-soaked utility poles, high-voltage sw itch gear, and tran sfor mers) could aggravate electrical leakage prob lems The dry chemical in comb ination with moisnu·e provides an electrical path that can reduce the effectiveness of insula t ion protection . The removal of a ll traces of dry che mical fi·om s uch equ ipment after extinguishment is recommended
A.5.3.2.4 The following information pertains to Class D hazards:
(1) Chemical reaction between burning metals and many extinguishing agents ( including water) can range fi·om explosive to inconsequential, depending in part on the type, form, and quant i ty of metal involved. I n general, the hazards fi·om a meta l-fire are s ign i ficantly increased when such extinguishing agen ts are applied The advantages and limitations of a wide variety of commercially ava i lab le metal fire extinguishing agents are d iscu ssed in NFPA 484 and in Section 6, Chapter 9, of the NFPA Fi-re Protection Handbook The MSDS of the Class D hazard being protected or the extinguisher manufacturer should be consulted
(2) The agents and fire ex t ingui s hers discussed in th is sec tion are of specialized types, and their u s e often in vo lves special techniques peculi ar to a particular co mbustibl e metal. A given agent wi ll not necessari ly conu·ol or extinguish all metal fires Some agents are valuable in working with several m etals; others are useful in combating only one type of metal fire . The authorities having juri sdiction s hould be consulted in each case to determ ine the desired protection for the particul ar hazard in vo lved
(3) Certain combustib le metals r equire s pec ial extinguis hi n g agents or techniques. See NFPA 484 for addit ional information If there is doubt, NFPA 484 or the NFPA Fire Protection Guide to H azanlous Material5 s h ould be co n su lted . (NFPA 49 and NFPA 325 have been officially withdrawn from the National Fi-re Codes, but t h e infonnat ion is contained in the NFPA Fire Pmtection Guide to H azardous
(4) Refere n ce should be made to th e manufacttire r 's recommendations for use and s pecial tech ni que s for extinguis hing fires in various combustible metals
(5) Fire of high intens ity can occur i n certain m etals. Igniti on is generally the result of frictiona l heati n g, exposure to moistllre, or exposure from a fire in other combustibl e materials Th e greatest hazard exists when these m etals are in the molten state or in fine ly d ivided forms of dust, turnings, or shav ings
Th e properties of a wide var iety of combustib le m etals a nd the agents available for extinguish in g fire s in these meta ls are discussed in NFPA 484, the NFPA Fire Protection H andbook, and the SFPE Handbook of Fi-re Protection Engineering.
A 5 3 2 6 Halon agent i s h ighly effec t ive for extinguis h ing fire and evaporates after u se, leaving no residue Halon agent is, howeve r·, included in the Mo rw·eal Protoco l l ist of co nu·olled substances developed under the U ni ted Nations Environment
Program. \'\There agents other than halon can satisfacto rily protect the hazard, they should be used instead of halon Halon u se s hould be limited to extinguishment of unwanted fire; it sho uld not be u sed for routine training of personnel.
A.5.3.2.6.1 UL 2129, ULC / CAN-8566, StandaTd joT H alocm·bon Clean Agrnt Fin! Extingu:ishers; and ULC/ CAN-S512, Standm·d joT Halogenated Agent Hand and H'heeled Fire Extinguishers, require halocarbon and halogenated agent nameplates to provide safety guidelines for avoiding overexposure to agent vapors when the agents are discharged into confined spaces Th e UL minim tun volume requirement fo1- confined spaces is based on exposure to the agent in the absence of a fire and does not include considerations of fire or agent decomposition products ULC/CAN-S512 has been withdrawn from the standards directory and although new listin gs to this standard are not anticipated, ext ing uishers listed prior to the Montreal Protocol are still listed
A.5.3.2.7 Wheeled fire extinguishers are available in capacities of 33 gal (125 L) for foam units and range from 30 lb to 350 lb (13 6 kg to 158 8 kg) for other types of extinguishers These fire extinguishers are capable of delivering higher agent flow rates and greater ag e nt stream range than normal portabletype fire extinguishers. Wheeled fil-e extinguishers are capab le of furnishing in creased fire-extinguishing effectiveness for high hazard areas and have added importance where a limited munber of people are available
A.5.4.1.1 Light hazard occupancies can include some buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, g uest room areas of hotels or mote ls, and so forth Thi s classification anti cipates that the m<Uority of content items are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spl-ead rapidly Small amounts of Class B flammables u sed for duplicating machines, art departments, and so forth, are included, provided that they are kept in closed containers and safe ly stored.
A.5.4.1.2 Ordinary hazard occupancies cou ld consist of dining areas, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, 1-esearch operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of li ght hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or C lass II commod ities as defined b y NFPA 13
A Class I commodity is defined b y NFPA 13 as a noncombustible product that meets one of the following criteria:
(1) It is placed directly on wooden pallets
(2) It is placed in s ingle-la yer corrugated cartons, with or without s ingle-thickness cardboard dividers, with or \'lithout pallets
(3) It is shrink-wrapped or paper-wrapped as a unit load, with or withou t pallets .
A Class II commod ity is defined by NFPA 13 as a noncombustible product that is in slatted wooden crates, solid wood boxes, multiple-layered co1-rugated cartons, or equ ivalent com bustib le packaging material , with or without pallets
A.5.4.1.3 Exu-a hazard occupancies co uld consist of woodwol-king; veh icle 1-epair; aircraft and boat servicing; cooking areas; individual product display showrooms; product convention center displays; and storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, and coatin g, including flammable liquid handling. Also included is warehousing or in-process storage of other than Class I and Cl ass II commod ities.
A.5.5 All buildings have Cl ass A fire hazards. In any occupancy, there cou ld be a p 1-edominant ha zard as we ll as specia l hazard areas requiring extingui shers \vith rat ings to match those hazards. For example, a hospita l will have need for C lass A fire extinguishers covering patient rooms, corridors, offices, and so forth, but wi ll need C lass B fire extinguishers in laboratories and where flammable anest hetics are stored or handled, Cl ass C fire extingu is hers in electrical switc h gea1- o r generator rooms, and Class K extinguishers in kitche n s
A.5.5.4.1 Pressurized flammable liquids and pressurized gas fires are considered to be a special hazard Class B fire extingu ishers containing a ge nts other than dry chemical are relatively ineffective on this type of hazard due to stream and agent characteristics The system u sed to rate the effectiveness of fire extinguishers on Class B fires (flammable liquids i n depth) is not applicable to these types of h azards. It has been determined that spec ial nozzle des ign and rates of agent application are required to cope with suc h hazards
A.5.5.4.2 A three-dimensional Cl ass B fire invo lves Class B materials in motion, such as pouring, rmming, or dripping flammable liquids, and genera ll y includes vert ical as we ll as one or more horizontal s urfaces Fires of thi s nature are conside red to be a specia l hazard. The system used to rate fire exti nguishers on Class B fires ( flammable liqu ids in depth) is not d irectly applicable to this type of hazard The installation of fixed systems should be considered where app licable.
A.5.5.4.3(2) \'\There mu ltip le extinguishers are utilized, simu ltaneous discharge from multiple lo cations to eliminate any blind spots created by an obstacle s hould be employed
A.5.5.4.4 Examples of water-soluble flammable liqu ids include alcohols, acetone, esters, a nd ketones
A.5.5.4.5 Fire extingu is hers for cook ing media (vegetab le 01animal oils and fats) traditionally followed Table 6 3 .1.1 for extra hazard, requiring a m in imum 40-B-rated sodium b icarbonate or potassium bi carbonate dry chemical extinguisher The evolution of high-efficiency cooking appliances and the change to hotter-burning vegetable s h ortening has cre ated a more severe fire hazard Testing h as s hown that wet chemical extinguishers have several times the cook in g fire-extinguishing capabili ty of a minimum 40-B-rated sodium bicarbonate or potassium bi carbonate dry chemical ext in gu is h er, whi c h has prompted the creation of a new class ification and a ne w listing test protocol. The test protocol is found in UL 7 11, CAN / ULC. S508.
See NFPA 96 for further informatio n. Persons in cooki n g areas need spec ific training on the u se of exti ngu is hers as an essential step for personal safety Class K fire extinguishers equipped with extended wand-type discharge devices shou ld not be used in a manner that results in subs urface injection of wet chem ical extinguis hing agents i nto hot cooking media. Subsurface i1"Uection causes a tl1ermodynamic r eaction co mpac rable to an exp losion Class K fire ex tin gu is he rs are no longe r manufactured \vith extended wand-type discharge devices
A.5 5.4 5.3 Figure A 5 5 4 5 3(a) and Figure A.5 5.4 5 3(b ) s h ow the recommended wording for the C lass K p lacard Recommended s ize is 7% in. x 11 in ( 194 mm x 279 mm)
1+-------------11 in (279 mm) -+!-_,..- 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) typ.
0 5 in (12.7mm) typ
A wARNING
IN CASE OF APPLIANCE FIRE, USE THIS EXTINGUISHER AFTER FIXED SUPPRESSION SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACTUATED. 0
APRECAUCI6N
EN CASO DE INCENDIO DE ALGUN APARATO, UTI LICE ESTE EXTINTOR DESPUES DE QUE EL SISTEMA FIJO DE SUPRESION AUTO MATICO HAYA SIDO ACTIVADO.
FIGURE A.5.5.4.5.3(a) 'fYpical Class K Placard in English and Spanish.
1+-------------11 in (279 mm) -+!- _,.. - 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) typ.
0.5 in (12.7mm) typ
0
0.2 in. (4.8 mm) dia. holes (4 places)
7.6in (194mm)
Notes:
Material: 0.4 in. (10 mm) white styrene
Print: Reverse printingPMS 485 red background White print
0.6 in. (14.3 mm) letters for "warning " 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) letters for warning note
Radius corners
A wARNING
IN CASE OF APPLIANCE FIRE, USE THIS EXTINGUISHER AFTER FIXED SUPPRESSION SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACTUATED.
A ATTENTION
EN CAS D' INCENDIE IMPLIQUANT UN EQUIPMENT DE CUISSON, UTILISEZ CET EXTINCTEUR APRES AVOIR ACTIVE LE SYSTEME D'EXTINCTION FIXE.
FIGURE A.5.5.4.5.3(b) 'fYpical Class K Placard in English and French.
0.2 in (4.8 mm) dia. holes (4 places)
7.6 in. (194mm)
Notes:
Material: 0.4 in. (1 0 mm) white styrene
P rint: Reverse printingPMS 485 red background
White print
0 6 in. (14.3 mm) letters for "warning" 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) letters for warning note
Radius corners
A.5.5. 4.6 Where occupancies are required to have extinguishers installed, 5 5.4 6 is applicable to area s where the electronic equipment is located. Delicate electronic equipment includes, but is not limited to, telecommunications, computers, servers, robotics, and reproduction equipment
Extinguishers provided for the protection of delicate electronic equipment are typically halogenated agent and water mist extinguishers with Class A ratings .
A.5.5.4.6.2 Dry c hemical residue will probably not be able to be completely and immediatel y removed, and, in addition, multipurpose dty chemical exposed to temperatures in excess of 250° F (12l °C) or relative humidity in excess of 50 percent can cause corrosion The u se of other clean agent types of extinguishing agents can help to minirnize ot- e liminate collateral equipment damage and associated clean-up concerns.
A.5.5.4. 7 The purpose for providing portable fire extinguishers in areas where oxid izers are stored is to provide fiTst aid fire suppression for incipient fires in materials adjacent to o r in the same area as the oxidizers. Fire s involving ox idizers are typically beyond the capa bility of pOt-table fire extinguishers. The u se of some types of portable fire extinguishers on oxidizers cottld generate a chem ical reaction, re s ulting in potential explosive compounds or othetwise exacerbating the emergency, and should not be permitted in the area where oxidizers are sto red or u sed
A.5.5.4.8.2 Other nonlisted agents can be u sed if acceptable to the AHJ. Other nonlisted agents include speciall y dried sand, dolomite, soda ash, Lithium c hloride, talc, foundry flux, and zirconium s ilicate or other agents shown to be effective. Consult NFPA 484 for use and limitation s of these agents and other nonlisted alternatives
A.5.5.5.1 vVhere portable fire extinguishers are t-equired to be insta lled, the fo ll owing documents s h o uld be reviewed for the occupancies outlined in their respective scopes:
(1) NFPA 77
(2) NFPA 402
(3) NFPA 610
(4) NFPA 850
(5) NFPA 921
(6) NFPA 1452
A. 6.1.1 Th e following items affect distribution of portable fire extinguishers:
(1) Area and arrangement of the building occupancy conditions
(2) Severity of the hazard
(3) Anticipated classes of fire
(4) Other protective syste m s or devices
(5) Distances to be traveled to reach fire extingu is hers
I n addition, the following factors sho uld be considered:
( 1) Anticipated rate of fit-e spread
(2) Inten s ity and rate of heat development
(3) Smoke contributed b y the burnin g materials
Wheeled fire extinguishers have additional agent and t-ange and should b e cons ide r ed for areas where the additional protection is needed Portable fire extinguishers offer the occupant a means to assist in evacuation of a building or occupancy. T hey are useful to knock down the fire if it occurs along the evacuation route. If possible, the individual property should be surveyed f01- actual protection requirements
A.6.1.3.3.2 The primary means for identifying t he locations of fire extinguishers should be b y the install ation of fire extinguisher s ign s that are specifica ll y designed for that purpose Examples of other me ans of identifyin g the fire extinguisher lo cations include atTows, li ghts, or coding of the wall or column
A.6.1.3.4 I n situations where it is nece ssaty that fire exting ui shers be provided temporarily, a good pt-actice is to provide portable stands on whic h tl1e fire extinguishers can be installed. Portable stands should be des igned to comply with the mounting heights for extinguis hers (See 6.1.3.9. )
A.6.1.3.4(1) Hangers not i ntended for extingu is hers should not be in stalled re.g , a 5 lb (2 3 kg) extinguisher hanger should not be used with a 10 lb (4.5 kg) ex ting uisherl.
A.6.1.3.8 Vllh.ere an extinguis h er is located in an area that makes it s u sceptible to damage, the supp lier of the extingu isher should be consulted to determine whether specia l mounting equipment o r protective coverings are available.
A.6.1.3.10.3 An example of an in ventoty control label co uld be a label or sticker with a number, symbol, or barcode that correlates w ith a specific extingu is her 's details and location
A.6.1.3.11 In addition to providing storage, extinguisher ca binets provide protection fOl- extinguishers and p t·event accidental bumping. The cabinet cavity must be bi g e nough to accommodate the extingu is her, so the extinguisher must be selected before se le cti ng the cabinet The fina l selection of the cabinet s hould allo w adequate room for the ext inguisher to be easily removed
Fit-e extinguishers in cabinets can b e monit ored fm- tamperin g or theft b y means of a sw itch and local a larm to indi cate when the extinguisher is removed from the cabinet.
A.6.1.3.11.4 Vented fire extinguish er cabine ts should uti lize tinted glass and should be consuucted to pre vent the e n trance of insects and the accumulation of water Vented fire extinguisher cabinets constru cted in this m a nner lower th e maximum internal temperature b y l0°F to 15°F (5 6 °C to 8 3 °C)
A.6.1.3.11.6 Certain fire resistance-rated ca binets are intended for in sta llat ion into fire t-es istance- r ated walls. Cabinets that are not fire resistance-rated make the entire fire resistance-rated wa ll noncompliant, so on ly su rfa ce-mounted ca binets or fire resistance-rated cabinets are appropt- iate for installation in fire res ista nce-rated walls
A.6.1.3.12 The fo ll ow in g precautions s hould be noted where fit-e extin gu ishers are lo cated in areas that h ave temperatures outside the range of 40 °F to 120 °F (4 oc to 49°C):
(1) AFFF and FFFP fire extin gu is het-s cannot be protected against temperatures bel ow 40 ° F (4 °C) b y addi n g a n antifreeze charge, beca u se it tends to destroy the effec tivene ss of the extinguis hing agent
(2) Plain water fire extin guishers should not be protected against temperatures belo w 40 °F (4°C) with ethylene glycol antifreeze Calcium ch loride sol utions s h ould not be used in sta inle ss stee l fire extinguishers
(3) Fire extinguishers installed in machinety compartments, diesel loco motives, automotive equi pment, marin e engine compar tmen ts, and hot processing facil ities can easily be subjected to temperatures a b ove 120 °F (49 °C) Selection of fire exti ngu is h e t-s for hazard with temperatures above the listed limits s hould be made on
the bas is of recommendations by manufacturers of this equipment.
A.6.3.1.1 The ratings u sed in Table 6.3.1.1 are based on the fire test standard UL 711 , Standanl for Rating and Fi re Testing of Fin: Extinguishers These te st fu·es are conducted in square pans containing a flammable Liquid. The flammable liquids in the pans are not in motion, and these fires do not have objects in them to interfere with the application of the extinguishing agent. A spi ll fire can be protected in accordance with Table 6.3.1.1.
A.6.4 Electrical equipment sho uld be de-energized as soon as poss ible to prevent reignition
A.6.5.1 Where Class D fire hazards exist, it is common practice to place bulk quantities of extinguishing agent near the potential Class D hazard Depending on the type of metal present, the Class D agent selected for the protection of the hazard might not be a listed fire-extinguishing agent. In the case of the production of lithium metal, the agent of cho ice is lithium chloride, which is feed stock to the electrolytic cell where the lithium metal is manufactured The u se of lithium chloride on a Lithium fire will not poison the electrolytic cell so the cell would not have to be drained and relined with fire brick. There are severa l Class D agent5 that have been shown to be effective on spec ific Class D fires. Additional information on Class D agents is provided in NFPA 484
The operation of Class D fire extinguishers is much different from that of dry c hemical extinguishers rated for Class A, B, or C. The extinguishing agent from a Class D extinguisher should be applied to avoid spreading the combustible metal material and / or suspending the metal product in the which can result in an explosion, by slowly applying the agent. The application of a C lass D agent on buming metals is intended to control the fire and assist in the formation of oxide crust that limits com bustion . This is accomplished by first encircling the combusti ble metal material with the agent and then coverin g the burning metal in a smothe ring action It is important to note that metal fires invol ving large quantities of metal beyond the incipient stage are nearly imposs ible to contml o1· exti nguish with a C lass D agent. In most cases, the metal will continue to burn in a controlled fashion after application of the agent until it is completely oxidized Di sturbing the oxide crust can result in reignition and open burning if complete extinguishment, oxidation of the metal, or exclusion of oxygen has not occurred Fires involving alkali earth metal and transitional metals will begin to form an oxide crust as they burn, which will limit open burning without the application of an exti n guis hing agent Application of watet· 01" other extinguishing agents can result in an adverse reaction, including the potential for an explosion Burning metals can also draw moi sture from concrete or asphalt, which also maintains the potential for explosion Large amounts of combustible metal materials involved in a fire can remain hot for some time and vigorously reignite if disturbed pt·ior to complete extinguishment of the combustible metal materia ls. (See A.5.3.2.4.)
A.6.5.3 See NFPA 484 for additional information.
A.6.5.4 See NFPA 484 for additional informati on
A.6.6.1 Examples of hazards where Class K extinguishers are needed include, but are not limited to, fryers, griddles, and stove tops
A.7.1 Thi s chapter is co ncerned with the rules govern in g inspection, maintenance, and t·echarging of fit·e extinguishers These factors are of prime importance in ensuring operati on at the time of a fire . The procedure for inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers va rie s considerably Min im al knowledge is necessary to perform a monthl y "quick check" or inspection in order to fo ll ow the inspectio n procedure as outlined in Section 7 2
A.7.1.2.1 Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers sho uld meet one of the following criteria:
(1) Factory u·aining and certification for the specific type and brand of portable fire extinguisher being se rviced
(2) Certification by an organization acceptab le to th e authority havingjurisdiction
(3) Regi su·ation, licensure, or certification by a state or a local authodty havingju r isdiction
Certification confirms that a perso n has fulfilled specifi c requirements as a fire extinguisher service technic ian and has eamed the certification For the purpose of this standard , certification is the process of an organization iss uing a document confirming that an applicant ha s passed a test based on the chapters and annexes of this standard The organ ization administering the test issues an official document that is relied upon as proof of passing the te st. Ultimate ly, the document issued b y the ot·ganization administering the test must be acceptable to the authority ha ving jmisdiction. Some author ities having jurisdiction do not rely on out5id e organizations and establish their own local licensing programs that include a test.
A.7.1.2.1.2 Indusu ial facilities that establ ish their own maintenance and t·echarge fac ilities and that provide u·aining to personnel who perform the se functions are considered to be in compliance with this requirement. Examples in clude power generation, petrochemical, and telecommun ications faci li ties A letter from the facility management can be u sed as the certification document.
A. 7.1.2.3 This t·equirement is not inte nded to prevent service technicians from perform ing the ins pections.
A.7.1.3 The replacement extinguisher sho uld be s uitable for the type of hazard being pt·otected and b e of at leas t equal rating The owner or owner's agent s hould be provided wi th documentation regarding the type, make, and mode l of both the extinguis h er being removed and tl1e replacement extinguisher The in staller should ver ify that the hanger, bracket, or extinguisher cabinet is the proper one for the replacement extinguisher
A.7.1.3.1 Removal or replacement of fire ext i ngu is hers during service should be done with the owner's knowledge and permission Thi s ensures that any t·eplaced equ ipment meets with the owner's expectations and has been docum ented to address the applicable fire extin guisher record-keeping requirements
A.7.2.1.1 Frequency of fire extinguisher ins pections should be based on the need of the area in which fire extingu is hers are lo cated . The required monthly inspection is a minimum.
A.7.2.1.2 In spect ions should be performed on extinguishers 12 times per year, at regular in tervals not exceeding 31 days
A.7.2.1.3 In spect ions should be more frequent if any of the following co ndition s exists:
(1) High frequency of fires in the past
(2) Sevet-e hazards
(3) Susceptibility to tampering, vandalism, or malicious mis ch ief
( 4) Possibility of, or history of, theft of fire extinguishers
(5) Locations that make fire extinguishers s usceptible to mechanical injury
(6) Possibility of visible or physical obstructions
(7) Expos ure to abnormal temperatures or corrosive aunospheres
(8) Characteristics of fire extinguishers, such as s usceptibility to leakage
More frequent inspections could be enhanced through elecu-onic monitoring of the fire extinguisher
A. 7.2.2.3 Fire extinguishers in vehicles s hould be inspected at the beginning of a sh ift or whenever the veh icle is u sed The inspection should ensure that the extinguishet- is c harged and ready for u se Extinguishers in comparunenrs or u-unks can become damaged or othenvise compromised because of weather exposw-e, other items in the compartment that are not secured, or other factors
A. 7.2.4.1.3 A separate monthl y inspection and a separate 1·ecord for that in spectio n are not needed for the month that an annual external examination is performed s in ce the monthly inspection items are checked as part of the annual external examination . (See 7.3.2.1.1.)
A. 7.3.1 The annual maintenance of a fire extinguisher requires the se tv ices of a trained and certified technician who has the proper tools, listed parts, and appropriate manufacturer's setvice manual. Maintenance of fire extinguishers shottld not be confused with in spection, which is a quick check of the extin guishers that is performed at least every 30 days Because the detailed maintenance procedures for various extinguisher types and models differ, the procedures specified \vithin setvice manuals need to be followed
The following li st is a sample of maintenance procedures that sho uld be followed to determine deficiencies that require additional attention to remediate the condition of the extinguisher as appropriate for rechargeable, stored-press ure , dry chemical, and halogenated agent hand portable fire extinguishers:
(l) Visually examine the extinguisher for damage b y removing the extinguisher fmm the hanger, bracket, or ca binet, and visually examine the extinguisher for damage, including pressure gauge, cylinder dents, repairs, general corrosion , hose or nozzle tht-eads, handles, and le vers
(2) Verity that the hanger, bracket, or ca binet is the proper one for the extingu is h er.
(3) Verity that the hanger, bracket, or cab inet is secure, undamaged, and properly mounted.
(4) Verity d1at the nameplate operating instructions are legible and facing outward .
(5) Confirm that the extinguisher model is not s ubject to recall and is not o b so lete
(6) Verity the extinguisher records to determine internal examination and hydrostatic test intervals . Thoroughly examine the cylinder for dents, damage, repairs, or co rro s ion.
(7) Verity the pull pin functions properly and examine for damage or con-osion b y removing the pull pin
(8) Verity that the handle and le vers are undamaged and operable
(9) Verity that the valve stem is correctly extended and not corroded or damaged.
(10) Verity that the pressure gauge or ind icator is in the operable range
( 11) Verity that the ga u ge operating pressure corres ponds \vith the namep late insu·uction s .
( 12) Verity tl1at the gau ge face correspo nds \vith the proper agent type
(13) Verity that the gauge threads are compatible \vith the valve body material.
( 14) Verity that the nozzle or ho se assemb ly, or b oth, is unobstru cted, b y removing and exam ining the nozzle
(15) Confirm that the nozzle and ho se assembly are correct for tlle model of extinguisher
(16) Verity that the hose and cou plings are not cut, cracked, damaged, or deformed
(17) Examine internal valve port surfaces and threads for signs of leakage or corrosion by removing the nozzle o r hose assembly and reinstalli ng tlle nozz le and ho se assembly secu rel y afte r examination
(18) Verity that the ho se retention band is secure and properly adjusted
(19) Weigh the extinguisher and ver ify that it co rre sponds to the weight lis ted on the nameplate.
(20) Reinstall tlle ring pin and in stall a n ew tamper seal.
(21) Clean exposed extingu ishe r s urfa ces to remove any foreign mater ia l.
(22) Record d1e maintenance o n the extin gu is h e r tag or label.
(23) Return the extin guisher to tlle han ger, bracket, or cabinet.
The follmving list is a sam ple o f maintenance pro cedures that sho uld b e followed to detet-mine deficiencies that t-equire additional attention to remediate the condition of the ex tinguisher as appropriate for carbon dioxide hand portable fire extinguishers:
(1) Visually exam ine the extinguisher for damage by removing the exti nguis her from the h a nger or cabin et, and visually examine tlle extinguisher for damage, including cylinder dents, repa irs, general corros ion, hose or nozzl e tht·eads, handles, and levers
(2) Verity that the bracket or cabinet is the proper one for the extinguisher
(3) Verity that the bt-ack et or cabinet is secure, undamaged, and properly mounted
(4) Verity that the nameplate operating instructions are legible and facing outward
(5) Confirm that the extinguisher model is not s ubje ct to recall and is not obsolete.
(6) Verity the exti ngui s he r records to determine hydrostatic test interva ls
(7) Verity tlle pull pin functions properly and examin e for damage or corrosion by removing the pu ll pin
(8) Examine the handle and levers to e n sure tllat tlley are undamaged and operable
(9) Verity that the valve stem is con-ec tl y extended and n ot corroded or damaged.
(10) Verity that the nozzle or hose assemb ly, or both, is unobstructed, b y removing and exam ining tlle nozzle
( 11) Co nfirm tllat the nozzle and ho se assembly are correct for tlle mode l of extinguisher
