Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2008 - (Page 56)

Equipment Lifecycles NFPA 10: 30-day inspection of stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers Visual Is the extinguisher in the designated location? If no, locate the extinguisher or replace Physical Remove the extinguisher from hanger or bracket Check last inspection date Is the extinguisher due for the schedule maintenance or hydro test? Heft test – determine if extinguisher is full by lifting it Is the extinguisher accessible? Make sure the wall hanger or bracket is secured to the wall Are there obstacles in front of the extinguisher? If yes, remove obstacles Inspect discharge hose for material plugging the nozzle Is the pressure gauge in the green (charged) area? If no, remove from service Record inspection date Is the nameplate legible If no, remove from service Return extinguisher to designate plate Examine the extinguisher for damage If damage is found, remove from service Is the visual inspection seal in place? If no, check the extinguisher for tampering Is the valve step in the up position? If no, replace the extinguisher Figure 2 The diagram breaks down the monthly check in greater detail. Source: ANSUL Sentry Operation Recharge, Inspection, and Maintenance Manual (F-83171-3). 2000 Copyright Ansul Inc. extinguisher is to be placed in an area where it could be dislodged, it should be protected by securing it in a strap bracket or placing it in a cabinet. 4. Maintenance of extinguishers After you have selected and installed the extinguishers for your building, proper maintenance will ensure their effectiveness. According to NFPA’s manual, “extinguishers are to be maintained regularly, not more than one year apart, unless otherwise specified in the manual.” It is recommended that in addition to yearly checks, there should be monthly checks (see Figure 2), which can be conducted by a trainer. The purpose here is to reassess the effectiveness of the placement of the extinguisher, its visibility, accessibility, and the level on the pressure gauge. A yearly examination consisting of a complete check the externals of the unit should be conducted by someone who is fully trained, and in some jurisdictions, a certified extinguisher distributor. The goal is to determine if there are any repairs, recharging, or replacement of equipment necessary. If so, old extinguishers that no longer function must be replaced by a spare of the same type with at least equal ratings. 5. Disposal Once it’s been determined that an extinguisher needs to be disposed, follow the protocol below to avoid pollution and further accidents. It is recommended that you contact your local authorized distributor to see if they handle the disposal of extinguishers. Usually they are trained to handle this and it is also usually covered in their service. If disposing dry chemical, you need to obtain the material safety data sheets so that you can find out which chemicals are in the agent and their potential toxicity—information that could be required by a waste disposal company. Lastly, if you choose to dispose the extinguishers on your own, which is not recommended, destroy the shell by drilling holes of at least 9⁄16 inch so that it cannot be reused. This is mandatory because unused or empty shells gather rust and corrosion over time which makes them unsafe for use. Beranek is the standard products marketing manager for Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. He has been involved in portable extinguisher marketing for the past 10 years. He is an active member and current president of the Fire Equipment Manufacturers Assn. and serves as vice-chair for the group’s Government Relations Group. 56 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • NOVEMBER 2008

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Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2008 Contents Viewpoint News M/E Roundtable Comissioning Lighting Controls Prevent Plugholing: Smoke Control Done Right Commercial Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Design Codes &�Standards Case Study New Products Equipment Lifecycles Advertiser Index Green Space

Consulting-Specifying Engineer - November 2008

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