Landfill Fire-Control Audit Guide

May 22, 2025
3 Minute Read

When a compactor plume meets trapped methane, a small flame can ignite a million-dollar liability, and the first thing regulators ask for is proof your on-board fire-suppression systems are inspection-ready. Use this guide to bulletproof your next OSHA or EPA audit and keep every loader, shredder, and dozer in the landfill fleet running.

Know the rule book

OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart L

Applies to: mobile & stationary heavy equipment
Key requirement: fixed fire-suppression system must be “inspected and maintained per manufacturer instructions.”

EPA Landfill Fire Guidance (2023)

Applies to: municipal solid-waste facilities
Key requirement: must document ignition-source controls on operating equipment.

NFPA 17 & 17A

Applies to: dry-chemical & foam fire-suppression systems
Key requirement: semi-annual inspections and 12-year cylinder hydro-test.

Code

Applies to

Key Requirement

OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart L

Mobile and stationary heavy equipment

Fixed fire-suppression system must be “inspected and maintained per manufacturer instructions.”

EPA Landfill Fire Guidance (2023)

Municipal solid-waste facilities

Must document ignition-source controls on operating equipment.

NFPA 17 & 17A

Dry-chemical & foam systems

Semi-annual inspections; 12-year cylinder hydro-test.

6-step pre-audit checklist

Cylinder age & hydro-test: verify every tank stamp ≤ 12 yrs.
Nozzle cleanliness: grease, dust, or film can cut agent flow by 40 %.
Detection-line pressure test: hold 20 psi for two minutes; log the gauge photo.
Interlock validation: engine-shutdown and fuel-shut-off must trigger on discharge.
Spare-parts kit check: fuses, burst discs, O-rings in stock?
Digital log upload: store records in a shared drive labeled /Landfill-Fire-Logs/Year.

Equipment hot-spot matrix

Machine

Primary Ignition Source

Recommended System*

Wheel loader

Hydraulic hose over turbo

Dual-agent (≈ 50 lb dry-chemical + 10 gal liquid)

Compactor

Brake heat near debris traps

Dry-chemical (≈ 30 lb capacity)

Material Handler

Electrical junction in boom base

Dual-agent (≈ 25 lb dry-chemical + 5 gal liquid)

Wheel Loader

Hot-spot: hydraulic hose over turbo
System: dual-agent, ~50 lb dry chem + 10 gal liquid

Compactor

Hot-spot: brake heat near debris traps
System: dry-chemical, ~30 lb capacity

Material Handler

Hot-spot: electrical junction in boom base
System: dual-agent, ~25 lb dry chem + 5 gal liquid

*These capacities represent typical coverage needs and can be met by either AFEX or Amerex platforms – GreasePoint configures the best fit for your fleet.

Documentation tips

Snap a phone pic after each task – inspectors love visual proof.
Keep a running PDF log; most insurers require three-year retention.
Label files: [Machine][Task][Date].jpg for quick searches.

Ready to protect your fleet?

Email us at hello@greasepoint.com or call us at 888-631-7638. We’ll review your equipment list, outline code requirements, and deliver a compliance plan.

GreasePoint is an authorized AFEX distributor for the Mid-Atlantic and the exclusive Amerex heavy-equipment fire-suppression partner for North Carolina.