How long is fire extinguishers good for?

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This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html. Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders Article 36. Fire Protection and Prevention Return to index New query ## §1922. Portable Fire Fighting Equipment. (a) Fire Extinguishers and Small Hose Lines. (1) A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the floor area, or fraction thereof. Where the floor area is less than 3,000 square feet at least one extinguisher shall be provided. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet. - One 55-gallon open container of water with two fire pails may be substituted for a fire extinguisher having a 2A rating. - A 3/4-inch diameter garden-type hose line, not to exceed 75 feet in length and equipped with an adjustable nozzle, may be substituted for a 2A-rated fire extinguisher, provided it is connected to a reliable water pressure system capable of discharging a minimum, continuous flow of 5 gallons per minute with a minimum hose stream range of 30 feet horizontally. The garden-type hose lines shall be mounted on conventional racks or reels. The number and location of hose racks or reels shall be such that at least one hose stream can be applied to all points in the floor area. - At least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A, shall be provided on each floor. In multi-story buildings, at least one fire extinguisher shall be located adjacent to the stairway at each floor level. - EXCEPTION: Single family residential dwellings other than apartments, lodging houses, hotels or dormitories provided that there is at least one fire extinguisher rated not less than 2A, or the equivalen…

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# 1910.157 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (cont.) ## 1910.157(f) Hydrostatic testing. (cont.) <table><tr><th>Halon 1211</th><th>12</th></tr><tr><td>Halon 1301</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>Dry powder, cartridge or cylinder operated with mild steel shells</td><td>12</td></tr></table> 1 Extinguishers having shells constructed of copper or brass joined by soft solder or rivets shall not be hydrostatically tested and shall be removed from service by January 1, 1982. (Not permitted) 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) 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 that dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle are hydrostatically tested at 300 psi (2,070 kPa). - 1910.157(f)(8) Hose assemblies passing a hydrostatic test do not require any type of recording or stamping. - 1910.157(f)(9) The employer shall assure that hose assemblies for carbon dioxide extinguishers that require a hydrostatic test are tested within a protective cage device. - 1910.157(f)(10) The employer shall assure that 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) may be hydrostatically tested every 10 years. 1910.157(f)(11) The employer…

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# 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

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# 1910.157 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (cont.) ## 1910.157(e) Inspection, maintenance and testing. (cont.) 1910.157(e)(2) Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly. 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(e)(5) The employer shall assure that alternate equivalent protection is provided when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging. ## R 408.[redacted postal code] Recharging. Rule 837. An employer maintaining their own extinguisher shall use recharging materials of the class specified on the extinguisher nameplate or recommended by the manufacturer for recharging. R 408.[redacted postal code] Rescinded. ## 1910.157(f) Hydrostatic testing. 1910.157(f)(1) The employer shall assure that hydrostatic testing is performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities. - 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, except under any of the following conditions: - 1910.157(f)(2)(i) When the unit has been repaired by soldering, weldi…