General Appearance

• Are the fire extinguishers being stowed near the entrance of the space?
• Are the fire extinguishers free of obstructions?
• Are the fire extinguishers free of damages, corrosion and leakages?
• Is the pressure gauge (where applicable) within operation limits?
• Is the proper weight being verified?
• Is the operation handle in good order?
• Is the locker pin being fitted?
• Is the seal being placed around the locker pin?
• Is the discharge hose free of cracks and corrosion?

Marking

• Are the pictorial operating instructions clearly legible?
• Is the type and quantity clearly marked?
• Is the type of fire for which it is suitable clearly marked?
• Are the name and year of manufacturer clearly marked?
• Are approval details clearly marked?
• Is the operating temperature range clearly marked?
• Are the hydrostatic test pressure and date clearly marked?
• Is the respective IMO symbol being posted indicated the type and capacity?

Inspection / Maintenance

• Is it evidence that fire extinguishers being inspected on monthly basis?
  
• Are the monthly inspection tags being attached and recorded by ship's staff?
• Is a valid service certificate by competent person available and inspection sticker being posted on each fire extinguisher?
• Are the services by competent person being carried out within intervals specified by the Administration?
  
• Are the fire extinguishers being hydrostatic pressure tested on 10-yearly basis?
• Is the hydrostatic pressure test certificate available?
• Is it evidence that at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured on the same year being tested at five yearly intervals as part of fire drill?

Spare Charges

Common Poor Practices

• Few fire extinguisher found with signs of corrosion.
• The fire extinguisher located in Paint Locker found with paint particles.
• Fire extinguisher was not placed at the entrance of the acetylene room.
• Numerous fire extinguishers found with missing seals.
• Wheeled fire extinguisher found with deteriorated discharge hose.
• 10-yearly hydrostatic pressure test was overdue.
• The vessel was not provided with sufficient number of CO2 extinguishers.
• It was no evidence that at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured on the same year was being tested at five yearly intervals as part of fire dril.
• Inspection tags were not updated.
• Fire extinguisher was obstructed.
• Fire extinuisher was not of proper weight.
  

References