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INSPECTION* (ref. 7.2 - NFPA 10, 2007)
The inspection procedures outlined below may not be sufficient for every jurisdiction or location and should be used in
conjunction with the NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2007 Edition.
Fire extinguishers shall be manually inspected when initially placed in service. The inspection is intended to give reasonable
assurance that the extinguisher is fully charged and operable. This is done by seeing that it is in its designated place, has not
been actuated or tampered with, and there is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent operation.
WARNING:
FOR SAFETY PURPOSES, IF AN EXTINGUISHER SHOWS SIGNS OF CORROSION OR MECHANICAL
DAMAGE, IT SHALL BE SUBJECTED TO A HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE TEST OR REPLACED.
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROCEDURE
(Monthly or more often if circumstances dictate)
Periodic inspection of the fire extinguisher shall include a check of at least the following items:
1. Location in designated place
2. No obstruction to access or visibility
3. Fullness determined by weighing or hefting
4. Seal and tamper indicators not broken or missing
5. Operating instructions on nameplate are legible and facing outward
6. Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged hose and/or nozzle.
7. Pressure gauge is in the “green” operable area.
MAINTENANCE (ref. 7.2 & 7.3 - NFPA 10, 2007)
Maintenance, servicing & recharging shall be performed by trained and certified persons having available the appropriate
servicing manual, the proper types of tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and Strike First O.E.M. replacement parts.
Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance at intervals of not more than 1 year, at the time of hydrostatic test, or when
specifically indicated by an inspection. Extinguishers taken out of service for maintenance or recharge shall be replaced by spare
extinguishers of the same type and at least an equal rating.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE
1. Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material.
Avoid the use of solvents around the pressure gauge.
This could damage the plastic face.
Check to make sure that the instruction nameplate and UL/ULC manifest are
securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion, abrasion and dents. If any of these conditions are
found or you doubt the integrity of the cylinder, hydrostatically test to factory test pressure, using the proof pressure
method and a suitable cage, in accordance with CGA Pamphlet C-1 and The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Pamphlet No. 10 “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers” 2007 Edition.
2. Inspect the extinguisher and replace any parts that are damaged, missing, corroded or O.E.M. substitute parts. Only
factory O.E.M. replacement parts are approved for use on Strike First fire extinguishers.
3. Weigh the extinguisher. Extinguisher weight MUST fall within the + / - tolerance of the total charged weight limits in the
“MAINTENANCE” section on the label. Any extinguisher not falling within the tolerance limits shall be properly
recharged.
4. Check the date of manufacture stamped on the hanger loop or the date of last hydrostatic test on the label affixed to the
extinguisher. Cylinder must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years to test the pressure indicated on the nameplate.
Recharge with fresh potable drinking water after hydrostatic test.
5. Inspect the pressure gauge for damage. Depressurize and replace if necessary. If the pressure gauge indicator is
below the green “RECHARGE” it may indicate a leak or discharge. If the pressure indicator is above the green
“OVERCHARGED” it may indicate a faulty gauge or excess nitrogen or air. In both cases, depressurize and follow the
recharge instructions.
6. Check pull (locking) pin for freedom of movement. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult.
7. Check the discharge lever and rivets for freedom of movement. Inspect carrying handle and rivets for proper
installation. If either is damaged, replace with OEM Strike First parts.
8. Remove hose assembly and inspect valve body interior for damage. Replace the hose if cut or cracked, or if threaded
couplings are damaged. Blow air through the hose and nozzle assemblies using air or nitrogen at 50 psi (345 kPa) or
less to insure that the passage is clear of foreign material.
9. Inspect valve assembly for corrosion or damage. Valve removal and / or valve part replacement should be made only
after completely discharging the contents of the cylinder.
10. Reinstall hose assembly into the valve body. Hand tighten only.
11. Install new tamper seal and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.
12. Install the extinguisher on the wall hanger bracket in its proper location. Check for correct fit – replace bracket if
necessary.
