NFPA 122 Steel Mill Fire-Suppression Checklist

May 15, 2025
3 Minute Read

When a single spark can flash-ignite pockets of grease, slag, or hydraulic oil, “good enough” fire protection isn’t good enough. In the Mid-Atlantic steel corridor, NFPA 122 sets the minimum benchmark for safeguarding people, equipment, and production uptime, yet many mills still scramble during audits because day-to-day tasks aren’t clearly mapped. Use the checklist below to close that gap and keep every ladle car, charger, and scrap-shear in spec.

Quick links
• AFEX Fire-Suppression Systems – technology overview
• Critical Upgrades: Fire Suppression & Auto-Lube – why fire protection should ship with new equipment
• Compact Liquid System Launch – for tight-space installations

Why NFPA 122 matters

NFPA 122 is the only U.S. standard written specifically for metal-mining and mineral-processing facilities, including integrated and mini-mills. It covers everything from diesel-powered mobile equipment to fuel-storage areas and sets the inspection cadence insurers look for before binding property coverage. Non-compliance can trigger citations, denied claims, or worse… weeks of unplanned downtime.

AFEX: The compliance-ready choice

GreasePoint installs AFEX dry-chemical and dual-agent systems exclusively across the Mid-Atlantic. AFEX kits ship with:

Dual-action detection (pneumatic + electric) to meet NFPA 122 § 12.3.4
Heavy-gauge steel tanks rated for the vibration loads common in billet yards
Agent distribution plumbing pre-flared and color-coded to speed inspections

10-Point Steel-Mill Fire-Suppression Compliance Checklist

Task

NFPA 122 section

Proof to keep on file

Verify all suppression cylinders are hydro-tested within last 12 years

§ 9.3.2

Copy of hydrostatic certificate

Inspect nozzle orifices for slag or grease buildup

§ 12.4.3

Photo log after cleaning

Test pneumatic detection tubing for leaks (≥ 20 psi hold 2 min)

§ 12.5.1

Pressure chart print-out

Confirm agent weight vs. nameplate (+/- 5 %)

§ 9.2.4

Scale record sheet

Exercise manual actuators and reset pins

§ 12.5.4

Operator sign-off sheet

Check wiring continuity of electric detection loops

§ 12.5.2

Multimeter log

Validate interlocks: engine-shut-down & fuel-shut-off

§ 12.6.1

Function-test video

Audit spare-parts kit (fuses, burst-discs, o-rings)

§ 9.4.1

Inventory count

Update equipment map showing nozzle coverage zones

§ 8.3.3

Engineering drawing rev. #

10.

Record all actions in a maintenance log retained ≥ 3 years

§ 13.2

Digital PDF archive

Pro tip: Download our free PDF worksheet that mirrors the table above so your crew can tick off items in the field and generate a ready-made audit packet.

Documentation & Audit Readiness

OSHA and most insurers now request evidence that NFPA 122 tasks are performed at the prescribed frequency (daily visual, monthly functional, annual third-party). The quickest way to satisfy them:

Assign ownership. Designate one maintenance planner to schedule tasks.
Standardize photos. A quick smartphone shot of each nozzle or gauge creates an irrefutable timestamp.
Store digitally. Upload logs to your CMMS or a shared drive labeled “NFPA122->Year-Month.”

Need a turnkey solution? GreasePoint’s service contracts bundle quarterly inspections, annual nozzle-flow tests, and digital record-keeping so you’re audit-ready year-round. ➜ Get a quote.

Common audit pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Hydraulic line reroutes without moving nozzles → conduct a suppression zone review whenever hoses are swapped.
Agent cylinder swaps after partial discharges “just to be safe” → record the cause to spot recurring ignition sources.
Forgotten retrofit tags. If you added GreasePoint’s Compact Liquid System to tight-clearance gearboxes, update your equipment map so inspectors know it’s covered.

Next steps

Run the checklist on one high-value asset (e.g., your primary ladle car) this week.
Schedule a free, on-site gap audit with a GreasePoint fire-protection specialist.
Share this post with EHS and maintenance teammates, because NFPA 122 compliance is a team sport.