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 are required to be inspected and pressure tested by a qualified facility using the proper equipment and facilities per 29 CFR 1910.157(f)(1).

Hydrostatic testing is the method used to pressure test a portable fire extinguisher’s critical components (cylinder, shell, hose assembly, etc.) for leaks and structural flaws. This 4 part series of articles will help you understand what you need to do to comply with the requirements for hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers. Specific areas that will be addressed include:

• How does hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers work?
• What are the types of hydrostatic tests for portable fire extinguishers?
• When is hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers needed or required?
• What records from hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers must be maintained?

Part 1 in this series addressed How does hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers work.  Part 2 in this series addressed What are the types of hydrostatic tests for portable fire extinguishers. Part 3 in this series addressed When is hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers needed or required. This final Part 4 in the series will address What records from hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers must be maintained.

What records from hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers must be maintained?

For each portable fire extinguisher in the workplace you must keep a record that includes:

• The name of the person or agency who performed the last hydrostatic test, and the test date.
• The signature of the person who performed the test.
• The serial number or other identifier of the fire extinguisher that was tested.

This information should also be securely fixed to each extinguisher, and provided as evidence that the required hydrostatic testing of portable fire extinguishers has been performed at the time intervals shown in the Hydrostatic Testing Intervals Table provided above. These records must be kept until the extinguisher is hydrostatically re-tested at the time interval specified iin the Hydrostatic Testing Intervals Table provided above or until the extinguisher is taken out of service, whichever comes first.

The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your firefighting needs and is ready to help

Jay L Harman’s DOT Hydrostatic Testing facility and equipment meet all NFPA requirements for the hydrostatic testing of self contained breathing apparatus compressed gas cylinders in addition to testing ABC portable fire extinguisher cylinders.

Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and service providers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire hoses, hydrostatic testing and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.

Jay L Harman Fire Equipment is your go-to distributor for OVAL low-profile fire extinguishers in West Texas and New Mexico.

Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880.

Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.