Regulations on the Regular Maintenance and Upkeep of Fire Extinguishers

Regulation on regular maintenance and preservation of fire extinguishers (Illustrative image)

To be specific, Circular 52/2014/TT-BCA regulates 05 types of fire extinguishers as follows: Type 1: Extinguishers with direct-pressurized water, water with additives, or foam; Type 2: Extinguishers with direct-pressurized powder; Type 3: Extinguishers using push gas canisters with water or water with additives; Type 4: Extinguishers using push gas canisters with powder; Type 5: Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. The regulation on regular maintenance and preservation of fire extinguishers is as follows:

For Types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 extinguishers, specifically:

- Inspect the exterior of the cylinder to check for rust. If the cylinder has minor rust, it should be maintained for continued use; if the cylinder is heavily rusted, corroded, it should be discarded;

- Weigh the extinguisher (with or without the operational mechanism following the manufacturer’s instructions) or use an appropriate method to check the exact weight of the extinguishing agent. Compare the weight recorded with the weight noted when the extinguisher was first put into use;

- Inspect the nozzle and spray hose and clean thoroughly; replace if damaged;

- Inspect pressure gauges. If the pressure decreases by more than 10% or more compared to the maximum allowable reduction per the manufacturer's instructions, follow the manufacturer's instructions;

- Inspect the operational mechanism and the discharge control (if installed) for extinguishers designed with removable operational mechanisms per the manufacturer’s instructions;

For Types 3 and 4 extinguishers:

- Clean the interior and exterior of the extinguisher; check the cylinder inside and outside for corrosion and damage. If there is minor corrosion or insignificant damage, maintain for continued use; if there is significant corrosion, discard;

- Open the extinguisher or dismantle fittings to inspect the quality of the cylinder;

- Inspect the exterior of the push gas canister for signs of corrosion and damage. If the canister is corroded or damaged, replace it. Weigh the canister and check the weight against the labeled weight. If the canister contains less than the minimum labeled weight or is found to be leaking, repair, refuel, or replace with a new one;

- Refill the extinguisher to its initial level (Type 3), compensating for any lost water. For water with additives or foam solutions, refill per the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect and clean the nozzle branch, filter screen, and spray tube inside the gas release valve (if installed);

- Check the powder in the extinguisher (Type 4); specifically: Shake and invert the cylinder to mix the powder. If there are signs of caking or clumping that prevent spraying, replace all the extinguishing powder and refill with the manufacturer's powder. Inspect, adjust, and clean the nozzle, spray hose, and discharge tube;

- Inspect gaskets, diaphragms, and spray hoses; replace if damaged;

- Reassemble the extinguisher per the manufacturer's instructions.

For Type 5 extinguishers:

- Inspect and clean the extinguisher horn, nozzle; replace if damaged;

- Perform an electrical conductivity test on the fire hose assembly.

For further details, refer to Circular 52/2014/TT-BCA effective from December 25, 2014.

Ty Na

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE