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. This is also a good benchmark for homeowners to follow. var currentUrl = window.location.href.toLowerCase(); 1926.150 (c) (1) Fire extinguishers and small hose lines. Similar to this Gates Fire District Self-Inspection Form Checklist which reviews grounds, interior doors, stairways, heating, air conditioning equipment, electrical equipment, control panels, housekeeping, and fire protection. Fire protection systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the International Fire Code. %PDF-1.6 % The employer shall provide the education required in paragraph (g)(1) of this section upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter. 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. Make sure the pull-pin is not missing and the pull pin seal is intact. OSHA Fire Extinguisher Requirements May Surprise You The Occupational Safety and Health Administration prohibits employees from using a portable fire extinguisher unless they've been trained. <<6669767D5D4825498323043EFF3E7044>]>> (+5 Key Benefits), What is a Backflow Preventer? You can download and, if you wish, customize this checklist according to your inspection needs. Use this fire extinguisher inspection checklist to check the following about the fire extinguisher: This annual fire extinguisher template can be used to determine if the equipment has undergone proper maintenance. Stay in the know about all things fire protection and life safety. Depending on jobsite conditions, there are many cases where the fire extinguisher sign (or other means of identification) needs to be placed very high (near the ceiling) above fire extinguishers (as opposed to right on top of it) to enable them to be located when the previously mentioned obstacles are present. Certification requires that a person take a test acceptable to the AHJ . Since there are many different types of extinguishers, there are slightly different requirements based on the extinguisher's characteristics. The employer shall assure that hose assemblies for carbon dioxide extinguishers that require a hydrostatic test are tested within a protective cage device. [, Provide alternate equivalent protection when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging. Is the extinguisher in a designated and unobstructed location? Nothing else should be used in place of the pin. Many employers choose to document their monthly inspections anyway. It needs to contain: For high pressure cylinders the testers identification number and the date must be stamped onto the shoulder, top, head, neck or foot ring. 0000002727 00000 n Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly. Click here.). This is conducted by a safety official from an authorized extinguisher company. (JdhJa]%ZE@xz ]|&ekC{4nck k!IkH&ul]y!Zj*Qze:ZNF}v)^PWT:tX. We're going to give you the information you need to pass that fire extinguisher inspection (Ha!! The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prohibits employees from using a portable fire extinguisher unless theyve been trained to recognize when and how to use it. The employer shall assure that acceptable self-generating type soda acid and foam extinguishers are tested at 350 psi (2,410 kPa). 0000001030 00000 n In addition, this provision requires employers to retain the inspection record for one year after the last entry or for the life of the shell, whichever is less, and to . They sit in your workplace or home day after day "just in case," but of course you hope you'll never have to use one, but in the event, you do we want you to be prepared in knowing your fire extinguisher is inspected and that you know everything you need to about fire extinguishers. All rights reserved.View Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and CCPA Privacy Policy, In earlier posts, we've described how to determine if an injury or illness at the workplace is work-related and recordable, and, if so, how to, Compliance training is an essential requirement in many industries, including facilities management and maintenance. }); if($('.container-footer').length > 1){ Larger fire extinguishers need to be mounted at lower heights with the carrying handle about 3 feet from the floor.. The extinguisher must then be completely dried to get rid of all of the water and is then reassembled and recharged. Portable fire extinguishers are required to be visually inspected when initially placed in service and at least monthly a at minimum of 30-day intervals thereafter [see NFPA 10(10), Sec. Record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. Pay particular attention to this fire extinguisher resource page and this page of OSHA fire extinguisher requirements. Follow these 5 key steps in inspecting fire extinguishers and conduct your checks with efficiency. xref The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers used for Class C hazards on the basis of the appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards. Fire extinguishers need to have an external maintenance examination conducted on a yearly basis, at the time of hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection discrepancy. 0000002184 00000 n Make sure you (and your extinguishers) can pass the following inspection items. The cylinders external metal parts should have no signs of damage or corrosion. 0000002985 00000 n HWnH}WZHm5"zm f gZTK]^|Vu*$bu:N_es~Lk|\>+'lf5 3B8>xA=j$\&Xm'\a7,`*f-|f:uJ'trUlAPFdv kcn 0BLm K!J,2YOb=/Td[y[k%bzI-T*6d6P~?B(^e$5-hxQGq18pg@:Cp2 \DT2K\";7{6^$i0sUK G[1Byxr}1=~?\-.0u7.niy-|{Z{(H$Vk/qyJ|7,0 234 0 obj <> endobj M!6SzNrP&;:4|y!x]csk2zoH=WU!~W>r&S_]cvi7yCQ@YI:k*_.%AiB*6"4my^T)"D1xl6LZ%k7PHL2}#xs5=h,|RYm.Eb~F=F}O$Gz Visually inspecting your fire extinguishers helps ensure several important points: What should you look for during a visual inspection? Extinguishers such as the dry chemical type requiring a 12 year hydrostatic test also require a 6 year internal examination. Privacy Policy Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION. A certified person needs to, at the very least, be familiar with the requirements in NFPA 10. Fire extinguisher inspection checklists can be customized to fit your needs. Paragraph (e)(3) of the Standard specifies that employers must subject each portable fire extinguisher to an annual maintenance inspection and record the date of the inspection. 7.2.1]. Are employees periodically instructed in the use of fire extinguishers and fire protection procedures. } Materials stacked on pallets or shelving could prevent the extinguisher from being seen, as could open doorways or parked equipment like forklifts. Step 1 - Walk up to the extinguisher and ensure it has a valid maintenance tag. Therefore, it is usually best to install a sign (or other means of identification) above a portable fire extinguisher so its location can be identified from a distance in case it is obstructed from view. %%EOF [, Assure that hydrostatic testing is performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities. 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. Chambers: There is no requirement to document the initial or annual refresher training and education sessions. The employer shall not provide or make available in the workplace portable fire extinguishers using carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane extinguishing agents. At a minimum, inspection needs to consist of the following steps: You are not required to be certified in order to perform an inspection; any knowledgeable, competent person should be able to do it. hb```f`` ,@Q;".V\D000vt00xt4Pe@:bQ) +:&)/m2b|y+_I9433&Cf` v H00>$@ " 0 Here they are: OSHA also makes some fire extinguisher selection and distribution requirements. Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist, Fire Extinguisher Self Inspection Checklist. Use, Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form (Annual), This annual fire extinguisher template can be used to determine if the equipment has undergone proper maintenance. (Not permitted), Occupational Safety & Health Administration. endstream endobj 248 0 obj<>/Size 234/Type/XRef>>stream Make sure to record observations and take photos for visual evidence, Automatically record the inspections and have date and timestamps to prove completion, Cloud storage for easy reference on all past fire extinguisher inspections. Are the operating instructions facing outwards? Portable fire extinguisher inspection is extremely important for the protection of businesses and homes especially since OSHA and Fire Codes require specific procedures when it comes to fire extinguishers in the workplace. Are automatic sprinkler system water control valves, air and water pressure checked periodically as required? A complete chart of test intervals for various types of equipment can be found here. U2JN>9B X4mDQ0^)Uo2++$t(e42DH()Di(}^tIR:)DN/dAIva)lE/s J(E(]at(A%a7YumMM:7(g(sz&V0m:/!^8Qbk!}=V)(m$.A\So:WH{S |lxn#B4JeGRE_+A*uL+ix . That collar needs to have: A hydrostatic test always begins with an internal and external examination of the extinguisher as described in the maintenance section. Depending on the type of inspection being performed, there are different recommendations and requirements for the time between inspections. Search and download FREE white papers from industry experts. Does OSHA require employers to document monthly equipment inspections? The inspector should sign and include the date on the fire extinguisher inspection checklist to confirm the completion of the inspection. Is not fully charged The interval of these procedures vary depending on what type of extinguisher is inspected (e.g. For example, a dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher must have an internal examination every 6 years, see NFPA 10 Table 7.3.3.1 for more details on other types of fire extinguishers. Even though fire extinguishers may not always be top of mind, there's nothing worse than needing an extinguisher in an emergency only to discover that it isn't charged and doesn't work. Be warned, however, OSHA has cited employers using these tags as evidence that monthly inspections were not performed because, even though the back of the tag had several months with the initials in place to document the inspections were conducted, there was one (or more) month where the initials were not entered. Fire Inspections are initiated by permit request or by citizen observed fire code violations. Here are the employee training requirements for portable fire extinguishers an OSHA inspector may want to investigate: The OSHA Small Business Compliance Guide offers this checklist for you to use: In addition to this article, you may find the following articles related to fire safety and fire extinguishers helpful: Finally, you may want to consider our online fire extinguisher safety training video. OSHA noes that "for smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees." [. The test interval shall be the same as specified for the extinguisher on which the hose is installed. 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. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request. . The equipment for testing non-compressed gas type cylinders shall consist of the following: A hydrostatic test pump, hand or power operated, capable of producing not less than 150 percent of the test pressure, which shall include appropriate check valves and fittings; A flexible connection for attachment to fittings to test through the extinguisher nozzle, test bonnet, or hose outlet, as is applicable; and. Portable fire extinguishers for Class D hazards are required in those combustible metal working areas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, or similarly sized products are generated at least once every two weeks. Virtual & Las Vegas | June 11-14, 2023. Filled with water for a specific amount of time and at a certain pressure and dried after. Are fire doors and shutters in good operating condition? This ensures your fire extinguisher is fully functional and can suppress a fire if needed. [, Make sure portable fire extinguishers are maintained, fully charged, operating properly, and kept in designated places at all times except during use. 270 0 obj <> endobj [, When the extinguisher has been burned in a fire. The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Members may download one copy of our sample forms and templates for your personal use within your organization. If you have questions regarding a fire inspection or a possible fire . At times incidents that occur can point out the need to focus on a particular industry or type of operation. $("span.current-site").html("SHRM China "); You have successfully saved this page as a bookmark. Does the extinguisher have a valid maintenance tag that is signed and dated? Locate and mount the fire extinguisher in a visible and unobstructed location. Annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspections should be performed by a professional fire protection company. [, Remove all soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid or self-generating foam or gas cartridge water type portable fire extinguishers that are operated by inverting the extinguisher to rupture the cartridge or to initiate an uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel the agent. 0000000616 00000 n 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. Employers are required by law to have the portable fire extinguishers visually inspected monthly. To the NFPA, accessible means easily located in the occurrence of a fire, usually in the normal path of travel. People who do hydrostatic testing need to know what they are doing because it can be dangerous if performed incorrectly. You need them to work at a moment's notice, so have them carefully inspected and tested to keep them ready. !--no pun intended on "PASS"). Download the Fire Extinguisher Location and Placement Fact Sheet, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2022, The value of Standards Development Organizations, Alternative Fuel Vehicles Safety Training, Certification for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Safety in living and entertainment spaces, Location and Placement of Fire Extinguishers - Fact Sheet, Where are Fire Extinguishers Required - Blog, Make sure it is located in its designated place, Make sure the extinguisher is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located, Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher, Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position, Make sure it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher or you can weigh it, For wheeled extinguishers, make sure the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle are acceptable, For nonrechargeable extinguishers, operate the push-to-test pressure indicators, Mechanical parts of all fire extinguishers, The name of the person conducting the test, The pressure at which the test was performed. 0000002763 00000 n These are done either every 5 or 12 years. Use this 16-item fire marshal inspection form to check all residential/rental properties for fire hazards and ensure that the property remains compliant with local fire safety requirements. $('.container-footer').first().hide(); Learn how SHRM Certification can accelerate your career growth by earning a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. This is something that is required by OSHA, so ensure that these checks get done on time. Summarize observations, record corrective actions, and sign the fire extinguisher inspection tag (if available) with your name/signature and date of inspection. The following parts are checked and tasks are completed during monthly fire extinguisher inspections. How to Conduct Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections Efficiently? That tag is good for one year from the date indicated. Dry chemical extinguishers need to be tested every 12 years. (Want to learn more about fire extinguisher inspections such the most common issues identified? 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: When the unit has been repaired by soldering, welding, brazing, or use of patching compounds; When the cylinder or shell threads are damaged; When there is corrosion that has caused pitting, including corrosion under removable name plate assemblies; When the extinguisher has been burned in a fire; or. Ensure your business is protected by installing the right type and number of fire extinguishers! trailer 0 This is not the only requirement for fire extinguisher use that may be surprising. What Should be Done During Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections? It can be used by approved extinguisher servicing professionals to identify defects and whether remedial action is required. Here are the OSHA requirements for fire extinguisher inspection, maintenance, and testing requirements: Inspect, maintain, and test all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. If the unit fails to pass the inspection, it must be repaired or replaced. What happens during an OSHA inspection, and what triggers them? Use this checklist to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations by checking that fire extinguishers are in good working order and up to code. A fire extinguisher checklist is a tool used by safety officers and facility managers when conducting scheduled fire extinguisher inspections. Chambers: OSHA requires that the employer shall mount portable fire extinguishers so they are accessible to employees. The fire extinguisher is mounted in an easily accessible place with no debris or material stacked in front of it. The employer shall assure that carbon dioxide hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle are hydrostatically tested at 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa). NFPA members and public sector officials may submit a question on an NFPA code or standard. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and puts the employees and the workplace in serious risk in the event of an incident. Are there initiates and a date at the back of the tag? 0000003290 00000 n 0000001587 00000 n Sign and enter the date of the monthly inspection on the annual maintenance tag. Also called a fire extinguisher inspection form, it allows inspectors to record details about the fire extinguishers such as label and maintenance tags. The employer shall remove from service all soldered or riveted shell self-generating soda acid or self-generating foam or gas cartridge water type portable fire extinguishers which are operated by inverting the extinguisher to rupture the cartridge or to initiate an uncontrollable pressure generating chemical reaction to expel the agent. The employer shall assure that all stored pressure and Halon 1211 types of extinguishers are hydrostatically tested at the factory test pressure not to exceed two times the service pressure. KbiUe/l/[of%y#3(5}:*?9JEhaTC4zmz%8OSD*l2;4l Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, Soda acid (soldered brass shells) (until 1/1/82), Cartridge operated water and/or antifreeze, Foam (soldered brass shells) (until 1/1/82), Dry chemical, stored pressure, with mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum shells, Dry chemical, cartridge or cylinder operated, with mild steel shells, Dry powder, cartridge or cylinder operated with mild steel shells. Make sure that the maintenance tag is valid. This is also a good benchmark for homeowners to follow. Step 2 - Ensure that the fire extinguisher is charged and the pressure gauge is "in the green" position. The tag or label needs to identify the following: Extinguishers also need a verification-of-service collar located around the neck of the container if an internal examination was conducted. A fire extinguisher checklist is a tool used by safety officers and facility managers when conducting scheduled fire extinguisher inspections. Dry chemical extinguishers that have non-refillable disposable containers are exempt from this requirement. The equipment shall be provided with an expansion indicator which operates with an accuracy within one percent of the total expansion or .1cc (.1mL) of liquid. Download, edit, or create your own fire extinguisher inspection templates with ease! 0000001288 00000 n (+Testing Requirements), Why You Should Partner with a UL-Listed Central Station, The extinguisher is still present in its designated location, No obstructions are blocking the equipment from view or from easy access, The extinguisher is fully charged and operational. "A^qd:9[/Qb(B^a!C6 G5"AV?q"q LC0H5^2{j)ne'U/q3&@$ {E@\s,CvHk4lE1NFhNYcZPbb#A&Gv2g7pvH{U[EfLsa?0\=Rak+,\GejFEBM Chambers: OSHA requires a visual inspection of all portable extinguishers be performed at least monthly, but does not have a requirement for documentation of monthly inspections, whereas the mandatory annual inspections and periodic maintenance inspections do have to be documented.
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