Inspection, maintenance, and hydrostatic tests

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

NOTE

c. Where the floor area of a building is less than

Appreciable depth is defined as a depth of a

that specified in table 6-1, at least one extinguisher of

liquid greater than one-quarter of an inch.

the minimum size recommended will be provided.

d. The protection requirements may be fulfilled

with extinguishers of higher rating provided the travel

b. Two or more extinguishers of lower ratings,

distance to such larger extinguishers will not exceed 75

except for foam extinguishers, will not be used in lieu of

feet.

the extinguisher required for the largest tank. The

maximum of three foam extinguishers may be used to

fulfill these requirements.

Table 6-2.

c. Scattered or widely separated hazards will be

individually protected if the specified travel distances in

Basic mini-

Maximum

15a and 15c above are exceeded.

Likewise,

Type of hazard

mum extin-

travel distance

extinguishers in the proximity of a hazard will be

guisher rating

to extinguishers

carefully located so as to be accessible in the presence

(feet)

of a fire without undue danger to the operator.

Light

6-36. Fire extinguisher size and placement for class

Ordinary

C hazards.

Extra

12B

Extinguishers with class C ratings will be required where

NOTE

energized electrical equipment may be encountered

Where this section calls for minimum

which would require a nonconducting extinguishing

extinguisher ratings of 4B, 8B, or 12B, the

media. This will include fire either directly involving or

requirements may be met by existing

surrounding electrical equipment. Since the fire itself is

extinguishers or multiple foam extinguishers

a class A or class B hazard, the extinguishers are sized

as allowed by o(2) below. However, if a single

and located on the basis of the anticipated class A or

extinguisher must be purchased to fulfill such

class B hazard.

requirements, the next higher rating will be

used.

6-37.

Inspection, maintenance, and hydrostatic

tests.

6-34. Fire extinguisher size and placement for class

B fires other than for fires in flammable liquids of

appreciable depth.

a. General. For details of conducting needed

inspections, proper maintenance operations, and

required tests, see NFPA No. 10A, Maintenance and

a. Minimal sizes of fire extinguishers for the listed

Use of Portable Fire Extinguishers.

grades of hazard will be provided on the basis of table

6-2. Extinguishers will be located so that the maximum

travel distances will not exceed those specified in table

b. Inspection.

6-2.

(1) Extinguishers will be inspected monthly,

b. Two or more extinguishers of lower rating,

or at more frequent intervals when circumstances

except for foam extinguishers, will not be used to fulfill

require, to ensure they are in their designated places, to

the protection requirements of table 6-2. The maximum

ensure they have not been actuated or tampered with,

of three foam extinguishers may be used to fulfill these

and to detect any obvious physical damage, corrosion,

requirements.

or other impairments.

c. The protection requirements may be fulfilled

(2) Any extinguishers showing defects will be

with extinguishers of higher ratings provided the travel

given a complete maintenance check.

distance to such larger extinguishers shall not exceed

50 feet.

c. Maintenance.

(1) At regular intervals, not more than 1 year

6-35. Fire extinguisher size and placement for class

apart, or when specifically indicated by an inspection,

B fires in flammable liquids of appreciable depth.

extinguishers will be thoroughly examined to ensure

operability and safety. Defective extinguishers will be

a. For flammable liquid hazards of appreciable

recharged, repaired, or replaced, as needed.

depth (class B) such as in dip or quench tanks, class B

(2) Extinguishers removed from the premises

fire extinguishers will be provided on the basis of one

to be recharged will be replaced by spare extinguishers

numerical unit of class B extinguishing potential per

during the period they are gone.

square foot of flammable liquid surface of the largest

tank hazard within the area.

6-8