Fire Extinguisher Internal Examination and Maintenance Intervals NFPA 10 (2007) 7.3.1.1.2
Fire extinguishers shall be internally examined at intervals not exceeding those specified in Table 7.3.1.1.2
Table 7.3.1.1.2 Maintenance Involving Internal Examination
Extinguisher TypeInternal Examination Interval (years)
| Stored-pressure loaded-stream and antifreeze | 1 |
| Pump tank water and pump tank calcium chloride based | 1* |
| Dry chemical, cartridge and cylinder-operated with mild steel shells | 1* |
| Dry Powder, Cartridge and cylinder-operated with mild steel shells | 1 |
| Wetting agent | 1 |
| Stored-pressure water | 5 |
| AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) | † |
| FFFP (film-forming Fluor protein foam) | † |
| Stored-pressure dry chemical, with stainless steel shells | 5 |
| Carbon dioxide | 5 |
| Wet chemical | 5 |
| Wet chemical | 5 |
| Dry chemical stored-pressure, with mild steel shells, brazed brass shells, and aluminum shells | 6 |
| Halogenated agents | 6 |
| Dry powder, stored-pressure, with mild steel shells | 6 |
* Dry Chemical in cylinder-operated extinguishers is examined annually.
† The extinguishers agent in liquid charge-type AFFF and FFFP extinguishers is replaced every three years and internal examination (teardown) is normally conducted at that time. The agent is solid charge type AFFF extinguishers is replaced every 5 years during the periodic hydrostatic test and teardown is done at that time.
Fire Extinguisher Yearly Maintenance – Hydrotesting as Per Manufacturer Specifications NFPA 10 (2007) 7.3.1.1.1 (Excerpt)
Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance at intervals of not more than 1 year, or when specifically indicated by an inspection or electronic notification. Basic Fire extinguishers require a 6-Year service every sixth year from date of New or date of hydrotesting. Every 12 years from date of New or last hydrotest every basic fire extinguisher needs to be hydrotested as per manufacturers specifications. These test are crucial considering these fire extinguishers are pressure vessels.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher – Multi Purpose, Dry Chemical
Below are the basic PASS rules in operating a multi purpose dry-chemical fire extinguisher, and in no means is considered accurate if not interpreted 100%
- PULL the pin
- AIM low pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire
- SQUEEZE the handle This releases the extinguishing agent
- SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the fire area. If fire breaks out again, repeat use of the extinguisher
- REPORT to fire department officer
