U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

FROM:           FELIX A. QUINTANA
                       Administrator for
                       Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health

                        KEVIN G. STRICKLIN
                        Acting Administrator 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