CFR

169.247—Firefighting equipment.

(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 or HALON 1301	Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 pct of weight of charge.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

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