Technical Committee on Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE-AAA)
Transcript of Technical Committee on Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE-AAA)
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Technical Committee on Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE-AAA)
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: March 23, 2012
TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on Portable Fire Extinguishers (PFE-AAA)
FROM: Barry Chase, NFPA Staff Liaison Office: (617) 984-7259 Email: [email protected]
SUBJECT: AGENDA – NFPA 10 ROC Meeting (Fall 2012) March 28-29, 2012, at the DoubleTree Resort Orlando at Seaworld
1. Call to Order – March 28, 8:00am 2. Introductions and Attendance 3. Review Agenda 4. NFPA Staff Liaison Presentation and Review of Key Dates in Current Cycle 5. Chairman Comments 6. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes 7. Act on Public Comments for NFPA 10 8. Generate Committee Comments for NFPA 10
a. Report from the TG on Maintenance b. Report from the TG on Annex E c. Report from the TG on Cylinder Drying d. Report from the TG on Vehicle Extinguishers e. Report from the TG on Class D Extinguishers f. References to Withdrawn Standards
9. Other Business 10. Next Meeting 11. Adjourn Meeting
Please submit requests for additional agenda items to the chair at least seven days prior to the meeting, and notify the chair and staff liaison as soon as possible if you plan to introduce any committee comments at the meeting. All NFPA Technical Committee meetings are open to the public. Please contact me for information on attending a meeting as a guest. Read NFPA's Regulations Governing Committee Projects (Section 3.3.3.3) for further information. Additional Meeting Information: See the Meeting Notice on the Document Information Page (www.nfpa.org/10) for meeting location details. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Elena Carroll, Project Administrator at 617-984-7952 or by email [email protected]. C. Standards Administration
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #6
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jonathan P. Levin, Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets
10-3Revise Sections 1.1 and 1.2 as follows. Add new Sections 1.3 and 1.4 as follows. Renumber
existing Section 1.3 to Section 1.5.
This standard shall provide the minimum requirements for The provisions of this standard apply to the selection,installation, inspection, maintenance, recharging, and testing of portable extinguishing equipment.
This standard does not require the installation of portable fire extinguishers.NFPA 10 does not require the installation of portable fire extinguishers. These requirements are commonly
found in local building and fire codes, or other occupancy-specific codes and standards.Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size.The selection and installation of extinguishers is independent of whether the building is equipped with automatic
sprinklers, standpipe and hose, or other fixed protection equipment.The requirements given herein are minimum.The requirements do not apply to permanently installed systems for fire extinguishment, even where portions of
such systems are portable (such as hose and nozzles attached to a fixed supply of extinguishing agent).This standard shall be used by is prepared for use by and guidance of persons charged with selecting,
purchasing, installing, approving, listing, designing, and maintaining portable fire extinguishing equipment.The fire protection requirements of this standard are general in nature and are not intended to abrogate the
specific requirements of other NFPA standards for specific occupancies.Nothing in this standard shall be construed as a restriction on new technologies or alternative arrangements,
provided that the level of protection as herein described is not lowered and is acceptable to the authority havingjurisdiction.
The requirements of this standard shall not apply to fixed fire extinguishing systems.Some fixed fire extinguishing systems contain portable components, such as hose and nozzles. It is not the
intent of this standard to apply to these systems or components thereof.Nothing in this standard shall be construed as a restriction on new technologies or alternative
arrangements, provided that the level of protection as herein described is not lowered and is acceptable to the authorityhaving jurisdiction.
As former NFPA Staff Liaison to NFPA 10, I received calls on a weekly basis asking, “Where in NFPA10 does it say I need an extinguisher in an MRI room?”, or “Where in NFPA 10 does it say I need an extinguisher in anunoccupied warehouse?” This proposed reorganization of Chapter 1 should clearly describe the scope of NFPA 10. It iswidely believed that NFPA 10 requires the installation of portable fire extinguishers in particular occupancies. Theproposed changes also add enforceable language and follow the format of other NFPA documents including the NFPAManual of Style.The TC has directed me to Section 1.2.1 of the existing document which does not clearly state that NFPA 10 does not
require the installation of portable fire extinguishers. In addition, Section 1.2.1 does not address the issues of the entireChapter not following the NFPA Manual of Style, nor does it address the issues of Chapter 1 lacking mandatorylanguage.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #22
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Arthur Londensky, Northeastern Regional Fire Code Development Committee
10-3Revise text to read as follows:
Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size.Portable fire extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size.
The sentence violates NFPA’s Manual of Style which reserves requirements containing “mandatory”language to the text of the Standard and accurate, informative and explanatory material, designed to offer guidance, toAnnex A.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #23
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Arthur Londensky, Northeastern Regional Fire Code Development Committee
10-3Revise text to read as follows:
The fire protection requirements of this standard are general in nature and are not intended to abrogate thespecific requirements of other NFPA standards for specific occupancies.
The fire protection requirements of this standard are general in nature and are not intended to abrogate thespecific requirements of other NFPA standards for specific occupancies.
The sentence violates NFPA’s Manual of Style which reserves requirements containing “mandatory”language to the text of the Standard and accurate, informative and explanatory material, designed to offer guidance, toAnnex A.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #2
_______________________________________________________________________________________________George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
10-8Revise text to read as follows:
The following publications are bi-nationally harmonized standards for UnderwritersLaboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096 and ULC Standards, 7 Underwriters Road, Toronto,Ontario M1R 3A9, Canada.ANSI/UL 8, CAN/ULC-S554, , 2005, Revised 2010.ANSI/UL 154, CAN/ULC-S503, , 2005, Revised 2010.ANSI/UL 299, CAN/ULC-S504, , 2002, Revised 2009.ANSI/UL 626, CAN/ULC-S507, , 2005, Revised 2010.ANSI/UL 711, CAN/ULC-S508, , 2004, Revised 2009.ANSI/UL 2129, CAN/ULC-S566, , 2005, Revised 2007.UL 1093, , 1995, Revised 2008.
Section 2.3.6 is the section for UL/ULC Bi-nationally harmonized standards. UL 1093, Standard forHalogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers is not a bi-nationally harmonized standard and does not belong in this Section.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #34
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-8The continued reference of the UL-1093 Halon fire extinguisher standard implies extinguishers
currently being labeled to it are being properly tested and listed for compliance with NFPA-10.The listing agency has withdrawn this standard and acknowledged that performance testing is no
longer conducted on this equipment. Continued recognition of the UL-1093 Halon standard incorrectly impliescompliance and unfairly compromises the marketing ability of other available listed clean agent extinguisher types thatare performance tested.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Michael A. Anthony, University of Michigan
10-8Delete from the list in the new subheading for bi-national standards but keep it on the list
of US UL standards, Section 2.3.4.With 4 Negative votes this proposal seems to be one of the most contentious proposals to appear in
the ROP. Normally the carrying-over of a set of revised reference documents is straightforward in the NFPA documentdevelopment process. This proposal, however, received barely enough votes to pass on ballot and voices in oppositionare significant and their justification sounds solid.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #46
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Tom Christman, Caryville, TN
10-5Add new text to read as follows:
Listed portable fire extinguishers, bulk quantities of listed Class D agents for portablefire extinguishers, or Class D agents that have been approved by the AHJ.
Where Class D fire hazards exist, it is common place to place bulk quantities of extinguishing agent near thepotential Class D hazard. Depending on what type of metal is present, the Class D agent selected for the protection ofthe hazard may not be a listed fire extinguishing agent. In the case of the production of lithium metal, the agent ofchoice is lithium chloride as this material is feed stock to the electrolytic cell where the lithium metal is manufactured.The use of lithium chloride of a lithium fire will not poison the electrolytic cell in which case the cell would have to bedrained and relined with fire brick. There are several Class D agents that have been shown to be effective on specificClass D fires. Additional information on Class D agents is provided in NFPA 484.
A Task Group comprised of NFPA 10 and NFPA 484 Principal Members have discussed whether bulkquantities of agents, whether Listed or not, should be included within the Scope of NFPA 10. The decision of the TGwas that primary document for these bulk agents would be NFPA 10. The current scope of NFPA 10 notes:
The provisions of this standard apply to the selection, installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing ofportable extinguishing equipment.However, the current edition of NFPA 10 does not define ‘extinguishing equipment” The committee rejected the ROP
on providing further clarification to the scope in Chapter 1 and felt that the issue was adequately addressed. This ROCadds one definition for Extinguishing Equipment to provide clarification that Class D agents that are not listed are withinthe scope of the standard.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #3
_______________________________________________________________________________________________George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
10-22, 10-110, 10-123Remove all references to UL 1093 as follows:
Portable fire extinguishers used to comply with this standard shall be listed and labeled and shall meet or exceedall the requirements of one of the following fire test standards and one of the following applicable performancestandards:(1) Fire test standards(d) Halon types CAN/ULC-S512, Standard
for Halogenated Agent Hand and Wheeled Fire ExtinguishersANSI/UL 2129, CAN/ULC-S566, Standard for Halocarbon Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers, and UL 1093,
Standard for Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers (withdrawn), CAN.ULC-S512 Standard for Halogenated Agent Handand Wheeled Fire Extinguishers require halocarbon and halogenated agent nameplates to provide safety guidelines foravoiding overexposure to agent vapors when the agents are discharged into confined spaces. The UL minimum volumerequirement for confined spaces is based on exposure to the agent in the absence of a fire and does not includeconsiderations for fire or agent decomposition products.
Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096ANSI/UL 1093, Standard for Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers, 1995,Revised 2008. (withdrawn)
UL 1093, the Standard for Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers has been withdrawn and should notbe referenced in the NFPA 10 Standard.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #47
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Tom Christman, Caryville, TN
10-33Revise text to read as follows:
Fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents for the protection of Class D hazards shall be of the typesspecifically listed and labeled for use on the specific combustible metal hazard or shown to be effective in the control ofa Class D fire per NFPA 484, Table A.15.3.3.
The following information pertains to Class D hazards:(1) Chemical reaction between burning metals and many extinguishing agents (including water) can range from
explosive to inconsequential, depending in part on the type, form, and quantity of metal involved. In general, the hazardsfrom a metal fire are significantly increased when such extinguishing agents are applied. The advantages and limitationsof a wide variety of commercially available metal fire extinguishing agents are discussed NFPA 484,
and in Section 6, Chapter 26, of the NFPA . The MSDS of the Class D hazard beingprotected or the extinguisher manufacturer should be consulted.(2) The agents and fire extinguishers discussed in this section are of specialized types, and their use often involves
special techniques peculiar to a particular combustible metal. A given agent will not necessarily control or extinguish allmetal fires. Some agents are valuable in working with several metals; others are useful in combating only one type ofmetal fire. The authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted in each case to determine the desired protection forthe particular hazard involved.(3) Certain combustible metals and reactive chemicals require special extinguishing agents or techniques. See NFPA
484, for additional information. If there is doubt, applicable NFPA 484standards should beconsulted or NFPA’s . (NFPA 49, andor NFPA325, . (Both NFPA 49 and NFPA 325have been officially withdrawn from the , but the information is contained still available in NFPA's
.)(4) Reference should be made to the manufacturer's recommendations for use and special techniques for
extinguishing fires in various combustible metals.(5) Fire of high intensity can occur in certain metals. Ignition is generally the result of frictional heating, exposure to
moisture, or exposure from a fire in other combustible materials. The greatest hazard exists when these metals are inthe molten state or in finely divided forms of dust, turnings, or shavings.The properties of a wide variety of combustible metals and the agents available for extinguishing fires in these metals
are discussed in NFPA 484, and Section 4, Chapter 16, and Section 6, Chapter 26, of the NFPA.
A proposal was made in 10-33 Log #68 which was rejected. The Committee Statement indicated thatthe proposed text was already covered in Section 5.3.2.4. However, upon reviewing the text of Section 5.3.2.4, thesection was only applicable to listed and labeled equipment and agents. The revised text calls out NFPA 484 as aspecific reference which was not included in the current text. The revised wording also indicates that other agents thatare not listed or labeled can be used when the agents have been found to be effective on a Class D fire.The revised wording has been reviewed by the 10/484 Task Group and found to be acceptable.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #1
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Michael D. DeVore, State Farm Insurance Company
10-34Revise text to read as follows:
Where a hazard is protected by an automatic fire protection system, A placard shall be conspicuously placednear the extinguisher that states that the fire protection system shall be actuated prior to using the fire extinguisher.
The energy source to the cooking equipment should be shut off by the automatic fire suppression system inorder to attain complete extinguishment and permit the cooking media to cool below its auto-ignition temperature. FigureA.5.5.5.3(a) and Figure A.5.5.5.3(b) show the recommended wording for the Class K placard. Recommended size is 75/8
in. × 11 in. (193 mm × 279 mm).Revise the warning in Figures A.5.5.5.3(a) and A.5.5.5.3(b) to state IN CASE OF APPLIANCE FIRE, ACTUATE FIXED
SUPPRESSION SYSTEM BEFORE USING FIRE EXTINGUISHER for English and translated to Spanish and French.Delete the words added in the proposal. Reading all of Section 5.5.5, the additional wording added to
Section 5.5.5.3 does not add any meaning to the requirement. This is noted in both of the negative committee votes.The annex Section A.5.5.5.3 should have been modified to explain the reason for actuating the fixed suppressionsystem before using the fire extinguisher (removal of the heat source). This would have better performed the intent ofthe proposal as stated in the last sentence of the substantiation. For example, the wording from Ansul for the type Kextinguisher, “The energy source to the cooking equipment shall be shut off by the automatic fire suppression system inorder to attain complete extinguishment and permit the cooking media to cool below its auto-ignition temperature.”
****Insert Figure A.5.5.5.3 Here****
Also, the warning shown in Figure A.5.5.5.3 is too passive to be useful in a fire. The warning seems to imply that onemust wait until the fixed suppression system activates automatically. A better wording is, “IN CASE OF APPLIANCEFIRE, ACTUATE FIXED SUPPRESSION SYSTEM BEFORE USING FIRE EXTINGUISHER.” The active voice impliesthat the user should perform an action.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #35
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-35Committee needs to consider revision of the fire extinguisher recommendations under Section
5.5.7 for oxidizers and possibly defer to the specific MSDS recommendations provided by the manufacturer and supplierof the oxidizer.
Have discovered oxidizer MSSDS recommendations that specifically advise against the use andapplication of water. The existing NFPA-10 recommendations for using water type extinguishers to address oxidizerhazards may be too broad for the scope and state of various potential oxidizer hazards.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #16
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-33Fire extinguishers or containers of Class D
extinguishing agents provided for the protection of Class D fires shall be listed and labeled for Class D fires.Class D fire extinguishers and agents shall be compatible with the specific metal for which protection is
provided. (From Proposal 10-33, Log #68.)Other non-listed agents may be used if acceptable to the AHJ. Other non-listed agents include: specially
dried sand, dolomite, soda ash, lithium chloride, talc, foundry flux and zirconium silicate or other agents shown to beeffective. Consult NFPA 484 for use and limitations of these agents and other non-listed alternatives.
On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, Log #45was rejected.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #7
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jonathan P. Levin, Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets
10-37Revise text to read as follows:
Where portable fire extinguishers are required to be installed, the applicable NFPA standard corresponding tooccupancy or hazard shall be reviewed. the following documents shall be reviewed for the occupancies outlined in theirrespective scopes:(1) NFPA 30A,(2) NFPA 32,(3) NFPA 58,(4) NFPA 86,(5) NFPA 96,(6) NFPA 120,(7) NFPA122,
(8) NFPA 241,(9) NFPA 302,(10) NFPA 303,(11) NFPA 385,(12) NFPA 407,(13) NFPA 408,(14) NFPA 400,(15) NFPA 410,(16) NFPA 418,(17) NFPA 498,(18) NFPA 1192,(19) NFPA 1194,
The TC addressed my concerns by expanding the list during the ROP; however, NFPA 10 is not a livedocument and therefore cannot be changed as new NFPA standards reference NFPA 10. In addition, the TC will nowneed to check every single NFPA document every time they meet to ensure no new standards reference NFPA 10.Accepting my comment eliminates both of these issues and any potential questions as to the application of NFPA 10. Itis not necessary to reference every single NFPA document where 10 is mentioned. Imagine if documents like NFPA 101and NFPA 13 did so? The lists would be enormous and impossible to maintain!
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #8
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jonathan P. Levin, Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets
10-41Add new text to read as follows:
When signs are used to indicate fire extinguisher location, the signs shall comply with the following:1. Be located directly above the extinguisher.2. Be visible from the normal path of travel.
As former staff liaison to NFPA 10, I was frequently asked about signage because NFPA 10 providesno guidance. Section 6.1.3.3.2 requires that means shall be provided to indicate extinguisher location and of coursesigns are one method indicate location. The TC stated that this proposed text is impractical due to building designs. Iwould respond that there is no use of having an extinguisher placed in an oddly shaped, inaccessible area of a building.This would be a violation of Sections 6.1.3.1, 6.1.3.2, 6.1.3.3.1 and even 6.1.3.3.2. If all of those sections are compliedwith, then it should not be impractical that signs be located directly above the extinguishers and visible from the normalpath of travel. Where and how else could the sign be posted to serve the purpose of indicating the extinguisher location?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #12
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jim Tidwell, Tidwell Code Consulting
10-56Revise text to read as follows:
Fire extinguishers installed in vehicles or under other conditions where they are subject to dislodgement shallbe installed in manufacturer’s strap-type brackets specifically designed for this problem.
Fire extinguishers mounted in vehicles shall be inspected daily, or, if the vehicle is not used daily, the fireextinguishers shall be inspected each time the vehicle is used.
Fire extinguishers in vehicles should be inspected at the beginning of a shift or whenever the vehicle is used.The inspection should assure that the extinguisher is charged and ready for use. Extinguishers in compartments ortrunks may become damaged or otherwise compromised because of weather exposure, other items in the compartmentnot being secured, or other factors.
In addition to Section 7.22, fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected in accordance with Section 7.2.2.2 ifthey are located in vehicles or where any of the following conditions exist:Balance to remain the same.
At the committee meeting, the chairman assigned proposal 10-56, Log #114 to a task group to refinethe issue and propose a solution to the problem identified in that proposal. The task group met via teleconference andcorresponded with each other and developed the language outlined in this comment, with the following reasonstatement:Several NFPA standards require portable fire extinguishers in vehicles. These documents refer to NFPA 10 for
installation and maintenance criteria. Fire extinguishers in vehicles present different challenges than those in buildings.For instance, mounting extinguishers in vehicles requires a bracket that will hold the extinguisher in place when thevehicle is in motion, or when the vehicle is in an accident. In many cases, the extinguisher is placed in the cargocompartment of the vehicle, where it is subject to impact from other items in the compartment, and temperatureextremes not seen in buildings. Because of these potentialities, it becomes necessary for these extinguishers to bechecked more frequently than those installed in stationary locations like buildings.The proposed changes in wording of Section 6.1.3.6 will clarify that extinguishers in any vehicle are required to be
mounted in strap type brackets. The additional section added to Chapter 7 will provide direction for inspecting the fireextinguishers, and the new annex material will explain the purpose and help guide the user performing the inspections.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #26
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-46Revise text to read as follows:
6.1.3.10.X Cabinets or wall recesses for fire extinguishers shall be installed such that the top of the cabinet is not morethan 5 feet above the floor mounting heights outlined in 6.1.3.8.1 and 6.1.3.8.2 are not exceeded.
The mounting heights for extinguishers are already established in 6.1.3.8. A reference to theseheights is more appropriate than the proposed text which could be interpreted as deviating from those heights.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #27
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-53In Table 6.3.1.1, delete notes 2 and 3.
The reference to 5.5.3 in Note 2 appears to be erroneous. Section 5.5 referenced by Note 3 containsno travel distance criteria. Travel distance for appreciable depth hazards is covered by 6.3.2.7 and travel distance forother hazards is covered by the new 6.3.3.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #28
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-511. Add the following text (old 6.3.1.5):
6.3.1.1.1 Two or more fire extinguishers of lower rating shall not be used to fulfill the protection requirements of Table6.3.1.1, except as permitted by 6.3.1.1.2 and 6.3.1.1.3.2. Renumber 6.3.1.1.1 and 6.3.1.1.2 as 6.3.1.1.2 and 6.3.1.1.3.
Old paragraph 6.3.1.5 needs to remain to preclude the installation of two or more lower rated drychemical extinguishers to satisfy the requirement of 6.3.1.1.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #49
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Tom Christman, Caryville, TN
10-55Add new text to read as follows:
Portable fire extinguishers or extinguishing agents (media) for Class D hazards shall be provided in those workareas where combustible metal powders, flakes, shavings, chips, or similarly sized products are generated.
See NFPA 484, for additional information.The 10/484 Task Group has reviewed and revised text to permit the use of extinguishing agents that
are not listed or labeled when the agents are shown to be effective on Class D fire as noted in NFPA 484. The minorrevision to this section adds Annex material to indicate that additional information is available in NFPA 484. No newrequirements are added with this minor revision.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #48
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Tom Christman, Caryville, TN
10-55Add new text to read as follows:
Size determination shall be on the basis of the specific combustible metal, its physical particle size, area to becovered, and recommendations by the fire extinguisher manufacturer based on data from control tests.
See NFPA 484, for additional information.The 10/484 Task Group has reviewed and revised text to permit the use of extinguishing agents that
are not listed or labeled when the agents are shown to be effective on Class D fire as noted in NFPA 484. The minorrevision to this section adds Annex material to indicate that additional information is available in NFPA 484. No newrequirements are added with this minor revision.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #36
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-57Take exception to the committee action expanding Annex A.7.3.1 beyond the existing explanatory
general fire extinguisher annual maintenance example. This change implies and suggests the acceptable use of NFPApublished service check lists on various broad categories of equipment, in lieu of following specific equipment servicemanual procedures on potentially dangerous variations of pressurized equipment having unique hardware differences.
Generic checklists potentially conflict with existing fire equipment service manual instructions andpresent life safety issues if referenced or utilized. It is irresponsible to publish and suggest generic forms of check listswithin NFPA-10 for service work on potentially hazardous high pressure equipment, without regards for properlyaddressing specific individual hardware characteristics and necessary per-cautionary safety warnings.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #50
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Dennis D. Brohmer, Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products
10-57I am taking exception to the committee action in reference to expanding Annex A.7.3.1 beyond the
existing explanatory general fire extinguisher annual maintenance example. I have reservations that this change makesit acceptable to use our NFPA published service check lists on a most all equipment, in replacement of manufacturesequipment service manual procedures. I am already receiving telephone calls by End-Users Customers for our manualsto comply to Chapter 7.
A generic checklist conflicts with Ansul Operations, Recharge, Inspection & Maintenance Manual andcould present life safety issues if referenced. Ansul has had a policy in place that has worked for us for seventy-threeyears now and this conflicts with our policy as manufacture ensuring specific product training to service Ansul product.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #9
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jonathan P. Levin, Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets
10-61Revise text to read as follows:
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall meet one of the following criteria: becertified(1) Factory trained for the specific type and brand of portable fire extinguisher being serviced(2) Trained by an organization acceptable to the AHJ(3) Registered, licensed, or certified by a state or a local AHJ if such programs exist
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers should meet one of the following criteria:(1) Factory training and certification for the specific type and brand of portable fire extinguisher being serviced(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction(3) Registration, licensure, or certification by a state or a local authority having jurisdiction
Persons training to become certified shall be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging ofextinguishers under the direct supervision and in the immediate presence of a certified person.
Certification requires that a person pass a test administered by an organization acceptable to the AHJ.The test shall at a minimum be based upon knowledge of the chapters and annexes of this standard.The testing process shall permit persons to use the standard during the test.Persons passing the test required in 7.1.2.1.2 shall be issued a document or a certificate.The document or certificate shall be made available when requested by the authority having jurisdiction.
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall be trained and shall have available theappropriate manufacturer’s servicing manual(s), the correct tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and manufacturer’sreplacement parts or parts specifically listed for use in the fire extinguisher.
Persons training to become certified shall be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging ofextinguishers under the direct supervision and in the immediate presence of a certified person.
Sections 7.1.2.1 through 7.1.2.3 shall not apply to persons performing 30-day inspections shall not berequired to be certified.
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall provide documentation upon requestindicating that they comply with Section 7.1.2.1.
The TC stated that training and certification were confused. The current language states that thoseperforming maintenance must be certified. The existing Annex section for that language states that they should be“factory trained” and certified, certified by an organization acceptable to the AHJ, or certified by an AHJ directly.According to the existing standard, training is a method of becoming certified already.I am only proposing to move this language from the Annex to the body of the standard. AHJ’s frequently contacted me
when I was the NFPA Staff Liaison to NFPA 10 asking me what should be an acceptable certification to them. There areno criteria anywhere for this certification. Technically, by the existing language I could just print a certificate, put my PEstamp on it, and give it to anyone I want who could then bring it to an AHJ and be considered certified. In order to becertified, one should have to go through some sort of training, not just be handed a printed certificate. The existinglanguage does not provide any guidance for AHJ’s.
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Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #11
_______________________________________________________________________________________________R. T. Leicht, Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall be certified in a manner acceptable tothe Authority having Jurisdiction.
Persons training to become certified shall be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging ofextinguishers under the direct supervision and in the immediate presence of a certified person.
Certification requires that a person pass a test administered by an organization acceptable to the AHJ.The test shall at a minimum be based upon knowledge of the chapters and annexes of this standard.The testing process shall permit persons to use the standard during the test.Persons passing the test required in 7.1.2.1.2 shall be issued a document or a certificate.The document or certificate shall be made available when requested by the authority having jurisdiction.
Contrary to a Committee Statement, the AHJ, by definition is the organization, office, or individualresponsible for enforcing the requirements of the standard and for approving procedures. There is nothing in thedefinition that states that this responsibility excludes the procedures for certification. No substantiation had beenprovided that shows that this particular portion of his responsibility causes any significant burden. If the Committee feelsthat it needs to provide a sample program as an option for what the AHJ should establish as a minimum standard, thematerial being deleted from the text of the standard could be included as guidance in an Annex section.7.1.2.1.1: What level of work can be done by a person that has not yet completed certification is a specific
responsibility of the AHJ.7.1.2.1.2: The means for certification is the duty of the AHJ. Some AHJ’s may require things other than or in addition to
passing a test administered by an organization such as liability insurance, minimum years of experience, attendance toa mandated class, etc.7.1.2.1.3: When the AHJ of a particular jurisdiction requires a test for certification, he may not necessarily require any
knowledge of the annex, where another AHJ may require knowledge of State or local rules or amendments to theadopted Standards. The particulars of a test is determined by the AHJ.7.1.2.1.4: Where an AHJ requires a test, it should be permitted to be conducted in whatever manner that AHJ wants it
to be conducted. An AHJ may feel that an “open book” test does nothing to evaluate a person’s ability to understand therequirements but merely measures how well the person can look up the material.Deleting 7.1.2.1.5 and 7.1.2.1.6: All the parameters of certification, including how to document or verify it, is within the
duty of the AHJ; not the Standard.
13Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #24
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Arthur Londensky, Northeastern Regional Fire Code Development Committee
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall be certified. Persons performingmaintenance and recharging of extinguishers shall meet one of the following criteria:(1) Factory training and certification for the specific type and brand of portable fire extinguisher being serviced(2) Certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction(3) Registration, licensure, or certification by a state or a local authority having jurisdiction.
Persons training to become certified shall be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging ofextinguishers under the direct supervision and in the immediate presence of a certified person.
Certification requires that a person pass a test administered by an organization acceptable to the AHJ.The test shall at a minimum be based upon knowledge of the chapters and annexes of this standard.The testing process shall permit persons to use the standard during the test.Persons passing the test required in 7.1.2.1.2 shall be issued a document or a certificate.The document or certificate shall be made available when requested by the authority having jurisdiction.Persons performing maintenance and recharging of extinguishers should be certified. Persons training to
become certified shall be permitted to perform maintenance and recharging of extinguishers under the direct supervisionand in the immediate presence of a certified person. Certification requires that a person pass a test administered by anorganization acceptable to the AHJ. The test should at a minimum be based upon knowledge of the chapters andannexes of this standard. The testing process shall permit persons to use the standard during the test. Persons passingthe test required should be issued a document or a certificate. The document or certificate should be made availablewhen requested by the authority having jurisdiction.Keep remaining annex note as is.
The requirement in the code is backward with the annex material being standard text and the standardtext being annex. As currently worded certification if personnel performing work on fire extinguishers are a state or localissue. The proposed wording provides better guidance to the user, AHJ etc. for what constitutes an approvedcertification program instead of stating a certification program that may not be acceptable to the AHJ. The proposedwording is consistent with other NFPA Standards.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #17
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Fire extinguishers and portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be . . . .On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, Log #45
was rejected.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #19
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Fire extinguishers and portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be . . . .On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, Log #45
was rejected.
14Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #18
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Fire extinguishers and portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be . . . .On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, Log #45
was rejected.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #20
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Revise text to read as follow:
7.2.1.3 Fire extinguishers and portable fire extinguishing equipment shall be . . . .
On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, log 45was rejected.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #10
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jonathan P. Levin, Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets
10-72Revise text to read as follows:Periodic inspection or electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the
following items:(1) Location in designated place(2) No obstruction to access or visibility(3) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position(4) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting for self-expelling type extinguishers, cartridge-operated extinguishers,
and pump tanks(5) Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle for wheeled extinguishers(6) Indicator for nonrechargeable extinguishers using push-to-test pressure indicators
I agree with the TC that an experience, trained person could reasonably determine fullness by“hefting.” However, those performing these monthly inspections do not need any experience, training, certification, etc.per the existing standard. Therefore, they may not have “hefted” enough fire extinguishers in their lives to be able todetermine how full it is accurately. It is very easy for a maintenance person to carry a portable scale and throw eachextinguisher on the scale.
15Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #21
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Add text to read as follows:
7.2.2.3 Inspection Procedure for Containers of Class D Extinguishing Agent7.2.2.3.1 Periodic inspection of containers of class D extinguishing agent used to protect class D hazards include a
check of at least the following items:1) container or pail in designated place2) no obstruction to access or visibility3) check that lid is sealed4) check for fullness of pail by hefting or weighing5) visually check for no apparent physical damage to container6) if storage device for extinguishing agent is not designed to be sealed, open and examine powder for contamination,
moisture, etc.
On behalf of the NFPA 10/484 Liaison Task Group. Needed for clarification since ROP 10-4, log 45was rejected.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #25
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Arthur Londensky, Northeastern Regional Fire Code Development Committee
10-80Revise text to read as follows:
Where manual inspections are conducted, records for manual inspections shall be kept on a tag or labelattached to the fire extinguisher on an inspection checklist maintained on file, or by an electronic method.
The committee failed to explain the rejection just that using a checklist is a mean to comply with therecords requirement. This deletes the checklist option. Anecdotally, experience has shown that checklists are oftencompleted in an office or other location without actually viewing the extinguishers. In fact, municipal fire inspectors havefound checklists that were photocopied from month to month with signature and new dates added. By eliminating thechecklist method, the inspector is forced to physically view and make contact with the extinguisher.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #13
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57Revise text to read as follows:
Paragraph 7.3.6.3 Non-rechargeable fire extinguishers shall not be required to comply with 7.3.6.2 have a six-yearinternal examination and shall not be hydrostatically tested but shall be removed from service at a maximum interval of12 years from the date of manufacture.
Removed Section 7.3.6.2 since it dealt only with halon extinguishers and added verbage to cover theintent of the no 6 year internal examination of any non-rechargeable extinguisher.
16Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #4
_______________________________________________________________________________________________George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
10-98Revise text to read as follows:
The vapor phase of carbon dioxide shall be not less than 99 99.5 percent carbon dioxide.Retain the original requirement of 99.5% purity for CO2 charge since UL 154 requires 99.5% purity
and a change without technical substantiation would conflict with the current product standard requirements in UL 154as follows:a) Standard Charge – A commercial grade of carbon dioxide. The vapor phase shall be not less than 99.5 percent
carbon dioxide.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #37
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-98Committee action to change and lower CO2 agent specification, conflicts with the existing
ANSI/UL-154 fire extinguisher standard for carbon dioxide extinguishers which NFPA-10 currently recognizes andreferences for compliance.
The committee should also recognize the proposal substantiation does not address other essentialcarbon dioxide purity and dryness characteristics, which can have detrimental impact upon equipment performance.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #38
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-102The committees suggested language would now restrict the use and application of compressed air,
to only water and foam models of fire extinguishers.The rational and substantiation was not only incorrect, but conflicts with existing recharge information
within this standard, the manufacturers service manuals and information printed on various fire extinguisher nameplates.The suggested language will also unnecessarily increase recharge costs associated with loaded stream and wetchemical fire extinguisher models.
17Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #29
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-57Move paragraphs 7.5.3.1 and 7.5.3.2 to section to Chapter 6, under a new heading “Electronic
Monitoring and Alarm Systems” and delete the text in 7.5.3 and 7.5.3.3.When used in conjunction with non–fire alarm systems, fire extinguisher electronic monitoring devices shall be
inspected and maintained as required in 7.5.3.1 through 7.5.3.3 and the manufacturer’s listed installation andmaintenance manual(s).
The monitoring device shall be tested and maintained annually in accordance with 7.5.1.
The connection to the electronic monitoring device shall be continuously supervised for integrity.The power source for the electronic monitoring device shall be supervised for continuity of power.
Renumber existing paragraphs accordingly.This is an editorial change to move the paragraphs on supervision from chapter 7 over to chapter 6.
Paragraphs 7.5.3.1 and 7.5.3.2 address requirements for supervision. These paragraphs do not belong in chapter 7.Paragraph 7.5.3.3 is not needed with the reorganization of chapter 7. After moving 7.5.3.1 and 7.5.3.2, and deleting7.5.3.3, paragraph 7.5.3 is also no longer needed.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #39
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-104Committee’s action to increase the maximum permitted cylinder drying temperature exposures
from +150F to +220F does not properly consider various potential detrimental hardware exposure issues to the broadscope of equipment it will be applied to.
No temperature exposure test data or documentation was provided to address the broad scope ofmaterial types, thicknesses and various cylinder manufacturing processes which temperature might weaken and resultin catastrophic failure after such exposure. There are hundreds of different fire extinguisher cylinders variations thatcurrently exist in the field that potentially could be negatively impacted by this increased drying temperature exposurelimit change.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #14
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-105Revise text to read as follows:
Paragraph 8.3.1.2 should be moved to Chapter 7, specifically to Section 7.7.1.3.6.in no case shall an extinguisher be recharged if it is beyond it’s specified hydrotest retest date.
Paragraph 8.3.1.2 deals with recharging, and is more properly located in Chapter 7, dealing withrecharging.
18Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #30
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-107Revise the paragraph number to read “8.5.1.5” as follows:
8.5.1.5 All tests shall be conducted using test fittings and adapters.
8.5.1.5 is a more appropriate location.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #33
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-22Halon portable fire extinguishers used to comply with this standard have been listed, labeled and
meet or exceed the requirements of UL-1093, Standard for Halogenated Agent Fire Extinguishers, which also includesfire testing and rating criteria. As a result of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer,Underwriters Laboratory has withdrawn UL-1093. This does not imply that extinguishers that are listed and labeled toUL-1093 are unsafe for use as fire extinguishers, nor does it mean that EPA is requiring halon extinguishers be removedfrom service. It does mean that UL will not accept new products or designs for testing or listing to UL-1093. It alsomeans that no changes or updates are allowed to currently listed models by extinguisher manufacturers.Extinguisher manufacturers are allowed to manufacture halon extinguishers to UL-1093 with the UL listing mark until
October 2014. Halon extinguishers in use will continue to be listed beyond the 2014 date and can be used to complywith the requirements of this standard.
Need clarification on UL-1093 being “withdrawn”. Halon extinguishers will continue to be used tocomply with this standard beyond the 2014 date established by UL to end manufacture of halon extinguishers with a ULmark. Even though UL has “withdrawn” the standard it is still in use and manufacturers are still making extinguishersand applying the UL listing marks to designs that meet the requirements of UL-1093. Also, extinguishers made prior tothe 2014 end date for UL-1093 are still effective fire extinguishers and will still be considered “listed” by UL. As such,they should be allowed to be used to meet the requirements of NFPA 10, as long as they are properly maintained inaccordance with their listing, NFPA 10 requirements and the manufacturers service manuals.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #40
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-109Committees suggested text incorrectly implies action beyond the requirements stated within
paragraph 4.2.2.Suggested text should only provide direction for the removal of these units from service. The
destruction of personnel property by regulatory codes is typically limited to situations where imminent danger ispresented. The lack of service recommendations or available replacement parts by itself, does not necessarily implydanger or the need for property destruction.
19Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #41
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-111Support addition of rejected text into Annex.
The added text further helps explain and address the various different types of class “B” fire hazardsdescribed within Section 5.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #5
_______________________________________________________________________________________________George E. Laverick, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
10-55Revise text to read as follows:
It is important to note that Class D fire extinguishers operate much differently than other dry chemicalextinguishers rated for Class A, B, or C. operators may be familiar with. A hazard with combustible metal fires isspreading the material and/or suspending the product in the air which can result in an explosion. The application ofextinguishing agent from utilizing a Class D extinguisher should be applied to avoid spreading the combustible metalmaterial and/or suspending the metal product in the air which can result in an explosion is accomplished by slowlyapplying flowing application of the agent. product out the nozzle; operators not familiar with the operation of Class Dextinguishers often mistake this as the extinguisher not working, due to the expectations of a discharge one wouldnormally experience with an ABC Class extinguisher. Burning metals, other than the alkali metals can only beextinguished in an inert atmosphere. The application of a Class D material agent on other burning metals are intendedto control the fire and assist in the formation of oxide crust to that limits combustion. This is accomplished by firstencircling ringing the combustible metal material with the agent and then covering the burning metal fire in a smotheringaction, which will limit open burning. It is important to note that metal fires involving large quantities of metal beyond theincipient stage are virtually nearly impossible to control or extinguish with a Class D agent or material. In most cases themetal will continue to burn after application of the agent in a controlled fashion until it is completely oxidized. Stirring orDdisturbing the oxide crust may result in re-ignition and open burning if before complete extinguishment has occurred,secondary to or oxidation of the metal and/or exclusion of oxygen, has not occurred a flare-up of the metal can result.Fires involving alkali earth metal and transitional metals will begin to form an oxide crust as they burn, which will limitopen burning even without the application of an extinguishing agent.Application of water or other inappropriate extinguishing agents though will may result in an adverse reaction including
the potential for an explosion. Burning metals may also draw moisture from concrete and or asphalt which alsomaintains the potential for explosion.Dependant on the size of the fire,Large amounts of combustible metal materials involved in a fire the material can
remain hot for some time and flare back up vigorously re-ignite if disturbed prior to complete extinguishment of thecombustible metal materials. product, even though it may appear out. (See A.5.3.2.4.)
Editorially attempt to improve the English grammar and clarity.
20Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #42
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-115Take exception to the committee action expanding Annex A.7.3.2 beyond the existing explanatory
general fire extinguisher annual maintenance example. This change implies and suggests the acceptable use of NFPApublished service check lists on various broad categories of equipment, in lieu of following specific equipment servicemanual procedures on potentially dangerous variations of pressurized equipment having unique hardware differences.
Generic checklists potentially conflict with existing fire equipment service manual instructions andpresent life safety issues if referenced or utilized. It is irresponsible to publish and suggest generic forms of check listswithin NFPA-10 for service work on potentially hazardous high pressure equipment, without regards for properlyaddressing specific individual hardware characteristics and necessary per-cautionary safety warnings.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #51
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Dennis D. Brohmer, Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products
10-115I am taking exception to the committee action in reference to expanding Annex A.7.3.1 beyond the
existing explanatory general fire extinguisher annual maintenance example. I have reservations that this change makesit acceptable to use our NFPA published service check lists on most all equipment, in replacement of manufacturesequipment service manual procedures. I am already receiving telephone calls by End-Users Customers for our manualsto comply to Chapter 7.
A generic checklist conflicts with Ansul Operations, Recharge, Inspection & Maintenance Manual andcould present life safety issues if referenced. Ansul has had a policy in place that has worked for us for seventy-threeyears now and this could conflicts with our policy as manufacture ensuring specific product training to service Ansulproduct.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #15
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation
10-57First paragraph of A.7.11.1 should read:
Weight scales used for weighing extinguishers and cartridges should permit readings consistent with the tolerancesidentified on the nameplate of the extinguisher or cartridge. In extinguishers with a gross weight up to 60 lbs. (27.2 kg),a mechanical scale should have readings on the dial or face at 0.25 lb (0.10 kg) intervals. This will allow mid-pointreadings of 0.125 lb (.06 kg) between the markings on the dial or scale. A digital scale used for weighing extinguishersup to 60 lbs. gross weight should permit readings of .1 lb (.05 kg). Weight scales used for weighing and rechargingcartridges require more accuracy. Consult the extinguisher manufacturer for recommendations.
Fill tolerances of small (2.5 pound) extinguishers is plus or minus 2 ounces (.12 lb). Weigh scales needto be readable to that level, or less, to assure proper fill at recharge. Proposed wording also makes a distinctionbetween reading accuracy of digital scales and mechanical scales where midpoint readings between those on thedevice are acceptable.
21Printed on 3/13/2012
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #43
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-117The committee’s action to remove the long standing geometric shapes and color references for
extinguisher fire classifications, presents conflict with various existing fire extinguisher training programs and equipmentmarkings.
The existing fire classifications markings contained within Figure B.2.2 are currently being placed onnew fire extinguishers nameplates, location markings and various extinguisher training materials. The existing alternatepictograph fire classification symbols shown within Figure B.1.1 present various visual training and communicationproblems associated with identification.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #31
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-118Add the following to Annex E:
Table E.3.X provides a breakdown of extinguisher quantities by floor. Extinguishers must be determined on a floor byfloor basis, and Table E.3.X should not be used for determining extinguishers based on the total square footage of allfloors in multi-story buildings. Table E.3.XX provides a comparison of the quantities of extinguishers for two 90,000 ft2
buildings.
***INSERT TABLE E.3.XX HERE ***
Calculations are required to be conducted on a floor to floor basis. The recommended additionprovides a comparison of a single story building to a 3 story building showing the difference in the number ofextinguishers for each.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #32
_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mark T. Conroy, Brooks Equipment Company
10-1181. Add the spreadsheets (shown below) for quantities of extinguishers for Class A Hazards.
2. Add the following text as E.3.6 and renumber accordingly:The quantity of extinguishers for buildings 10, 000 ft2 up to 500,000 ft2 is shown in Table E.3.X. The table was
developed based on the calculations required by 6.2.1.2.1. Exact quantities can be determined by interpolating betweenfloor sizes shown in the table or by using the calculation method in 6.2.1.2.1.
***INSERT TABLE E.3.X HERE***
An additional tool (the table) should be added to the standard to simplify the process for determiningthe minimum quantity of extinguishers.
22Printed on 3/13/2012
10/L31/R/F2013/ROC
Table E.3.XX Comparison of Extinguishers for One Story vs. Multi-story
Building Type Area of Coverage 2-A light 3-A light 4-A light
Three Story 30,000 ft2 x 3 floors 15 (5x3) 12 (4x3) 9 (3x3)
Single Story 90,000 ft2 15 10 8
Table E.3.X Quantity of Extinguishers for Class A Hazards
Light Light Light Ord Ord Ord Ord Ord Extra Extra Extra Extra
2‐A 3‐A 4‐A 2‐A 3‐A 4‐A 6‐A 10‐A 4‐A 6‐A 10‐A 20‐A
FT2 & up & up & up
6000 9000 11250 3000 4500 6000 9000 11250 4000 6000 10000 11250
10000 2 2 1 4 3 2 2 1 3 2 1 1
20000 4 3 2 7 5 4 3 2 5 4 2 2
30000 5 4 3 10 7 5 4 3 8 5 3 3
40000 7 5 4 14 9 7 5 4 10 7 4 4
50000 9 6 5 17 12 9 6 5 13 9 5 5
60000 10 7 6 20 14 10 7 6 15 10 6 6
70000 12 8 7 24 16 12 8 7 18 12 7 7
80000 14 9 8 27 18 14 9 8 20 14 8 8
90000 15 10 8 30 20 15 10 8 23 15 9 8
100000 17 12 9 34 23 17 12 9 25 17 10 9
110000 19 13 10 37 25 19 13 10 28 19 11 10
120000 20 14 11 40 27 20 14 11 30 20 12 11
130000 22 15 12 44 29 22 15 12 33 22 13 12
140000 24 16 13 47 32 24 16 13 35 24 14 13
150000 25 17 14 50 34 25 17 14 38 25 15 14
160000 27 18 15 54 36 27 18 15 40 27 16 15
170000 29 19 16 57 38 29 19 16 43 29 17 16
180000 30 20 16 60 40 30 20 16 45 30 18 16
190000 32 22 17 64 43 32 22 17 48 32 19 17
200000 34 23 18 67 45 34 23 18 50 34 20 18
210000 35 24 19 70 47 35 24 19 53 35 21 19
220000 37 25 20 74 49 37 25 20 55 37 22 20
230000 39 26 21 77 52 39 26 21 58 39 23 21
240000 40 27 22 80 54 40 27 22 60 40 24 22
250000 42 28 23 84 56 42 28 23 63 42 25 23
260000 44 29 24 87 58 44 29 24 65 44 26 24
270000 45 30 24 90 60 45 30 24 68 45 27 24
280000 47 32 25 94 63 47 32 25 70 47 28 25
290000 49 33 26 97 65 49 33 26 73 49 29 26
300000 50 34 27 100 67 50 34 27 75 50 30 27
310000 52 35 28 104 69 52 35 28 78 52 31 28
320000 54 36 29 107 72 54 36 29 80 54 32 29
330000 55 37 30 110 74 55 37 30 83 55 33 30
340000 57 38 31 114 76 57 38 31 85 57 34 31
350000 59 39 32 117 78 59 39 32 88 59 35 32
360000 60 40 32 120 80 60 40 32 90 60 36 32
370000 62 42 33 124 83 62 42 33 93 62 37 33
380000 64 43 34 127 85 64 43 34 95 64 38 34
390000 65 44 35 130 87 65 44 35 98 65 39 35
400000 67 45 36 134 89 67 45 36 100 67 40 36
410000 69 46 37 137 92 69 46 37 103 69 41 37
420000 70 47 38 140 94 70 47 38 105 70 42 38
430000 72 48 39 144 96 72 48 39 108 72 43 39
440000 74 49 40 147 98 74 49 40 110 74 44 40
450000 75 50 40 150 100 75 50 40 113 75 45 40
460000 77 52 41 154 103 77 52 41 115 77 46 41
470000 79 53 42 157 105 79 53 42 118 79 47 42
480000 80 54 43 160 107 80 54 43 120 80 48 43
490000 82 55 44 164 109 82 55 44 123 82 49 44
500000 84 56 45 167 112 84 56 45 125 84 50 45
Report on Comments – November 2012 NFPA 10_______________________________________________________________________________________________10- Log #44
_______________________________________________________________________________________________J. R. Nerat, Badger/Kidde Fire Protection / Rep. NFPA Industrial Section
10-120Question committee action and rational for rejection of this proposal. The committee needs to
either remove all suggested home hazard level references for “attached” and “detached” garages or properly adjust itsminimum equipment recommendations.
Paragraphs F.3.1, F.3.2, F.3.3.1 and F.3.3.2 in the Annex currently all suggest hazard differencesbetween home applications with “attached” and “detached” garages, but provide the same minimum level of extinguishercoverage. Existing occupancy requirements within this standard would require vehicle hazards having fuel tankspotentially containing over 5 gallons of fuel, to have a minimum 40B rated extinguisher.
23Printed on 3/13/2012