Fire Extinguishers - §393.95(a)(3) Clarification
| Entry Date | April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 26-052-VEH |
| Name | Kelly Hedglin |
| Agency | Marathon Petroleum Company |
| Address | 539 S. Main StreetFindlay, OH, 45840-3229United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | (419) 889-5474 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Open |
| Summary of Issue | Motor carriers are being cited under 49 CFR §393.95(a)(3) due to misinterpretation of fire extinguisher requirements, specifically the assumption that all extinguishers must have a visual pressure gauge. |
| Justification or Need | Cartridge-operated fire extinguishers are compliant under FMCSA regulations and use an indicator button on top of the fire extinguisher to verify charge status. These differ from stored-pressure (sealed) fire extinguishers, which rely on a visual gauge to indicate charge. Lack of understanding of this distinction has resulted in inconsistent enforcement and improper violations being issued. |
| Request for Action | Provide clarification and training to enforcement personnel on the design differences between stored pressure (sealed) and cartridge-operated (cartridge seal/indicator) fire extinguishers, including acceptable methods for verifying charge status. This will promote uniform enforcement, reduce unnecessary citations, and ensure accurate application of 49 CFR §393.95(a)(3). |