FPFIREEXHYDROT Fire Protection Fire Extinguishers Hydrostatic Testing

                                                     Man Hours 1
Special Instructions:

Caution:  Only qualified personnel shall perform this work.  Soda acid, carbon
dioxide, and foam extinguishers should be tested on a 5 year basis.  Dry chemical
extinguishers, with the exception of ones with stainless steel shells (5 year)
should be tested on a 12 year basis.  Testing should be in accordance with NFPA
Standard No. 10. Hydrostatic testing of extinguishers requires experienced
personnel and suitable testing equipment.


Items to Check & Initial Completion:

1. ___ Any cylinders that have been repaired by soldering or welding, damaged,
       corroded, burned, or had calcium chloride type of extinguishing agent used
       in stainless steel extinguisher shall not be hydrostatically tested but
       destroyed.
2. ___ Operate stored pressure and cartridge type extinguisher and check
       performance.
3. ___ Dismantle and remove all traces of extinguishing agent (dry chemical or
       dry powder), from inside of shell and hose assembly.
4. ___ Insert plug into shell opening.  (External cartridge type extinguishers
       only).
5. ___ Fill with water and connect the test pump.
6. ___ Secure shell in protective cage and apply proper test pressure.  Pressure
       to be applied at rate so test pressure is reached within one minute.


Type of Extinguisher Hydrostatic Test Pressure

Carbon dioxide5/3 the service pressure
Soda acid, foam350 psi
Dry chemical or powder Original factory test pressure

7. ___ Observe shell and gauge for any distortion or leakage.  After one minute
       release pressure.  Destroy shells that fail  this test.
8. ___ All dry chemical and dry powder extinguishers must have all traces of
       water removed from extinguishing agent, shell, hose and nozzle.  A heated
       air stream is recommended with its temperature not exceeding 150o F.
9. ___ Weigh replacement cartridge to insure that it is full of gas.
10.___ Recharge extinguisher according to manufacturer's  instructions.
11.___ Affix permanent record on extinguisher with year of hydrostatic test.
12.___ Clean up work area and remove all trash.


Tools & Materials:

1.  Standard Tool Kit
2.  Seals.
3.  Tags.
4.  Scale.
5.  Appropriate testing equipment.

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