XM Wheeled Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Operation and Maintenance Manual
(Part No. S-50651)
2023-AUG-30 REV. 02 PAGE 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
When utilized, the Occupational Safety and Health Act rules
require that “the employer shall be responsible for the inspection,
maintenance and testing of all portable extinguishers in the
workplace.” Details are provided in 29 CFR 1910.157(e) and in
Appendices A and B to Subpart L, referencing the provisions
of the latest edition of NFPA 10, “Standard for Portable Fire
Extinguishers” as guidelines. The latest edition of NFPA 10,
“Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers” and NFPA 17 entitled
“Standard For Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems” are available
from the National Fire Protection Association. Visit www.nfpa.org.
RESPONSIBILITY
The owner or occupant of a property in which re extinguishers
are located has an obligation for the care and use of these
extinguishers at all times. By doing so, they are contributing to
the protection of life and property. The nameplates and instruction
manual should be read and thoroughly understood by all persons
who may be expected to use extinguishers.
RECHARGE
All extinguishers shall be recharged after use or as indicated by
an inspection or when performing maintenance. Recharging is the
replacement or replenishment of the extinguishing agent. It also
includes the replenishment of the expellant gas for certain types
of extinguishers. When performing the recharging, use only those
materials specied on the nameplate. The use of other recharging
materials may impair the efciency, cause malfunction, or result in
rupture of the extinguisher that could cause injury to the operator.
Select a dry, warm, and preferably enclosed location with
atmospheric conditions of not more than 55% relative humidity
and ambient temperatures of not less than 65 °F (18 °C).
!CAUTION
When performing recharge, use only those materials specified
on the extinguisher nameplate. The use of other recharging
materials may reduce the efficiency, cause malfunction, or
result in rupture of the extinguisher that could cause injury to
the operator.
INSPECTION
“Inspection” is a “quick-check” that an extinguisher is available
and will operate. It is intended to give reasonable assurance
that the extinguisher is fully charged and operable. This is
done by seeing that it is in its designated place, that it has not
been actuated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious
physical damage or condition to prevent operation. The value of
an inspection lies in the frequency, regularity, and thoroughness
with which it is conducted. The frequency will vary from hourly to
monthly, based on the needs of the situation. Inspections should
always be conducted at regular intervals.
MAINTENANCE
Extinguishers shall be maintained at regular intervals, not more
than one year apart, or when specically indicated by an
inspection. Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the extinguisher.
It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will
operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination
and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will
normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.
HYDROSTATIC TEST
Extinguishers shall be tested hydrostatically at regular intervals
per the latest edition of NFPA 10, “Standard for Portable
Fire Extinguishers”, or more frequently when inspection or
maintenance indicates a specic need. Such tests are usually
required on extinguisher shells, cylinders, some cartridges and
some hose assemblies.
!WARNING
If at any time, an extinguisher shows evidence of corrosion or
mechanical injury, it shall be subjected to a hydrostatic pres-
sure test, or replaced. Important: Air or gas should not be
used for pressure testing as failure of a shell could be violent
and dangerous.The extinguisher shall be charged and hydro-
tested at twelve year intervals.
NOTICE
Extinguishers utilizing a cylinder that has
a US Department of Transportation (DOT)
marking shall be hydrostatically tested, or
replaced, according to the requirements of
the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
NOTICE
Cylinders (except those charged with Carbon
Dioxide) complying with Part 173.34(e) 15,
Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, may
be hydrostatically tested every 10 years.
Refer to ANSUL® Technical Bulletin Hydrostatic Retest
Requirements for ANSUL®Pressure Vessels (Form No. F-81301,
latest revision) for additional details on requirements and the
ANSUL® Hydrostatic Test Instructions Manual (Form No. F-7602,
latest revision) for procedures.
RECORD KEEPING
Each extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that
indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed
and shall identify the person performing the service. The same
record tag or label shall indicate if recharging was also performed.
At least monthly, the date the inspection was performed and the
initials of the person performing the inspection shall be recorded.
In addition to the required tag or label, a permanent le record
should be kept for each extinguisher. This le record should
include the maintenance date and the name of person or agency
performing the maintenance; the date when last recharged and
the name of person or agency performing the hydrostatic test; and
description of dents remaining after passing a hydrostatic test.
Parts of above taken from NFPA Pamphlet 10.
