View all text of Subpart C [§ 132.310 - § 132.390]
§ 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 §§ 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 cylinder if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the weight of the charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed carbon dioxide systems must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65. | Halon 1301 and halocarbon | Recharge or replace if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of the weight of the charge or if cylinder has a pressure gauge, recharge cylinder if pressure loss exceeds 10 percent, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections to Halon 1301 and halocarbon cylinders must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65 or 147.67. Note that Halon 1301 system approvals have expired, but that existing systems may be retained if they are in good and serviceable condition to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard inspector. | Dry chemical (cartridge-operated) | Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if cartridge has leaked or is otherwise unsuitable. 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 operating 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 any pressure gauge is in the 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. | Inert gas | Recharge or replace cylinder if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5 percent of the specified gauge pressure, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed inert extinguishers must be tested or renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.66. | Water mist | Maintain system in accordance with the maintenance instructions in the system manufacturer's design, installation, operation, and maintenance manual. |
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(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.