132.350—Tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment.
(a)
Each master of a vessel shall ensure that the tests and inspections, of fire-extinguishing equipment, described by paragraph (b) of this section are performed—
(2)
Not later than the next inspection for certification and periodic inspection, unless the total time from the date of the last tests and inspections exceeds 15 months.
(b)
The master shall provide satisfactory evidence of the servicing of fire-extinguishing equipment, required by paragraph (c) of this section, to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance, and hydrostatic tests.
(c)
The following tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment must be performed by the owner, operator, or master, or by a qualified servicing facility, to verify compliance with paragraph (a) of this section:
(1)
Each portable fire extinguisher must be inspected, maintained, and hydrostatically tested as required by Chapter 4 of NFPA 10 with the frequency specified by NFPA 10. Carbon-dioxide and halon portable fire extinguishers must be refilled when the weight loss of net content exceeds that specified for fixed systems by Table 132.350. Further, each must be examined for excessive corrosion and for general condition. A tag issued by a qualified servicing facility, and attached to each extinguisher, will be acceptable evidence that the necessary maintenance has been conducted.
(iii)
Inspected to ensure that piping, controls, and valves are in good general condition with no excessive corrosion; and
(iv)
Inspected and tested to determine that alarms and ventilation shutdowns for each fire-extinguishing system operate properly.
| Type of system | Test |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10% of weight of charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and nozzles to be sure they are clean. |
| Halon | Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 5% of weight of charge. If the system has a pressure gauge, also recharge if pressure loss (adjusted for temperature) exceeds 10%. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and nozzles to be sure they are clean. |
| Dry chemical (cartridge-operated) | Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if cartridge has leaked or is in unsuitable condition. Inspect hose and nozzle to see that they are clear. Insert charged cartridge. Ensure that dry chemical is free-flowing (not caked) and that extinguisher contains full charge. |
| Dry chemical (stored pressure) | See that pressure gauge is in opera ting range. If not, or if seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine that extinguisher is fully charged with dry chemical. Recharge if pressure is low or if dry chemical is needed. |
| Foam (stored pressure) | See that pressure gauge, if there is one, is in operating range. If it is not, or if seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine that extinguisher is fully charged with foam. Recharge if pressure is low or if foam is needed. Replace premixed agent every 3 years. |
(3)
The fire-main system must be operated, and the pressure checked at the remotest and highest outlets. Each fire hose must be subjected to a test pressure, equivalent either to the maximal pressure to which it may be subjected in service or to 690 kPa (100 psi), whichever is greater.
(4)
All systems for detecting smoke and fire, including sensors and alarms, must be inspected and tested.
[CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49348, Sept. 19, 1997, as amended by USCG 1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]