Time marches on, and it can be easy to forget that you need regular Jacksonville fire extinguisher service. We’re here as a friendly reminder that if you see these signs, it’s time to schedule a service appointment.

When was the last time you had your building’s fire extinguishers serviced? Was a different president in office? Were moms still the ones wearing mom jeans? If it’s been a while, or you can’t remember when you had your last Jacksonville fire extinguisher service performed, it’s time to call DynaFire. 

If you have a fire extinguisher, you’re on your way to a robust Fire & Life Safety strategy. And while fire extinguishers are a crucial part of your fire safety plan, you shouldn’t make the mistake of just placing them on the wall, forgetting about them, and expecting them to work when you need them. Look for these signs to know that it’s time for a visit from the DynaFire team.

It’s Been A While Since Your Last Service

Check the tags on your fire extinguishers to see when they were last serviced. Fire extinguishers should be checked every year by a certified fire extinguisher technician. Between professional inspections, you can designate an employee to perform visual inspections that include the following:

• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is securely positioned in its assigned spot.
• Ensure the fire extinguisher is clearly visible or marked with signage indicating its location.
• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is easily reachable and accessible.
• Ensure the fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge is within the appropriate operational range.

During these visual inspections, you may notice additional signs that your fire extinguishers need maintenance.

You See Visible Damage

Visible damage can include cracks in the hose, dents in the fire extinguisher shell, a broken handle, damage to the pin, and others. Any of these signs can indicate that your fire extinguisher won’t work correctly and needs additional inspection and maintenance. 

Your Fire Extinguisher Is Losing Pressure

An ABC-rated dry chemical fire extinguisher should have a pressure reading between 185 and 195 PSI (pounds per square inch). For a CO2 fire extinguisher, the pressure should be around 2,000 PSI. To confirm that your fire extinguisher is at the proper pressure, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines specific to your extinguisher. 

If the pressure gauge indicates a pressure loss, it’s time to have DynaFire perform a Jacksonville fire extinguisher service. If you’re just not sure that the pressure gauge looks right, we can take a look and perform any maintenance that’s needed.

Your Fire Extinguisher Is Expired

Did you know that fire extinguishers have expiration dates? They do. And like the carton of milk in your fridge that should have been tossed months ago, when your fire extinguisher surpasses its expiration date, it needs to be retired (which is a kind way of saying it has to be tossed). 

The life of a fire extinguisher is typically 12 years, so if yours is getting on up there in years, it’s likely time to replace it. If your fire extinguisher is rechargeable, it can last much longer. If you’re not sure what type you have, fear not! Our Jacksonville fire extinguisher service team can tell you.

It’s Inspection Time

The NFPA recommends that all fire extinguishers be inspected annually by certified technicians. We’ll put other appointments on the calendar for five-year and 12-year inspections and maintenance services. These services include a more thorough hydrostatic test and any needed maintenance.

Your Fire Extinguisher Was Used

If you had to discharge a fire extinguisher because Bill overcooked his popcorn and started a fire in the breakroom microwave, that fire extinguisher needs to be serviced. Anytime a fire extinguisher has been used or discharged partially, it requires immediate service to recharge or refill it and restore it to its full functionality.

Make Your Jacksonville Fire Extinguisher Service Appointment Today

Your fire extinguishers are vital to your building’s Fire & Life Safety plan. Ensuring they are in good working order is one of our favorite jobs! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.