Opinions & Applications for the Fire Code (1997 edition) (revoked November 21, 2007)
6.2.7.1. PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER MAINTENANCE
6.2.7.1. "(1) Except as set out in Sentence (2), maintenance and
testing of portable extinguishers shall be in conformance with
NFPA10-1978, Portable Fire Extinguishers.
(2) The requirements in Article 5-1.4 and Note 1 to Table 5-3 of
NFPA10-1978 do not apply."
Intent:
Rather than provide many specific maintenance and testing
requirements for many different types of extinguishers, the Fire Code makes
reference to the appropriate NFPA Standard.
Maintenance is a "thorough check" of an extinguisher to give maximum assurance
that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely.
Sentence (2) is included in the Fire Code so that the specified NFPA10-1978
requirements can be waived. NFPA required extinguishers having shell
construction of copper or brass joined by soft solder (including riveted) to be
removed from service. The OFC permits continued use of these units provided
they pass the hydrostatic test every five years.
Other Resources:
NFPA10-1978; CAN/ULC-S514; CAN/ULC-S532;
ULC/ORD-C1058.5.
Application:
Q1 What does "maintenance" of an extinguisher mean?
A1 Maintenance procedures must include a thorough examination of the three basic components of an extinguisher, namely the mechanical parts, the extinguishing agent and the expelling means, as well as any necessary repair or replacement.
Extinguishers must be subjected to maintenance not more than one year apart or
when specifically indicated by an inspection. It is not necessary during annual maintenance to internally examine stored pressure extinguishers equipped with pressure indicators or gauges, except for those containing a loaded stream type of agent. A thorough external examination is required.
Q2 Does the Fire Code mandate licensing of personnel or companies that
perform service on portable extinguishers?
A2 No, although the Fire Code does have provision for licensing under
Subsection 1.1.6. The OFM is reviewing the Fire Code to include such
requirements in future amendments.
Q3 Who is qualified to maintain extinguishers?
A3 NFPA10-1978 states that maintenance (and recharging) must be
"performed by trained persons having available the proper type of tools,
recharge materials, lubricants and manufacturers' recommended replacement
parts".
Many people choose to employ the services of an outside agency to maintain
their extinguishers because they do not have the facilities or expertise to do
so themselves. Nevertheless, a person or company may maintain their own
extinguishers, as long as the maintenance conforms to NFPA10-78.
Q4 What happens when an existing extinguisher fails to meet the annual
tests?
A4 The extinguisher must be replaced with one appropriate for the
anticipated hazards and classified per Article 6.2.2.1. It must be ULC listed
to satisfy Article 6.2.1.1., however provision of a listed extinguisher (one
which is included in a list published by a certification organization
accredited by the Standards Council of Canada) would also satisfy the intent.
Q5 Are non-rechargeable extinguishers exempt from the maintenance
requirements?
A5 No. These extinguishers must be maintained in accordance with
Subsection 6.2.7. However, it should be noted that NFPA10-1978 exempts
non-rechargeable units from most of the more extensive maintenance procedures
such as the breakdown of the unit and hydrostatic testing.
Q6 Why are Halon extinguishers no longer being produced?
A6 United Nations Environment Programme meetings held in the late 1980's
led to the consensus viewpoint that continued stratosphere ozone depletion
would occur unless emissions of controlled chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and
brominated fluorocarbons (called Halons) were reduced drastically. With this
concern in mind, the Canadian Federal Government announced a strong message to
eliminate use of these substances. It is unfortunate that the strong resolve
on this environmental issue will make a good fire fighting agent practically
inaccessible. Key uses will be allowed, however, cost, regulatory control and
availability will result in a substantial reduction of Halon extinguishing
products in the marketplace. Ultimately, all Halons will be replaced by
environmentally safe products.
A number of replacement products currently exist. For total flooding Halon
systems, alternative products include trade names such as, "Forane 22", "FE
241", "FE 13", "Inergen" and "Argonite". For smaller applications, such as for
use in extinguishers, alternative products include trade names such as, "FE
232", "FE 241", "Halotron" and "FM 200". In general, replacement products
cannot be directly substituted for Halon and may not be as effective, with the
result that more product is required. In addition, many of the alternatives
have high global warming potential and steps may be taken in the future to
regulate emissions.
6.5.1.5. "(1) No obstructions shall be placed so as to interfere with
the effectiveness of water discharge from sprinklers.
(2) Sprinkler systems shall not be used to support anything that will
interfere with effective sprinkler system performance."
Intent:
When sprinklers are installed throughout a building area, they
are located to provide unobstructed sprinkler discharge coverage. Any
structures or mechanisms that are installed after the fact shall not cause an
obstruction to the designed sprinkler discharge coverage as this could allow a
fire to grow unhindered. Additional sprinklers installed to cover the
obstructed areas would also satisfy this requirement.
Items shall not be hung from sprinkler heads or piping, as this can obstruct
the sprinkler discharge pattern, making them less effective during a fire.
Clearance between the sprinkler head and combustibles must be maintained.
Other Resources:
NFPA 13, 231, 231C, 231D, 231F
Application:
Q1 Is it acceptable to erect a large tent (>30m2) within a fully
sprinklered building, for merchandise display during a trade show?
A1 No. A fire developing within the interior of the tent would, because
of the tent's large size, be initially shielded from the overhead building
sprinklers. This would prevent an early sprinkler water discharge that could
control the fire in its initial stages. Subsequent fire growth could overtax
the sprinkler system and cause significant building damage and serious threat
to life safety. Therefore, it would not be acceptable to erect a large tent
within a building, unless the roof of the tent were removed or sprinklers were
installed within the tent. Another option would be to install suitable
controls (e.g. hose stations, fire watch), and to have these measures approved
by the Chief Fire Official.
Q2 How close can merchandise be stored to sprinkler heads?
A2 Article 3.3.2.3. of the Fire Code requires that, in general, a
minimum of 18 in. should be maintained between the top of merchandise storage
and the ceiling sprinkler deflector head. This is consistent with the
sprinkler installation requirements of NFPA 13, to allow a proper sprinkler
water dispersion pattern to form.
Where special sprinkler heads are used (i.e. large-drop type), or in
facilities designed for high-piled storage of certain commodities, a 36 in. or
greater minimum clearance may be required to ensure optimum sprinkler
performance. These special cases would be specified by NFPA, Factory Mutual or
other standards.
