U.S.
Department of Labor
|
Mine Safety
and Health Administration
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia
22209-3939
|
|
| EFFECTIVE DATE: July 12,
2005 |
EXPIRATION
DATE: 03/31/2007
(Reissue of I03-IV-1 & I03-V-8)
|
PROCEDURE INSTRUCTION LETTER NO. I05-IV-2
FROM: ROBERT M. FRIEND
Administrator for
Metal and Nonmetal Mine
Safety and Health
RAY McKINNEY
Administrator for
for Coal Mine Safety and
Health
SUBJECT: Fire Extinguishers with a 2-A:10-B:C
Rating
Scope
This Procedure Instruction Letter (PIL) applies to
all mine operators and independent contractors using
fire extinguishers with a rating of at least
2-A:10-B:C by the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or
Factory Mutual Research Corp. and to all Mine Safety
and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement
personnel.
Purpose
This letter provides instructions to enforcement
personnel regarding fire extinguishers and their
compliance with MSHA standard 30 CFR 75.1100-1(e)
and the definition of a "multipurpose dry-chemical
fire extinguisher" found in 30 CFR 56/57.2.
Background
Questions have been raised as to whether the Red
Line A-5 Fire Extinguishers manufactured by Ansul,
Incorporated, are in compliance with MSHA's
standards. These multipurpose dry-chemical fire
extinguishers contain a nominal 4.25 pounds of agent
and have a rating of at least 2-A:10-B:C by the
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
MSHA defines a multipurpose dry-chemical fire
extinguisher as one having a rating of 2-A:10-B:C
and containing a nominal 4.5 pounds or more of
dry-chemical agent. Webster defines "nominal" as "…
a theoretical size that may vary from the actual."
Because the weight criteria is only approximate, the
overriding consideration is the ability to
extinguish a fire of a specified type and size.
Procedure Instruction
A fire extinguisher with a 2-A:10-B:C designation
that contains approximately 4.5 pounds of
dry-chemical agent meets the intent of the
definitions and provides an acceptable level of
protection.
Authority
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30
CFR 75.1100-1(e) and 30 CFR 56/57.2.
Filing Instructions
This instruction letter should be filed behind the
tab marked "Procedure Instruction Letters" in the
binder for Program Policy Handbooks and Procedure
Instruction Letters.
Issuing Offices and Contact Persons
Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health, Division
of Safety
Laura McMullen (202) 693-9647
E-mail:
mcmullen.laura@dol.gov
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Division of Safety
Monty L. Christo (202) 693-9527
E-mail:
christo.monty@dol.gov
Distribution
All Program Policy Manual Holders
All Special Interest Groups
All Underground Mine Operators
All Underground Mine Independent Contractors |
