Skip to content
All safety questions
Asked by a personGeneral — US and Canadaen-CA

How often the fire extinguishers need to be change

A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.

Rosie's answer

Published by SALUS

The frequency of fire extinguisher checks and maintenance varies depending on the type of extinguisher and applicable regulations. Here's a general overview:

  • Regular Inspection: Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly. [1], [2], [3] The CAT excavator manuals recommend that you "Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher regularly. Obey the recommendations on the instruction plate" [1], [2], [3]
  • Weight and Pressure Checks: For refillable containers, the weight and pressure should be checked at least semi-annually. [4] If there's a loss of more than 5% in net content or weight, or a loss of more than 10% in pressure, maintenance is required [4]
  • Non-Refillable Containers: Factory-charged non-refillable containers without pressure indicators should be weighed at least semi-annually, and replaced if there's a net weight loss of more than 5% [4]
  • Internal Examinations: Dry chemical extinguishers in cylinder-operated systems should be examined annually [5]. Liquid charge-type AFFF and FFFP extinguishers should have their extinguishing agent replaced every 3 years, with an internal examination conducted at that time [5]. Solid charge-type AFFF extinguishers require agent replacement every 5 years during the hydrostatic test, along with a teardown [5]
  • Hydrostatic Testing: Hydrostatic testing should be performed at intervals specified in relevant tables or when an extinguisher shows corrosion or physical damage [5].
  • Six-Year Maintenance: Stored pressure extinguishers requiring a 12-year hydrostatic test should be emptied and undergo applicable maintenance every six years. [6]
  • Nonrechargeable Extinguishers: Nonrechargeable extinguishers are good for 12 years from the date of manufacture and then must be taken out of service [5].

Always refer to the instruction plate on the fire extinguisher and obey the recommendations [1], [2], [3]. Also, consult local fire authorities for specific requirements [5].

6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] CAT 349F, 352F Excavators Operation and Maintenance Manual

Page 37

Open source document

Source excerpt

Illustration 63 <!-- image --> g02030713 Make sure that a fire extinguisher is available. Be familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher. Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher regularly. Obey the recommendations on the instruction plate. The recommended location for mounting the fire extinguisher is in the storage box. i01329108 ## Track Information SMCS Code: 4170; 7000 Track adjusting systems use either grease or oil under high pressure to keep the track under tension. Grease or oil under high pressure coming out of the relief valve can penetrate the body causing injury or death. Do not watch the relief valve to see if grease or oil is escaping. Watch the track or track adjustment cylinder to see if the track is being loosened. The pins and bushings in a dry track pin joint can become very hot. It is possible to burn the fingers if there is more than brief contact with these components. i02546320 ## High Pressure Fuel Lines SMCS Code: 1000; 1274; 7000 S/N: BZ21-Up S/N: KEA1-Up S/N: WNA1-Up S/N: HLB1-Up S/N: NDC1-Up S/N: HPD1-Up S/N: YEG1-Up S/N: A9J1-Up ## S/N: TEW1-Up <!-- image --> Contact with high pressure fuel may cause fluid penetration and burn hazards. High pressure fuel spray may cause a fire hazard. Failure to follow these inspection, maintenance and service instructions may cause personal injury or death. The high pressure fuel lines are the fuel lines that are between the high pressure fuel pump and the high pressure fuel manifold and the fuel lines that are between the fuel manifold and cylinder head. These fuel lines are different from fuel lines on other fuel systems. This is because of the following differences: - · The high pressure fuel lines are constantly charged with high pressure. - · The internal pressures of the high pressure fuel lines are higher than other types of fuel system. - · The high pressure fuel lines are formed to shape and then strengthened by a special process

[2] Safety Standards for General Safety and Health Standards (Chaper 296-24 WAC)

Page 275

Open source document

Source excerpt

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ ## WAC 296-24-[redacted postal code] General requirements. - (1) You must ensure that fixed extinguishing system components and agents are designed and approved for use on the specific fire hazards they are expected to control or extinguish. - (2) You must notify employees and take the necessary temporary precautions to ensure their safety until the system is restored to operating order if for any reason a fixed extinguishing system becomes inoperable. Any defects or impairments must be properly corrected by trained personnel. - (3) You must provide a distinctive alarm or signaling system which complies with WAC [redacted identifier], and is capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels, on all extinguishing systems in those portions of the workplace covered by the extinguishing system to indicate when the extinguishing system is discharging. Discharge alarms are not required on systems where discharge is immediately recognizable. - (4) You must provide effective safeguards to warn employees against entry into discharge areas where the atmosphere remains hazardous to employee safety or health. - (5) You must post hazard warning or caution signs at the entrance to, and inside of, areas protected by fixed extinguishing systems which use agents in concentrations known to be hazardous to employee safety and health. - (6) You must ensure that fixed systems are inspected annually by a person knowledgeable in the design and function of the system to ensure that the system is maintained in good operating condition. - (7) You must ensure that the weight and pressure of refillable containers is checked at least semiannually. If the container shows a loss in net content or weight of more than 5%, or a loss in pressure of more than 10%, it must be

[3] CAT 335 Excavator Operation and Maintenance Manual

Page 35

Open source document

Source excerpt

- · Remember that nearly all the fluids on the machine are flammable, including coolant and oils. Additionally, plastics, rubbers, fabrics, and resins in fiberglass panels are also flammable. i06952417 ## Fire Extinguisher Location SMCS Code: 7000; 7419 <!-- image --> Illustration 57 g06188176 Installation of a fire extinguisher is recommended. Be familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher. Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher regularly. Obey the recommendations on the instruction plate. The recommended location for mounting the fire extinguisher is on the upper handrail on the right side of the machine. i01329108 ## Track Information SMCS Code: 4170; 7000 Track adjusting systems use either grease or oil under high pressure to keep the track under tension. Grease or oil under high pressure coming out of the relief valve can penetrate the body causing injury or death. Do not watch the relief valve to see if grease or oil is escaping. Watch the track or track adjustment cylinder to see if the track is being loosened. The pins and bushings in a dry track pin joint can become very hot. It is possible to burn the fingers if there is more than brief contact with these components. ## High Pressure Fuel Lines SMCS Code: 1000; 1274; 7000 <!-- image --> Contact with high pressure fuel may cause fluid penetration and burn hazards. High pressure fuel spray may cause a fire hazard. Failure to follow these inspection, maintenance and service instructions may cause personal injury or death. The high pressure fuel lines are the fuel lines that are between the high pressure fuel pump and the high pressure fuel manifold and the fuel lines that are between the fuel manifold and cylinder head. These fuel lines are different from fuel lines on other fuel systems. This is because of the following differences: - · The high pressure fuel lines are constantly charged with high pressure. - · The internal pressures of the high pressu

[4] CAT 330 GC Excavator Operation and Maintenance Manual

Page 35

Open source document

Source excerpt

- · Remember that nearly all the fluids on the machine are flammable, including coolant and oils. Additionally, plastics, rubbers, fabrics, and resins in fiberglass panels are also flammable. i06952417 ## Fire Extinguisher Location SMCS Code: 7000; 7419 <!-- image --> Illustration 56 g06188176 Installation of a fire extinguisher is recommended. Be familiar with the operation of the fire extinguisher. Inspect the fire extinguisher and service the fire extinguisher regularly. Obey the recommendations on the instruction plate. The recommended location for mounting the fire extinguisher is on the upper handrail on the right side of the machine. i01329108 ## Track Information SMCS Code: 4170; 7000 Track adjusting systems use either grease or oil under high pressure to keep the track under tension. Grease or oil under high pressure coming out of the relief valve can penetrate the body causing injury or death. Do not watch the relief valve to see if grease or oil is escaping. Watch the track or track adjustment cylinder to see if the track is being loosened. The pins and bushings in a dry track pin joint can become very hot. It is possible to burn the fingers if there is more than brief contact with these components. ## High Pressure Fuel Lines SMCS Code: 1000; 1274; 7000 <!-- image --> Contact with high pressure fuel may cause fluid penetration and burn hazards. High pressure fuel spray may cause a fire hazard. Failure to follow these inspection, maintenance and service instructions may cause personal injury or death. The high pressure fuel lines are the fuel lines that are between the high pressure fuel pump and the high pressure fuel manifold and the fuel lines that are between the fuel manifold and cylinder head. These fuel lines are different from fuel lines on other fuel systems. This is because of the following differences: - · The high pressure fuel lines are constantly charged with high pressure. - · The internal pressures of the high pressu

[5] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1075

Open source document

Source excerpt

L Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Provide replacement extinguishers or some method of coverage for the effected area while extinguishers are out of service for the maintenance check. Do internal examinations at intervals not longer than the requirements set in Table 2, using only persons or companies acceptable to local fire authorities. Nonrechargeable extinguishers are good for 12 years from the date of manufacture and then must be taken out of service. Table 2 - Internal Examination of Rechargable Extinguishers - * Dry chemical in cylinder-operated extinguishers is examined annually. - + The extinguishing agent in liquid charge-type AFFF and FFFP extinguishers is replaced every 3 years and an internal examination (teardown) is normally conducted at that time. The agent in solid charge-type AFFF extinguishers is replaced every 5 years during the periodic hydrostatic test and the teardown is done at that time. Note: Nonrechargeable extinguishers do not require internal examinations or hydrostatic testing. ## (3) Hydrostatic testing. You must: Assure a hydrostatic test of each extinguisher at intervals in Table 3 or when the extinguisher shows corrosion or physical damage. Use only persons or companies acceptable to local fire authorities to do hydrostatic testing.

[6] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1076

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Empty and do applicable maintenance every six years on stored pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test. This six-year requirement begins again after recharging or hydrostatic testing. ## Table 3 - Hydrostatic Test Table Note: Do not do hydrostatic testing on stored pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells before 1976. Keep a record of the hydrostatic test until it is replaced by a new record or the extinguisher is no longer in use. The record must have at least the date of test, test pressure, serial number of the extinguisher (or other unique identifier), and the person or company doing the test. ## (4) Employee training. You must: Train employees in the safe use of extinguishers and standpipe hoses when you require or allow their use. Training must be at first hiring and then annually and must include: The general methods and tactics of using an extinguisher. The hazards of using an extinguisher on early stage fires. Hazards associated with using standpipe hoses. Stat. Auth.: ORS 654.025(2) and 656.726(4). Stats. Implemented: RS 654.001 through 654.295. Hist: OR-OSHA Admin. Order 7-2007, f. 11/8/07, ef. 11/8/07. OR-OSHA Admin. Order 10-2008, f. 12/31/08, ef. 12/31/08.

Related Q&A

Keep exploring.

Human questionGeneral

Fire extinguisher needed for bulk fuel storage

Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Bulk Fuel Handling and Storage ================================================================= This document outlines the fire extinguisher requirements for the safe handling and storage of bulk fuel, considering potential fire hazards and regulatory compliance. It is based on

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Need a complete safety plan for a construction project

While the provided documents do not contain a complete construction safety plan, they offer valuable information that can be incorporated into one. Here's how you can use the information to develop key components of your plan: Hazard Communication: The SDS documents emphasize the importance of understanding the hazards

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Aluminum smelter

Safety in Aluminum Smelting Plants ================================== *Date:** 2025-08-24 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective The objective of this talk is to ensure everyone understands the hazards associated with aluminum smelting, how to protect

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

How long is fire extinguishers good for?

Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and maintained annually. A person licensed or registered by the State Fire Marshal must perform the annual servicing. This ensures the extinguisher is available and will operate effectively. [3] Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

build me a safe work procedure for 25th floor of a high rise

Safe Work Procedure: Working on the 25th Floor of a High-Rise Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME] 1. Scope This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety requirements and procedures for all work activities conducted on the

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Write a risk assessment for oil producer well with a passing DHSV

For an oil production well with a passing downhole safety valve (DHSV), the risk assessment should treat the condition as a well integrity and barrier management issue with potential for loss of containment, escalation to fire/explosion, toxic gas exposure, and major accident hazards. The assessment should be

Read the thread
Discussion thread

Add your experience.

Community answers can add practical context. They are moderated, but they are not SALUS-reviewed safety guidance.

New contributions are temporarily closed while the moderation queue is configured.

Community answers(0)

No community answers have been approved yet.

Comments on Rosie's answer(0)

No comments have been approved yet.

Ready to put operational safety to work?

Join 400K users across 150K sites already on SALUS.

No commitment · 30-minute personalized walkthrough