PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Best Practice
This practice will ensure that portable fire extinguishers are available, in their designated places, and will operate in an emergency. This practice defines guidelines for equipment inspection, testing and maintenance.
Program Scope
This program applies to all portable fire extinguishers located in University buildings. The program mandates documented extinguisher monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, and periodic testing, and employee training.
Responsibilities
FACILITIES DEPARTMENT
- Perform a monthly visual test on portable fire extinguishers located on University campuses,
- Ensure each unit is appropriately tagged to document the monthly visual inspection.
- Ensure the contracted yearly and periodic maintenance is completed as required.
- Staff training
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
A. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and the location of the extinguisher must be clearly identified.
B. Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition, and kept in their designated places at
all times when not in use
C. Cabinets housing extinguishers shall not be locked. Exception: Where extinguishers are subject to vandalism, locked
cabinets may be used provided they include a means of emergency access.
D. Extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
E. Operating instructions shall be located on the front of the extinguisher. Other labels and markings shall not be placed on the
front. Exception: In addition to the manufacturer's label, other labels that specifically relate to the operation, classification or
warning information shall be permitted on the front.
F. Monthly inspection, testing, and maintenance records shall be maintained on the premises for a minimum of 3 years
III. MONTHLY INSPECTIONS:
A. Davenport University Facilities Department staff will visually inspect all extinguishers when initially placed in service and monthly thereafter. Inspections will occur at more frequent intervals if circumstances require.
B. The visual inspection shall consist of verifying:
1. the extinguisher is present and in its designated place,
2. clear access to and unobstructed view of the extinguisher,
3. the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and face outward.,
4. the seals, pin, and tamper indicators are not broken or missing,
5. the unit shows no physical damage, corrosion, leakage, a clogged nozzle or any condition that might
prevent operation,
6. the pressure indicator is in the operable range position
C. Any defective extinguisher must be removed from service and replaced with an extinguisher of equal rating (Class ABC, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class K).
D. The date the inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection shall be recorded on the maintenance tag attached to the extinguisher. The Facility Director will maintain this tag on the premises for at least three years.
IV. RECHARGING:
A. A recharged extinguisher must have a tag or label attached to that indicates the month and year recharging was performed. This tag to include the name of the person or company performing the service. The Facility Director will maintain this tag on the premises for at least three years.
B. Any extinguisher that has undergone maintenance which includes an internal examination or has been recharged is required to have a “Verification of Service” collar installed around the neck of the extinguisher.
C. The exception to this rule is carbon dioxide extinguishers that have been recharged
without removal of the valve assembly.
V. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS/MAINTENANCE and HYDROSTATIC TESTING
A. Only a contractor trained and licensed in portable fire extinguisher service will conduct the annual inspection, six year and 12 year recharging, and 12 year hydrostatic testing.
B. Each fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label secured to it indicating the date and the contracted person who performed the appropriate service. The Facility Director will maintain this tag on the premises for at least three years.