How do you check fire extinctions in a commercial building?
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Published by SALUSFire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance Procedures =======================================================
This document outlines the procedures for inspecting and maintaining portable fire extinguishers in a commercial building to ensure they are operational and compliant with safety regulations. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for the reliability of fire extinguishers in the event of a fire emergency. These procedures are based on industry best practices and regulatory requirements to protect lives and property.
General Requirements
Applicability
These procedures apply to the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all portable fire extinguishers within the commercial building, excluding the initial filling by the manufacturer. They also apply to the installation, testing, and maintenance of all types of fixed fire extinguishing systems. The purpose of these procedures is to regulate the inspection, testing, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and the installation, testing, and maintenance of fixed fire extinguishing systems in the interest of protecting lives and property [4]
Licensing and Permits
Any dealer or person who engages in the business of installing, inspecting, repairing, recharging, testing, or performing maintenance on fire equipment must be licensed by the OSFM (Office of State Fire Marshal). No person shall install, inspect, repair, recharge, perform maintenance, or test any type of fire equipment not covered on their permit or for which they do not have manufacturer training or certification to do so. Dealers performing hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers manufactured according to USDOT specifications must possess a valid license issued by the USDOT and adhere to USDOT and NFPA standards. All portable fire extinguishers and fixed fire extinguishing systems covered by regulations must be installed, inspected, tested, and serviced per the applicable NFPA standards and the manufacturer's installation, service, and maintenance manuals. [1] [1] [1] [1]
Fire Safety Plan
Employers, contractors, or owners must take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the outbreak of fire at a place of employment and to provide effective means to protect workers from any fire that may occur. They must also develop and implement a written fire safety plan that provides for the safety of all workers in the event of a fire. The fire safety plan must include emergency procedures, quantities/locations/storage methods of flammable substances, designation of persons to carry out the fire safety plan and their duties, training of designated persons and workers in their responsibilities, fire drills, and control of fire hazards. Designated persons and workers who have been assigned fire safety duties must be adequately trained in, and implement, the fire safety plan. The fire safety plan must be posted in a conspicuous place for reference by workers, and a fire drill must be held at least once during each 12-month period. [5] [5] [5]
Inspection Procedures
Monthly Visual Inspections
Portable fire extinguishers should be visually inspected at least monthly. These inspections ensure that extinguishers are accessible, in good working condition, and ready for use. Customize the inspection list for the specific workplace. The following items should be included in the monthly inspection: [2]
- Extinguishers are well supported and hangers are fastened solidly.
- Extinguishers are accessible:
- Can be easily reached
- There are no obstructions
- Location signs are clear
- Class markings are clear
- Operating instructions are clear
- Extinguishers are in good working condition:
- Discharge opening is clear
- It is fully charged
- It has not been damaged or tampered with
- Hydrostatic testing has been done
- The ring pin is in place.
- The seal is intact.
[2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2] [2]
Annual Maintenance Checks
Portable fire extinguishers must undergo an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination during this check. The annual maintenance date must be recorded and retained for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. This record must be available upon request. [6]
Maintenance Procedures
General Maintenance
Service portable fire extinguishers at least once a year, or when the monthly inspection indicates servicing is necessary. Maintenance should only be performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities. Keep written records showing maintenance items such as serial number and type of extinguishers, location, inspection date, description of tests, date of next inspection, date of annual servicing, comments, and inspector's signature. [2] [2] [2]
Removal from Service
Extinguishers should be removed from service under the following conditions: [2]
- When the cylinder or shell threads are damaged.
- Where there is corrosion that has caused pitting, including corrosion under removable name plate assemblies.
Hydrostatic Testing
Portable extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested at the intervals. In addition to an external visual examination, an internal examination of cylinders and shells to be tested must be made prior to hydrostatic tests. Portable fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested whenever they show new evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury. Hydrostatic tests must be performed on extinguisher hose assemblies equipped with a shut-off nozzle at the discharge end of the hose, with the test interval being the same as specified for the extinguisher on which the hose is installed. Carbon dioxide hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle must be hydrostatically tested at 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa), and dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle must be hydrostatically tested at 300 psi (2,070 kPa). Carbon dioxide extinguishers and nitrogen or carbon dioxide cylinders used with wheeled extinguishers are tested every 5 years at 5/3 of the service pressure as stamped into the cylinder. Nitrogen cylinders which comply with 49 CFR 173\.34(e)(15\) \[Transportation] may be hydrostatically tested every 10 years. [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6] [6]
Recordkeeping
The employer must maintain and provide evidence that the required hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers has been performed at the time intervals. This evidence should be in the form of a certification record that includes the date of the test, the signature of the person who performed the test, and the serial number (or other identifier) of the fire extinguisher tested. These records must be kept until the extinguisher is hydrostatically retested or taken out of service, whichever comes first. [6]
Additional Safety Measures
Fire Prevention Plan
A fire prevention plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and made available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees. A fire prevention plan must include a list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard; procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials; and procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials. [7] [7]
Employee Training
Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting. The employer shall provide this education upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter. The employer shall provide employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan with training in the use of the appropriate equipment upon initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. [8] [8] [8] [8]
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Use the correct fire extinguisher type to fight the fire. If you feel that you cannot safely extinguish the fire using the portable extinguisher available, pull the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and then call the fire department. When using an extinguisher, use the PASS system - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. [3] [3] [3]
- Pull the pin on the extinguisher.
- Aim the extinguisher.
- Squeeze the trigger or top handle.
- Sweep the fire area with the extinguisher's spray until the fire is completely out.
[3] [3] [3] [3] For floor fires, sweep from the edges in. For wall fires, sweep from the bottom up. Never walk away from a fire, even if you think it is out, as the residue may reignite. Always stand between the escape route and the fire so you can leave safely if the fire grows. If the fire grows too large, leave the area and activate the fire alarm to evacuate the area. [3] [3] [3] [3]
Compliance and Safety
By adhering to these inspection and maintenance procedures, the commercial building can ensure its fire extinguishers are always ready for use, thereby enhancing the safety of occupants and complying with relevant safety regulations. Regular training and drills will further reinforce these safety measures, creating a safer environment for everyone.
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Sources used for this answer
[1] Occupational Safety & Health: General State Regulations (Chapter 71)
Page 146
Open source documentSource excerpt
# SUBARTICLE 4 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS # 71-8303. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS. (Statutory Authority: 1976 Code Sections 23-9-20, 23-9-45) ## 71-8303.1. General. A. The purpose of this subarticle is to regulate the inspection, testing and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers and the installation, testing, and maintenance of fixed fire extinguishing systems in the interest of protecting lives and property. B. This regulation shall apply to: 1. The filling, charging, and recharging of all portable fire extinguishers other than the initial filling by the manufacturer. 2. The testing and maintenance of all types of portable fire extinguishers. 3. The installation, testing, and maintenance of all types of fixed fire extinguishing systems. 4. The installation, testing and maintenance of all Engineered Special Hazard Fire Suppression Systems. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 1999. Amended by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 5, eff May 22, 2009; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 2010; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 4, eff April 25, 2014; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4445, eff June 27, 2014; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4555, eff June 26, 2015; State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4623, eff June 24, 2016; SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5161, eff May 26, 2023. ## 71-8303.2. Definitions, Codes and Standards. A. All definitions and references to codes and standards found in these regulations are promulgat- ed in R.71-8300 unless modified by the following regulations as shown below. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 1999. Amended by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 5, eff May 22, 2009; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 2010; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 4, eff April 25, 2014; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, Doc. No…
[2] OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures Records and/or Training (NCDOL)
Page 78
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 1910.39-FIRE PREVENTION PLAN Scope/Application: An employer must have a fire prevention plan when an OSHA standard in this part requires one. The requirements in this section apply to each such fire prevention plan. The following standards require a fire prevention plan: 1910.1047(h)(l)(iii-Ethylene Oxide 1910.1050(d)(1)(ii-Methylenedianiline. 1910.1051(j)-1,3-Butadiene ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS - Programs, Plans and Procedures-fire prevention plan - Recordkeeping-plan - Training and Communications-initial training, refresher - Other-1910.157-Portable Fire Extinguishers Programs, Plans and Procedures 1910.39(b)-Written and oral fire prevention plans. A fire prevention plan must be in writing, be kept in the workplace, and be made available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees. [Reference paragraph (c) for specific minimum elements of a fire prevention plan.] 1910.39(c)-Minimum elements of a fire prevention plan. A fire prevention plan must include: 1910.39(c)(1)-4 list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their control, and the type of fire protection equipment necessary to control each major hazard; 1910.39(c)(2)-Procedures to control accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials; 1910.39(c)(3)-Procedures for regular maintenance of safeguards installed on heat-producing equipment to prevent the accidental ignition of combustible materials; ## Recordkeeping 1910.39(b)-Written and oral fire prevention plans. A fire prevention plan must be in writing, be kept in the workplace, and be made available to employees for review. However, an employer with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally to employees. [Reference paragraph (c) for specific minimum elements of a fire prevention plan.] 1910.39(c)(1)-4 list of all major fire hazards, proper handling and storage proc…
[3] OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training (NCDOL)
Page 100
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 1910.156-FIRE BRIGADES (cont.) ## Training and Communications 1910.157(d)(3)-The employer may use uniformly spaced standpipe systems or hose stations connected to a sprinkler system installed for emergency use by employees instead of Class A portable fire extinguishers, provided that such systems meet the respective requirements of 1910.158 [Standpipe and Hose Systems] or 1910.159 [Automatic Sprinkler Systems], that they provide total coverage of the area to be protected, and that employees are trained at least annually in their use. 1910.157(g)(1)-Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting. 1910.157(g)(2)-The employer shall provide the education required in paragraph (g)(1) [Training and Education] of this section upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter. 1910.157(g)(3)-The employer shall provide employees who have been designated to use fire fighting equipment as part of an emergency action plan [29 CFR 1910.38] with training in the use of the appropriate equipment. 1910.157(g)(4)-The employer shall provide the training required in paragraph (g)(3) [Training and Education] of this section upon initial assignment to the designated group of employees and at least annually thereafter. ## 1910.158-STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS Scope/Application: This section applies to all small hose, Class II, and Class III standpipe systems installed to meet the requirements of a particular OSHA standard. Exception: This standard does not apply to Class I standpipe systems. ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS - Inspections and Tests-inspections annually and after use, initial tests - Training and Communications-trained personnel Inspections and Tests 1910.158(e)(1)(i)-The employer shall assure that the piping of Class II and C…
[4] OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training (NCDOL)
Page 99
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 1910.156-FIRE BRIGADES (cont.) ## STANDARD HIGHLIGHTS (cont.) 1910.157(e)(3)-The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request. 1910.157(e)(4)-The employer shall assure that stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures every 6 years. Dry chemical extinguishers having non- refillable disposable containers are exempt from this requirement. When recharging or hydrostatic testing is performed, the 6-year requirement begins from that date. 1910.157(f)(2)-The employer shall assure that portable extinguishers are hydrostatically tested at the intervals listed in Table L-1 of this section. 1910.157(f)(3)-In addition to an external visual examination, the employer shall assure that an internal examination of cylinders and shells to be tested is made prior to the hydrostatic tests. 1910.157(f)(4)-The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are hydrostatically tested whenever they show new evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury, except under the conditions listed in paragraphs (f)(2)(i)-(v) [Hydrostatic Testing] of this section. 1910.157(f)(5)-The employer shall assure that hydrostatic tests are performed on extinguisher hose assemblies which are equipped with a shut-off nozzle at the discharge end of the hose. The test interval shall be the same as specified for the extinguisher on which the hose is installed. 1910.157(f)(6)-The employer shall assure that carbon dioxide hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle are hydrostatically tested at 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa). 1910.157(f)(7)-The employer shall assure th…
[5] Occupational Safety & Health: General State Regulations (Chapter 71)
Page 149
Open source documentSource excerpt
# 71-8303. PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS. (cont.) ## 71-8303.5. Repealed. (cont.) 4, eff April 25, 2014; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4445, eff June 27, 2014; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4555, eff June 26, 2015; State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4623, eff June 24, 2016. Repealed by SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5161, eff May 26, 2023. ## 71-8303.6. Restrictions for Fire Equipment Licenses and Permits. A. A dealer or person shall not willfully engage in the business of installing, inspecting, repairing, recharging, testing or performing maintenance on fire equipment or use in any advertisement or on a business card or letterhead, or make any other verbal or written communication that the person is a Fire Equipment Dealer or acquiesce in such a representation, unless that person is licensed as a Fire Equipment Dealer by the OSFM. B. No person shall install, inspect, repair, recharge, perform maintenance or test any type of fire equipment not covered on their permit or for which they do not have manufacturer training or certification to install, inspect, repair, recharge, perform maintenance or test. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 23, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 1999. Amended by State Register Volume 33, Issue No. 5, eff May 22, 2009; State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 6, eff June 25, 2010; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 4, eff April 25, 2014; State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4445, eff June 27, 2014; State Register Volume 39, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4555, eff June 26, 2015; State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 6, Doc. No. 4623, eff June 24, 2016; SCSR 47-5 Doc. No. 5161, eff May 26, 2023. ## 71-8303.7. Dealers Performing Hydrostatic Testing. A. Each dealer performing hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers manufactured according to the specifications of the USDOT shall be required to possess a valid license issued by the USDOT. All hydrostatic testing of fire…
[6] Fire Extinguishers - Portable
Page 7
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Fire Extinguishers - Portable (cont.) ## What you should know about selecting, locating, and maintaining portable fire extinguishers? (cont.) - Service portable fire extinguishers at least once a year, or when the monthly inspection indicates servicing is necessary. - Keep written records showing maintenance items such as serial number and type of extinguishers, location, inspection date, description of tests, date of next inspection, date of annual servicing, comments and inspector's signature. - Only allow service by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities. ## What are items that may be included in a monthly inspection? Portable fire extinguishers should be inspected at least monthly. Visually check for the following items. Customize this list for your workplace. - Are the fire extinguishers well supported and hangers are fastened solidly? - Are the fire extinguishers accessible? - Can be easily reached - There are no obstructions - Location signs are clear - Class markings are clear - Operating instructions are clear - Are the extinguishers in good working condition? - Discharge opening is clear - It is fully charged - It has not been damaged or tampered with - Hydrostatic testing has been done - Is the ring pin in place? - Is the seal intact? ## When you should remove extinguishers from service? Extinguishers with the following conditions should be removed from service: - When the cylinder or shell threads are damaged - Where there is corrosion that has caused pitting, including corrosion under removable name plate assemblies Fire Extinguishers - Portable CCOHS
[7] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)
Page 194
Open source documentSource excerpt
194 Fire safety plan 25‑2(1) An employer, contractor or owner shall: (a) take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the outbreak of fire at a place of employment and to provide effective means to protect workers from any fire that may occur; and (b) develop and implement a written fire safety plan that provides for the safety of all workers in the event of a fire. (2) A plan developed pursuant to subsection (1) must include: (a) the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire, including: (i) sounding the fire alarm; (ii) notifying the fire department; and (iii) evacuating endangered workers, with special provisions for workers with disabilities; (b) the quantities, locations and storage methods of all flammable substances present at the place of employment; (c) the designation of persons to carry out the fire safety plan and the duties of the designated persons; (d) the training of designated persons and workers in their responsibilities for fire safety; (e) the holding of fire drills; and (f) the control of fire hazards. (3) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that: (a) designated persons and workers who have been assigned fire safety duties are adequately trained in, and implement, the fire safety plan; (b) the fire safety plan is posted in a conspicuous place for reference by workers; and (c) a fire drill is held at least once during each 12-month period. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s25-2. Fire extinguishers 25‑3(1) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers are selected, located, inspected, maintained and tested so that the health and safety of workers at the place of employment is protected. (2) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers are placed not more than 9 metres away from: (a) each industrial open-flame portable heating device, tar pot or asphalt kettle that is in use; and (b) each weldin…
[8] Fire Extinguishers - Portable
Page 6
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Fire Extinguishers - Portable (cont.) ## What you should know when using a portable fire extinguisher? (cont.) Use the correct fire extinguisher type to fight the fire. Remember, if you feel that you cannot safely extinguish the fire using the portable extinguisher available and if you have not already done so, pull the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and then call the fire department. When using an extinguisher, use the PASS system - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. 1. Pull the pin on the extinguisher. 2. Aim the extinguisher. 3. Squeeze the trigger or top handle. 4. Sweep the fire area with the extinguisher's spray until the fire is completely out. For floor fires, sweep from the edges in. For wall fires, sweep from the bottom up. - Never walk away from a fire, even if you think it is out. The residue may reignite. - Always stand between the escape route and the fire so you can leave safely if the fire grows. - If the fire grows too large, leave the area. Activate the fire alarm to evacuate the area. ## What you should know about selecting, locating, and maintaining portable fire extinguishers? As an employer or contractor, you must: - Use the proper size of the extinguisher. - Install extinguishers according to the height requirements stated in your jurisdiction's Fire Code. - Locate extinguishers so they are readily accessible to employees for immediate use. Make sure that extinguishers are clearly visible, and any location signs are clear. - Mark or label all fire extinguishers clearly with the class of fire it is to be used for. - Make sure that the operating instructions always face outward. - Maintain extinguishers in a fully charged and operable condition. - Keep extinguishers in the designated places at all times (except during use). - Visually inspect portable fire extinguishers monthly. - Use a tag on each extinguisher that shows the dates of inspection, recharging or servicing, the name of the servicing agency, and the name of t…
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