Fire extinguishers aren’t usually top of mind for most people and they are often forgotten about. But, there’s nothing worse than a fire extinguisher failing when you need it most. Here’s everything you need to know about a fire extinguisher inspection to ensure your fire extinguisher’s optimal health and performance in a time of need.
Fire extinguishers need to be tested multiple times per year by an expert to ensure they’ll work when you need them most. According to FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trades Association) and IFEDA (Independent Fire Engineering and Distributors Association), in 80% of the fire incident cases, a portable fire extinguisher successfully extinguished the fire.
Here are the different types of inspections to ensure your fire extinguisher is working and in peak condition.
Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection
According to OSHA 1910.157(e)(2), your portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly by the employers or homeowners. The inspection should assure these key things:
- Fire extinguishers are in their assigned place and not blocked or hidden
- Fire extinguishers are mounted in accordance with the NFPA-10
- Pressure gauges must show adequate pressure
- All pins and seals must be in place
- No visual sign of damage or abuse on fire extinguishers
- Nozzles are free of blockage
- Verify the date of the last professional inspection
- Date and initial the back of the tag to log the monthly visual inspection
Annual Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Inspection
An annual fire extinguisher inspection is intended to give maximum assurance that extinguishers will operate effectively. This annual maintenance inspection must be performed by a professional fire protection company. The process requires the proper tools and training to ensure optimal compliance while identifying and correcting any potentially hazardous issues.
In this process, a thorough examination of the extinguisher will be performed to determine if physical damage or any conditions will prevent its operation. If any repair or replacement is necessary, and if hydrostatic testing or internal maintenance is required, the DynaFire staff will then service accordingly.
Internal Maintenance Inspection – Every 5, 6, Or 12 Years Depending On The Equipment Type
Extinguishers are hydrostatically tested every 5 and 12 years from the manufactured date. Fire extinguishers that require a hydrostatic test are pressure tested to verify their strength against unwanted leaks or ruptures. The fire extinguisher will be emptied and subjected to the applicable internal and external examination procedures compliant with the NFPA-10.
As for stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year fire extinguisher hydrostatic test, it is required to perform a thorough internal and external examination every 6 years from the manufactured date. All internal parts of the fire extinguisher will be replaced, and the dry chemical powder is recycled or replaced as necessary.
Proper testing and inspections of your property’s portable fire extinguishers do so much more than just fulfilling the OSHA and NFPA requirements. They ensure the safety of your employees and your business, and they also help you avoid possible fines. Call us today to schedule a fire extinguisher inspection and learn more about our fire protection services.
