A visual inspection alone is not sufficient to ensure that a portable fire extinguisher is safe or will operate properly when needed. Over time, normal handling or workplace conditions can impact the structural integrity of a portable fire extinguisher and cause it to malfunction or burst. To prevent this from happening, all portable fire extinguishers…

A visual inspection alone is not sufficient to ensure that a portable fire extinguisher is safe or will operate properly when needed. Over time, normal handling or workplace conditions can impact the structural integrity of a portable fire extinguisher and cause it to malfunction or burst. To prevent this from happening, all portable fire extinguishers…

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders that provide air for breathing are most commonly used in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant and industrial applications. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires periodic hydrostatic testing of these SCBA cylinders. The NFPA recognizes the DOT’s testing requirements in their standard on SCBA selection, care and maintenance. A…

When it comes to the frequency of hydrostatic testing and services lives for SCBA cylinders, not all of the answers are found within DOT’s 49 CFR guidelines. 49 CFR states, “Each cylinder bearing a DOT specification marking must be re-qualified and marked as specified in the Re-qualification Table in this subpart. Each cylinder bearing a…