Today, we are going to review what you need to know about a fire extinguisher inspection and how to maintain your extinguisher.
Whenever there is a fire emergency, fire extinguishers tend to be the first tools we have to defend ourselves. They’re useful to have when trying to combat smaller fires, and you want to have them all around your building at all times so you can access one easily in a pinch. Another part of any good fire extinguisher is knowing everything about inspecting and maintaining them. Without inspections and proper maintenance, a fire extinguisher could fail you when you need it the most, and you can’t afford to have your fire safety tools fail you during emergencies. Today, we are going to review what you need to know about a fire extinguisher inspection and how to maintain your extinguisher.
Reviewing Fire Extinguisher Inspection Procedures
If you want your fire extinguisher to work the way that it should, the best way to do that is to perform an inspection. Inspections are easy to do, and they go a long way towards keeping you safe in dangerous fire emergencies. Many steps take place during a fire extinguisher inspection, but here are the basic steps to follow:
- Ensure your extinguisher is in the proper place
- Make sure the extinguisher is easy to locate and see
- Make sure the extinguisher is easy to access
- Check to see that the pressure gauge is at an acceptable range
- Be sure the extinguisher is full
- If your extinguisher is wheeled, ensure that the hose, tires, nozzle, and wheels are all in good condition.
- If you have a non-rechargeable extinguisher, make sure your push-to-test pressure indicators are operated.
Typically, you should inspect your fire extinguishers when they’re installed, then every month afterward. If they are installed in areas that put them at greater risk for damage, such as rusting, more frequent inspecting may be needed.
What Maintenance Does a Fire Extinguisher Need?
When undergoing maintenance for your fire extinguisher, there are certain procedures to follow, just like with a fire extinguisher inspection. You’ll find the exact details of what to do by consulting the manufacturer manual that should come with your extinguisher. However, the foundational aspects of extinguisher maintenance include the following:
- Physical condition
- Extinguishing agent
- Mechanical components
- Expelling means
You do all of this as part of your external examination. You might also have to undergo an internal examination, and if you do, you’ll find details regarding what needs to be done by looking inside the fire extinguisher service manual you should have.
External exams should be done every year, while the frequency of internal exams can vary between extinguishers. It can be anywhere between 1 and 6 years, and if you don’t know how often internal exams should be done for your fire extinguisher, you can always contact a professional fire protection company for their input.
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH ANDERSON FIRE PROTECTION, INC.
Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. has the expertise and skill to help your home or commercial property for all your fire protection needs. We have been working in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. areas for over 25 years. We are known for our top-notch customer service and high-quality results. If you are ready for fantastic fire prevention and protection services, from fire sprinkler installation to fire alarm design and to consult, give us a call at (410) 796-4915 or visit us online.