Subject:  Fire Extinguisher Inspection Procedure

(SORM Chapter 6 subchapter 6.6 and OSHA 1910.157)

Purpose:

It is university procedure that all fire extinguishers be inspected on a monthly basis to insure that the devices will work properly if needed, minimizing injury and property damage from fire. This procedure is intended to meet State Office of Risk Management (SORM) guidelines.  The primary purpose is to provide direction and responsibility on monthly inspections for all fire extinguishers at sites controlled by the University of Houston-Victoria.   (Refer to Compliance Item RA-Line #57)

Procedure:

1. The Business Services Department maintains a restricted access spreadsheet located on the P Drive, Institutional Compliance folder, entitled Fire Extinguisher Inspection Report. This documents lists every known extinguisher on campus and includes information by type of extinguisher, by location and certain inspection information.

2. On the first working day of each month, Business Services will provide UHPD security personnel (or the Facilities Services Maintenance Supervisor) a copy of the monthly inspection spreadsheet to conduct the inspection. 

3. After the monthly inspection is complete, UHPD Security will submit the completed report to Business Services.  The master report will be filed in the Business Services Institutional Compliance Inspection files, Fire Extinguishers.  A copy will be sent to Facilities Services indicating work order extinguisher services required and to serve as documentation for Facility Services.

4. All fire extinguishers are to be inspected monthly within the first five (5) working days by UHPD Security personnel.  If UHPD Security personnel are not available then the inspection is the responsibility of Facilities Services maintenance personnel assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor.

How To Inspect:

1.       Insure access to the extinguisher is not blocked and that the cabinet door, if any, opens easily.

2.       The pressure should be within the recommended level on extinguishers equipped with a gauge (such as that shown below).  The needle should be in the green zone.  If the needle is not in green zone, the extinguisher requires professional maintenance and this should be noted on the inspection report.

3. Verify the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is not broken.

4. Visually inspect the hose and nozzle to ensure they are in good condition.

5. Visually inspect the extinguisher for dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits or other signs of abuse/wear and note any findings on the inspection report.  If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, remove it from service and note this on the inspection report.

6. Fire extinguishers must be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) every six (6) years to ensure the cylinder is safe to use.  The inspection sheet has all hydrostatic testing dates noted.  If an extinguisher requires this service, this should be noted in the comments.  Facilities Services will arrange for testing.

Training and Record Keeping

1. UHPD Security personnel will receive fire inspection testing training annually and upon hire of new personnel.
2. Training is the responsibility of Campus Safety, Department of Business Services.
3. Annual training will be documented beginning FY04 and records will be maintained in Business Services.

Documentation

1.       The Maintenance Supervisor shall annually review these procedures with the Campus Safety Officer.  Changes will be made as necessitated by OSHA Regulations, SORM guidelines and/or university practices.

2.       This procedure will be maintained for public access on the Campus Safety website under the Occupational Safety section.