cppfes2020a conduct routine inspection and testing of fire ... · this course sets out the...

CPPFES2020A Conduct routine inspection and

testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets

Learner Guide

August 2016

CPPFES2020A Conduct routine inspection and testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets Learner Guide, Version 2016.5

Table of Contents Unit Descriptor ................................................................................................................... 4 Licensing/Regulatory Information .................................................................................... 4 Technical Guidance ............................................................................................................. 4 Copyright ............................................................................................................................ 4 Unit Summary ..................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6 1.1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1.2 What different types of fire extinguishers exist? ................................................................................................... 7 1.1.2 What different types of fire classes exist? ........................................................................................................... 10

1.2 Workplace Safely ........................................................................................................11 1.2.1 Health & Safety Rules ....................................................................................................................................... 11 1.2.2 Technical and Safety Information ...................................................................................................................... 12

1.3 Get Your Work Details ................................................................................................12 1.3.1 Work Instructions ............................................................................................................................................. 13 1.3.2 Work Method Statements .................................................................................................................................. 13 1.3.2.1 How to Fill Out a Work Method Statement ....................................................................................................... 13 1.3.3 Keeping Everyone Safe ..................................................................................................................................... 14 1.4 Inspect the Worksite ........................................................................................................................................... 14 1.5 Identify and Control Hazards ................................................................................................................................ 15 1.5.1 Identifying Hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 15 1.5.2 Controlling Hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 16 1.6 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .................................................................................................................... 18 1.6.1 Edge Protection Systems (Guard Rails) .............................................................................................................. 18 1.7 Check Service and Safety Equipment before Use ................................................................................................... 19 1.7.1 Reporting All Hazards, Incidents and Injuries ..................................................................................................... 19

2. Inspect, Test and Maintain fire extinguishers .............................................................20 2.1.1 Routine Service ................................................................................................................................................ 20 2.1.2 Baseline Data ................................................................................................................................................... 20 2.1.3 Adverse Operating Environments ....................................................................................................................... 21 2.1.4 Water Quality ................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.1.5 Corrosion ......................................................................................................................................................... 22 2.1.6 Extinguisher Mounting Heights, Location and Signage. ........................................................................................ 22 2.1.7 Exceptions ....................................................................................................................................................... 23 2.1.8 Date of Manufacture Marking ............................................................................................................................ 23 2.1.8.1 Pressure Test Marking .................................................................................................................................... 23 2.1.9 Service Provider Labels ..................................................................................................................................... 23 2.1.10 Defective Equipment ....................................................................................................................................... 24 2.1.10.1 Reporting Defects, Non-conformances and Out of Tolerance Activities ............................................................ 24 2.1.11 Six-Monthly (or Monthly) Inspection of Fire Extinguishers .................................................................................. 25 2.1.11.1 Service Frequency ........................................................................................................................................ 25 2.1.11.2 Fire Extinguisher Anatomy ............................................................................................................................ 26 2.1.11.3 Six Monthly Inspection Checklist ................................................................................................................... 27 2.1.11.2.4 Yearly Inspection Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 32

2.3 Extinguisher Maintenance ..........................................................................................36 2.3.1 Safety Guidelines .............................................................................................................................................. 36 2.3.1.1 Recharging Safety Guideline Checklist ............................................................................................................. 36 2.3.1.2 Carrying Spare Parts ...................................................................................................................................... 37 2.3.1 Discharging and Servicing an Extinguisher ......................................................................................................... 38 2.3.1.1 Disposal Requirements for Waste Products ...................................................................................................... 39 2.3.2 Recharging an Extinguisher ............................................................................................................................... 39 2.3.2.1 Recharge Warnings ........................................................................................................................................ 40 2.3.2.2 Recharging Procedure .................................................................................................................................... 40 2.3.3 Extinguishing or Recharging Agents ................................................................................................................... 41 2.3.3.1 Powder Mixing Precautions ............................................................................................................................. 41 2.3.3.2 Inspection of Vaporizing Liquid Extinguishers (ODS & SGG Agents) ................................................................... 41 2.3.3.3 Maintenance of Vaporizing Liquid Extinguishers (ODS & SGG Agents) ............................................................... 42


2.3.4 Location of Records .......................................................................................................................................... 42 2.3.5 Identification of Extinguishers ........................................................................................................................... 42 2.3.6.1 Update Maintenance Tags or Labels ................................................................................................................ 42 2.3.6.2 Service Records ............................................................................................................................................. 43

3. Inspect Fire Blankets ...................................................................................................44 3.1 Routine Service ................................................................................................................................................... 44 3.2 Baseline Data ...................................................................................................................................................... 44 3.3 Installation and Signage of Fire Blankets ............................................................................................................... 44 3.4 Six Monthly Service of Fire Blankets ...................................................................................................................... 45 3.4.1 Considerations when Inspecting a Fire Blanket ................................................................................................... 46 3.4 After Use Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... 46 3.4 Service Provider Labels ........................................................................................................................................ 46 3.5 Identification of Fire Blankets ............................................................................................................................... 47 3.6.1 Maintenance Record Tag ................................................................................................................................... 47 3.6.2 Service Record ................................................................................................................................................. 47

4. Finalise Servicing Operations .......................................................................................48 4.1 Annual Statements .............................................................................................................................................. 48 4.2 Clearing the Work Area ........................................................................................................................................ 48 4.3 Checking and Storing Tools and Equipment........................................................................................................... 49 4.3 Reporting All Faults ............................................................................................................................................. 49 4.4 Updating Clients .................................................................................................................................................. 49

5. Building Code of Australia (BCA)..................................................................................49 5.1 Purpose of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) .................................................................................................... 49 5.2 A Competent Person ............................................................................................................................................ 49 5.2.1 Who is a Competent Person? ............................................................................................................................. 49 5.3 Non-Compliance with Fire Regulations, Act or Code ............................................................................................... 50

6. Australian Standards, Regulations and Applicable Codes ...........................................50 6.1 Australian Standards ............................................................................................................................................ 50 6.2 Regulations and Code of Practice ......................................................................................................................... 50


Unit Descriptor This unit specifies the outcomes required to conduct routine monthly, six-monthly and yearly inspections and testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets at a customer’s premises.

Licensing/Regulatory Information Work in this area must be completed according to relevant legislative, industry, customer and organisational requirements, including OHS / WHS policies and procedures. Different states and territories may have additional regulatory mechanisms that apply to this unit. Users of this learner guide are advised to check for regulatory limitations or additions. This learner guide has been contextualised with the State of Victoria’s building regulations in mind, however the information provided within this learner guide has been developed in line with the Australian Standards. Where a technique or service method is provided, this information has been sourced by the FPA Australia website or obtained by qualified and competent service technicians and determined as ‘best practice’ in accordance with the Australian Standard and OHS / WHS policies and procedures.

Technical Guidance This learner guide has been designed and developed with the assistance of: Martin Klein Fire Safety and Equipment Technical Expert Fire Health and Safety Consultant Omniskill Pty Ltd

Copyright © 2016 Intelligent Training Solutions Pty Ltd © 2016 ITS Pty Ltd First published May 2016 All requests and enquiries regarding use and availability should be directed to: Chief Executive Officer: Alexander Mueller Intelligent Training Solutions Pty Ltd Postal Address: PO Box 322, Riddells Creek, Victoria 3431 (03) 9351 1068 Acknowledgements Martin Klein, Omiskill Pty Ltd E:| [email protected] M:| 0411 114 030 Alexander Mueller, Intelligent Training Solutions Pty Ltd E:| [email protected] M:| 0416 131 231


Intelligent Training Solutions Pty Ltd Unit 9 / 62-64 Oakover Road Preston, Victoria 3072 Australia Tel: 03 9351 1068 Fax: 03 9351 1068 www.its.vic.edu.au ABN: 25 151 191 669

Unit Summary Unit of Competence CPPFES2020A Conduct routine inspection and testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets Pre-requisites Not Applicable Nominal Hours 35 hours


1.1 Introduction This training course is based on the unit CPPFES2020A Conduct routine inspection and testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets. This course sets out the requirements for routine servicing (inspection, testing, preventive maintenance and survey) of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, that, at the time of manufacture, complied with the contemporary edition of the relevant Standard listed in the Table below (Table 10.1) or AS 4265, and were installed in accordance with AS 2444 or the relevant statutory requirement. Once successfully completed and obtained, this unit of competence allows the applicant to conduct routine monthly, six-monthly and yearly inspections and testing of fire extinguishers and fire blankets at their own workplace or at a customer’s premises. This unit does not provide the competencies required to maintain fire extinguisher, recharge or discharge fire extinguishers or conduct internet cylinder inspections at required by the five yearly maintenance schedule for all fire extinguishers.


1.1.1 Overview

You will learn during this course:

Rules and Regulations involved with inspecting, testing and tagging portable and wheeled fire extinguishers

Inspect and test fire extinguishers

Inspect fire blankets

Finalise servicing operations and record keeping

1.1.2 What different types of fire extinguishers exist? There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available in Australia. Each type of extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes of fire. In some cases, particular extinguishers are not only considered ineffective against certain classes of fire, they can be dangerous if used in those circumstances. The classes of fire are: Class A Ordinary Combustibles Class B Flammable and combustible liquids Class C Flammable gases Class D Combustible metals Class E Electrically energised equipment Class F Cooking oils and fats Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and their colouring. In 1999 the standard colours of some portable fire extinguishers were changed. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the same type of extinguisher with different colourings The current Australian Standards (AS 1851-2012) identifies six different fire extinguishers as seen in table 10.1. They are WATER Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only – This extinguisher is solid red in colour. It is suitable for Class A fires such as paper, wood, textiles. This extinguisher has limited effectiveness for Class B and Class C fires and is dangerous if used on electrical fires or cooking oils and fats.


WET CHEMICAL Wet Chemical extinguishers are red in colour with an oatmeal band (previously oatmeal colour). It contains an agent which reacts with the burning cooking oil or fat of Class F fires to form a blanket effect across the surface. This cuts off the supply of oxygen helping to extinguish the fire. An appropriate sized fire blanket can also be used following the use of the wet chemical extinguisher. This extinguisher is dangerous if used on electrical fires

FOAM Foam extinguishers are red in colour with a blue band (previously solid blue) and hold nine litres of water under pressure with an Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) additive and are to be used in the upright position. This extinguisher is primarily used on Class A and Class B fires and is dangerous if used for electrical fires.

POWDER Powder extinguishers are red in colour with a white band or label and hold a bi-carbonate based powder. It is suitable for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class E fires. Not considered effective on Class F fires.

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are red in colour with a black band or label and are suitable for Class E fires with limited effectiveness on Class A, Class B & Class F fires.


VAPORIZING LIQUID Vaporizing Liquid extinguishers are Red with Yellow band or label Suitable for Class A and Class E fires. Has limited effectiveness on Class B fires. Not considered effective for Class F fires.

WHEELED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Wheeled Fire extinguishers are commercial stored pressure extinguishers and are available in a choice of sizes and chemical options. The most popular chemical choices are Dry Powder, CO2 and Foam extinguishers with popular sizes ranging from 25kg and 50kg. The carriage design provides cage type protection for the agent cylinder as well as a well-balanced platform for transportation and operation.

CARTRIDGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Cartridge Fire extinguishers are more commonly found in an industrial setting where stronger extinguishers are required. A cartridge operated extinguisher has an agent container which contains the extinguishing agent and a separate external cartridge which contains the expellant or gas.

The colours above only apply to extinguishers marketed in Australia. On aircrafts, ships and some industrial sites in Australia, or when you are overseas you may find extinguishers with other colour schemes. Read the label carefully before use. Older types of extinguishers may still be encountered. These include reversible soda acid and foam type extinguishers together with halon 1211 (BCF) type. Halon 1211 has been found to be an ozone depleting substance. Unless special exemptions have been obtained, BCF extinguishers have been banned and should be returned to a fire protection supplier or the fire brigade as soon as possible.

Portable fire extinguishers come in a range of sizes and ratings, and the higher the rating, the larger the fire it can be used on. However, larger and heavier extinguishers (which generally have the higher ratings) can be more difficult to handle, especially for persons of a lighter build.


1.1.2 What different types of fire classes exist? Fuels are divided into six classes. This method of categorising fuels into classes can help you with identification of the type of extinguisher medium required to extinguish a particular class of fire. As seen above in section 1.1.1 each type of fire extinguisher is capable of handling one specific class however this may also have a positive, or negative, effect on other classes. The classes of fire are: Class A - Ordinary Combustibles

Class A fires – are those which involve carbonaceous solids. A carbonaceous solid is one which contains the chemical element carbon as the basic fuel. This is probably the most common type of fire encountered by firefighters. Examples: Wood, paper, cloth, rubber, plastics, grass, coal.

Class B - Flammable and combustible liquids

Class B fires – involve flammable and combustible liquids. Examples: Petrol, kerosene, oil, tar, paint, wax.

Class C - Flammable gases

Class C fires – involve combustible gases. Examples: LPG – liquefied petroleum gas, butane, propane; LNG – liquefied natural gas, acetylene.

Class D - Combustible metals

Class D fires – involve combustible metals. Examples: Sodium, potassium, magnesium and aluminium shavings.


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Remove the nozzle or discharge hose assembly and visually inspect threads on nozzle or discharge hose coupling and hose for damage, and replace as necessary. Blow compressed air through the nozzle and hose to insure passage is clear of foreign material. NOTE: This step may have already been completed during the discharge process of step 1 for chemical extinguishers.

Inspect the value assembly for corrosion or damage to nozzle or hose thread connection. Replace vale assembly or component parts as necessary. WARNING: Before attempting to disassemble the extinguisher ensure it is completely depressurised (discharged)

Remove and disassemble valve assembly by removing downtube, spring and valve stem making sure to note the sequence of disassemble so to reassemble the unit correctly. Install a new valve stem and collar O-ring after lightly lubricating with a light lubricant such as Visilox V-711. Do not lubricate the valve stem seal.

Complete the steps of the Recharge Procedure found in section 2.3.2.2 of this learner guide. 2.3.1.1 Disposal Requirements for Waste Products Most of the extinguishing agents used by the common types of fire extinguishers can be disposed of in accordance with your company’s waste handling policies and procedures which will have been developed in accordance with the Industrial waste resources guidelines and EPA (Environment Protection Authority). You must check with your organisations policies and procedures regarding waste disposal procedures and methods.

Extinguishing agents such as ‘Halon’ must be handled by a competent or qualified person. The National Halon Bank operates a free-call service to advise you on the disposal of halon. Halon may also be disposed of by giving it to:

The officer in charge of a fire station; or The operator of an approved extinguishing agent destruction facility

The Commonwealth Government provides a free service for the general public and small business to dispose of portable halon fire extinguishers. Call 1800 658 084 to arrange for disposal. NOTE: This unit does not cover the five year service schedule for fire extinguishers which requires that extinguishing agents are replaced regardless of the use or condition. 2.3.2 Recharging an Extinguisher The recharging or discharging of fire extinguishers must be performed by a competent person who is qualified in fire extinguisher maintenance. Recommendations and instructions for the recharging of fire extinguishers will be available on the fire extinguishers label as supplied by the manufacturer. These instructions will include the quantity and type of extinguishing agent to be used. This type of maintenance and fire extinguisher service is conducted at the five yearly interval regardless of the extinguishers use, or lack of use.


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Item 1.4 – Check the Fire Blanket

REMOVE the fire blanket from the container and CHECK:

For any damage or contamination to the fire blanket (also refer to Section 3.4 of this learner guide)

For unsecured or damaged hand-holding devices That the fire blanket is correctly folded

Where the fire blanket conforms to the above REPACK the blanket into the container as recommended by the manufacturer. NOTE: It is important that fire blankets are always folded in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer in order that they can be removed from the container quickly. Faulty fire blankets must be reported to the responsible organisation, manager or supervisor and replaced. Faulty fire blankets must also be recorded in the service logs together with the reason as to why the fire blanket was replaced.

3.4.1 Considerations when Inspecting a Fire Blanket When inspecting a fire blanket the following considerations need to be given:

Is the size of the fire blanket being used the correct size for the application. Is the wall the fire blanket is mounted on sturdy and strong enough to withstand

the forces applied to a fire blanket being pulled from its container. Are the wall fixings suitable for the wall type? Is the location of the installed fire blanket correct, what type of traffic is the

location subject to? This should be checked to ensure that no accidental demounting, damage or misuse will be applied.

Is the fire blanket accessible by potential users in the event of a fire Is the signage size and type correct in accordance with AS2444. See diagram to

the right. 3.4 After Use Procedures Fire blankets must be discarded after they have been used on a fire. 3.4 Service Provider Labels Service provider labels are a great way to market your services and remind clients of who to call when the time comes to have their fire equipment inspected and serviced however any service provider label you apply to the container of the fire blanket must not exceed 90 mm x 50 mm in size and shall not be applied over any manufacturer’s labels or instructions. Labels must not be applied to the fire blanket itself.


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3.5 Identification of Fire Blankets

Fire blankets must bear a permanently fixed unique site identification mark, suitable for cross-referencing with the service records. The mark shall consist of at least one of the following features:

Written numbers or letters, or a combination of both A barcode A magnetic or electronic strip, or similar means (e.g. a smart chip)

3.6.1 Maintenance Record Tag

The maintenance record tag or label must be updated as required for the relevant maintenance scheduled or service performed. Using a pair of Fire Extinguisher inspection tag punch pliers (see diagram) punch in the tag the correct month and year of the service just performed.

3.6.2 Service Record Service and maintenance records of all activities and results for each fire blanket must be kept in the responsible organisations routine service records register or logbook in accordance with the Australian Standards 1851-2012. Service records, including the pass/fail criteria, must be captured at the time of the routine service. These records may be captured in the form of:

Hardcopy Logbook; Electronic Log; or Tags and labels with hardcopy summary records.

A hardcopy of the service record (paper-based logbooks or printed and signed paper-based copy of the electronic log) must be left on site at the completion of the service. Service records (hardcopy of electronic) must contain the following information, at minimum:

Name and address of building or site. Date and frequency of service performed. System or equipment identification and location. Each activity performed, including recorded results if required and ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ as appropriate. Details of each non-conformance or defect including its classification, location and any rectification completed. Name of the responsible entity (owner/occupier). Name and signature of the service person and date. Name of the service provider or company.

Where log books or service records are used they shall have sequentially numbered pages in triplicate. Provision must be made for the signatures of the building owner, occupier or agent, and the service person. The required distribution of copies must be printed on each page as follows:

Original - Owner / Occupier / Agent Duplicate - Service Person Triplicate - Retain in Book


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4.3 Checking and Storing Tools and Equipment Tools and equipment need to be cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in line with the manufacturer’s instructions and site or company procedures. All tools and equipment should be cleaned after use to remove all dirt, mud, moisture or other contaminants that can damage it. Check tools and equipment for damage or other faults. If anything is wrong you need to report it and carry out any repairs if you can. Some tools and equipment require regular maintenance. This can include oiling timber surfaces, greasing metal surfaces or lubricating moving parts. Most tools and equipment will have specific storage instructions to make sure they will not be damaged and they can be easily found next time somebody needs to use them. 4.3 Reporting All Faults Any damaged or faulty tools and equipment must be tagged and removed from use (isolated) to stop anyone else using them. The problem should be written down in a logbook, checklist or other form. You also need to tell your supervisor or other authorised person about the problem. 4.4 Updating Clients It is important to maintain careful records and service logs on your clients, this will enable you to send out service reminders in order to encourage repeat business and update your clients on any changes that may have occurred within the Australian Standards.

5. Building Code of Australia (BCA) 5.1 Purpose of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) It is the purpose of the Building Code manual is to provide the following information:

Reference clause of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 1990 where applicable. The performance requirement of BCA 1996 and later published versions up to BCA 2007, including the deemed

to satisfy clause where applicable. The relevant Australian Standard for installation and maintenance (if applicable). A brief description of the purpose, equipment, requirements and method of operation. Recommendations on maintenance programs and record-keeping.

5.2 A Competent Person In accordance with the Australian Standards 1851-2012 and the Essentials Safety Measurers manual it is expected that a building owner, manager or supervisor will engage a suitable qualified and competent person to establish the essential safety measures and outline a level of maintenance. 5.2.1 Who is a Competent Person? Owners may appoint a person in certain situations to undertake maintenance, testing or preparation of the annual report. An owner must ensure that the person they appoint is suitably qualified and competent in the task that they are performing. A competent person is a person who has acquired – through training, qualification or experience (or a combination).


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5.3 Non-Compliance with Fire Regulations, Act or Code The regulations prescribe penalties for non-compliance for each breach of the Regulations and this enforcement can be undertaken by the Commissioner, municipal building surveyor or chief officer of the relevant fire brigade (Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) or the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and may issue a building infringement notice (on-the-spot fine). This applies under Division 5 of the Part 13 of the Act and Part 17 of the Regulations for an offence against:

Subdivision 1, regulations 1205, 1207, 1208, 1211 and; Subdivision 2, regulations 1214, 1216 and 1217 and; Subdivision 3, regulations 1218.

Where it is suspected that essential safety measures are not being maintained in accordance with the Act or the Regulations, an inspection may be carried out under Section 227E of the Act. A building infringement notice may be issued as a consequence of this inspection. A building infringement notice must be issued in the form of a Form 8 or the purpose of Section 225(2) of the Act. The notice sets out the prescribed penalty to be paid and must also indicate the steps required, if any, to rectify the offence. Failure to comply too the Act or Regulations, constitutes an offence under the Regulations 1205, 1207, 1208, 1209, 1211. The may include, but not limited to:

Failure to comply with a maintenance determination. Failure to make a maintenance schedule or determination available for inspection. Failure to complete an annual essentials safety measures report (in accordance with regulation 1208) before

each anniversary of the occupancy permit or relevant building surveyor’s determination. Failure to keep all essential safety measure reports and records on the premises for inspection purposes.

However, the greatest risk concern for building owners is that if essential safety measures and other safety items are not maintained, then the risk of failure of the item when it is needed (e.g. in an emergency) increases significantly.

6. Australian Standards, Regulations and Applicable Codes 6.1 Australian Standards The following Australian Standard were used and referenced in the development of this learner guide:

AS 1851-2012 Routine Service of fire protection systems and equipment AS 1851-2005 (Old Standard) Referenced Only for comparison AS 2444 Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets – Selection and Location AS 2337.1 Gas Cylinder Test Stations (Part 1: General Requirements, Inspection and Tests – Gas Cylinders)

6.2 Regulations and Code of Practice The following Regulations and Codes of Practice were used and referenced in the development of this learner guide:

Essential Safety Measures – Maintenance Manual Code of Practice for the Reduction of Emissions of Ozone Depleting & Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Fire

Extinguishing Agents


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