[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 46, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 46CFR132.350]



[Page 470-471]

 

                            TITLE 46_SHIPPING



                  (This book contains parts 90 to 139)

 

   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)

 

PART 132_FIRE-PROTECTION EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents

 

                         Subpart C_Miscellaneous

 

Sec.  132.350  Tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment.



    (a) Each master of a vessel shall ensure that the tests and 

inspections, of fire-extinguishing equipment, described by paragraph (b) 

of this section are performed--

    (1) Every 12 months; or

    (2) Not later than the next inspection for certification and 

periodic inspection, unless the total time from the date of the last 

tests and inspections exceeds 15 months.

    (b) The master shall provide satisfactory evidence of the servicing 

of fire-extinguishing equipment, required by paragraph (c) of this 

section, to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records 

have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be 

required to perform the required inspections, maintenance, and 

hydrostatic tests.

    (c) The following tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing 

equipment must be performed by the owner, operator, or master, or by a 

qualified servicing facility, to verify compliance with paragraph (a) of 

this section:

    (1) Each portable fire extinguisher must be inspected, maintained, 

and hydrostatically tested as required by Chapter 4 of NFPA 10 with the 

frequency specified by NFPA 10. Carbon-dioxide and halon portable fire 

extinguishers must be refilled when the weight loss of net content 

exceeds that specified for fixed systems by Table 132.350. Further, each 

must be examined for excessive corrosion and for general condition. A 

tag issued by a qualified servicing facility, and attached to each 

extinguisher, will be acceptable evidence that the necessary maintenance 

has been conducted.

    (2) Each semiportable fire extinguisher and each fixed fire-

extinguishing system must be--

    (i) Inspected and tested as required by Table 132.350 of this 

subpart;

    (ii) Inspected, tested, and marked as required by Sec. Sec.  147.60 

and 147.65 of this chapter;

    (iii) Inspected to ensure that piping, controls, and valves are in 

good general condition with no excessive corrosion; and

    (iv) Inspected and tested to determine that alarms and ventilation 

shutdowns for each fire-extinguishing system operate properly.



                    Table 132.350--Tests of Semiportable and Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                     Type of system                                                Test

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carbon dioxide.........................................  Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10% of

                                                          weight of charge. Test time delays, alarms, and

                                                          ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen,

                                                          or other nonflammable gas as stated in the

                                                          manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and

                                                          nozzles to be sure they are clean.

Halon..................................................  Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 5% of

                                                          weight of charge. If the system has a pressure gauge,

                                                          also recharge if pressure loss (adjusted for

                                                          temperature) exceeds 10%. Test time delays, alarms,

                                                          and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide,

                                                          nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the

                                                          manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and

                                                          nozzles to be sure they are clean.



[[Page 471]]





Dry chemical (cartridge-operated)......................  Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is

                                                          punctured or if cartridge has leaked or is in

                                                          unsuitable condition. Inspect hose and nozzle to see

                                                          that they are clear. Insert charged cartridge. Ensure

                                                          that dry chemical is free-flowing (not caked) and that

                                                          extinguisher contains full charge.

Dry chemical (stored pressure).........................  See that pressure gauge is in opera ting range. If not,

                                                          or if seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine

                                                          that extinguisher is fully charged with dry chemical.

                                                          Recharge if pressure is low or if dry chemical is

                                                          needed.

Foam (stored pressure).................................  See that pressure gauge, if there is one, is in

                                                          operating range. If it is not, or if seal is broken,

                                                          weigh or otherwise determine that extinguisher is

                                                          fully charged with foam. Recharge if pressure is low

                                                          or if foam is needed. Replace premixed agent every 3

                                                          years.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



    (3) The fire-main system must be operated, and the pressure checked 

at the remotest and highest outlets. Each fire hose must be subjected to 

a test pressure, equivalent either to the maximal pressure to which it 

may be subjected in service or to 690 kPa (100 psi), whichever is 

greater.

    (4) All systems for detecting smoke and fire, including sensors and 

alarms, must be inspected and tested.



[CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49348, Sept. 19, 1997, as amended by 

USCG 1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]