DOT fire extinguisher regs

Did he write a ticket? Did he write a warning on your inspection report? If so, what exactly does it say?

 

They've always looked at my tag and gauge. But they haven't been asking for it lately. Not even the triangles have been looked at.

 

If the extinguisher has its manufacturer's markings and/or tags as when new, it will meet the regulations as posted below.

§393.95 Emergency equipment on all power units.

Each truck, truck tractor, and bus (except those towed in driveaway-towaway operations) must be equipped as follows:

(a) Fire extinguishers—(1) Minimum ratings. (i) A power unit that is used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding (See §177.823 of this title) must be equipped with a fire extinguisher having an Underwriters' Laboratories rating of 10 B:C or more.

(ii) A power unit that is not used to transport hazardous materials must be equipped with either:

(A) A fire extinguisher having an Underwriters' Laboratories rating of 5 B:C or more; or

(B) Two fire extinguishers, each of which has an Underwriters' Laboratories rating of 4 B:C or more.

(2) Labeling and marking. Each fire extinguisher required by this section must be labeled or marked by the manufacturer with its Underwriters' Laboratories rating.

(3) Visual Indicators. The fire extinguisher must be designed, constructed, and maintained to permit visual determination of whether it is fully charged.

(4) Condition, location, and mounting. The fire extinguisher(s) must be filled and located so that it is readily accessible for use. The extinguisher(s) must be securely mounted to prevent sliding, rolling, or vertical movement relative to the motor vehicle.

http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/retrieveECFR?gp=1&ty=HTML&h=L&mc=true&=PART&n=pt49.5.393#se49.5.393_195
​

 

That right there gets some folks in trouble. If it is mounted under your bunk or on the other side of the passenger seat, or buried under a pile of other equipment, you can be cited. Some DOT officers will interpret that phrase to mean that it should be within your reach from the driver's seat.

 

Most of the trucks (~75%) I have operated have had the extinguisher mounted* in the driver's side jockey box (labeled as "Fire Extinguisher Inside") and either openable from the outside or from the driver's seat area. I have never had it questioned, but agree that is probably best located next to the driver's seat.

*Mounted being the key word. They don't want to see it loose and I always used the manufacturer's mounting bracket on the outside wall next to the door and without piling a bunch of stuff in the way. One time I was getting inspected by a very serious NV State Trooper and I told him the only thing that extinguisher was good for was fending off any first responders so I would at least get a complete burn on the truck and be able to collect insurance. He laughed.

 

How do you test one without it being useless after the test?

How many of you buy rechargeable extinguishers?

 

Aren't most fire extinguishers rechargeable? I used to work for a towing company and once a year a guy came around, tested all the fire extinguishers, and recharged any that needed it.

 

Indicator is in the green meaning the unit is charged and ready.