189.25-20—Fire-extinguishing equipment.

(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, and at such other times as considered necessary the inspector shall determine that all fire-extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and he may require such tests as are considered necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector shall determine if the tests and inspections required by § 196.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted. At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the inspector shall conduct the following tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment:

(1) All hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire-extinguishing systems shall be checked as noted in Table 189.25-20(a)(1). In addition, the hand portable fire-extinguishers and semiportable fire-extinguishing systems shall be examined for excessive corrosion and general condition.

Table 189.25-20(a)(1)

Type unit	Test
Soda acid	Discharge. Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge.
Foam	Discharge. Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge.
Pump tank (water or antifreeze)	Discharge. Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge with clean water or antifreeze.
Cartridge operated (water, antifreeze, or loaded stream)	Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if cartridge is otherwise determined to have leaked or to be in unsuitable condition. Remove liquid. Clean hose and inside of extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge with water, solution, or antifreeze. Insert charged cartridge.
Carbon dioxide	Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of charge. Inspect hose and nozzle to be sure they are clear. 1
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 type)	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.
Vaporizing liquid 2
Code of Federal Regulations 318
1 Cylinders must be tested and marked and all flexible connections and discharge hoses of semiportable carbon dioxide and halon extinguishers must be tested or renewed as required in §§ 147.60 and 147.65 of this chapter.
2 Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic vaporizing liquids are not permitted.

(2) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be checked as noted in Table 189.25-20(a)(2). In addition, all parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be examined for excessive corrosion and general conditions.

Table 189.25-20(a)(2)

Type system	Test
Foam	Systems utilizing a soda solution shall have such solution replaced. In all cases, ascertain that powder is not caked.
Carbon dioxide	Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of charge. 1
1 Cylinders must be tested and marked and all flexible connections on fixed carbon dioxide and halon systems must be tested or renewed as required in §§ 147.60 and 147.65 of this chapter.

(3) On all fire-extinguishing systems all piping, controls, valves, and alarms shall be checked to ascertain that the system is in operating condition.

(4) The fire main system shall be operated and the pressure checked at the outlets having the greatest pressure drop between the fire pumps and the nozzles which may not always be the most remote and highest outlets. All firehoses shall be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service, but not less than 100 p.s.i.

[CGFR 67-83, 33 FR 1118, Jan. 27, 1968, as amended by CGD 78-154, 44 FR 13492, Mar. 12, 1979; CGD 84-044, 53 FR 7752, Mar. 10, 1988; USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6509, Feb. 9, 2000]

CFR

189.25-20—Fire-extinguishing equipment.