Portable fire extinguishers

A monthly visual inspection of fire extinguishers by a competent person should be made and documented. A trained person who has undergone the instructions necessary to reliably perform maintenance and has the manufacturer s service manual should service the fire extinguishers on at least an annual frequency. 

Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers should include a check of at least the following items  

The date the inspection was performed and the initials of the person performing the inspection should be recorded. Records should be kept on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, on an inspection checklist maintained on file, or in an electronic system that provides a permanent record. 

A conductivity test should be conducted annually on all carbon dioxide hose assemblies. Hose assemblies found to be nonconductive should be replaced. Pressure regulators provided with wheel-typed fire extinguishers 

Maintenance, servicing, and recharging should be performed by trained persons having available the appropriate servicing manuals, the proper types of tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and manufacturer s recommended replacement parts or parts specifically listed for use in the specific fire extinguisher. 

The classes of portable fire extinguishers manufactured and used in the USA are defined below. Other countries have similar classifications (although these may not be exactly the same). 

Class A fire extinguishers are usually water based. Water provides a heat-absorbing (cooling) effect on the burning material to extinguish the fire. Pressurized water extinguishers use air under pressure to expel the water. 

The extinguishing agent in a class C fire extinguisher must be electrically non-conductive. Both carbon dioxide and dry chemicals can be used in electrical fires. An advantage of carbon dioxide is that it leaves no residue after the fire is extinguished. When electrical equipment is not energized, extinguishers for class A or B fires may be used. 

The extinguisher label gives operating instructions and identifies the class, or classes, of fire on which the extinguisher may be used safely. Approved extinguishers also carry the labels of the laboratories at which they were tested. 

The following are basic types of equipment used to tight and control fires. The first type of equipment known as a fixed systan includes automatic sprinklers, standpipe hoses, and various pipes systems. Supplement fixed systems by providing appropriate types and sizes of portable extinguishers. Train personnel who are expected to use portable fire extinguishers on their operation and safe use (Table 9.9). 

Developing a Safety and Health Program, Second Edition 

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Portable fire extinguishers are classified according to appHcabiHty Class A for soHd combustibles Class B for flammable Hquids Class C for electrical fires that require a nonconducting agent and Class D for combustible metals. Water frequently is used for Class A extinguishers bicarbonates for Class B and Class BC carbon dioxide or Freon for Class C ammonium phosphate for Class ABC and powdered salt, sodium chloride, for Class D. 

Withdrawn) 1987 AMD 3 Portable fire extinguishers (AMD 8585) dated 15 December 1995. Withdrawn, superseded by BS 7863 1996, BS 7867 1997 and BS EN 3-1 to 6 (Withdrawn) 1977 Components of automatic fire detection systems. Part 1 Introduction. Withdrawn, superseded by BS EN 54-1 1996... 

AMD 2 Recommendations for colour coding to indicate the extinguishing media contained in portable fire extinguishers (AMD 9740) dated October 1997. With BS EN 3 Parts 1 to 6, supersedes BS 5423 1987... 

Portable fire extinguishers. Description, duration of operation. Class A and B fire test. With BS EN 3-2 to 6 and BS 7863 1996, Superseded BS 5423 1987 (still cuiTcnt)... 

AMD 1 Portable fire extinguishers. Provisions for the attestation of conformity of portable fire extinguishers m accordance with EN 3 Parts 1 to 5 (AMD 10494) dated September 1999. With BS EN 3-1 to 5 and BS 7863 1996, superseded BS 5423 1987 Eire detection and fire alarm systems. Introduction, supersedes BS 5445 Part 1 1977... 

Sprinklers and fire protection systems are required by NFPA Codes, but are often dependent on the overall size of the facility and quantity of stored flammable/combustible material. The wisest course of action is to provide heat and smoke detectors in each laboratory and provide a sprinkler system at least in the hallways. Each laboratory should have at least one ABC portable fire extinguisher. Computers have become more important to laboratories than ever. Halon fire extinguishing systems are available which are nondestructive to both electronic equipment and human life. These should be employed for fire protection. 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 10. Portable Fire Extinguishers. NFPA, Quincy, MA, 1990... 

Fire fighting equipment should be mounted at heights that are easily accessible by the average person. This includes portable fire extinguishers, hose connections to fire hydrants, access to emergency shutoff valves, emergency stop/ESD push buttons, etc. 

Three illustrated data sheets cover the choice siting, care and maintenance and use of portable fire extinguishers [1]. Detailed accounts of modem extinguishing... 

Carbon tetrachloride was at one time widely used in industry, and still is to a certain extent, although its use as a degreaser or common solvent has been banned in many jurisdictions. Until recently, however, it was commonly used as a degreaser and a solvent for oils, fats, lacquers, varnishes, rubber waxes, and resins. Two of its most common uses were in the dry cleaning industry and in portable fire extinguishers. 

Sodium bicarbonate- and borax bicarbonate-based dry chemicals were among the first dry agents used in portable fire extinguishers. About 1960, the sodium bicarbonate dry chemical was modified to make it compatible with protein-based, low-expansion foam to create a dual agent extinguishing system. Shortly thereafter, the more effective Purple K based extinguishers replaced sodium bicarbonate extinguishers. 

This section covers recommendations for the selection, location, and installation of portable fire extinguishers. 

Portable fire extinguishers purchased in the United States should be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Extinguishers for marine use should bear the label of the U.S. Coast Guard or other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Extinguishers and agents purchased outside the United States should be approved by the AHJ, such as the governmental authority. 

Potential fire hazard areas should be considered when locating fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers should be distributed within the areas, in conformance with NFPA 10. Guidance on the location of portable fire extinguishers necessary to protect property is outlined below. 

Portable fire extinguishers should be shown in their proposed locations on process unit or area plot plans and on building floor plans. A list of the extinguishers and their locations should be made for inspection and maintenance purposes. 

Portable fire extinguishers should be installed, located, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. For sizing and placement purposes. Class A laboratory units should be rated as extra (high) hazard, and Class B, Class C, and Class D laboratory units should be rated as ordinary (moderate) hazard. 

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