Safety Procedure : Statutory Requirement For Discarding Fire Extinguisher

 

Topic : Safety Procedure  : Fire Extinguisher

Statutory requirement for Discarding fire extinguisher "Guideline is given in IS 2190.

The rejected fire extinguishers should be cut centrally across the body and made unusable before disposal so as to prohibit their subsequent use. The date of rejection and the mode disposal should be recorded in the register fire extinguisher.

We need to consider the life of extinguishers also for discarding the same from service.

Below info is for your reference.
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Refilling and Maintenance of Fire Extinguisher as per IS 2190
Sr. No.	Type Of Fire Extinguisher	Life of Fire Extinguisher	Refilling Cycle	Hydraulic Pressure Test	Remarks
1	Water Type- stored Pressure	10 Yrs	2 Yrs	3 yrs
2	Mechanical Foam Type-Stored Pressure	10 Yrs	2 Yrs	3 yrs
3	BC & ABC Type	10 Yrs	3 yrs	3 yrs
4	Water Type -Gas Cartridge-9 litre	10 Yrs	3 yrs	3 yrs
5	Mechanical Foam Type--Gas Cartridge-9 litre	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
6	Water Type -Gas Cartridge-50 litre	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
7	Mechanical Foam Type--Gas Cartridge-50 litre	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
8	Carbon Dioxide type-Portable & trolley Mounted	15 Yrs	5 yrs	5 yrs
9	BC & ABC Type -Trolley Mounted	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
10	DCP for Metal Fires	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
11	Clean Agents	10 Yrs	5 yrs	3 yrs
Life of extinguishers shall be considered from date of manufacture of extinguishers.
In case of failure in hydraulic pressure testing, extinguisher shall be rejected immediately before the life time given above.

As per the IS 2190, Annex D & E, under clauses 4.6.1, 12.3, 12.2.1 & 12.2.2; refilling & HPT (Hydraulic Pressure Testing) for fire extinguishers as below;

Refilling & HPT schedule/frequency
Sr. No.	Type	Refilling	HPT
1	Water type-stored Pressure	Once in 2 years	..
2	Mechanical Foam	Once in 2 years	Once in 3 years
3	Water type-Co2 cartridge	Once in 5 years	Once in 3 years
4	CO2	Once in 5 years	Every time when cylinder sent for refilling
5	DCP-for metal fire	Once in 5 years	Once in 3 years
6	BC/ABC	Once in 3 years	Every time when cylinder sent for refilling
7	DCP- cartridge	Once in 5 years	Once in 3 years
8	Halon	BANNED
REMARK:
1	In corrosive environments, it is desirable to have the discharge test carried out at half the frequency mentioned.
2	Every extinguisher installed in premises shall be hydraulically pressure tested as per the schedule mentioned above.
3	There shall not be any leakage or visible distortion. Extinguishers which fails in this requirement shall be replaced.
4	The hydraulic pressure testing should be carried out such that at least one-third (1/3) of the extinguishers installed in a premises are tested as per Annex E every year.
5	Discharge Test: All extinguishers installed in a premises irrespective of being used in a live fire condition shall be subjected to an operational test as per the frequency mentioned above. The operation test should be carried out in such a frequency, keeping in view the frequency given in Annex D, so that at least 50% of the fire extinguishers installed in premises are subjected to discharge test. If more than 10% of extinguishers, subjected to discharge test fail during the testing, then all the extinguishers installed in the premises shall be subjected to the discharge test
6	Gas Cartridge: If there is loss of more than 10% of original mass, these should be sent for re-charging & replaced with fresh charge.
7	Spares: It is important that a minimum of 10% of the number of various types of extinguishers on charge) replacement charges/refills should always be available in stock so that discharged extinguishers can be re-charged/replaced.

 

Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers: Basic Points

1. Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
2. Examine the inside surface of the cylinder as well as the surface of the containers for the condition of plating, for any rust formation, etc
3. Examine valve assembly, discharge hose, nozzle, strainer, vent holes, siphon tube and clean
4. Examine sealing washers, siphon tube and hose ( if fitted ), and replace washers, if necessary
5. Clean vent holes
6. Ensure all joints are fully tightened and the nozzle vent holes are free of dust/dirt.
7. Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the parable range or position
8. Ensure that there is no residual pressure in any hose and/or nozzle assembly, will unscrew the cap or valve assembly slowly for two or three turns only, to allow any residual pressure to escape via the vent holes.
9. All sealing components should be cleaned and properly lubricated
10. Fullness determined by weighing or lifting.
11. Open out the cartridge type extinguishers and will ensure cartridge weight (should not be less than 10 to 15% of total weight)
12. Ensure for correct labeling, replace if required
13. Ensure all joints are fully tightened. Etc.