Fire Extinguishers - SOW
Fire Extinguishers - SOW
Fire Extinguishers - SOW
Background
In order to ensure that fire extinguishers are available and operate properly when needed. Both civil
defense certification requirements and NFPA requirements mandate that all industries properly inspect,
test and maintain their fire extinguishers. Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not
discharging when required, or rupturing when pressurized. Deaths have occurred, even in recent times,
from corroded extinguishers exploding.
Maintenance” is a thorough examination and repair, as needed. Maintenance is required every 6
months – more frequently when indicated by a routine monthly inspection. Maintenance is also
required whenever extinguishers undergo hydrostatic testing. Because maintenance is required to
include a thorough examination of the mechanical parts, extinguishing agent and expelling means of
each portable fire extinguisher, an approved extinguisher servicing company must perform it. It should
be noted that new tamper seals are required to be installed whenever maintenance is performed on
rechargeable fire extinguishers.
In view of above, ODC HSSE department would like to allocate the above task to an approved servicing
company.
Scope of Work
Hydrostatic testing at certain intervals, fire extinguishers are required to be pressure tested
using water or some other non-compressible fluid to help prevent unwanted failure or
rupture of the cylinder .This is called hydrostatic testing and includes both an internal and
external examination of the cylinder. Because this testing requires special training and
equipment, it needs to be performed by an approved extinguisher servicing company.
Hydrostatic testing intervals for fire extinguishers are outlined in NFPA 10(98), Sec. 5-2 and
Table 5- 2. Test intervals for some of the most commonly found extinguishers are as
follows:
Pressurized water, carbon dioxide and wet chemical extinguishers – every 5
years
Dry chemical extinguishers – every 12 years.
Hydrostatic testing NFPA 10(98), Sec. 5-6.1 requires that a permanent record be maintained
for each cylinder tested. In addition:
High-pressure cylinders (e.g. carbon dioxide) that pass the hydrostatic test
must be stamped with the tester’s identification number and the month and
year of the test.
Low-pressure cylinders (e.g. dry chemical, wet chemical, pressurized water)
that pass the hydrostatic test must have the test information recorded on a
metallic label, or similar durable material, affixed to each extinguisher that
indicates the month and year the test was performed, the test pressure
used, and the initials or name of the person performing the service and the
name of the company they represent.
Six-month maintenance is required to be recorded on a metallic label, or similar durable
material, affixed to each extinguisher that indicates the month and year the maintenance
was performed, the initials or name of the person performing the service and the name of
the company they represent.
Mandatory Requirements
1. Service provider should be civil defense approved contractor provide CD permits).