Fire extinguishers that are functional must be easily accessible in any building so as to help in fighting fire. However, what is important to note is that fire extinguishers require constant inspection and maintenance to guarantee they shall function appropriately when required. Discover the steps to correctly check and maintain fire extinguishers by following this easy guide.  

Check Monthly

The first approach is a basic monthly scan. The fire extinguisher must be in the place where it is supposed to be, no scratches or dents on the exterior portion or a problem with the nozzle head or the container, and the pressure gauge must show that it is still charged. The gauge needle should indicate the Green region.

Check the Location 

Fire extinguisher have to be installed in a way that they can be easily seen and in a position where they are easily reachable. It is also important to ensure that fire extinguishers are mounted in a manner that conforms to all applicable codes and laws of the type of structure you have. They should be, for instance, in close proximity to emergency exits and other areas with high fire risk. It is also important not to position the extinguishers in such a way that they could be obstructed by the equipment, stock, doors, or other new constructions. 

Inspect Annually  

The second type of inspection should be carried out least once a year at a more detailed level. First, ensure the extinguisher type and size available in each position is appropriate regarding the fire code. Extinguishers should also be noted if they require replacement or servicing.

Then check the following:

Temperature

The temperature should be on the green curve Temperature/gauge – The needle should point to the green area Pressure/gauge – The needle should be on the green area. Proper pressure is required to ensure the extinguisher is properly functioning; otherwise the extinguisher will not be helpful in controlling the fire.

Condition

Check for dents, rust, leaks and any damages on the exterior and interior of the car. Replace if damaged.

Nozzles

Check that they are clear of blockages or deposits which could obstruct the flow of the processed material.

Verification of placement

Ensure that extinguishers are placed in the right way. Brackets should be strong and clean and definitely anchored.

Weight

The extinguisher should feel heavy when in use; that is, it should not be light. Examine the weight and cross-check it with that mentioned on the label.

Sticker of the year on the check service tag. Replace illegible labels.

Get Professional Servicing

Fire extinguishers, as it was pointed out, require hydrostatic testing every 5 or 6 years. They also need internal inspection, replacement components, and recharging by a certified operator. Again a new service tag indicates the next six years service and so the sequence continues .

Keep Records

Record maintenance schedules for monthly and annual inspections of the lift as well as the lift’s condition, any work done and any other recommended work, the date of the inspection, the name of the inspector and the date for hydrostatic re-testing.

Replace Expired Extinguishers

Hydrant extinguishers that have expired in their last hydrotest date must be discharged and removed from service. It also shows that they can no any longer hold proper pressure. Replace them with new working extinguisher as soon as possible followed by filling up the severed one.

Educate Staff 

All employees should know where the fire extinguishers are located and the following PASS: personnel and apparatus survey and safety; extinguisher type, basic operation; report to whom if deficiencies are noted at monthly inspections.  

Fire extinguisher maintenance is another critical activity for ensuring that the fire extinguishers are in a condition that can respond to emergencies. To help follow the requisites specified in NFPA 10, here is a standard maintenance schedule: monthly, yearly, 5-year interval, special case as needed maintenance program to make sure fire extinguishers work best when needed most. Fire extinguisher inspections and services are periodic ways to safeguard your property and adhere to code. The time needed to carry out basic maintenance of the fire protective system is only several minutes per month, whereas, the losses that could be experienced due to fire are enormous.