Don’t take your fire extinguisher for granted!
Fire extinguishers are among the most basic fire safety devices. They’re present in residential and commercial spaces alike and provide an essential line of defense in case of a fire. While being trained to use fire extinguishers is common, many people aren’t familiar with how to properly maintain them to ensure optimal performance. In this blog, we’ll discuss three key aspects to keep in mind when providing fire extinguisher maintenance, ensuring these devices are always ready to protect your property. Let’s dive in!
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How do Fire Extinguishers Go Bad In the First Place?
Believe it or not, there are many things that can reduce the effectiveness of a fire extinguisher. One of the most common is chemical degradation. While the extinguishing agents inside fire extinguishers are designed to be stable for long periods, the chemicals can separate and form clumps over time.
For example, similar to what happens when cooking flour sits for too long and starts to settle, the powder in dry chemical extinguishers can compact at the bottom, making it difficult to disperse properly when activated. While this issue can be prevented by flipping your extinguisher upside down every six months, it is still important to inspect it regularly so you are aware of other possible problems.
The Inspection Tag
The inspection tag on your fire extinguisher is a small but vital piece of information. It contains a record of when the extinguisher was last inspected and by whom. According to the NFPA, regular inspections are mandated, though the frequency depends on what you’ll be checking. For instance, monthly visual self-inspections on all fire extinguishers in your facility are recommended to ensure they are located where they are needed, and no visible wear and tear is present.
Then, annual inspections should be performed and recorded by a certified technician, just to ensure everything is still working properly. 6-year maintenance and recharge on fire extinguishers is also required, depending on the type of extinguisher. Lastly, another common inspection is the hydrostatic pressure testing, which also needs to be performed by a professional and it is usually done every 5 – 12 years, depending on the type of extinguisher you have.
The Manufacturer’s Date
Knowing the age of your fire extinguisher is crucial for assessing its viability. This information is usually stamped or printed on the body of the fire extinguisher. Most fire extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. If it is nearing or exceeding its recommended lifespan, it’s time to consider replacing it. Even if it appears to be in good condition, components can deteriorate, as we mentioned earlier, and performance can be affected when you need it the most.
The Physical Condition
Ensuring your fire extinguisher is in top physical condition is another critical aspect to inspect. Especially if you keep them outdoors, fire extinguisher parts may become rusty or brittle, particularly affecting the handle, tube, and releasing mechanism. Rust can weaken the metal, making it prone to breaking under pressure, while a brittle or damaged releasing mechanism can prevent the extinguisher from discharging its contents effectively.
For this reason, the first action you should take is to carefully examine the extinguisher for any signs of rust, corrosion, or brittleness. If you notice any damage or deterioration, the extinguisher should be serviced or replaced immediately, regardless of age, to ensure it will operate correctly when needed.
Are you ready to trust the expertise of a professional fire safety company to keep your fire extinguishers working properly? Contact Phoenix Pacific today and explore all our services and installations!