The choice of re-qualification testing method for portable cylinders is based on a variety of factors. In most cases, DOT regulations offer choices. This 5 part article discusses the different choices when it comes to re-qualification testing methods for portable cylinders. Each part will identify the type of re-qualification testing method and provide a brief…
Category: DOT Hydrostatic Testing
Portable fire extinguisher inspection is extremely important for the protection of every business. The reality is that most business owners find it easy to simply forget about their portable fire extinguishers. After all, they just sit in your workplace day after day “just in case” you ever need them which of course you hope you…
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…
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…
Hydrostatic testing is one of the most effective ways to test the structural integrity of stainless steel cylinders. Successful hydrostatic testing of low pressure cylinders can help businesses to effectively prevent potential disasters that may occur due to use of structurally weak cylinders. In addition, companies can avoid penalties from DOT for not complying with…
Federal laws (and in some cases state and municipal statutes) require that most of the pressure cylinders associated with portable fire extinguishers must be periodically hydrostatically retested to ensure their safety. In addition, the laws require hydrostatic testing of cylinders which show evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury. Principal authorities The two principal authorities that…
Part 1 in this series identifies the need for hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters and rescue personnel. Part 2 in this series will provide a summary of the frequency requirements and safety precautions associated with hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus compressed gas cylinders. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are…
Part 1 in this series identifies the need for hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters and rescue personnel. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) are one of the most important items of personal protective equipment used by firefighters and rescue personnel. SCBA allow firefighters to enter hazardous environments to perform essential interior operations…
Part 1 in this series provided a summary of each step in the hydrostatic testing process for rechargeable portable fire extinguishers through the actual hydrostatic test. Part 2 in this series will provide a summary of the steps following the hydrostatic test through final reassembly and recharging the portable fire extinguisher. Portable fire extinguishers designed…
Part 1 in this series will provide a summary of each step in the hydrostatic testing process for rechargeable portable fire extinguishers through the actual hydrostatic test. Portable fire extinguishers designed to combat type A, B and C class fires are the most common type of fire extinguisher used in businesses today. In order to…