Selection, Installation and maintenance of first-aid fire extinguishers - Code o Practice
2010 Edition

IS 2190 addresses portable fire extinguishers — their classification, appropriateness, inspection, and maintenance.

Key Points:

• Rounding off test values should comply with IS 2:1960.
• Annex A lists related IS standards such as IS 940 and IS 13849 for specific extinguisher types.
• Definitions are aligned with IS 7673.

Extinguisher Suitability Highlights (from Table 3, Clause 10.1):

Inspection & Maintenance Checklist (Clause 11.5):

• Verify placement, accessibility, and visibility.
• Ensure operating instructions are legible.
• Check intactness of safety seals, fullness status, and physical condition.
• Confirm pressure gauge readings.
• For wheeled extinguishers, inspect tyres, wheels, hoses, and nozzles.

Hydraulic Pressure Testing Intervals (Annex E, Clause 12.2.1):

Notes:

• Extinguishers undergo hydraulic testing with caps fitted.
• No leakage or deformation permitted; failures require replacement.

Service Life of Extinguishers (Annex F):

• Lifespan counted from manufacturing date.
• Extinguishers failing hydraulic tests must be discarded immediately.

Summary:

• Testing pressures vary by type; mostly 35 kg/cm² except CO₂ at 250 kg/cm².
• Testing intervals: usually every 3 years, CO₂ every 5 years.
• Service life ranges from 10 to 15 years depending on extinguisher type.

Hazard Categories (Clause 4.4 & 4.4.1):

• Light (Low) Hazard (LH): Small amounts of Class A combustibles; e.g., offices, classrooms, churches.
• Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard (MH): Moderate combustibles; common commercial and industrial spaces.
• Extra (High) Hazard (HH): High combustible materials; warehouses, sawmills, chemical plants.

Extinguisher Size and Coverage for Class A Fires (Table 1, Clause 5.4.1):

For Class B Fires (Table 2, Clause 5.4.2):

Class C Hazards (energized electrical equipment) extinguishers are sized according to associated Class A or B hazards.

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Occupancy Type] --> B{Hazard Category}
    B -->|Light| LH[Use 1-A Extinguisher, Max 280 m² per unit]
    B -->|Ordinary| OH[Use 1-A Extinguisher, Max 140 m² per unit]
    B -->|Extra| EH[Use 2-A Extinguisher, Max 90 m² per unit]

Number and Size Determination (Clause 5.2):

• Based on hazard severity, fire spread potential, heat generation, materials involved, building features, occupancy, and installed equipment.
• Authorities must consider all these factors to reduce risks effectively.

Class A Fires (Clause 5.4.1 & Table 1):

Class B Fires (Clause 5.4.2 & Table 2):

Key Notes:

• Extinguishers must be located so that maximum travel distance does not exceed prescribed limits.
• Sizes refer to the extinguishing agent weight in kilograms.
• Selection depends on fire class, hazard rating, and occupancy type.

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Assess Hazard] --> B{Fire Class}
    B -->|Class A| C[Refer Table 1 for size & distance]
    B -->|Class B| D[Refer Table 2 for size & distance]
    C --> E[Determine Hazard Level]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Choose Extinguisher Size and Placement]
    F --> G[Install Extinguishers Accordingly]

Placement Principles (Clause 6.1 and related):

• Extinguishers must be positioned considering the type of fire risk (Class A, B, C, or D).
• They should be easily visible and immediately accessible for prompt use.
• Intended for early-stage fires; quick access is essential.
• Maximum permitted travel distances (from Tables 1, 2, Clauses 5.4.3 & 5.4.4):
  • Class A: up to 15 meters.
  • Class B: between 9 to 15 meters depending on hazard severity.
  • Class C: as per the underlying Class A or B hazard.
  • Class D: maximum 15 meters.
• Usually, no major structural modification is needed; any recesses should be incorporated during construction (Clause 8.2).

Summary Table:

Placement Checklist:

• Identify hazard class and severity.
• Ensure extinguisher is visible and accessible.
• Adhere to maximum travel distances.
• Consider electrical hazards and select appropriate extinguishers.
• Plan recesses during building phase if needed.

Summary Flow:

flowchart LR
    A[Identify Hazard Class] --> B[Select Extinguisher Type & Size]
    B --> C[Determine Placement Location]
    C --> D{Is Location Visible & Accessible?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Install Extinguisher]
    D -- No --> F[Choose Alternate Site]
    F --> C

Key Installation Guidelines (Annex B & Clauses 5.3, 5.4):

• Occupancy Classifications (based on IS 1641):
  • Group A: Residential (fires Classes A & C)
  • Group B: Educational (Class A)
  • Group C: Institutional (Class A)
  • Group D: Assembly (Class A)
  • Group E: Business (Classes A & B)
  • Group F: Mercantile (Class A)
  • Group G: Industrial (Classes A, B, D)

Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement Examples:

• Class C hazards are sized according to associated Class A or B hazards.

Minimum Extinguisher Provision Samples:

Installation Notes (Clause 8.2):

• Structural work usually unnecessary.
• Wall recesses should be planned during building construction.
• Installation usually occurs post-construction.

Initial Inspection Requirements (Clauses 7 & 11.5):

• Verify extinguisher is at designated spot, unobstructed.
• Confirm operating instructions are clearly visible and readable.
• Check safety seals and tamper indicators.
• Assess fullness by weighing or lifting.
• Inspect physical condition for damage, corrosion, leakage, or blocked nozzles.
• Check pressure gauge readings within operational range.
• For wheeled extinguishers, inspect tyres, wheels, hose, and nozzle.

Initial Inspection Steps (Clauses 7.1 & 12.4):

• Confirm completeness and absence of transit damage.
• Verify manufacturer’s mark on gas cylinder extinguishers.
• Check gas cartridge mass; replace if mass loss exceeds 10%.
• Clean nozzle, strainer, vent holes, discharge tube, and sealing washer.
• Test operating mechanism for smooth functioning and proper piercing.
• Refill extinguisher with clean water or suitable extinguishing agent.

Extinguisher Suitability Summary (Table 3, Clause 10.1):

Legend: Yes = Suitable, No = Not Suitable

Periodic Inspection Requirements (Clause 11.5):

• Confirm extinguisher location and unobstructed accessibility.
• Ensure operating instructions remain legible.
• Check safety seals for integrity.
• Verify fullness through weighing or lifting.
• Inspect for physical damage, corrosion, or leakage.
• Read pressure gauge to ensure within operable limits.
• For wheeled units, verify condition of tyres, wheels, hoses.

Suitability Table Recap (Clause 10.1, Table 3):

Gas Cartridge Maintenance (Clause 12.4):

• Replace or recharge if mass loss exceeds 10%.
• Hydrostatic testing as per IS 4947 is mandatory before reuse.

Maintenance Highlights by Extinguisher Type:

• Water Stored Pressure: Check gauge, weigh, inspect nozzle/hose, refill water, discharge test every two years.
• Mechanical Foam: Inspect liquid level, sediments, corrosion, gas cartridge mass; clean or replace nozzle components.
• Dry Powder: Open in dry environment, check powder condition (no caking), weigh cartridge, clean internal parts.
• Carbon Dioxide: Weigh extinguisher, inspect hose/horn; replace if mass loss >10%.

Records & Disposal:

• Maintain detailed inspection and maintenance logs (Annex G).
• Cut rejected extinguishers centrally to prevent reuse; document disposal date.

Essential Safety Protocols (Clauses 11.10, 11.10.1, 11.10.2):

Before Opening Extinguisher:

• Confirm absence of residual pressure in hose/nozzle.
• Slowly unscrew valve 2-3 turns to release pressure through vent holes.
• Do not rely solely on pressure gauges.
• Use clamps and personal protective equipment if pressure does not release easily.
• Never remove valves when extinguisher is fully charged.
• Avoid standing in line with parts that could eject.

During Maintenance:

• Open dry powder extinguishers only in dry conditions; minimize exposure time.
• Avoid mixing different dry powder types (BC/ABC/D) to prevent hazardous chemical reactions.
• Clean and lubricate sealing parts to prevent leakage.
• Use only recommended gas cartridges; avoid higher-capacity cartridges.
• Avoid prolonged storage of recharge materials; moisture and age degrade quality.
• Use blowers or dryers to remove moisture from hoses; avoid compressors with high moisture content.
• Annually test hoses on large-capacity extinguishers without nozzles.

Maintenance Schedule (Clause 11.4):

• Adhere to approved periodic inspection intervals to ensure functionality and safety.

Summary Table:

Maintenance Flow:

flowchart TD
    A[Start Maintenance] --> B{Residual Pressure Present?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Unscrew Valve Slowly (2-3 turns)]
    C --> D{Pressure Released?}
    D -- No --> E[Use Clamps & PPE]
    D -- Yes --> F[Open Extinguisher Fully]
    B -- No --> F
    F --> G[Check Powder Type & Condition]

General Instructions (Clause 15.1.2):

• Strictly follow manufacturer’s instructions during recharge.

Gas Cartridge Handling (Clause 12.4):

• Replace cartridges losing more than 10% of original mass.
• Hydrostatic tests per IS 4947 mandatory before reuse.
• Only cartridges that pass testing are reused.

Measuring Agent Volume in Stored-Pressure Extinguishers (Clause 15.3.10):

• Prevent overfilling to ensure proper discharge.
• Use one of: weight measurement, volume measurement, anti-overfill tube, or fill mark on extinguisher shell.

Safety Guidelines (Clause 11.10.2):

• Open dry powder extinguishers only under dry conditions.
• Avoid mixing different powder types.
• Clean and lubricate sealing components.
• Check pressure gauges.
• Do not connect extinguisher directly to high-pressure sources.
• Use only recommended cartridge capacities.
• Avoid storing recharge materials for long periods.
• Use blowers/dryers for drying hoses.
• Annually test hoses of large-capacity dry powder and CO₂ extinguishers.

Rejected Extinguisher Handling (Clause 14):

• Cut centrally to render unusable.
• Record rejection date and disposal method in maintenance register (Annex G).

Maintenance Record Keeping (Clause 13):

• Maintain detailed logs of inspection, testing, and maintenance as per Annex G.

Flowchart:

flowchart LR
    A[Inspect Extinguisher] --> B{Cartridge Mass Loss > 10%?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Send for Hydrostatic Testing (IS 4947)]
    C --> D{Test Passed?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Recharge Cartridge]
    D -- No --> F[Reject and Dispose]
    B -- No --> G[Continue Usage]
    E --> H[Fill Extinguisher Using Approved Methods]
    H --> I[Check Seals & Gauges]
    I --> J[Record in Maintenance Register]

Record Maintenance (Clause 13):

• Maintain a register for all fire extinguishers covering inspection, maintenance, testing, and operational history.
• Use the format provided in Annex G of IS 2190.

Rejected Extinguishers (Clause 14):

• Cut rejected extinguishers centrally to prevent reuse.
• Log rejection date and disposal details in the register.

Gas Cartridge Management (Clause 12.4):

• Replace or recharge if mass loss exceeds 10%.
• Hydrostatic testing according to IS 4947 required before reuse.

Maintenance Checklist (Clause 11.5):

• Confirm location and accessibility.
• Ensure legibility of operating instructions.
• Verify safety seals are intact.
• Check fullness by weight or lift.
• Inspect for physical damage, corrosion, leakage.
• Verify pressure gauge readings.
• Assess condition of hose, nozzle, wheels if applicable.

Flow Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Extinguisher] --> B[Inspection]
    B --> C{Is Cartridge Gas Type?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Check if Mass Loss > 10%]
    D -- Yes --> E[Send for Recharge & Hydrostatic Test]
    D -- No --> F[Continue Service]
    C -- No --> F
    F --> G[Record Inspection & Maintenance]
    G --> H{Rejected?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Cut Extinguisher & Record Disposal]
    H -- No --> J[Keep in Service]

Disposal Procedures (Clause 14):

• Rejected extinguishers must be physically cut across the body to ensure they cannot be reused.
• The date of rejection and disposal method must be documented in the extinguisher register (Annex G).

Rejection Criteria by Extinguisher Type:

Important Checks:

• Mass Loss Formula: Mass Loss % = ((Original Mass - Current Mass) / Original Mass) × 100
• If mass loss exceeds 10%, extinguisher must be rejected or recharged.
• Hydrostatic testing per IS 4947 is mandatory before reuse of gas cartridges.

Safety Guidelines:

• Open dry powder extinguishers only in dry environments.
• Avoid mixing powders of different types.
• Use only manufacturer-approved gas cartridges.
• Calibrate pressure gauges and safety valves every three years for high-capacity extinguishers.

Disposal Flow:

flowchart TD
    A[Inspection] --> B{Mass Loss > 10%?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Recharge or Reject]
    B -- No --> D[Check for Corrosion/Damage]
    D -- Yes --> E[Reject and Cut Body]
    D -- No --> F[Clean and Refill]
    E --> G[Record Rejection and Disposal]
    F --> H[Return Extinguisher to Service]

Hydraulic Pressure Testing (Clause 12.2 & 12.2.1):

• Testing frequency as per Annex E; at least one-third of extinguishers tested annually.
• Extinguishers passing tests remain in service; those failing are repaired and retested or discarded.
• Discard extinguishers after life expiry as per Annex F.

Testing Procedure (Clause 12.2.2):

• Remove valves and internal components; empty extinguisher.
• Clean inside from extinguishing agents.
• Detach external gas cartridges and seal openings.
• Attach hydrostatic test pump hose to discharge/test fitting.
• Place extinguisher in protective cage or shield.
• Slowly tighten test cap, bleed air, then fully tighten.
• Apply test pressure and hold for required duration.

Key Specifications (Annex E):

Refilling & Operation Test (Annex D):

• Perform annual refilling and operational testing in cycles.

Testing Flow:

flowchart TD
    A[Start] --> B[Remove Valves & Empty Extinguisher]
    B --> C[Clean Shell]
    C --> D{External Cartridges Present?}
    D -- Yes --> E[Remove and Seal Openings]
    D -- No --> F[Attach Test Pump Hose]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Place in Protective Cage]
    G --> H[Slowly Tighten Cap & Bleed Air]
    H --> I[Fully Tighten Cap]
    I --> J[Apply Test Pressure & Hold]
    J --> K{Passes Test?}
    K -- Yes --> L[Retain Extinguisher]
    K -- No --> M[Repair & Retest or Discard]

Fire Class and Extinguisher Compatibility (Clauses 9 & 10):

Extinguisher Suitability Table:

Inspection and Maintenance:

• Confirm location, accessibility, legibility of instructions.
• Check safety seals, fullness, physical condition.
• Verify pressure gauge operability.
• For wheeled extinguishers, inspect tyres, wheels, hose, and nozzle.

Additional Notes:

• Extinguishers suitable for live electrical fires must pass electrical conductivity tests.
• Installation generally occurs after construction; wall recesses should be planned in advance (Clause 8.2).

Summary Diagram:

flowchart TD
    A[Fire Classes] -->|Class A| B[Water, Foam, ABC Powder]
    A -->|Class B| C[Foam, Dry Powder, CO2]
    A -->|Class C| D[Dry Powder, CO2, Clean Agent]
    A -->|Class D| E[Special Dry Powder for Metal Fires]

Spare Refills (Clause 7.2):

• Refills must match the original extinguisher’s fire rating.
• Use manufacturer-approved refills conforming to relevant IS standards (Annex A).
• Halon extinguishers should not be refilled or discharged onsite per Montreal Protocol.

Gas Cartridge Handling (Clause 12.4):

• Cartridges with mass loss over 10% must be sent for recharging.
• Hydrostatic testing per IS 4947 is mandatory before reuse.
• Only cartridges passing testing should be reused.

Charging Quantities (Clause 15.3.10):

• Avoid overfilling water-type extinguishers by using one of:
  • Precise weight measurement
  • Volume measurement
  • Anti-overfill tube if provided
  • Fill mark on extinguisher shell if present

Rejected Extinguishers (Clause 14):

• Cut centrally to prevent reuse.
• Record date and disposal method in maintenance records (Annex G).

Summary Table:

Flowchart:

flowchart TD
    A[Check Cartridge Mass Loss] -->|>10%| B[Send for Recharging]
    B --> C[Hydrostatic Test (IS 4947)]
    C -->|Pass| D[Reuse Cartridge]
    C -->|Fail| E[Reject Cartridge]
    A -->|≤10%| F[Use Cartridge as Is]

Maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and disposal activities as per Annex G format.