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Fire extinguishers exposed to Flood Conditions

1. damage Prior to re assembly they e All hose assemblies and nozzles should present should then be lightly lubricated with be closely examined to ensure no residue e Gasket and o ring surfaces should be the recommended lubricant identified or obstructions are present Coupling wiped clean and examined closely for within the service manual to avoid areas should not exhibit any separation compromising material compounds cracks damage or corrosion Interior and exterior hose assembly surfaces should also be properly dried prior to re assembly e If the extinguishing agent charge is suspected of being compromised or directly exposed to water a proper internal examination and recharge should be performed in accordance with service manual recommendations e Pressure gauge housing and faces should be closely examined for any potential damage and to ensure no water or debris has entered If such conditions are observed the pressure gauge should be replaced following the service manual s recommendations e Wheels should be properly examined and re lubricated as necessary e Regulators and connection hardware should all be visually examined closely for any damage and to ensure no water or foreign material is present Regulators should be tested for proper static dead set pressure and minimum flow characteristics per service manual recommendations Pressure regulators exhibiting any problems must be replaced as no adjustments or
2. disassembly is permitted Anytime unusual circumstances or conditions are observed service personnel should always consult with the fire equipment manufacturer for guidance and specific recommendations Copyright 2014 by J R Nerat all rights reserved J R Nerat is the technical manager for Badger Kidde Five Protection 12 FIREWATCH June 2014
3. Fire Extinguishers Exposed to Flood Conditions By J R Nerat Occasionally spring weather and storm conditions can expose installed fire extinguishers to flood conditions When fire extinguishers are known or suspected of having been exposed to submerged conditions there are several special service related items to consider before attempting to place these units back into service The existing ANSI UL fire extinguisher standards incorporate various forms of hardware exposure tests like ultraviolet light salt spray vibration impact abrasion and elevated temperatures to obtain product approvals which are specifically designed to address most normally anticipated outdoor exposure conditions While listed fire extinguishers are designed and tested to withstand a variety of such conditions submerged water exposure over various periods of time can present problematic situations requiring some extra attention during equipment examinations Submerged water exposure over various periods of time can present problematic situations requiring some extra attention during equipment examinations Whenever a fire extinguisher is suspected of having been subjected to conditions which might impair its operational integrity such as being submerged in a flood it should be removed from service and subjected to a thorough maintenance 10 FIREWATCH June 2014 examination in accordance with NFPA 10 and the appropriate serv
4. ice manual recommendations It is especially important to ensure that only properly trained and qualified personnel perform such examinations This is necessary as personnel must be specifically familiar with the functional limitations and acceptable tolerances of all applicable hardware components While there are various equipment hardware design characteristics that can dictate special examination considerations the following list attempts to highlight some of the most applicable e Thoroughly rinse and wash fire extinguisher exterior surfaces to remove any residual mud dirt salt or foreign residues Avoid the use of commercial degreasers solvents or strong detergents Warm fresh water and mild soap are typically recommended Compressed air can be used to help clear small accumulations of debris and help dry surfaces Perform a thorough visual external examination of the unit paying special attention for any dents or impact damage which might have occurred Ensure handles levers rivets and ring pins are not bent deformed or corroded Ensure there are no signs of foreign material or corrosion present behind potentially hidden cylinder areas like hose bands nameplates and any protective bottom enclosutes During the various disassembly steps identified within service manual procedures pay special attention to any open valve or safety relief port areas to ensure no foreign material or corrosion is any

Fire extinguishers exposed to Flood Conditions

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