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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