OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
December 19, 1988
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on Actuated Fire
Extinguishers |
The Dallas Regional Office has brought to our attention a potential hazard
associated with the use of cartridge actuated dry chemical fire
extinguishers. In just over two years the Houston Area Office has
investigated two fatalities involving a dock laborer and a refinery
operations trainee who were both struck by fire extinguishers whose bottoms
ruptured after the extinguishers were charged for use. Both extinguishers
showed evidence of rust and corrosion. Inspection records were either
nonexistent or incomplete in both cases.
The hazardous conditions described above are not limited to cartridge
actuated dry chemical fire extinguishers. Most extinguishers operate under
internal pressure creating a level of risk to the user if the extinguishers
are not properly designed and used. Adequacy of design can be demonstrated
by the approval of a recognized testing laboratory as required by 29 CFR
1910.157(c)(2). On the other hand, 29 CFR 1910.157(e) and (f) cover
minimum general requirements for portable fire extinguishers that are used
under normal circumstances. Additional precautions should be taken in
situations such as corrosive environments that could hasten equipment
corrosion. Care must also be taken to prevent internal corrosion through
proper recharging procedures. See the attached Chapter 3, "Inspection and
Maintenance," of Section 20, "Portable Fire Extinguishers," of the National
Fire Protection Association Fire Protection Handbook.
Please distribute this bulletin to Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Projects.
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