Aldine Independent School District 14910 Aldine Westfield Road Houston, Texas 77032 Phone (281) 985-6265 Created on August 2007
ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES 14910 Aldine-Westfield Road Houston, Texas 77032-3099 (281)985-6265 August 2007 To Whom It May Concern: The Office of Buildings and Properties administers the Aldine Independent School District s fire extinguisher services program. This includes training of employees on how to use and when to use, inspections to ensure proper operation of every unit, servicing at proper time intervals or on an as needed basis. The Aldine ISD Services Plan is inclusive of existing and new buildings, constructions and renovations, and the District s fleet of school buses to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local standards. As we move forward in the implementation of this plan we are confident that this continuous improvement process will be of great value to the district. With everyone doing their part, we will reach and maintain the goals of this plan. Sincerely, Emitte A. Roque, Executive Director of Buildings and Properties
ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES 14910 Aldine-Westfield Road Houston, Texas 77032-3099 (281)985-6265 August 2007 Statement from the District s Inspector: As we continuously pursue Producing the Nation s Best, we are obligated to protect the same and also the districts assets. We do this by meeting or exceeding the standards set forth by the governing agencies at all levels. This Aldine Independent School District Services Plan is designed to maintain compliance and to mitigate any abnormal situation. The processes of this plan will allow for a smooth, efficient flow designed to manage the system effectively. The Office of Buildings and Properties is always available to facilitate your every need or concern relative to the Aldine Independent School District s fire extinguisher system plan. Sincerely, Charles R. Williams, Inspector
TABLE OF CONTENTS FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES ALDINE FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE PROGRAM... 1 I. PURPOSE... 2 II. OBJECTIVE... 2 III. FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEFINED... 2 IV. COMPLIANCE... 2 V. INSPECTIONS... 2 A. Inspections Quick Check Performed by Head Custodian (Monthly)... 2 B. Annual Maintenance by Inspector... 3 C. Inspector s Annual Inspection... 3 VI. SERVICING... 3 A. Handy Man Items... 3-4 VII. TRAINING... 4 A. About s... 4 B. Who May Use a... 4 C. Location and Marking of Extinguisher... 4 D. Training and Communication... 4-5
PowerPoint/Fire Extinguisher Inspector Inspections/Services Up-dates Fire Extinguisher Inspector Annual Training PowerPoint/Fire Extinguisher Inspector Annual Training (Buildings & Properties Employees) District Fire Extinguisher Training Operations/ Administrators/Principals Operations Department Training (Maintenance/ Transportation) Page 1 ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of Buildings & Properties ALDINE FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES PROGRAM COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS SERVICING TRAINING Contractor Notified Federal/State NEPA 10 Fire Marshall Random 6 year Tag Documentation New Head Custodian Local TFM Code Head Custodian 76 Buildings Due 1 st Thursday Monthly 12 year Tag Contractor Notified Documentation Head Custodians Board of Trustees Inspector Assessment District Plan Department Plan Deputy Superintendent Buildings and Properties Inspector Inspector Follow-up Inspections Monthly Charging Handy Man Contractor Notified Services Confirmed Inspector Assessment Contractor/ Maintenance Notified Services Confirmed Buildings & Properties Employees Districtwide Employees Inspector Assessment Unit Cabinets Contractor/ Maintenance Notified Services Confirmed Internal Inspection Items Inspector 1
FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICES I. PURPOSE To establish and maintain a program which protects lives, property, and comply with governing entities on the federal, state and local levels. (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157) II. OBJECTIVE The objective of this plan is to provide a uniform application concerning the use, application and care of portable fire extinguishers throughout the Aldine Independent School District. When used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property, by extinguishing small fires or containing a small fire until the fire department arrives. This plan will adhere to the standards for portable fire extinguishers at federal, state, and local levels. III. FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEFINED A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a handheld cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish a fire. IV. COMPLIANCE By law we are to adhere to standards, codes and/or laws prescribed by federal, state, local government. 1. Federal: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) 2. State: NFPA 10 (National Fire Protection Association) Standard for portable fire extinguishers 3. Local: IFC section 906 (International Fire Code) Portable fire extinguishers V. INSPECTIONS Inspections are vital to the entire plan, the participation of everyone involved is an absolute necessity. Inspections must be done properly on or just prior to due date. Fire Marshal s inspections are done randomly. A. Inspections Quick Checks Performed by Head Custodians (Monthly) 1. The head custodian s inspection should confirm, as a minimum, the following: a) Fire extinguisher is located in its designated location. b) Fire extinguisher s access and visibility are unobstructed. 2
c) Operating instructions on the extinguisher s name plate are legible and facing forward. d) The seal and tamper indicators are not broken or missing. e) The extinguisher is free of corrosion and leakage. f) The extinguisher nozzle is not clogged. g) The pressure gauge is in appropriate position (in the green area) h) Inspection tags are dated and initialed properly every month B. Annual Maintenance by Inspector Inspections are to be performed annually by the inspector or designee. 1. Using a cloth dampened with mild soap and water, wiping off any dust that may have accumulated on the extinguisher. 2. Notice the overall appearance for signs of dents or rust. 3. Check to see if the seal has been broken or if the pin has been pulled. 4. Check the gauge to see if the extinguisher is charged/discharged or overcharged. 5. Check the tag for annual inspection date. This date will be punched on the tag (month, year), type of service last performed, (inspected, recharged, serviced, or installation). C. Inspector s Annual Inspection Inspections are annual or on an as needed basis, and are performed at same time the service tags are punched (month & year). VI. SERVICING The Office of Buildings and Properties is responsible for the servicing of all of the district fire extinguishers. This includes 6 years internal inspections or 12 year hydrostatic testing of every unit. Servicing of extinguishers as necessary, after assessment by fire extinguisher inspector for reasons which deems a unit inoperable. The services must be performed by a licensed, bonded and insured person or contracted out to qualified contracting companies in good standing with the governing entities. A. Handy Man Items 1. Handy man items are as follow: a) Installing brackets with straps. 3
b) Installing mounting means (anchor bolts or masonry screws) to stabilize mounting. c) Install, repair, or replace cabinet for storing fire extinguishers. d) Installing new brackets for additional fire extinguisher as a result of an inspection by fire Marshal s Office. VII. TRAINING A. About s A portable fire extinguisher is a first aid device and is very effective when used while the fire is small. The use of fire extinguishers that matches the class of fire, by a person who is trained, can save lives as well as property. Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in schools regardless of other fire fighting means. The successful performance of a fire extinguisher in a fire situation largely depends on its proper selection, inspections, maintenance, and distribution/location. B. Who May Use a No one is required to use a fire extinguisher in the Aldine ISD; however, voluntary use of a fire extinguisher by an employee who is properly trained can save both lives and extensive property loss. Buildings and Properties will provide training on the fire extinguisher. Schedules for fire extinguisher training will be announced at a later date via the district s website. C. Location and Marking of Extinguishers Extinguishers will be conspicuously located, easily identified, and readily accessible for immediate use in the event of a fire. They will be located along normal paths of travel and egress. Wall recessed cabinets, and/or flush-mounted brackets with straps will be used at extinguisher locations whenever possible. In most cases extinguishers will be located in hallways or in common areas and rooms, i.e. science rooms, labs and classrooms. They shall be placed just outside of rooms on some occasions per Fire Marshal. Extinguishers are not to be stored in locked rooms or offices. Extinguishers are to be clearly visible, with a door-way sticker indicating Inside. As this plan progresses all fire extinguishers will have a bar code with its own identification number. Fire extinguishers are to be kept in their designated locations at all times, fully charged and in operable condition. When extinguishers are removed for maintenance or testing, another fully charged and operable extinguisher will be provided immediately in its place. D. Training and Communication The mandates by which we operate this plan state that If an employer supplies fire extinguishers in a workplace, that employer shall train employees on how to use a fire extinguisher. Training will be required upon hiring with the district and annually. Thereafter, this training must be documented and available for inspections by the authorities. Periodic training will be available via district s website, handouts, and other printed material. 4
1. When to Use a Portable When in your judgment a small fire can be extinguished by your utilizing a portable fire extinguisher. Remember if it can t be extinguished in 30 seconds, evacuate the area! 2. How to Use a PULL the pin out: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers have other devices that prevent inadvertent operation. AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. SQUEEZE the lever below the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. Some extinguishers have a button that you press. SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process. 5