The fire extinguisher is mounted in an easily accessible place with no debris or material stacked in front of it. Employers are required by law to have the portable fire extinguishers visually inspected monthly. These are done not only for compliance with the law but also because employers need to ensure that the extinguishers are going to work in case of a fire. Please note that all such forms and policies should be reviewed by your legal counsel for compliance with applicable law, and should be modified to suit your organizations culture, industry, and practices. The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. We're going to give you the information you need to pass that fire extinguisher inspection (Ha!! 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. 'Cuz that's what they're there for anyway, right? How to Conduct Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections Efficiently? The inspection tag should be available and shows the signature and date/s when the fire extinguisher is inspected. A certified person needs to, at the very least, be familiar with the requirements in NFPA 10. Any fire protection system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system. var currentLocation = getCookie("SHRM_Core_CurrentUser_LocationID"); [ 29 CFR 1910.157 (e) (1)] Visually inspect portable extinguishers or hoses monthly. Build specialized knowledge and expand your influence by earning a SHRM Specialty Credential. 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. Weigh the extinguisher to make sure its full, If its a wheeled extinguisher, check the condition of the external parts like the wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzles, If its a non-rechargeable extinguisher, make sure that the push-to-test indicators are working, Make sure the extinguishers are in a designated place, and nothing is blocking their access or visibility, Hang it up so that the nameplate is legible and visible. Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections - Once per Month According to OSHA [29 CFR 1910.157 (e) (2), employers must perform a visual inspection on portable fire extinguishers at least once per month. 0000002985 00000 n Use, Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form (Annual), This annual fire extinguisher template can be used to determine if the equipment has undergone proper maintenance. Employers are also advised to establish a policy clarifying who is qualified to use fire extinguishers, the situations in which they can and should be used, and the proper procedures for use. Indicate the overall condition of the extinguisher if pass or fail. 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. Yes, fire extinguisher inspection is a requirement. 0 How high do the Fire Extinguisher signs need to be installed above the extinguishers? This fire extinguisher checklist PDF template will allow your business to maintain regular inspections regarding fire protection and prevention, a vital component of any robust health and safety workplace policy. Make sure the pressure gauge indicates the needle to be in the green zone. These If you have questions regarding a fire inspection or a possible fire . General Requirements The selection of extinguishers for a given situation shall be determined by the character of the fires anticipated, the construction and occupancy of the individual property, the vehicle or hazard to be protected, ambient-temperature conditions, and other factors. Extinguishers need to have an internal examination conducted at anywhere from 1-6 year intervals depending on the type of extinguisher. Fire extinguisher inspection checklists can be customized to fit your needs. Check the pressure gauge to make sure the indicator is in the operating range. Failure to comply can lead to penalties and puts the employees and the workplace in serious risk in the event of an incident. The employer shall maintain and provide upon request to the Assistant Secretary evidence that the required hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers has been performed at the time intervals shown in Table L-1. Make sure that the maintenance tag is valid. Each fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates that maintenance was performed. Portable Fire Extinguishers Standard (Annual Maintenance Certification 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. 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. If you have outside private fire hydrants, are they flushed at least once a year and on a routine preventive maintenance schedule? 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. Curtis Chambers, CSP, president of OSHA Training Services, provided the following commonly asked questions (and answers) about portable fire extinguishers hes encountered while conducting mock OSHA inspections. NFPA members and public sector officials may submit a question on an NFPA code or standard. Look for obvious signs of physical damage, such as corrosion, leakage, or dents. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2022. Terms of Use And more importantly, go back and identify all those workers who were absent due to sickness, vacation or other reasons on training day and get them into a make-up session so you can document their attendance. 310 0 obj <>stream How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected? - Impact Fire Services To summarize the downloadable fire extinguisher audit . xb```b``c`a``c@ >r,``87% $X*T2%L``R RL lpH&@1 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. Such evidence shall be in the form of a certification record which 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 that was tested. You should inspect extinguishers more frequently if they are installed in locations where they are more prone to rust, impact or tampering. Monthly inspection is important as it helps ensure that the extinguisher is fully charged and operational; no obstructions are blocking the . Stay in the know about all things fire protection and life safety. The employer shall assure that carbon dioxide hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle are hydrostatically tested at 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa). This is also a good benchmark for homeowners to follow. var currentUrl = window.location.href.toLowerCase(); The employer shall distribute portable fire extinguishers for use by employees on Class B fires so that the travel distance from the Class B hazard area to any extinguisher is 50 feet (15.2 m) or less. Read on to discover the best fire extinguisher testing schedule for optimal safety and compliance. Date and initial the back of the tag to log the monthly visual inspection. 0000002680 00000 n (JdhJa]%ZE@xz ]|&ekC{4nck k!IkH&ul]y!Zj*Qze:ZNF}v)^PWT:tX. [, Assure that portable extinguishers are hydrostatically tested at the intervals listed in, When the unit has been repaired by soldering, welding, brazing, or use of patching compounds. [, 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, Distribute portable fire extinguishers for use on Class B fires so that the travel distance for employees to any extinguisher is 50 feet (15.2 meters) or less. Make sure it is full by turning it upside down at least three times. This is conducted by a safety official from an authorized extinguisher company. Or, more to the point, if an OSHA inspector were inspecting your workplace, would your fire extinguishers pass muster with the inspector? This fire extinguisher inspection checklist is used to sufficiently do a fire extinguisher inspection in less than 3 minutes. [, Mount, locate, and identify portable fire extinguishers so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury. Proper testing and maintenance of your workplace's portable fire extinguishers does more than fulfill some OSHA and NFPA requirementsit ensures the safety of your employees and your business. } Never miss a blog article. Make sure that you capture the names of all trained employees attending the sessions. (+5 Key Benefits), What is a Backflow Preventer? The extinguisher then has many of its components removed so it is stripped down to pretty much just the shell and hose and is filled with water at a certain pressure for a certain time. We design and install fire alarm systems and voice evacuation systems that meet or exceed the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), local codes, and the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) standard 72. This fire extinguisher maintenance checklist is used to document two important processes after fire extinguisher maintenance: 1) Recharging and 2) Hydrostatic Testing. [, Visually inspect portable extinguishers or hoses monthly. Crucial in maintaining the safety of the workplace and complying with regulations, regular fire extinguisher inspections need not be too tedious or time-consuming. NFPA 10-2018: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers Are employees periodically instructed in the use of fire extinguishers and fire protection procedures. If you have a fire alarm system, is it certified as required and tested annually? Does the extinguisher have a valid maintenance tag that is signed and dated? Replace the tamper seal and tag the extinguisher. Commercial buildings are required to have professional fire protection companies perform an annual inspection and a six-year internal inspection with complete extinguisher breakdown. xref Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services in West Michigan Cofessco Fire Protection An internal examination can also be required as part of your maintenance. NFPA Code 10: Fire ExtinguishersWhat You Need to Know - The Home Depot There's a good chance an OSHA inspector will want to see some of your written safety plans at work. Maintenance procedures must include the procedures detailed in the manufacturer's service manual and a thorough examination of the basic elements of the fire extinguisher, including the following: This is completed by doing an external examination. } [29 CFR 1910.38(b)]. Your session has expired. Is proper clearance maintained below sprinkler heads? trailer A new law regarding the fire extinguishers that must be carried aboard recreational boats goes into effect April 20, 2022. The employer shall provide the training required in paragraph (g)(3) of this section upon initial assignment to the designated group of employees and at least annually thereafter. Step 2 - Ensure that the fire extinguisher is charged and the pressure gauge is "in the green" position. OSHA requires all employers and owners of buildings to conduct a visual inspection of all fire extinguishers at their disposal at least once per month. 1910.157 - Portable fire extinguishers. | Occupational Safety and Verify the date of the last professional inspection. The following items need to be recorded: These records need to be maintained for at least 12 months. Impact Fire Services, LLC | All rights reserved. Find the latest news and members-only resources that can help employers navigate in an uncertain economy. Visually inspecting your fire extinguishers helps ensure several important points: Extinguishers need to have an internal examination conducted at anywhere from 1-6 year intervals depending on the type of extinguisher. Complete the report by providing a digital signature. The mechanical parts the nozzle, body, handle, pin and seal, lever, and dip tube. Are there any obvious signs of physical damage, corrosion, or leakage? Is your local fire department familiar with your facility, its location and specific hazards? 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. [, Distribute portable fire extinguishers for use on Class C hazards on the appropriate pattern for the existing Class A or Class B hazards. 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Oversight of the Fire Extinguisher department such as: fire extinguisher inspections & services; pre-engineered inspections, services, & installs; and fire alarm & security inspections & services. Once a fire extinguisher passes its annual maintenance, it is verified with a dated inspection tag. 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. 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. Nothing else should be used in place of the pin. Chambers: There is no requirement to document the initial or annual refresher training and education sessions. Are fire door and shutter fusible links in place? Here's a step-by-step checklist for performing your own monthly fire extinguisher inspection. 0000003213 00000 n This page provides basic information about Medicare and/or Medicaid provider compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code (LSC) and NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (HCFC) requirements and includes links to applicable laws, regulations, and compliance information. Location of extinguisher is easily identifiable by signs. 292 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<991CB94F47C391419C54DD1BD2D9551D><7B4180E2CF091B4E9DD104B282ED6DDC>]/Index[270 41]/Info 269 0 R/Length 107/Prev 123772/Root 271 0 R/Size 311/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream To request permission for specific items, click on the reuse permissions button on the page where you find the item. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. Please confirm that you want to proceed with deleting bookmark. Virtual & Las Vegas | June 11-14, 2023. OSHA does provide some exemptions. 0000005687 00000 n This is something that is required by OSHA, so ensure that these checks get done on time.