New fire extinguisher maintenance rules begin March 1 Published Feb. 24, 2009 By Rodney Ryalls Sheppard Fire Department SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- During the October 2008 Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Council meeting, the council accepted a proposal from Sheppard Fire Chief Dave Mounsey to redefine the base procedures for acquiring fire extinguisher maintenance and serving. Facility managers are scheduled to begin requesting service from local fire extinguisher service contractors March 1 and paying for the service via Government Purchase Cards. In the past, facility managers were required to bring extinguishers requiring service to the base fire station and exchange the extinguisher for a serviceable one and arrange service through a local contractor. Facility managers should start utilizing a local company to inspect all extinguishers annually and service those requiring additional maintenance. Most service is accomplished on site; however, if an extinguisher is required to be removed from the facility, they will ensure a replacement is in place while service is being obtained. The base fire department is still the authority for fire extinguishers on the base and shall be contacted with specific questions. Further information, including local service company contact information, is available by contacting the fire prevention office at 676-5735 or 676-2104.