Section 296-307-34018. What requirements apply to hydrostatic testing?

(1) You must ensure that a trained person performs hydrostatic testing with suitable testing equipment and facilities.

(2) You must ensure that portable extinguishers are hydrostatically tested at the intervals listed in the table below.

Exception:	Extinguishers must not be hydrostatically tested if the following conditions exist:
	(a) When the unit has been repaired by soldering, welding, brazing, or use of patching compounds;
	(b) When the cylinder or shell threads are damaged;
	(c) When there is corrosion that has caused pitting, including corrosion under removable name plate assemblies;
	(d) When the extinguisher has been burned in a fire; or
	(e) When a calcium chloride extinguishing agent has been used in a stainless steel shell.

(3) In addition to an external visual examination, you must ensure that the cylinders and shells are examined internally before the hydrostatic testing.

(4) You must ensure that portable fire extinguishers are hydrostatically tested whenever they show new evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury.

(5) You must ensure that hydrostatic tests are performed on extinguisher hose assemblies that are equipped with a shut-off nozzle at the discharge end of the hose. The test interval must be the same as specified for the extinguisher on which the hose is installed.

(6) Carbon dioxide hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle must be hydrostatically tested at 1,250 psi (8,620 kPa).

(7) Dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies with a shut-off nozzle must be hydrostatically tested at 300 psi (2,070 kPa).

(8) Hose assemblies passing a hydrostatic test do not require any type of recording or stamping.

(9) You must ensure that hose assemblies for carbon dioxide extinguishers that require a hydrostatic test are tested within a protective cage device.

(10) You must ensure that carbon dioxide extinguishers and nitrogen or carbon dioxide cylinders used with wheeled extinguishers are tested every five years at 5/3 of the service pressure as stamped into the cylinder. Nitrogen cylinders that comply with 29 C.F.R. 173.34(e)(15) may be hydrostatically tested every ten years.

(11) You must ensure that all stored pressure and Halon 1211 types of extinguishers are hydrostatically tested at the factory test pressure not to exceed two times the service pressure.

(12) You must ensure that self-generating type soda acid and foam extinguishers are tested at 350 psi (2,410 kPa).

(13) Air or gas pressure used for hydrostatic testing is prohibited.

(14) You must remove from the workplace all extinguisher shells, cylinders, or cartridges that fail a hydrostatic pressure test, or that are not fit for testing.

(15)(a) Water-jacket equipment must be used for testing compressed gas type cylinders. The equipment must have an expansion indicator that operates with an accuracy within one percent of the total expansion or 0.1 cc (.1 mL) of liquid.

(b) The following equipment must be used to test noncompressed gas type cylinders:

(i) A hydrostatic test pump, hand or power operated, capable of producing not less than one hundred fifty percent of the test pressure, which must include appropriate check valves and fittings;

(ii) A flexible connection for attachment to fittings to test through the extinguisher nozzle, test bonnet, or hose outlet, as is applicable; and

(iii) A protective cage or barrier for personal protection of the tester, designed to provide visual observation of the extinguisher under test.

(16) You must maintain records of the hydrostatic testing. Your records must include:

• The date of test;

• The test pressure used;

• The serial number, or other identifier of the fire extinguisher that was tested; and

• The person or agency performing the test.

You must keep the records until the next testing, or until the extinguisher is taken out of service, whichever comes first. You must provide us with copies of the records if we ask for them.

[WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-34018, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-34018, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]

WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-34018, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-34018, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.