Hopefully, many of you already know this but I guess I just missed this one somehow.
Saw a recent article on a sailor getting cited by USCG for an expired fire extinguisher. I didn't know they expired. I don't think it's actually in the USCG regs, it's in NFPA 10, "Standards for Portable Fire Extinguishers". The USCG incorporates by reference the inspection and expiration requirements of NFPA 10. Without digging into it to see if it's REALLY a USCG regulatory requirement or just USCG "guidance", I really don't want to argue with a Coastie over it. I plan to inspect the ones on the boat and look for a date this weekend. Anyway, a cursory look at NFPA 10 says that extinguishers expire 12 years from date of manufacture. I looked at the one at my house and could not find a date. Being cautious, I was at Walmart today and I pulled a couple out of the box and, sure enough, there was a year stamped on the bottom and wording on the label to effect that it must be removed from service 12 years after date of manufacture. I bought a new one for the house. I suspect the ones on the boat are so old they possibly don't have a date at all. I suspect I'll be buying a couple new extinguishers this weekend. :( Boats like ours generally require two B-1 extinguishers. Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA
_______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
