(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection and at such other times as considered necessary all fire-extinguishing equipment is inspected to ensure it is in suitable condition. Tests may be necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector verifies that the tests and inspections required in Tables 169.247 (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this subchapter have been conducted by a qualified servicing facility at least once every twelve months.
(1) Hand portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems are examined for excessive corrosion and general condition.
(2) All parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems are examined for excessive corrosion and general condition.
(3) Piping, controls, valves, and alarms on all fire-extinguishing systems are checked to be certain the system is in operating condition.
(4) The fire main system is operated and the pressure checked at the most remote and highest outlets.
(5) Each firehose is subjected to a test pressure equivalent to its maximum service pressure.
Table 169.247(a)(1)--Portable Extinguishers------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type unit Test------------------------------------------------------------------------Foam.................................. Discharge. Clean hose and inside
of extinguisher thoroughly.
Recharge.Carbon dioxide........................ Weigh cylinders. Recharge if
weight loss exceeds 10 pct of
weight of charge. Inspect hose
and nozzle to be sure they are
clear.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)........ 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.HALON 1211 or HALON 1301)............. See that pressure gage, if
provided, is in operating
range. Recharge if pressure is
low. Weigh cylinder. Recharge
if weight loss exceeds 10 pct
of weight of charge. Inspect
hose and nozzle to ensure they
are clear.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 169.247(a)(2)--Fixed Systems------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type system Test------------------------------------------------------------------------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 or 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
that Halon 1301 system approvals
have expired, but that 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. Inspect hoses for damage or
decay. 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.------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) [Reserved] [CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000; USCG-2006-24797, 77 FR 33889, June 7, 2012]