46 CFR 91.25-20: Inspection of fire extinguishing equipment

(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection and at other times necessary, the inspector will determine that all fire-extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and may require any tests necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector will determine if the tests and inspections required by § 97.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted. At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector will check fire-extinguishing equipment with the following tests and inspections:

(1) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 91.25-7) as amended here:

(i) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.

(ii) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iii) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iv) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.

Table 91.25-20(a)(1) Type unit Test Soda acid Discharge.

Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly.

Recharge.

Foam Discharge.

Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly.

Recharge.

Pump tank (water or antifreeze) Discharge.

Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly.

Recharge with clean water or antifreeze.

Cartridge operated (water, antifreeze or loaded stream) Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if cartridge is otherwise determined to have leaked or to be in unsuitable condition.

Remove liquid.

Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly.

Recharge with clean water, solution, or antifreeze.

Insert charged cartridge.

Carbon Dioxide Weigh cylinders.

Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of charge.

Inspect hose and nozzle to be sure they are clear. 1 Dry chemical (cartridge-operated type) Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if cartridge is otherwise determined to have leaked or to be in unsuitable condition.

Inspect hose and nozzle to see they are clear.

Insert charged cartridge.

Be sure dry chemical is free-flowing (not caked) and chamber contains full charge.

Dry chemical (stored pressure type) See that pressure gage is in operating range.

If not, or if seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine that full charge of dry chemical is in extinguisher.

Recharge if pressure is low or if dry chemical is needed.

Vaporizing liquid 2 (pump type) Pump a few strokes into clean pail and replace liquid.

Keep water out of extinguisher or liquid.

Keep extinguisher completely full of liquid.

Vaporizing liquid 2 (stored pressure type) See that pressure gage is in operating range.

Weigh or check liquid level to determine that full charge of liquid is in extinguisher.

Recharge if pressure is low or if liquid is needed. 1 Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections and discharge hoses of semi-portable carbon dioxide and halon extinguishers must be tested or renewed, as required by §§ 147.60 and 147.65 of this chapter. 2 Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic vaporizing liquids shall be removed from all vessels.

(See § 95.50-5(e) of this subchapter.)

(2) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be checked as noted in Table 91.25-20(a)(2). In addition, all parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems, must be examined for excessive corrosion and general conditions.

Table 91.25-20(a)(2) Type system Test Foam Systems utilizing a soda solution must have that solution replaced. In all cases, ascertain that powder is not caked Carbon dioxide Weigh cylinders. Recharge cylinder if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the weight of the charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed carbon dioxide systems must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65 Halon 1301 and halocarbon Recharge or replace if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of the weight of the charge or if cylinder has a pressure gauge, recharge cylinder if pressure loss exceeds 10 percent, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections to Halon 1301 and halocarbon cylinders must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65 or 147.67. NOTE: Halon 1301 system approvals have expired, but existing systems may be retained if they are in good and serviceable condition to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard inspector. Inert gas Recharge or replace cylinder if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5 percent of the specified gauge pressure, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed inert extinguishers must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.66. Water mist Maintain system in accordance with the maintenance instructions in the system manufacturer's design, installation, operation, and maintenance manual.

(3) On all fire-extinguishing systems, all piping controls, valves, and alarms must be checked to ascertain that the system is in operating condition. In this respect steam smothering lines must be checked with at least a 50 p.s.i. air pressure with the ends capped or by blowing steam through the lines at the designed pressure.

(4) The fire main system must be operated and the pressure checked at the most remote and highest outlets. All firehose must be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service, but not less than 100 p.s.i.