What are the DOT regulations regarding on-board fire extinguishers as far as the date on the tag or just having a tag? Obviously I know it must have a good pressure reading on the gauge, but anything else to be aware of?
There was one time I took a set of welding tanks to get filled and the guy told me he couldn't fill them because the inspection testing date had expired. It has to be done every 10 years according to some ANSI standard (not DOT). I ended up paying to swap for good tanks. I don't know if that applies to fire extinguishers or not? There would be a date stamped on the tank somewhere if they were included. I was under the impression inspections applied to all portable tanks. I never looked at one that close.
Cylinders for HM like welding gasses are required by DOT to be re-tested at different intervals, depending on the specification of the cylinder. Fire extinguishers are cylinders, but i am not sure on test and re-test requirements for them. A portable tank is a different packaging altogether.
That really was my question. Is the age of the extinguisher a factor in any way for DOT Troopers as long as it has good charge? Either the bottle itself or the date on the tag.
