Attachment_J.8_NSA_FIRE_EXTINGUISHER_INSPECTION_PROCEDURES_AND_TRAINING_PLAN.pdf

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Procedures and Training Plan

Purpose:

NSA PC requires that all fire extinguishers be inspected on a monthly basis to insure that the devices will work properly if needed, minimizing injury and property damage from fire. This procedure and training plan is intended to meet National Fire Protection Association and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. The primary purpose is to provide direction and responsibility on monthly inspections for all fire extinguishers at facilities at NSA PC.

Procedure:

1. The NSA PC Fire Department (Code N30) maintains records for each facility. This documents every known extinguisher at NSA PC excluding vehicle extinguishers and includes information by type of extinguisher, by location and certain inspection information.

2. On the first working day of each month, building managers will notify the fire warden of their responsibility to conduct a monthly fire inspection.

3. As part of the inspection, if the fire extinguisher meets all the inspection requirements below, the inspector will annotate his/hers initials and date on the label attached to the fire extinguisher or on an inspection checklist form maintained on file. During the inspection, should any part of the fire extinguisher fail to meet the requirements, the NSA PC Fire Department shall be notified immediately.

4. All fire extinguishers are to be inspected monthly within the first five (5) working days by the fire warden or alternate. If the fire warden or alternate is not available then the inspection is the responsibility of the building manager.

How to Inspect:

1. Insure access to the extinguisher is not blocked and that the cabinet door, if any, opens easily. No cabinets should be locked!

2. The pressure should be within the recommended level on extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown below). The needle should be in the green zone. If the needle is not in the green zone, the extinguisher requires professional maintenance and this should be noted on the inspection report and the NSA PC Fire Department shall be notified immediately.

3. Verify the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal through the pin ring is not broken.

4. Visually inspect the hose and nozzle to ensure they are in good condition. No debris should collect inside the horn or hose/nozzle of any type of extinguisher..

5. Visually inspect the extinguisher for dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of abuse/wear and note any findings on the inspection report. If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, contact the NSA PC Fire Department.

6. Fire extinguishers must have a six year maintenance inspection and be pressure tested

(a process called hydrostatic testing) every 12 years to ensure the cylinder is safe to use. A separate inspection tag will indicate this testing and display all maintenance and hydrostatic testing dates noted. If an extinguisher requires this service, contact the NSA PC Fire Department.

7. For Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers, inspections shall only be a visible inspection.

DO NOT pick up the extinguisher for the purpose of weight testing. The NSA PC Fire Department will conduct the weight test on an annual basis.

8. If the fire extinguisher meets all the above requirements, date and initial the white tag, the inspection checklist maintained on file, or the electronic copy. The red tag is for maintenance inspections ONLY! Verify the red tag is within the six year maintenance test and the 12 year hydrostatic test inspection.

Training and Record Keeping

1. Fire Wardens will receive fire extinguisher inspection training by reviewing this document upon designation of new assignment and annually thereafter.

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2. Training is the responsibility of the building manager. Training is located on the S:

drive under S:\PNMA\Safety_All_Hands\Fire Extinguisher\Fire Extinguisher Inspection Procedure and Training Plan.doc.

3. Annual training will be documented and records will be maintained by the building manager. The training may also be documented into ESAMS.

Documentation

1. The building manager shall annually review these procedures with the NSA PC Fire Department. Changes will be made as necessitated by NFPA, OSHA, and Navy Regulations.

2. This training will be maintained for public access on the NSA PC Local Access Network, under Safety_All_Hands.

Points of Contact

1. Should any questions arise, please contact the NSA Fire Inspector, Mr. Tom Seaman at 235-5592 or email to thomas.seaman@navy.mil or NSA Safety Manager Mr. Todd Landon at 230-7281.

mailto:thomas.seaman@navy.mil