Inspection of fire extinguishers

The following items should be observed

Is the safety pin and seal in place, and operating freely?

Examine the exterior, including the base for signs of corrosion.

Ensure that all instructions are legible and in appropriate languages.

If the unit is of the stored pressure type and has a gauge, is it showing an acceptable reading?

Examine the hose and /or horn and their securing clips for signs of cracking or damage.

Inspect the bracket for damage and ensure that it is securely attached.

Are the appropriate signs and instructions displayed adjacent to the extinguisher?

Stored pressure units should be weighed and this compared against the weight stamped into the
extinguisher body or marked on the service label. If there has been a loss of more than 10% of the
content weight the cylinder should be recharged by an authorized service engineer.

Care of fire hoses

Avoid laying or pulling fire hose over rough, sharp edges or objects.

Do not lay fire over equipment tracks, steam pipes etc. Prevent mobile equipment from running over
fire hose or pinching it.

Close nozzles and valves slowly to prevent water hammer.

Change position of bends in hose when restowing.

Avoid excessive pressures on fire hose

Avoid subjecting wet fire hose to freezing temperatures

Avoid stowing fire hose where the vessel’s movement underway or seawater on deck could cause
chaffing.

Protect fire hose from exposure to excessive heat or fire where possible.

Keep the outside of the woven-jacket fire hose dry.

Avoid drying on a hot deck.

Remove wet woven-jacket fire hose from fire stations after a fire and replace it with dry hoses.

Remove woven-jacket fire hose from racks at least every 30 days. Inspect, clean and reload.

Run water through woven jacket fire hose every 90 days to prevent drying and cracking of the rubber
lining.

Scrub hoses thoroughly and brush traces of acid contacts with a solution of baking soda and water.

Flush hose with freshwater after using seawater, foam or other agents.

Fire hose couplings

Avoid dropping r dragging couplings.

Examine couplings when fire hose is washed and dried.

Clean with a suitable brush.

Inspect the hose gasket (o-ring) and replace if damaged.