NFPA 10 Allows For Electronic Monitoring of Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 10 2010 Chapter 7 Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging of Portable Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected when initially placed in service.
Fire extinguishers shall be inspected either manually or by means of an electronic monitoring device/system at a minimum of 30-day intervals
Where electronic monitoring is used and the specific extinguisher cannot be verified electronically, the extinguisher shall be continuously monitored for location
Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require.
Periodic inspection or electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:
(1) Location in designated place
(2) No obstruction to access or visibility
(3) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position
ICC Allows For Electronic Monitoring of Fire Extinguishers
- General requirements. Fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with this section and NFPA 10.
2. 30-day inspections shall not be required and maintenance shall be permitted to be once every three years for dry-chemical or halogenated agent portable fire extinguishers that are supervised by a listed and approved electronic monitoring device, provided:
- Electronic monitoring shall confirm that extinguishers are properly positioned, properly charged, and unobstructed, and
2.2 Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal, and
2.3 The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a non-corrosive environment, and
2.4 Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every three-years when extinguisher maintenance is performed.
2.5 A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to ensure that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by NFPA 10.
Joint Commission Accepts Electronic Monitoring of Fire Extinguishers
EC 02.03.05 EP 15
Standard EC.02.03.05 EP 25 requires hospitals to document maintenance, testing and inspection activities for fire alarm and water-based fire protection systems. Documentation should include: name of activity, date of activity, required frequency of the activity, name and contact information (including affiliation) of the individual who preformed the activity, NFPA standard(s) referenced for the activity and results of the activity.
The system describes appears to exceed the requirements of EC.02.03.05 EP 15 so we would be willing to accept the technology. This is also consistent with the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101-2000 1.5.1 and 1.5.2) allowing alternative systems.
George Mills, MBA, FASHE, CEM, CHFM, CHSP
Senior Engineer
Standards Interpretation Group
The Joint Commission
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
OSHA Requires Dilligent Inspections
OSHA 1910.157
1910.157(e)
Inspection, maintenance and testing
The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.
Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly.
The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request.
