Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.1235 - Fire extinguishing equipment

Rule 5.

(1) All hand portable fire extinguishers, semiportable fire extinguishing systems, and fixed fire extinguishing systems required by these rules shall be of a type approved by the United States coast guard.

(2) Hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are classified by a combination letter and number symbol whereby the letter indicates the type of fire which the unit could be expected to extinguish, and the number indicates the relative size of the unit.

(3) For the purpose of these rules, all required hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are of the "B" type suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids and greases.

(4) The number designations for size start with "I" for the smallest to "III" for the largest. Sizes I and II are considered hand portable fire extinguishers and size III is considered a semiportable fire extinguishing system which shall be fitted with a suitable hose and nozzle or other practicable means so that all portions of the space concerned may be covered. Examples of size graduations for some of the typical hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are as indicated in table 4.

TABLE 4

Classification
Type	Size	Foam, Gallons	Carbon Dioxide, Pounds	Dry Chemical, Pounds
B	I	11/4	4	2
B	II	2½	15	10
B	III	12	35	20

(5) All hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems shall have permanently attached a metallic nameplate giving the name of the item; the rated capacity in gallons, quarts, or pounds; the name and address of the person or firm for whom approved; and, the identifying mark of the actual manufacturer.

(6) Vaporizing liquid-type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic liquids are not acceptable as equipment required by these rules.

(7) Hand portable or semiportable extinguishers which are required on their nameplates to be protected from freezing shall not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.

(8) A dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguisher not fitted with pressure gauge or indicating device, manufactured prior to January 1, 1965, may be carried on motorboats so long as it is maintained in good and serviceable condition. The following maintenance and inspections are required for such an extinguisher:

(a) When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguisher shows that 6 months have elapsed since the last weight check ashore, the extinguisher is not accepted as meeting required maintenance conditions until reweighed ashore and found to be in a serviceable condition and within required weight conditions.

(b) If the weight of the container is 1/4 ounce less than that stamped on the container, it shall be serviced.

(c) If the outer seals, which indicate tampering or use when broken, are not intact, the officer shall inspect the extinguisher to see that the frangible disc in the neck of the container is intact; and if the disc is not intact, the container shall be serviced.

(d) If there is evidence of damage, use, or leakage, such as dry chemical powder observed in the nozzle or elsewhere on the extinguisher, the container shall be replaced and the extinguisher properly serviced or the extinguisher replaced with another approved extinguisher.

(9) A dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguisher without pressure gauge or indicating device manufactured after January 1, 1965, shall not be carried on motorboats as required equipment.

(10) When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, it shall be of a carbon dioxide-type approved and installed as required by the United States coast guard.

(11) The intent of these rules is illustrated in figure 2, where fire extinguishers are required if any of the specified conditions exist, and in figure 3, where specified conditions do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried.

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Fire extinguishers are required if any of the following conditions exist:

1. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.

2. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material.

3. Closed living spaces.

4. Closed compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.

5. Permanently installed fuel tanks.

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The following conditions do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried:

1. Bait wells.

2. Glove compartments.

3. Buoyant flotation material.

4. Open slatted flooring.

5. Ice chests.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.1235

1979 AC; 2010 AACS