? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

[Expidia]

Just received a new 10BC marine grade Sea-Fire fire extinguisher. But I was surprised to see the manufacture date of 2004.

Last season on a Coast Guard boat inspection they found my flares were already expired, so I had to buy new ones.

I figured I'd also update my old fire extinguisher and ordered a new one online.

But there is no expiration date on this new extinguisher other than the date of manufacture of 2004.

What are the Coast Guard rules on how long this extinguisher is good for?
The gauge shows full. Do they just go by the gauge?
Thx

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

in Florida, they go by the guage. unless it is a commercial vessel.

 

[Expidia]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

in Florida, they go by the guage. unless it is a commercial vessel.

Thx, that makes sense. When I saw it's 4 years old already, I figured I might have to send it back.

The rules in NY are probably the same as FL.

 

[Bondo]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

The rules in NY are probably the same as FL.

Ayuh,........

No Date,..... Just Pressure here too.......

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

While fire extinguishers in commercial buildings (not residences) MUST be checked and re-filled every year, there is no such ruling by the Coast Guard. Boat extinguishers will either have a pressure guage or a test pin. If the pressure gauge is in the green zone or if the test pin returns out when pushed in, the extinguisher is deemed ready and suitable for use. The regs do say, however, that the extinguisher must be readily available--ie. not mounted inside a seat box or other similar compartment. Only exception to this is by necessity on jet skis. You will also note that the extinguisher does not necessarily need to be mounted. If it is mounted however it MUST be in the correct mount supplied with it.

On the subject of extinguishers, My personal opinion is that on small boats they are useless. If my boat is burning, between gasoline and fiberglass, I'm getting out and to hell with the boat. If someone else has a fire on board, I'm not getting close enough to use an extinguisher. Fiberglass is like 50% Styrene. Did you ever see it burn? My aid to them will be to pick them out of the water and take them to safe port.

But the regs require one and just maybe the Coast Guard knows what it is doing. I keep two on board. That way if I am inspected and one has happened to go bad with out me noticing it, the other should keep me legal. It's a question of 10 bucks saving 80 or 90.

 

[Expidia]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

While fire extinguishers in commercial happened to go bad with out me noticing it, the other should keep me legal. It's a question of 10 bucks saving 80 or 90.

expidia says: This is true. It only cost me $12 with shipping anyway since I had to use up a $5.00 off Google checkout coupon before 12/31. So I thought I might as well upgrade my 10 year old extinguishers with newer and bigger ones.

I'm sure it would help if there was a sudden electrical fire. You're right about how fast boats can burn up right down to the water line!

I was laughing at that other thread where the poster wanted to use a BBQ grill on the boat. On a smaller rig those rod holders that hold the grill base are mighty close to a 6.5 gal plastic gas tank's position. So I'm sure I'll pass someone grilling off the back of a small boat someday or maybe I'll just see a bright flash in the distance of what used to be a boat

When The Coast Guard checked out my gear the flares were not only expired 5 years ago they were road flares from my car. I was OK on everything else though so they gave me a passing sticker. Funny though, I took a boating course and the not to use car flares and especailly expired ones somehow got by me!

 

[External Combustion]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

If you are using a dry chemical extinguisher it would pay to check the extinguisher each month. Turn it upside down and place it next to ear. You should be able to hear the chemical fall down inside it. If you can't then you need to rapp it hard several times with a rubber hammer or a piece of wood to loosen the chemical.

The chemical can set up like concrete every once in a while. When it does, all you get is a rush of gas when you release the lever. Mighty embarassing, next to the fire. Mother henning them prevents this.

Write down the extinguisher check in your boat's log and on a tag on the extinguisher. Don't have one? Make one. The CG boys like to see them and it will tell you when to perform the preventative chores, even when to replace those outdated flares!

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

My boaters exam here in TN state that the extinguisher may be stowed but it is better to leave it in an accessible place (not required). I was thinking of mounting mine on the inside of the passenger side of the helm.

 

[DJ]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

If you are using a dry chemical extinguisher it would pay to check the extinguisher each month. Turn it upside down and place it next to ear. You should be able to hear the chemical fall down inside it. If you can't then you need to rapp it hard several times with a rubber hammer or a piece of wood to loosen the chemical.

The chemical can set up like concrete every once in a while. When it does, all you get is a rush of gas when you release the lever. Mighty embarassing, next to the fire. Mother henning them prevents this.

Write down the extinguisher check in your boat's log and on a tag on the extinguisher. Don't have one? Make one. The CG boys like to see them and it will tell you when to perform the preventative chores, even when to replace those outdated flares!

The same goes for extinguishers in the house and shop! Good advice.

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

Install one of these bad boys inside the doghouse!! You'll be safe then!! https://www.ansul.com/en/Products/clean_agent_systems/images/sapphiresys_z.jpg

 

[amynbill]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

I have 2 extinguishers mounted to the side "wall" where my feet go when I drive the boat. Easily seen and accessible by the lake patrol.

Both are brand new.

But like was posted earlier, if there is a fire, unless i is small and I think I can take it on, I'm bailing. Thats what insurance is for.

 

[dingbat]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

Fire Extinguishers are required on boats when any of the following conditions exist:

Inboard engines are installed.

There are closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.

There are double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials.

There are closed living spaces.

There are closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.

There are permanently installed fuel tanks. (Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed. There are no gallon capacity limits to determine if a fuel tank is portable. If the weight of a fuel tank is such that persons on board cannot move it, the Coast Guard considers it permanently installed.)
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Inspect extinguishers monthly to make sure that:

Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing.

Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range. (Note: CO2 extinguishers do not have gauges.)

There is no obvious physical damage, rust, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.

Weigh extinguishers annually to assure that the minimum weight is as stated on the extinguisher label.

Fire extinguishers that do not satisfy the above requirements or that have been partially emptied must be replaced or taken to a qualified fire extinguisher servicing company for recharge.

 

[tommays]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

We get fire training at work as we handle a LOT flammable material

RULE NUMBER ONE
Is to only put it out if it is blocking you escape path get everybody SAFE and let the pros handle it

The high pressure sprinkler system system in our building is the only reason i can tell you about this as i was working in a tank area when someone did something really stupid and started a 300 gallon FIRE


If you have a gas fire in the engine area on a small inboard boat about the worst thing you can do is open the hatch and allow more air in


You have at best 2 minutes of burn time on the hoses in the fuel system before your going to have a much bigger fire and getting everybody OFF and BURN FREE is NUMBER ONE



Tommays

 

[Boatist]

Re: ? rules for fire extinguisher . . .

Dry Power Fire Extinguishers the power does cake up and will not blow out. As said before put to your ear and tilt up side down and listen for the power to slide down. You can also feel it. I know a person who's camper burned to the ground form a small stove fire. Fire Extinguisher just put out gas no power and the fire got out of control. After it was over someone picked up the fire extinguisher and slamed it against the ground and then pushed the buttom and the power came out great.

In a Coast Guard class I took they recommend 2 fire Extinguishers. Mount one the normal way vertical. Mount the second Horizontal and every trip or so reverse positions. This is suppose to help the Power to not get packed tight in the bottom.

Boarded by the Coast Guard 2 years ago within 3 miles of California so state waters. They checked all the saftey gear. Fire Extinguisher they taped the guage about 3 times and made sure it was in the Green good Zone. I have three Extinguisher but they only checked one. The two power one mounted as above. The Halon 1201 Mounted normal.

I hope to never see a fire as out here in the boat deadly or in the water offshore your good for about 20 minutes with 51 degree water.