Hi Guys We are issuing portable fire extinguishers to our guys on site. I have `advised` the contract manager that they have no inspection stickers on the side of these extinguishers and we do not have a record of when these were issued. I have suggested we get these all tested and redistubuted (as long as they all pass). We will then log these inspection on a log book electronically and also put stickers on the side with the date of last test dispalyed on the side. The contract manager has replied by saying in no uncertain terms he will not pay for this but he will now enter on a electronic log book a rough date of issue. My question is: Do you think I am being unreasonable with my requests? and also what do you think of the contract managers solution to this? Bit of further info on the situation: The contract started 7 months ago, so his estimate will be based loosly on this point.

As the fire extinguishers are a pressurised vessel they will require at least a hydrostatic test at the intervals stated below. this is on top of the 12 monthly checks. Stored-pressure water, loaded system, and/or antifreeze 5 years Wetting Agent 5 years AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) 5 years FFFP (film-forming fluoroprotein foam) 5 years Dry chemical with stainless steel shells 5 years Carbon dioxide 5 years Wet Chemical 5 years Dry chemical, stored-pressure, with mild steel shells brazed brass shells, or aluminum shells 12 years Dry chemical, cartridge-or cylinder- operated, with mild steel shells 12 years Halogenated agents 12 years Dry powder, stored-pressure, cartridge- or -cylinder- operated, with mild steel shells 12 years Phil

Who is in control of the site/s? If your people then they must fire risk assess - and that will include ensuring all extinguishers are in date for testing. If another contractor in charge then he must have a fire risk assesment. If you bring a fire extinguisher onto my site I want to know if it is up to date. Not rocket science is it?

I agree with all of your responses and unfortunately this is the case of "money talks". I have outlined the significance of not complying and the potential outcomes of this choice. I will just have to keep persevering I guess, its very depressing sometimes when common sense is ignored. Later on I will by demonstrating that the sky is indeed blue :-)

Not in my cupboard it isn't! ;-) Playing Devil's advocat for a minute; Where all the extinguishers new when the contract started 7 months ago?

Yes they where new then, what are you thinking??

If the extuiguishers are only 7 months old, then another 5 months they are due to be checked for their annual inspection, get an outside contractor in to do the inspection, then if you have fire wardens then they can do the weekly inspection to check for damage etc, then record the inspection on a spread sheet on the comouter, as long as you have records then you are compliant