(a) Definitions.
Firm: The term "firm" means any person, partnership, corporation or association.
Hydrostatic testing: The phrase "hydrostatic testing" means pressure testing by hydrostatic methods.
Leased: The term "leased" means, for the purposes of this section, a leased fire extinguisher shall be treated the same as an extinguisher which has been sold.
Portable fire extinguisher: The phrase "portable fire extinguisher" means a device that contains within it chemicals, fluids or gases for extinguishing fires, the means for application of its contents to that purpose, and is capable of being readily moved from place to place.
Service and servicing: The phrase "service and servicing" means servicing portable fire extinguishers including any or all of the following: charging, filling, maintaining, recharging, refilling, repairing and testing.
(b) Registration and licensing of persons servicing portable fire extinguishers.
(1) Each firm engaged in the business of servicing portable fire extinguishers shall be required to have a certificate of registration issued by the Director.
(2) Each employee, other than an apprentice of a firm engaged in the business of servicing portable fire extinguishers, who services such extinguishers shall be required to have a license issued by the Director.
(3) Each person servicing portable fire extinguishers as an apprentice shall be required to have an apprentice permit issued by the Director.
(4) Each firm performing hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers manufactured in accordance with the specifications of the U.S. Department of Transportation (formerly the Interstate Commerce Commission) shall do so in accordance with the procedures specified by that department for compressed gas cylinders and shall be required to have a hydrostatic testing certificate authorizing such testing issued by the Director. Persons qualified to do this work shall be given such authority on their licenses.
(c) Servicing of portable fire extinguishers by unlicensed personnel.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (e), only the holder of a current and valid license or of an apprentice permit issued hereunder may service portable fire extinguishers.
(2) A person who has been issued a license under this section to service portable fire extinguishers, must be an employee, agent or servant of a firm that holds a certificate of registration, or the licensee himself must hold a certificate of registration issued under this section.
(d) Applications and hearings on licenses, permits and certificates. Applications for licenses, permits and certificates hereunder shall be made pursuant to regulations adopted hereunder.
(e) Exceptions. The activity of filling or charging a portable fire extinguisher prior to its initial sale by its manufacturer shall not be subject to this section. In addition, the licensing and registration provisions of this section shall not apply to any firm approved by the Director which services only its own portable fire extinguishers for its own use by maintaining its own fire extinguisher servicing facilities adequate for the purpose and utilizing its own personnel specially trained for such servicing. (1975 L.M.C., ch. 23, §1.)