What 29 CFR 1926.150(c)(1)(viii) Says
Portable fire extinguishers (PFE) are an essential component of fire preparedness.
29 CFR 1926.150(c)(1)(viii) states: “Portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected periodically and maintained in accordance with Maintenance and Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA No. 10A-1970.” NFPA 10 is the standard for portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers require frequent inspections not to exceed 31 days. Additional requirements for annual inspections, required maintenance and hydrostatic testing which requires a certified professional, but more on that later. For general worksite purposes, this blog will be covering the monthly inspection process performed by any competent person.
NFPA 10
NFPA 10 states that the portable fire extinguisher (PFE) inspection process begins with the inspector confirming the correct location. However, in construction the locations may vary depending on the work performed in the area. 29 CFR 1926.150 Fire Protection and Prevention standard provides information on where extinguishers need to be located. 1926.150(c) states that PFEs shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area and that the travel distance between the protected area and the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.
Inspection Process
Next the PFE inspection process is to ensure the fire extinguisher is visible – this can be achieved by location markers, flags, signs or stickers. PFE stations are often made from bright red plastic or will have large signs indicating the PFE location. The point is that they must be conspicuously located and not obstructed.
Continuing the inspection process, the inspector must confirm that the PFE is accessible and not blocked in any way. PFE’s in cabinets must be free of obstructions that will prevent the cabinet door from opening. This is also true for fire extinguisher stands – the PFE must be accessible from all sides. Inspectors must clear the material and free the area around the PFE to allow access. For PFE’s in fixed locations, consider marking the floor around the PFE to designate the space not for storage. Do not tie fire extinguishers down with rope, wire, or any material that would make access difficult in an emergency.
Pressure Gauge
The following step is to check the pressure gauge on the PFE. The only acceptable position for the needle is in the green. The needle in the yellow or red indicates that the PFE is either over or undercharged. Extinguishers not in the green will not have sufficient pressure to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Part of the pressure gauge inspection requires verification of safety pin secured and affixed to the PFE by means of a tamper seal. The tamper seal holds the pin in place and prevents accidental discharge. If an extinguisher is missing the tamper seal, it must be replaced. The tamper seal holds the pin firmly but also breaks easily when pulled. This is to ensure the pin stays in place but also that an adult can break it and then use the PFE. do not secure Safety Pin with rope, wire, or zip-ties. Minimal effort needed when removing pin.
Ensure PFE Contains The Extinguishing Agent
Two methods: weighing or hefting the PFE. The weighing method is commonly used for extinguishers that do not have a pressure gauge. The weight of the extinguisher is confirmed by weighing the extinguisher and confirming the listed tag weight. Extinguishers with gauges use the Hefting process for inspection. Hefting requires the inspector to manually lift the PFE and overturn it to mix the extinguishing media in the cylinder. For ABC PFEs this would entail the inspector turning the PFE upside down and listening for the extinguishing media shift in the cylinder. If the media does not move on its own, the inspector can tap the bottom of the cylinder with their hand or a small rubber mallet. This process also ensures that the extinguishing media is loose and will flow properly from the nozzle.
The Last Step of Inspection
The final step for the inspector is to document the inspection on the monthly inspection tag (MIT). OSHA accepts documentation as proof that the PFE was inspected and is ready for use. Fire extinguishers require frequent inspections. 12-monthly inspections in a year.
Other important factors for PFE upkeep include intervals of maintenance and hydrostatic testing. Fire extinguisher maintenance cycles require disassembly of components for functionality check and reassembled after successful inspection. The same is true for hydrostatic testing with the added step of testing the cylinder for structural integrity. Any professional service will be able to identify what PFEs in your inventory require.
Summary
Portable fire extinguishers are a critical component to hot work operations at the jobsite. Inspecting fire extinguishers to ensure they are properly working condition provides safe working conditions at the project. Informed workers make safe projects and worksites. Hands on training is the best training you can provide your team. Trivent Safety’s OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 courses are excellent for providing a hands on safety training experience!
- Learn more about our OSHA 10 Course.
- Learn more about our OSHA 30 Course.
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