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Servicing of Fire Extinguishers
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I am operations manager for a large bitumen manufacturer and supplier. We collect most of our raw materials with bulk road tankers from the various refineries around the country. Entry into these refineries is strictly regulated and non compliance is severely dealt with.
Last night I was contacted by one of the refineries in Durban and told that our vehicle was not permitted to enter as its fire extinguishers were serviced annually and not six monthly. They indicated that a change to the road ordinance required this. I have searched the internet, contacted the fire department and the Dept of Transport KZN and no one can verify this claim. Can you give clarity on how often extinguishers should be serviced in accordance with the law in terms of the conveyance of hazardous substances (UN 1999 and 3257)? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Barry Blunt
Operations Manager
Colas SA (Pty) Ltd
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Firstly, the periodic testing (maintenance) of a portable fire extinguisher is governed by SANS 1475-1:2006. This requires a powder type extinguisher to be maintained at a maximum period of 12 months.
However, SANS 10231:2006, Annexure E, table E3, item called "Cab checks (outside cab)", states the following: Check fire extinguishers (six-monthly, obligatory): whether correctly fitted, sealed and operational and whether nozzle and hose are in good condition.
It does not clearly state that it needs to be maintained in accordance with SANS 1475 at the six-monthly interval. All it states is that it will be inspected and then elaborates on what the inspection needs to include. So, my opinion is that the yearly requirement as stated in SANS 1475 stands.
As a matter of interest, SANS 10231 does not list SANS 1475 as a normative reference standard. I do not know if anything to the contrary is stated in any other standard or the Fire Services Act.
Hentie van Jaarsveldt
FleetWatch DG Correspondent
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