PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures to be followed for the routine inspection of the fire extinguishers located throughout Lock Haven University. It is believed that by providing a thorough examination of the fire extinguishers on a scheduled basis the possibility of that equipment operating efficiently and safely in the event of a fire emergency is greatly enhanced.

SCOPE

University-wide.

POLICY

Fire extinguishers for the university are to be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10. The following procedures are to be followed for fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance.

PROCEDURES

I. Inspections

Extinguishers are to be inspected when initially placed into service and monthly thereafter. The monthly periodic inspections of fire extinguishers are to include a check of the following items:

· Located in designated place

· No obstruction to access or visibility

· Operating instructions on the extinguisher nameplate is legible and facing outwards

· Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing

· Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operating range or position

· Determine fullness by weighting or “hefting”

· Examine unit for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, clogged nozzle, or missing parts

Any extinguisher not in compliance with the above inspection criteria is to be taken out of service immediately and replaced with an extinguisher from the reserve supply that meets compliance.

Any extinguisher removed from service is to be sent to a fire extinguisher service company for applicable repairs and maintenance procedures. If the extinguisher cannot be repaired, it is to be removed from service and inventory.

If the defective extinguisher is a halogenated agent type, it is to be removed from service, not discharged, and returned either to the manufacturer or to fire equipment dealer permitted to recovery of the halon.

II. Recordkeeping

Records are to be kept on those extinguishers requiring corrective action. This information will be noted on the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log.

Personnel making the extinguisher inspections are to record the date of the inspection and put their initials on the tag attached to the extinguisher. If any extinguisher is found without a tag, this should be noted on the log, the extinguisher removed from service, inspected by the fire equipment company, and a new tag placed on the extinguisher designating the date of the service company inspection.

III. Maintenance

Each extinguisher is to have an annual maintenance service performed by a qualified licensed fire equipment service company in accordance with recognized practice as outlined in NFPA 10. This inspection is to include any testing such as, hydrostatic, conductivity, internal inspection, or weighing.

Records of extinguisher maintenance by outside service companies will be kept on file in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

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