Must fire extinguishers be replaced?

OSHA says that foam extinguishers with soldered brass shells and soda acid extinguishers with soldered brass shells must be retired from service. Soda acid (stainless steel shell) and cartridge operated water and/or antifreeze extinguishers are also obsolete. Also, any extinguisher which fails the hydrostatic testing requirements outlined in 1910.157(f)(10) must be retired.

While not adopted by OSHA, NFPA 10, “Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers,” states that the following types of fire extinguishers are considered obsolete and are to be removed from service:

• Soda acid;
• Chemical foam, excluding film-forming agents;
• Vaporizing liquids such as carbon tetrachloride;
• Cartridge-operated water;
• Cartridge-operated loaded stream;
• Copper or brass shell joined by soft solder or rivets;
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers with metal horns;
• Solid charge-type AFFF extinguishers;
• Pressurized water fire extinguishers manufactured prior to 1971;
• Any extinguisher with 4B, 6B, 8B, 12B, and 16B fire ratings; and
• Stored-pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells.

Employers should contact their local fire authorities to see if NFPA 10 has been adopted through local or state code.