Fire Extinguisher Inspection Program

The following information describes the code required Fire Extinguisher Program at the University of Delaware.

A. Program Administration

Per University Policy 7-7, Fire Protection/Life Safety Equipment, Design Installation and Maintenance, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety is responsible for program administration. Costs for any service or equipment over and above the code required minimums will be billed to the requestor for academic departments. All service and equipment for self-supportin groups is billed to that group.

B. Types of Fire Extinguishers

Amerex is the standard brand used on the campus.

Amerex fire extinguishers with brass or aluminum valves are the only acceptable types unless approval is given by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

Ten pound ABC is the common size used although on vehicles and other areas where a small fire only is expected a 5 lb. ABC may be chosen.

Special types of fires, which may be expected, may require the use of a class "D" type or clean agent type fire extinguisher. These situations will be handled by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

C. Inspection Program

An annual comprehensive inspection is facilitated by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. An outside vendor working at the direction of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety does this inspection. A portion of the campus is done each month. An inspection tag is installed by the vendor, signed and dated.

A monthly "cursory" inspection is required for all fire extinguishers. Normally custodial personnel complete this inspection. In areas not serviced by custodians the department is responsible. A white tag is applied to the fire extinguisher and this tag is initialed and dated by the inspector. The tags are supplied by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. The data is also recorded on an inspection sheet supplied by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety. The sheets are then forwarded via the inspector's supervisor to the Department of Environmental Health & Safety for follow-up.

The monthly cursory inspection includes the following items:

  • Located in its designated location
  • No obstruction to access or visibility
  • Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward
  • Tamper seals not broken or missing
  • Fullness determined by weighting or hefting
  • Examined for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle
  • Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position
  • White tag initialed and dated

D. Requests for Service

It is very important that fire extinguishers remain ready for instant use in an emergency. To that end the Department of Environmental Health & Safety has the vendor on campus every Tuesday and Thursday each week except for holidays and special situations to provide expeditious service. If any person notices an extinguisher which needs service, please communicate immediately with the University Fire Protection by email at fire-safe@udel.edu, or contact Jeff Work via e-mail or by calling 831-3971. The following information is requested:

  • Name and telephone number of caller
  • Exact location of fire extinguisher
  • Type and size of extinguisher if known
  • Date and time of call

Questions regarding the fire extinguisher inspection program may be addressed to Kevin McSweeney or call 831-6847.