Fire Extinguisher Technician

Characteristic Duties:
• Perform annual preventative maintenance and unscheduled repair, maintenance and replacement as needed on all fire extinguishers located on the Stanford University, Stanford School of Medicine, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory campuses, including vehicles, as well as specified off-campus facilities. Types of extinguishers include, but are not limited to, Halon 1211, Dry Chemical, Metal X, Water, Clean Guard, Class K, Carbon Dioxide, and Wheel-Cart units
• Using properly calibrated equipment, ensure the pressure in the cylinders meets the PSI (pounds per square inch) requirements and the chemical capacity is within the operable weight range. Assure that all safety seals are properly in place and that all test intervals have been satisfied per California Title 19.
• Install new fire extinguishers and proper mounting equipment. Relocate and replace existing fire extinguishers as necessary.
• Perform five- and twelve-year hydrostatic testing on all dry chemical and wet-chemical type fire extinguishers in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Perform six-year internal maintenance on all dry chemical extinguishers utilizing the proper chemical retrieval process and replacing internal components to ensure proper functionality of fire protection equipment.
• Package and prepare chemical or pressure cylinder waste for shipment to off-site treatment/disposal facilities in accordance with facility packaging guidelines and Department of Transportation (DOT) shipping requirements. Label and mark shipping containers appropriately. Prepare shipping inventory sheets, manifests, and other associated documentation.
• Transport hazardous materials in accordance with DOT regulations to job sites for installation and replacement, as well as safe removal and transport of obsolete extinguishers and extinguishers needing repair back to the appropriate work area or for off-site disposal.
• Maintain the dry chemical system recovery/recharge equipment and hydrostatic test systems and cylinder dryers for optimum use.
• Inspect and assist with final walk-through for new construction sites and projects in regards to extinguisher placement, hazard coverage and any additional requirements.
• Use personal protection equipment that is appropriate to the work being performed, due to the nature of working with extinguisher chemicals labeled as “hazardous material” by DOT and State of California regulations.
• Complete all required documentation (bible sheets, test sheets, work orders, etc.) in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain valid certification and attend training programs, seminars, and conferences to keep skills and product knowledge up to date.
• Comply with governmental regulations and University and departmental policies regarding health and safety. Observe and support good health and safety practices. Provide EH&S support as assigned during emergencies. Other duties as assigned by supervisor, lead man, or EH&S management.

Qualifications:
• High School diploma, G.E.D, or equivalent required
• Valid California Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Registration Types 1 and 2 required
• Familiarity with California Title 19 and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR Title 49, Transportation of Hazardous Materials).
• Working knowledge of the methods and materials used in fire extinguisher installation, maintenance and repair.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in the safe and proper use of a chemical retrieval and refill machine and other small tools used on a daily basis.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in the safe and proper use of a hydrostatic test machine and drying system.
• Thorough working knowledge of general work safety procedures and other applicable regulations.
• Requires knowledge and training on state and federal regulations pertaining to hazardous chemical waste management, transportation, and disposal.
• Ability to read building blueprints and understand general requirements for building occupancy per the California Fire Code and install fire extinguishers accordingly.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. safely and carry it a short distance.
• Ability to climb ladders to access extinguishers located on top of cooling towers, in attic spaces and down in basements, tunnels and elevator pits, including confined spaces.
• Ability to climb stairs to access extinguishers on upper and lower floors of buildings not equipped with elevators or to access extinguishers located in mechanical and electrical rooms, roof-top penthouses or basements.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use PC-based computers for data entry, e-mail, and other applications.
• Valid California Driver’s License required